HERRING
CHUNKS. For most anglers their local fishmonger is the most reliable
source of supply. It is possible to catch herring in some areas by bouncing
small hokai type lures across sandy seabeds. Piers and breakwaters offer the
best opportunities for catching herring in this way.
A
1" thick chunk of herring cut directly across the body needs a large hook
to avoid getting lost in the bait. Forged hooks of size 3/0 upwards are preferred
when the target species are rays or strap conger. A single hook paternoster
rig is fine over clean ground but a pulley rig is better suited if you intend
to fish snaggy ground. A double pulley rig is a favourite when we are searching
for early thornbacks in the Essex and Kent estuaries.
Pass the hook points through the
back of the chunks and leave the points exposed. When fishing for rays give
the bites time to develop. For conger either hold your rod or leave it in free
spool with the ratchet on. We prefer to strike the hooks home quickly on conger
to avoid the baits being completely swallowed. We have found circle hooks used
with herring chunks minimise unhooking problems.
