There are many rock marks around the UK coastline. Rock marks can produce some of the best fishing in the UK. While most anglers associate rock mark fishing with heavy fishing tackle and rods with some serious backbone there is a growing popularity towards fishing rock marks with super light gear which is designed to target the smaller species such as blennies, gobies and rockling. This is also known as LRF fishing (Light Rock Fishing.
Rock marks are great for catching a wide range of species, with many species only being caught around rocky, broken and snaggy ground. Wrasse love rock marks as they make their homes in weedy rock holes and provides them with they crustation food source such as crab. Other popular species make there home in and around rocky ground such as Conger Eels and Bull Huss.
In areas of heavy seaweed and broken rough ground Pollock can be found stalking prey and can be caught using a simple float setup with ragworm or sandeel or you can deep spin a jellyworm lure. Colder months produce coalfish and cod which come into mixed and broken ground to feed.
Rock fishing with bait will require strong and powerful fishing gear. Rods need to have some backbone as it will need to be able to bully fish over rough ground and pull fish through thick beds of seaweed. Reel choice would be a oversized spinning reel with a medium to high gear ratio. If you prefer not to use a fixed spoo reel then the next best thing will be a multiplier such as a Penn Super Mag v2. This reel is a classic rough ground multiplier due to its large line capacity and gear strength.
Most anglers will use a mainline with a high abrassion resistance and will have a breaking strain anywhere from 18lb - 30lb. If you are going to tackle a rock mark at night then a high-viz colour is a must such as lumo yellow or a hot red. Trace lines need to be strong as there will be a lot of rubbing on the rocks and weed, Sunset Amnesia 20lb Trace is a good starting point.
Rigs for rock marks need to be kept simple as you will lose gear in the snags. A simple running ledger rig will do with either a single or and extra pennel hook for larger baits. Avoid using lots of rig components and grip leads as these are prone to snagging up in rock crevices.
While most anglers bait fish with heavy gear from rock marks some are just as successful fishing with light float or spinning gear. These methods involve presenting a bait or lure in midwater away from the snaggy bottom reducing the chances of getting snagged. Typical species to catch will be Bass, Wrasse, Pollock and Mackerel. Larger fish over the years have been caught on the light fishing gear due to better presentation and bite sensitivity.
Sea Fishing can be dangerous, however rock fishing is by far the most hazardous. Whenever you decide to fish a rock mark safety should be taken into consideration.
If you are trying out a new rock mark it might pay to take someone along who knows the area and has local knowledge. Never fish a new area for the first time at night when it is much easier to get into trouble.
Be aware of the difference that spring and neap tides have on a mark. A rock mark that is exposed and can be fished from on a neap tide can be completely submerged on a bigger spring tide.
There are many fishing marks where it is possible to get cut off by the tide fishing from a rock mark can see water rush in behind you, always keep an eye on the tide. Many anglers pay so much attention to fishing that they have lost track of the tide and found themselves in trouble.
You may spot a perfect rock to set up on but access to it can or might be dangerous. Dont risk climbing up cliffs or hanging off ledges whilst risking your life trying to get to it. There are plenty of other rocks around.
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