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Marine worms and other natural baits
Chickweed (a sturdy, attractive worm), green dura or red dura are highly effective baits that are resistant to small attacks.
The ragworm, or rag, is a thick, fleshy and very fragrant worm, perfect for attracting species such as wrasse, oldsquaw and various sparids.
The limpet, or Chinese hat, can be picked directly from the rocks and cut into pieces. They are particularly popular and accessible for shore fishing.
Marine meats such as shrimp, sardines, squid, cuttlefish and mackerel are used in pieces. They work very well for many species of rock.
Use these baits wisely
- Cut worms and other baits into small pieces (1 to 4 cm) according to the size of the fish targeted.
- Use a worm needle to set the hook and prevent the bait from being stolen by small fish.
- Varying baits allows you to select different species and adapt to the activity of the moment.
The choice of fixtures and sinkers for less snagging
To avoid snagging on the rocky bottom when fishing, there are a number of effective techniques to apply to equipment and fishing techniques.
Use successive buckshot assemblies: these small, string-like sinkers, pinched at the end of the leader, slide and eject more easily in the event of a blockage, thus limiting breakage and snags.
Opt for a brittle assembly: tie the lead with a thinner line than the rest of the leader. If it snags, only the sinker is lost, not the whole line.
Use Tyrolean lead (or tube lead): this vertical, flexible ballast limits sinking into faults and obstacles and greatly reduces snagging.
Favour gliding sinkers which, thanks to their fins, leave the bottom quickly on recovery, thus limiting the risk of jamming.
Practical tips
Remember to fish with a cork or just off the bottom to avoid letting the bait rest directly on the rocks. And pay attention to bites and reel in the line as soon as possible to avoid the hook sinking between the rocks.
Move forward slowly and avoid leaving the line stationary in one place for too long.
Use an anti-jamming lead clip: this system automatically releases the lead in the event of a major jam, thus saving the rest of the assembly.
Putting these tips together can significantly reduce the loss of equipment when fishing on rocky bottoms, and optimize effective fishing time.
These different techniques and baits allow you to target girelles, sarrans, wrasse, mullets, serrans, gobies, mendoles, etc., making up the famous Mediterranean "fish soup".
