About 2 weeks ago I got home and found an answer phone message from a friend asking if I would be interested in going fishing for a few hours in the Helford River from his inflatable Dingy.
Well, you never say no to the chance of a fishing trip, so we organised to meet at 0730 hrs and get on the water by 8 to catch the tide.
We set off and when we got to the main channel we started to troll. I used an expensive lure, on my luxury rod and multiplier worth a few quid! my friend had bought a budget outfit from ebay which he tied on a trace of small feathers from Trago Mills (local discount store) and we were fishing.
At the bottom of Trebah Gardens we saw a Gannet feeding and at that point my friend had a fish on! He runs a web site about natural and environmental friendly living, this is rubbing off on him as no sooner did he get the fish into the boat he had thrown it back over the side to its freedom using a less than traditional triple salco from a double axel movement, quite poetic against the back drop of the Pines lining the waters edge, 6/6.
We headed to the mouth of the Helford to capture and KEEP some more fish. We carried out a few drifts, but drift rate was rapid in the 20 - 25 knot wind however, Pollock and Mackerel were comming over the side like there was no tomorrow. Sadly not one on my QUALITY fishing tackle.
For comfort we motored close into to the cliff and sat at anchor on the lee side. I put on a dexter wedge and fished really hard along the shore edge and from every angle possible. My friend steadily brought fish in while I caught nothing. He was so confident, he was even drinking coffee and snacking on energy bars to boost his strength.
I finally submitted and changed my gear to cheap feathers (if you can’t beat them, join them) would you belive it I was still empty handed by the end of the day.
I had a good look at the tackle my friend was using and the budget market is now producing really good gear for the money. My friend sails and only fishes on the odd occasion so he wanted a cheap fish and forget set up. He hunted ebay and got a great set up. With a bit of advice from me about what else he needed he was up and running and out fishing me already.
PS Warren if you get chance send over a snap of your rod and reel to share here please!
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September 7, 2025 at 10:19
Hi Warrens finally here. Sorry Jamie, each time I go to the boat with good intentions to take a photo but…….anyway I’ll try to remember next time. Actually, even though I thought I’d got a great deal on Ebay for the rod and reel, 25 quid plus a fiver for postage. What do I see when I’m in Trago Mills buying all those feathers you now so admire…the same rod and reel for £18, 12 quid cheaper! I now will only shop there.
Hi Johnny, no plans for a dinghy fishing website, I’ll leave that to the fishing master, he has so much more time off work than me:) As for Helford locations, I’ve only fished the mouth so far and also Durgan from my boat. Each time I’ve hooked into mackerel and pollack. When I hook into a bass I’ll let you know.
“chucking them back!!” Yeah I know, would never have been any good at cricket. In fact, and I know you’ll laugh, but I take some of those latex DIY gloves with me now as they offer loads of grip but don’t hinder your dexterity..Jamie you can spell check that one for me;)
September 4, 2025 at 08:22
I have a car repair kit in the boot, not an emergency fishing tackle set up but thinking about it its a great idea, if only a few feathers and basics! In fact it would make a good post, thank you for sharing
September 3, 2025 at 22:47
I have always got a pair of cheap telescopic rods in the boot of me car,with a box of basic tackle to fit in me pocket..Got them from Jims cash/carry in Camborne.They have some good quality 6lb line on them and have caught some of me best fish on them. 15lb carp+ 8lb trout + 4.5lb perch + 6lb tench,and they are ideal for any oppotunist mulleting
September 2, 2025 at 16:02
So tell me, when will Warren be starting up his own website teaching us the skills and methods best employed to catch fish from a small dinghy?
You must let me know about Helford River, I don’t know much about it, geographically or fishing wise. Where’s good to launch from, fish, etc?
Cheers buddy
Johnny
August 31, 2025 at 10:03
chucking them back!! it’s like going to a resturant, ordering dinner and when i comes having them scrape it into the bin. Then paying the bill!
On the expencive gear front.
After importing my new reel, buying and making lures - I blanked day after day in france.
Bah!
SBW