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Hengistbury Head Groyne, Dorset

Mike Thrussell 01 January, 2006 10:20:00

SPECIES
From May to July a few smoothound show. June to October ballan wrasse, pollack, garfish, mackerel, mullet and bass are caught. Sole are possible too. Winter fishing consists of whiting, dabs, bass, pout and rockling.

BAITS
The bass and smoothound take peeler crab, as will the wrasse. Mackerel strip or a sliver of squid are good float fished baits for the mackerel and garfish, with bread or bits of ragworm taking the mullet. In winter lug or rag picks up the dabs, pout and rockling, with mackerel a good whiting bait.

TACKLE & TACTICS
You can fish off the concrete groyne right through the tide by day, but waves can wash over the structure in windy weather, so care is needed. It's mainly rougher ground and kelp, but with some cleaner patches holding the flatfish and whiting. There is a right to left tide pull during the flood tide which is very strong at times. The flood tide produces the best fishing.

A loaded Waggler or bigger wrasse float can be used to work baits down with the tide run directly off the end of the groyne using a spinning rod, reel and 12lb line. Float fishing tight by the groyne takes the mullet and loads of mini species too.

The spinning gear can also be used to work lures over the top of the rough ground for bass and pollack. Top lures are Chug Bugs for the bass, and Dexter Wedge lures or artificial eels will take both bass and pollack.

5to 6oz beachcasters and an ABU 7000 loaded with 20lb line and a 60lb shock leader are the best choice to tackle the rough ground when after the smoothound and bigger ballan wrasse when ledgering. Fish a pulley rig made from 60lb line ending in a size 3/0 Viking pattern hook. For the sole and smaller species, a two-hook flapper rig with size 4 Aberdeen hooks is a reliable rig. Fish a weak link system to the lead to save fish and tackle.

LOCATION
Hengistbury Head is well signposted from either Christchurch or Southbourne. Pay and display car parking is available at Double Dykes, then to reach the groyne you have about a 15 minute walk along the beach.

WSF Tackle
SEARCH FOR TACKLE
DEPARTMENTS

BERKLEY FRENZIED POPPER £3.91 Each
Berkley PopperThe most versatile topwater bait ever produced. The Frenzy Popper just might be the best ever! Its unique balanced design allows it to be fished several ways. Chug it or pop it, and it spits water like a big fish chasing little ones. Slow it down with soft twitching actions, and it walks with the best of 'em.

TIDEWATER LURE RIGS 83p Each
FeathersAs any boat or shore angler will tell you, lure rigs when used alone or with bait are great for catching all manner of species. We've selected the very best rigs from the Shakespeare TideWater range that are idea for boat and some shore work.

7" WSF Jelly Worms
Berkley Power WormsDeadly 7inch jelly worms that are deadly for all manner of predator fish, especially pollack. We allow you to buy individual colours so you can mix and match what you want!
Jelly worms are 30p each!

Get ready for the new Plugging Season, Buy 3 get one of them for free, Blue Pilchard Divers
Blue PilchardBuy 3 Devil's Own Diving Plugs you get one of them for free in our 3 for 2 offer.
Check out our Devil's Own Lures.
These lures are ideal for bass and other predatory species. Price: £2.74 each. or £5.48 for 3.

WSF NOW STOCKS SAKUMA HOOKS
Sakuma HooksSuper strong Japanese Hooks from Sakuma. We now stock the 545 Manta Extra, 540 Manta, 560 Stinger and 543 Pennel Manta Extra hooks. All hooks are supplied in boxes of 30.

Bass PoppersBASS POPPERS! FROM £3.67
These excellent long range casting popper lures are ideal for numerous saltwater species including Bass. Berkley Frenzy Poppers.

SALTWATER FLIES FROM FULLING MILL FROM £1.25
Saltwater FliesWSF Now stocks the high quality range of saltwater flies from Fulling Mill. We have picked out a deadly selection from the Fulling Mill range that will help any saltwater fly angler this season.

BACK IN STOCK PENN CAPTIVA CV2 REELS
Captiva ReelsPRICE FROM: £37.18
Sea spinning reel, ideal for use with the Shakespeare Salt Spin Rod. Packed with features including an ultra smooth front drag, permanent instant anti reverse and a metal spare spool. The 5000 is idea for use with spinning with heavier nylons between 12 and 15lbs and Braid.

BACK IN STOCK SALT / CAPTIVA SPINNING COMBO DEAL
Captiva Reel DealsIdeal spinning combo from Penn and Shakespeare. Featuring the hugely popular Salt Spin 10ft, 3 piece spinning rod, and the fantastic Captiva 5000 CV2 Spinning Reel from Penn. PRICE: £73.39

BACK IN STOCK ABU CARDINAL 304FD PRICE: £37.18
Abu CardinalThis Front Drag version of the popular Abu Cardinal range of reels is an ideal reel for braid. Each reel features 7 bearings (1AR) Bearing, Instant Reverse and a spare spool. It holds 210/10lb line. Each reel comes with a free Abu Cardinal Reel Bag.


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