Scratch fishing with small soft lures is an exciting and accessible technique, ideal for discovering the joys of old-timer fishing. Here's how to get the most out of your rock fishing session!
A rock fish with astonishing colors
The old commune ( Labrus bergylta ) lives hidden in rock crevices, kelp forests and overgrown areas. This robust fish, protected by thick scales, displays a variety of hues, from green to red, sometimes speckled with white.
Its average size is 30 to 40 cm, but it can reach 60 cm and weigh up to 4.5 kg - a fine specimen on the line! It bites easily on soft lures that are scratched flush with the bottom, making this fishery very accessible for beginners and captivating for experienced anglers. On touch, a heavy boom that needs to be bridled immediately!
The right tackle and rig for old-growth fishing
To tackle the old ones among the rocks, opt for a rod from 1.90 to 2.25 m with a weight of 5 to 50 g and a fast tip action that allows you to feel discreet bites. A reel in the 2500 to 4000 size range, with 0.10 to 0.14 mm braid and a 0.24 to 0.35 mm fluorocarbon leader, is ideal to resist rubbing against rocks.
Use a Texan anti-snag rig to prevent the lure from snagging on the bottom. Worm, slug or comma type lures measuring between 8 and 13 cm are ideal for this technique, although a nice-sized oldie can get hold of a 16 cm model.
Techniques and tricks for oldsmelt fishing
The old bait bites close to the bottom; the lure must be manoeuvred slowly, with short, steady pulls, allowing the lure to scrape the rocks where it hides. The bite is often violent, and the fish needs to be firmly restrained to prevent it returning to its crevice.
Fluorocarbon from 0.30 to 0.50 mm is recommended to resist powerful teeth and sharp rocks. When removing the hook, beware of the old woman's jaws, which easily crush shellfish and crustaceans!
