Within the many disciplines within angling that I am very often privileged to come across upon my travels meeting fellow anglers, there’s always a time when I stand in awe looking at the achievements of others.
One angler, who comes to mind this week is one who is often seen testing his own prowess and skills in many areas – Wirral’s Jamie Pickup.
As an experienced sea angler, Pickup is one angler within match fishing who is notably no stranger to success across the north west scene.
A winner on numerous club and open matches, Pickup’s ability has also seen him representing Wales on the International scene and, notably recognising his expertise within long distance casting, it’s an art that has caught my eye over recent years as he is very often seen testing his specialist Axios-Inova rods to the limit.
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Pickup’s watercraft and angling knowledge is also something that also makes him notably a go-to for advice for many anglers and as the seasonal changes take place as we now move steadily into the summer season, many, like myself, will I’m sure be edging towards visiting our amazing coastlines again.
And with this, testing their skills at catching what many anglers look upon as a favourite, the smooth-hound.
With smooth-hound notably predominant over a number of low water marks like perch rock, Vale Park and the notorious Rock Channel off New Brighton, these areas very often offer some arm-wrenching action for any anglers venturing out to seek these beautiful shark-like fish.
However, I must stress that anyone looking to venture out onto these ranges, please do not go alone and certainly go with someone who is familiar with the contours of some of the most dangerous areas on the Mersey by a long way. On the high water marks, favourite areas are the Wallasey Town Hall, Guinea Gap and Seacombe Ferry.
On tackling up for smooth-hounds, as Pickup advised, a very important factor within anyone’s approach is to remember to have the drag set upon your reel as the smooth-hound is noted as a powerful fish that will simply pull your tackle into the river. Crab, squid and prawn set on pulley rigs with 2/0 hooks are best.
Coming inland, Liverpool & District AA are celebrating the Fred Moss Memorial open match this coming Sunday to be held on the canal match lengths throughout Maghull and Lydiate.
A popular figure and past chairman of the L&DAA, Moss was also one of the leading and top match anglers that has graced the banks of our famous canal.
The draw will take place at Maghull Community Association at 9.30am and fishing will start at 11am and finish at 4pm. Everyone is welcome and with 68 anglers already booked in it looks to be a great match with the canal in fine form.
Match secretary Mike Dickson will be holding his regular raffle afterwards back at the MCA where he will be sharing his intention to raise money for a defibrillator to be placed outside the MCA which is the L&DAA Headquarters. Raffle prizes or donation pledges can be made on the association website at liverpooldistrictangling.co.uk
