Two Nods For COD

Gareth Davies jumps aboard Minehead boat Teddie Boy for a winter cod trip.

- Gareth Davies

After watching what happens on the other side of the channel– living on the Welsh side and Mine head being almost opposite – it was a phone call back in September to Michael Webber Griffiths, pondering when the best tides and chance of a good double-figure cod would be on the cards. The date was set for December 31st, the last day of 2016; we’d both had a great 12 months of angling and wanted to see if we could go out with a bang.

Our crew assembled for a 9am sail, with low water scheduled for 1.30pm on an 11m Watchet scale. Winds were fairly light, between 10 and 15mph from a south-southwesterly direction, which wouldn’t be too much of a problem as the sea was in a very settled state, being partially protected by the steep-sided cliffs close to the water’s edge, and the fact that we were literally a stone’s throw out – perhaps 200 metres – for most of the day.

In all fairness it shows how rich the waters around this coastline are, given we were so late in the year.

The crew consisted of Craig Davies (my youngest son), James Mason, John Sherman, Charlie Stevens, Lewis Rouke and Darryl Galbraith. With the majority living within an hour’s drive of the port, we were all very keen and on arrival were making use of West Coast Tackle on the quay side. The shop is managed by local angling guide and harbour master Craig Butler. He keeps a great shop and always has the kettle on, which is a great way to retain loyal customers! I must add the blow lug and rag that we acquired was exceptionally good and helped to snare a few mud pigs.

A quick steam – perhaps 20 minutes at a steady 18 knots – soon had us swinging around into the tide as the anchor bit into the mixed-ground sea bed. The tide was running at a couple of knots, which meant up tide tactics would account for most of the fish, as it’s a great technique when used correctly.