ULTIMATE ANGLING - the Ultimate SA Fishing website
General Angling Topics => Shore Angling => Topic started by: REEFMAN on November 10, 2011, 04:44:39 PM
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Reading the Water - Part 2 - Rock fishing
Please read Part 1 first, this covers the basic principles of Water clarity, Temperature and Wave action -
http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php/topic,7396.0.html (http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php/topic,7396.0.html)
The key to catching fish on Rocky shores is to understand what lies beneath the water. Water movement and currents are critical to understanding where fish will be. The exciting thing about Rock fishing is that there is a huge variety of species and sizes of fish, that are either resident 'reef' species or predators on the way through.
Obviously the same principles of Water clarity, colour, temperature and depth all need to be taken into consideration when deciding where to put your bait. What becomes more important when fishing rocks as opposed to beaches, are the formations available, such as Deep water, Gullies, Points, holes and drop-offs. These are all affected greatly by water currents, which are very important to identify and analyze.
Fish use the current not just to bring food to them and to get scent of potential prey, but also to help bring oxygen over the gills and provide some bouyancy as they glide or swim. The sort of places that are frequented by your bigger non-edible fish and edible game fish tend to be quite different to those inhabited by the smaller edibles.
Before we go into those details, let's try understand a little about the Hydrodynamics happening beneath the water surrounding rocky structures.
Consider a rock lieing on the beach...
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/rocksand.jpg)
Water flowing around and over a Rock on a Sandy bottom produces Eddy currents, potent little streams of water that erode away a deep gully all the way around the rock, from about half way forwards. The picture above shows a little stone, but the same principles apply to all obstructions in the water, including massive boulders, pinnacles and rocky outcrops. Where the gully formed with a small stone are not significant in depth, the gullys and troughs formed by a large rocky outcrop become 1-2m deep in places... these are perfect spots for Baitfish to take cover!
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/rocksand%20diag.jpg)
The Eddy currents extend toward the back of the obstruction/rock and reverse the flow of water due to friction. This creates a small surface wave disturbance on the shore side of the rock, forming white foamy water that generally moves shoreward with the swell. The currents here behind the rock (shore side) are generally weak compared to the main swell current, and the white water and bubbles created provide the perfect hiding place and cover for baitfish!
The same thing happens with Rocks lieing on a Rocky bed...
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/subRock%20turbulence.jpg)
The softer eddy currents on the shoreside of the rock provide shelter for baitfish, along with the white water and bubbles that go with it.
Bare these principles in mind as we study some of the formations:
Targetting Big fish/Predators
Rocky Outcrops/Points
Most Rocky outcrops that stick out to sea are a lot more productive than those that lie flush with the coast. Points like these almost always produce a Rip current that runs out to sea along one or more spots along the side of the outcrop. Obviously this depends on the prevailing wind and tide etc, but generally, there will be a rip coming off the side of a Rocky outcrop. The less movement in the water, the less productive a point becomes. This current does not just provide a nice place to lie in, but it brings all the smells and the food out to the big fish. It is crucial therefore, to identify the currents surrounding a Rocky point, as putting your bait alongside a Rip current will increase the chances of a catch dramatically.
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/rip%20rock.jpg)
A Rip current even in calm, placcid conditions
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/rocky%20point%20with%20rip.jpg)
And another example...
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/umtata%20rip.jpg)
Water moving in a rip tends to look similar to a flowing river with obvious disturbance visible on the surface.
Another good indication is that when a swell encounters a current going in the opposite direction (backwash), it lifts a little higher than it normally would.
Yet another give away of a current is the scum line... where old foam is dragged out to see on the current - forming a clear line with the centre of the current marked.
If the current is fairly strong, one can often see a Scum line on the surface of the water.
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/current%20line.jpg)
In other places, the water on the one side will appear quite different to the water on the other, either by colour or turbulence. This current line is almost always patrolled by predators. These same fish will happily come in on the current as soon as they detect the scent of bait in the water.
A current line often takes the form of a band of 'shiny water' - which can be quite clearly seen if you look for it. Often this colour difeerence is associated with different water temperatures, as in a Thermocline, where colder water and warmer water have not had the chance to readily mix, due to one of the currents going faster than the other.
Some examples of what a Current line looks like:
Out to sea...
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/current%20line2.jpg)
Baby Brazen...
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/current%20line3.jpg)
Brazen Head...
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/current%20line4.jpg)
Mbolompo
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/current%20line5.jpg)
Try cast into the current, which gets the smell message dispersed over a much greater distance and also much faster, than if your bait was sitting in water with very little current. Almost every point has a very distinct current next to it. Obviously, certain points definitely tend to work better than others, especially in specific wind conditions. This is as a result of the current that is generated under those conditions. The more you look for the current and the Rip, the better you will get at finding it and the more use you will make of it.
Deep water spots
On a good clear day, one can easily identify the dark patches of rock as opposed to the much lighter sandy colours.
Most deep-water spots have a deeper water channel right up against the rocks with a shallower bank further out. Beyond this bank it drops off and becomes deep again.
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/rock%20structure.jpg)
In clear water one will see that the water up against the rocks is darker because it is deeper right where you are standing. This deeper water can sometimes be masked by the white water running over it, but generally all drop-offs, cliffs, points and ledges have a deep band of water found right at your feet - caused by the action of Eddy currents over many years. From there, the colour gets lighter as one goes further out (slightly shallower) and then goes darker again as the water gets deeper.
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/Hlungulwane.jpg)
A good idea is to investigate your fishing area at low tide. Structure that would otherwise be invisible at High tide, can now be seen... like isolated banks of rock, isolated sand banks, churning water and sediment. These are all areas to be targetted. Bait fish are always attracted to Structure in the water and baring in mind the principles of Eddy Currents, these structures can be targetted. With Rocky structures, accurate casting becomes necessary, failing which, much tackle will be lost.
We are blessed with some awesome Deep Water points in our country. Next time you have the privilege of fishing one of these and targetting Big Eds and Inedibles, look out for the Rips, look out for the Current and colour lines... your luck will improve!
Let's move on to targetting the smaller edibles...
There are many edible species that are caught along the rocky shores of our coast. Most of these species are very specific in terms of their preferred structure or habitat. It is not possible to discuss all the species and their habitats in this article, rather the best approach is to decide what fish you are going to be targetting - study their habitats and bait preference, then study the water and put your bait in the best place possible.
Generally, calm, quiet, waters with deep, calm areas are not favoured by most fish. Especially when the water is clear.
Smaller edibles prefer working water... water that is being churned up by wave action, leaving a surface covered by white foamy water. This churning water has sediment/food in it, at the same time providing lots of bubbles and white water as cover while they feed. The calmer the sea, the harder it is to find working water or some white water that is providing cover. There is nothing better than a moderately strong sea as it starts showing you a lot of what lies beneath, which way the current is going and where fish are most likely to be.
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/working%20water%202.jpg)
But when the sea gets "up" with strong surge and side-wash, things change for the worse. Then, the quiet little gullies and protected bays become places that the fish tend to congregate in.
Tides
Tides play a large role in determining when fish feed. Many species prefer feeding on a pushing tide, (an incoming tide), where the higher waters make stucture more accessible than would be possible at low tide. Swell Surge allows these fish to reach normally inaccessible areas, like seaweed, rock organisms, molluscs and invertebrates. When the surge retreats, the fish retreat with the swell and return to their resting spots. With a good pair of Polaroid sunglasses, and careful observation, one can often see these smaller fish surfing the swell as it surges in. This is particularly evident on the Spring High tide.
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/working%20water.jpg)
Gullies
Gullies are often a great way of fishing for Pan-size edibles with ultra light tackle and dropshot techniques.
Particularly when the sea is 'up', gullies, nooks and cranny's provide much needed shelter for fish. Most of these gullies have a cave overhang on the seabed, where wave action has eroded the bottom. These can be quite large, and are often perfect spots for your Rock dwelling species like Rockcod, Snappers and Musselcrackers. Other resident species of gullies and overhangs include Blacktail, Cave Bass, Karanteen, Stone bream, Zebra's, among many others. They are also major Nursery grounds for many species, and juvenile fish can often be found in these gullies in their thousands.
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/gully%201.jpg)
Often you will find that as water enters the gully from the sides where a wave has broken and rolled over the rocks, the gully fills up and needs to empty back into the ocean. Try to find the place where the water is sucking or being pushed out of the gully. This is normally identified by fairly turbulent type water - an ideal place for any ambush predators. Also at this point you will find any other fish that are entering or leaving the gully during their hunt for food. Where this water pours over the surrounding rocks into the gully, you will also see a bit of white turbulent water and those fish that are in the gully will definitely be keeping an eye open along that line waiting for food to be brought to them.
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/gully%202.jpg)
Again it is always necessary to fish areas where there is colour in the water. Very clear water, where you can see the bottom is not good. You will generally be wasting your time.
Ledges
Many parts of our Coastline, particularly on the North Coast KZN, are characterized by miles of flat ledges. A 20-50m rocky ledge that starts on the beach and protrudes out to sea. Where the ledge meets the sea, there is always a steep drop off into relatively deep water - this deep water forms a trough between the Ledges and a sandbank further out. Waves break on the sandbank, then dissipate in the trough and then smack into the Ledge with some force.
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/ledges.jpg)
Applying our principles of Hydrodynamics... we know that right in front of the ledge, the sand/rock will be scoured out on the seabed, to form an overhang/cave, which gives the perfect conditions for Reef fish to inhabit.
Because there are many miles of similar looking ledges, one has to study the spots and choose one that is different... one with working water and with colour.
These ledges can only be fished at low tide, since the ledge drop-off becomes fairly dangerous to fish off at high tide, with breakers thundering into them. Spring low work the best, in a moderate sea, where the swells cause turbulence at the edge of the ledge with plenty working water and feeding opportunities.
The Sandbanks normally associated with these Ledges are usually within casting distance, so one can change plan of attack to target some predators by putting a bait out just short of, on top of, or over the sandbank.
Spinning with Poppers and Plugs also works well in the troughs off ledges. In this case... find some working water covering the trough, cast your lure parallel to the ledge and work it through the white water through to the other side. Numerous Kingfish species can be landed using this method.
(http://www.africanaquatics.co.za/FISHING/Fishing%20stuff/read%20the%20sea/ledges%202.jpg)
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OK - that's a wrap. I hope this basic guide helps someone out there! :tite
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THATS SOME GOOD STUFF.............
That is what makes UA stand out from the rest,
Tidy work Tony!
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Another Super post by the master himself. :udman: :+ cred:
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Nominated for post of the month! This is what I needed for my new rod!
:+ cred:
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Basic guide? What basics? These are 2 of the most in depth guides I have seen ever! What does worry me however, is when you're doing a root canal op are you thinking about ledges and holes or the poor sod in the chair
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:cgrts: :tkx: :appr: :+ cred: What else can a person say. Excellent piece Reefz only problem is I now want to go :fshn: :-(
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Excellent Reefz!!!!!!!!
Two of the best tutorials (guides) ever!!
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Awesome post Reefs!! :resp: :bow: :+ cred:
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:resp:
Top Post Reefman.
:)
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:FST: Brilliant Reefz (clap) (clap) (clap)
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(clap) (clap) (clap)
Awesome stuff Tony !
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You have outdone yourself, excellent post Tony. :+ cred:
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From an Admin guy from a brother forum Your Part 1 and 2 are one of the best tuts ever posted in any forum in SA. Great to read and learn....Well constructed and a great learning / teaching tool
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From an Admin guy from a brother forum Your Part 1 and 2 are one of the best tuts ever posted in any forum in SA. Great to read and learn....Well constructed and a great learning / teaching tool
Wow Jace... thanks for your kind words... makes all the hard work worthwhile! :tkx:
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Absolutely brillant.. :bow: Tony.
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Great Work Tony
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Good report ! :shre: Next time i will look out for the good spots !!
Nice pictures of Black Rock !! I've been there but without any success...
But what can we do when angling at the rocks without getting stuck ?
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As Reefz said accurate casting is important. I think you must also just accept that fishing around the rocks you will get stuck sooner or later its just part of the game
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Another great contribution!
Really quality stuff which sets UA on its own league!!!
Almost made me wanna go back to R&S!!!!!
Thanks Tony! :+ cred:
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Absolutely brilliant stuff Reefs. :udman:
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first class Tony. i agree.....best tut i ever read on any forum. you should consider making a hard copy and make it available to the world.....part 1 and 2
there are many rock and surf books available......but if you put all your stuff including baits, reel servicing, knots, and all your other tuts into 1 book/dvd series.....can u imagine?
it will be the best rock and surf guide ever done...
think about it....its a lovely buisness opp and as well as leaving a legacy behind to the up coming generationsnof anglers.
it will be selfish if you dont.......i mean that in a nice way.
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:shre: :resp: :resp: :shre: both parts saved for future study, thanks man, you making a Vaalie real happy!! :envy :tkx: :tkx:
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first class Tony. i agree.....best tut i ever read on any forum. you should consider making a hard copy and make it available to the world.....part 1 and 2
there are many rock and surf books available......but if you put all your stuff including baits, reel servicing, knots, and all your other tuts into 1 book/dvd series.....can u imagine?
it will be the best rock and surf guide ever done...
think about it....its a lovely buisness opp and as well as leaving a legacy behind to the up coming generationsnof anglers.
it will be selfish if you dont.......i mean that in a nice way.
One day maybe bud... one day!
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Excellent Tony. Best TUT on reading and understanding the water that we fish in, I've ever seen.
Knew all along I'm in the best company!
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Knew all along I'm in the best company!
I feel the same way!
Thanks for all the encouraging comments guys... :ayb
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Nice TUT Tony ... (clap) (clap)
:+ cred:
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Awesome Stuff Reefer ..Have sum Cred ... ;)
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Awesome post :tkx: :appr: :resp:
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It is the best tut i have ever seen on any forum in SA.honoured to be in your company Tony and thanks to you,I have learnt so much. :FST: :shre: :+ cred: :+ cred: :+ cred:
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It is the best tut i have ever seen on any forum in SA.
There are other forums???? :shk :hehe:
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It is the best tut i have ever seen on any forum in SA.
There are other forums???? :shk :hehe:
:rotfl :rotfl :hyst: :hyst: ... classic.
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It is the best tut i have ever seen on any forum in SA.honoured to be in your company Tony and thanks to you,I have learnt so much. :FST: :shre: :+ cred: :+ cred: :+ cred:
:corrct: :corrct: :corrct: :corrct: :ult:
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Shot alot Tony :happ: :happ: :shre: :+ cred:
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:shre: :+ cred:
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Awesome as usual.....
Quick question : when is a trough big enough to be called a channel?
At the south ledges at vidal, you get the "trough" then the bank, it that not a channel? its gets very wide..
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It's just a matter of names... For this article, a 'trough' is the gully that runs parallel with the beach, (between the sandbank and the beach), and yes it can be quite wide. But it doesn't connect with the open sea. It's the 'channel' that makes the connection. It's in the channels that we find the rips.
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Legend!!
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REEFZ you are by far the KING of editorials. Think the members should sent a hat around to send you on some trips next year just to get the reports ..... w;k
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Think the members should sent a hat around to send you on some trips next year just to get the reports ..... w;k
Can't fault that idea!! :hnthnt:
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REEFMAN, this is Pure GOLD!!
I look forward to reading it fully when I get my computer settings worked out.
Thanks once again! :shre: :+ cred:
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:tite .........Awesome stuff.
I have been trying to build up as much info on fishing as possible. And your description on how to read the water and where to cast was exelent. many thx.......... :win:
Will study this carefully and use every where i go from now onwards. :hnthnt:
I have a question thow and hope you can help. I have been bait fishing all my life, but now my new passion is lure/Dropshot fishing.
I will be in Gouritz for 3 weeks in Feb and i am still gonna try for Cob, (Shad) :shd: & (Garrick) :grk: ,
but only with lures and drop shot.
The river is wide and i don't have a boat to find the drop off's with a fish finder.
So my question to you is:
Is there any tell tales on how to find the drop offs, from the shore, on where the gullys would be where the predator fish will be lurking and waiting to take my lure as it accidently passes by. :craz:
Regards
Milky
:fshn:
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Shew Milky... Estuary angling is a whole new ball-game when compared to Rock and Surf. Perhaps one of the Inshore Pro's like Tommo can write a separate article on this?
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Ok, will try and get into contact with Tommo on that one.
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Hi Milky and Reefman, I am busy putting together something on reading estuaries and finding the fish, I will post it as soon as it is done.
Reefz, a really excellent post here by you, well done mate! + Credit
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Hi Milky and Reefman, I am busy putting together something on reading estuaries and finding the fish, I will post it as soon as it is done.
Yes please. Can't wait for this one. :udman:
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Hi Tommo.......
Many Thx for that. Can't wait for it.
:udman:
Milky
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Hi Tommo.......
Many Thx for that. Can't wait for it.
:udman:
Milky
Milky, you need to switch on a bit bru! :hehe: w;k Tommo posted it here a few days ago.... http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php/topic,7726.0.html (http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php/topic,7726.0.html)
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Sorry Reefman. Have not been online for a good while. Been working my @ss off with no time for myself. Thx for letting me know.
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Sorry Reefman. Have not been online for a good while. Been working my ** off with no time for myself. Thx for letting me know.
:rotfl join the club... holidays are coming!! Got to get everything done before then.... eish :cnfzd
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:ult: ............good luck :crzy and happy holidays fshg
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Great articles. I will try this on the west coast from Alexanderbay to Lambertsbay! :fshn:
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Another awesome read, thanks T :happ:
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baie dankie Tony.
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The Ultimate presentation on reading the water Tony!
Professional, attention to detail and unselfish with your time and talents as always. This article may just tempt me to start fishing again.
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This article may just tempt me to start fishing again.
Then it was worth writing! :welc: Harold!
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By the way Reefz :tkx: you have no idea how this helped me last week :happ: even though I didnt land the fish I hooked into, you owe me a beeeeeg Steenbras w;k :+ cred: :udman:
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Good to hear Gareth! But remember when you go to a gunfight, don't take a pea-shooter.
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Good to hear Gareth! But remember when you go to a gunfight, don't take a pea-shooter.
At that stage I thought I would be pea shooting and I eventually wipped out the heavy stuff and by that stage the fish had moved out... :blush:
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A well written piece. Very informative and helpful.
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Eish Hijack,anyone to answer my question?
........ Correct Star , watching wave action is very helpful when determining what lies beneath the surface .
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@ Reefman do you mean we must stand on the shore and watch where and how the waves break.Great write up.
Sorry Star, been offline for a few days... :cnfzd
Before you start fishing anywhere, spend 20 minutes just observing - watching waves, where they break, what sort of waves they are, look for currents, rips, baitfish, water temp etc etc etc
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Thanks. (clap)
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Hi Reefs,
I have attached a couple of images of me trying read the sea at False bay this past week what am i looking for here?
Your help would really be appreciated.
Moolies
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Reckon I'll leave this one up to one of the False Bay locals... I am not familiar at all with the conditions in the Cape/False Bay.
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Reefz can you help me with this one...
Why do deep holes close to sandbanks and rocky gullies fish so inconsistently, is this just a bit of my 'unluckiness' or is there a reason for this in your opinion?
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Reefz can you help me with this one...
Why do deep holes close to sandbanks and rocky gullies fish so inconsistently, is this just a bit of my 'unluckiness' or is there a reason for this in your opinion?
Yikes WK, if finding fish was a "consistent" art/skill, I don't think there would be any fish left in the sea!! :rotfl Many other factors to take into account besides reading the water... currents, temperature, moon phase, tide, barometer pressure, oxygenation of the water etc etc.
One thing that fishing isn't, is consistent!
But let me try explain further, maybe it will help...
Targetting Bigger fish and Game fish - Sharks, Kob, Kingies etc...
(http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/articles/read%20sea/sand%20bank%2001.jpg)
Cross section of different types of Sandbanks.
Shallower drop-off will mean the smaller, more edible type fish and Flatfish, Rays.
Deeper drop-off is where the Bigger Predators will patrol, waiting for the lazy baitfish to get swept off the sandbank.
The Baitfish will be feeding on the sediments and disturbance created by the wave action on top of, and to the sides of the sandbank.
(http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/articles/read%20sea/sand%20bank%201.jpg)
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Awesome, thanks a lot Reefer!
So then would the tides, current and wind influence what type of sediments get washed around which will influence the bait fish?
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(clap) :resp: give that man a bells !!!! lol thanks a lot these posts always seem to help me . part one aided me to catch two decent size kob in my last league all due to reading the water correctly thanks a lot what a legend !!!
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(clap) :resp: give that man a bells !!!! lol thanks a lot these posts always seem to help me . part one aided me to catch two decent size kob in my last league all due to reading the water correctly thanks a lot what a legend !!!
That's awesome to hear Prevs! So glad it helped and congrats on the Kob!
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Again, EXCELLENT!!! (clap) (clap) (clap) You've helped my game termendously!!
:tkx: :tkx: You should publish this in a FORMAL book, Reefz :udman: ! This is the stuff legends are made of!! :win:
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i used your advice to good success. it was a lot of help
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thanx for your expert advice Reefman!!! I really learned a lot. Regards Lukas Vanderbijlpark
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I'm no expert, but glad to have helped!
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Hey Reefz awesome post once again have some cred bud. :+ cred: :+ cred: P.S. when you starting youre fishing guiding business?Im first on the list bru!
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Another clear and understandable tutorial. My minds eye now sees all the clues I have missed through the years. (clap)
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Quality post Reef, tip top and a great guide for all no matter on how well versed in the game of fishing.
I think I owe you a bottle from what I learnt reading it :)
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I think I owe you a bottle from what I learnt reading it :)
Coool! I'll take you up on that at the next social! :corrct: :win:
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Don't take that route mate!
Soon, soon, you'll owe Reefz a whole bottle store :hehe:
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As a new subscriber I can say this article is most informative!! Thank you
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Thanks for a very informative post it will help me greatly when I come out to Umhlanga next year
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Very good post, every time I read it I learn something new.
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Hey Reefman - Great info - can you give me a pm please - just signed up and not sure I can pm anyone yet!
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You can't Pm, only Seniors can. If you need to contact me send e-mail to reefman AT ultimateangling DOT co DOT za
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Great post, part and two, very informing and educating
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Really great post. It's 120 days since someone last posted, but it's still relevant! 110% so. Thank you for your articles, sir. GREAT learning tools.
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Thanks for two very informative posts Reefman. I really learned a lot.
:tkx: