In the world of estuary bass fishing, Marcus, a guide based in Chichester, has made a name for himself with an exceptional approach centered around finesse and precision. Having formerly worked as a skipper in New Zealand, he integrates a wealth of experience into his methods, particularly when it comes to utilizing soft plastics to entice bass in estuarine environments.
I had the opportunity to speak with him on one of his rare days off—not surprisingly, he was out on the water in pursuit of bass. Our conversation provided an in-depth look into his finesse-based technique, highlighting essential aspects such as sight fishing, rod choice, and preferred rig setups.
Marcus emphasizes the importance of rod selection in his approach. While many anglers opt for heavier rods capable of casting 35g or 42g lures, Marcus leans towards much lighter equipment. "The rod in my hand is a 3-19 gram," he explained. This choice allows for a more sensitive feel, critical when working with soft plastics.
Additionally, his preference for slow action rods sets him apart from typical bass anglers. "With a slow-action rod, you have less resistance when working lures," he said. This flexibility enables the rod to absorb the stress of fighting larger fish, thus minimizing the risk of bending hooks. Moreover, when targeting bigger bass, he sometimes pairs his setup with a carp hook to virtually eliminate any chance of a hook failure.
"I’ve developed a rod with Daiwa that’s very soft in comparison to a lot of other rods... If they’re crystal sharp, the hook often goes right back in their gob, so it ends up high in the hard palate of their mouth. You’re very likely to pull hooks or bend hooks, even on light gear. So you do just need a very forgiving rod," Marcus added, demonstrating his thoughtful approach to equipment.
As we continued our conversation, he excitedly remarked about catching a sizable bass mid-interview. "Oh my God, he just took it. Wait a sec, sorry, I’ve got the cray in my hand... Oooooh!… I had the hook up, but he popped it back out right in front of my face." This hands-on experience illustrates the thrill and unpredictability of fishing.
Further clarifying his unique method, Marcus likened his technique to a midpoint between light rod fishing (LRF) and a standard bass rod. "However, I can load the rod deep if I want... it works a big Patchinko 125, no problem. So you can still go out all day long with just one rod," he explained, showing that versatility is key in his fishing style.
When it comes to gear specifics, Marcus shared his thoughts on braid choice for estuary environments. "In the harbour, I use 18lb. I've gone through a proper journey with braid in the UK... 18lb seems perfect. 16lb in some brands," he said, highlighting a methodical approach to tackling bass that contrasts sharply with the heavier lines more commonly used.
For his leader line, he opts for a significantly lighter version at 9lb, often running a long length to avoid spooking fish. "I’ve got a big, long length of it so that I can run it along the floor without spooking the fish. Probably eight foot," he noted, indicating a strategic method to enhance catch rates.
During our call, Marcus described the comparison between using ned rigs and Texas rigs—a topic that garnered immediate interest. While he was currently using a Texas rig, his preference usually leans towards ned rigs. "I prefer a Ned on most stuff. A little tungsten TRD craw..." he shared, showcasing his adaptability in selecting the right rig for varying conditions.
As the conversation drew to a close, a significant bass was spotted nearby. His frustration was palpable as, moments later, he exclaimed, "The fish spat the hook – I heard him swear," underscoring the unpredictability and challenges inherent to fishing.
Marcus' affinity for finesse fishing and meticulous selection of gear sets him apart in the competitive field of bass fishing. By integrating insights from his extensive experience while embracing innovative techniques, he continues to enlighten fellow anglers on how to successfully navigate the art of estuary bass fishing.