What are they talking about? Part 1
At some point in our lives most of us, when delving into a subject or sport that we haven't tried before, have thought 'What on earth are they all talking about?'
To a beginner it's like everyone is talking in a foreign language.
So here's a little guide in alphabetical order for you would be sea anglers to help you on your quest.
Alconite Rings
Alconite rings are specialized, high-performance ceramic fishing rod guide inserts developed by Fuji.
Known for being extremely durable, lightweight, and smooth, they offer 80% greater compression strength and 20% less weight compared to aluminium oxide.
They are a popular, cost-effective choice for anglers, reducing friction and handling braided lines effectively.
Attractors
These are used to help make your baited hook look more attractive to fish.
Coloured plastic beads, luminous beads, sequins and metal and plastic spinner blades are examples of attractors that are put on rigs near to the hook.
Liquid attractors are also used by many anglers either by soaking or injecting the bait with it. Usually they consist of fish oils which cause a scent trail for fish to (hopefully) follow and find your baited hook.
Bail Arm
The bail arm on fixed spool reels is a wire mechanism that manages line retrieval, open for casting and closed to guide line onto the spool via a roller.
Bait Pump
A bait pump is a stainless steel, cylindrical suction tool, usually 80cm to 100cm long with diameters of 22mm, 28mm and 50mm. Before you buy it's best to ask for advice.
It's used to collect live black or blow lugworm from the sand when the tide is out.
It works by pushing the tube into the sand and then pulling the handle which creates a suction which pulls the worm from its burrow.
It's a great way to save money but can take some getting used to before you find the right tecnique. It's best to ask a regular to give you some guidance. Prices vary from as little as £40 up to about £120, the best quality being in the upper price bracket.
Bait Shield or Impact Shield
A bait shield should usually looks like a plastic cone pointing down with a clip underneath to clip your baited hook to.
It acts (as the name implies) as a shield for your bait so that when it hits the water the bait is not damaged by the force of the impact.
Birds Nest
Also known as a backlash, it's a tangled mess of fishing line on a reel's spool caused by an over run (when the spool spins faster than the line is being pulled off the spool) when casting.
A Blank
1. An unfinished fishing rod before guides, and reel seats etc are added.
2. One of those unfortunate fishing sessions where you don't catch any fish. Don't worry, we all have them!
Brackish Water
Brackish water is a mixture of freshwater and saltwater, typically found in estuaries.
Because it is influenced by tide and rainfall, salinity can change significantly throughout the day and seasons.
Chinu
Is a Black Sea Bream, a popular game fish in Japan.
The Chinu hook was originally designed by the Japanese to catch Black Sea Bream but is now commonly used to catch many species of fish due to its extra-strong, forged, high-carbon steel short shank and curved in beaked point.
Chum
Is a mixture of ground-up fish, blood, oil, and sometimes bait particles used to attract fish by creating a scent trail in the water.
Usually, oily fish like mackerel, sardines or herring are mashed up and placed in a mesh bag or dispenser, often frozen, and lowered over the side of the boat to slowly release scent and attract fish.
Coaster
A sea fishing coaster (or reel coaster) is a pair of adjustable, screw-tightened clamps used to securely fasten a fishing reel, particularly multiplier reels, to the butt section of a sea angling or surf rod.
They offer a flexible, non-permanent alternative to fixed reel seats, allowing anglers to position their reel perfectly for casting and comfort.
Cocktail Bait
A cocktail bait is a combining two or more different types of bait on a single hook or hook rig to increase attraction, scent, and durability.
Wrapping a soft, delicate bait (like ragworm or crab) inside a tough, fibrous bait (like squid) prevents it from being stolen by smaller fish or falling off during casting.
Crab Cart
Is the soft, pungent inner flesh, coral, and gills of an edible brown crab, highly regarded as a top bait for big winter cod.
It is a very soft, oily bait with a strong scent that is often frozen, used with bait elastic or stuffed into bags for beach and boat fishing.
Dongle
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By using a "dongle" (hair rig), the bait is not masking the hook, allowing for a better hook-up rate especially with large baits.
Used mainly with circle hooks which usually catch in the corner of the mouth which is safer for the fish.
The dongle is usually made from strong braid and can be replaced or modified to suit different baits.
Drag
Reel drag is a mechanism that controls the tension applied to the fishing line, allowing it to pull off the spool under high pressure.
It serves as a, braking system, preventing the line or rod from snapping when a large fish fights or makes a sudden run. Proper adjustment allows fish to tire themselves out without breaking the line.
Drop Net
A drop net is a large, usually circular or square mesh net designed to be lowered from high structures such as piers, breakwaters or promenades to safely land large fish that cannot be lifted by the fishing line alone.
It consists of a weighted metal frame, a net and a long rope for lowering, preventing fish from being damaged or lost during retrieval.
Fast Action Rod
A fast action rod is designed to bend primarily in the top third of the blank, offering a stiff, responsive backbone that allows for quick hook sets and enhanced sensitivity to detect subtle bites.
Excellent for targeting predatory species where a strong, quick hook set is needed. The stiff nature means less cushioning during a fight, which can lead to tearing hooks out of a fish's mouth.
Feathers
Sea fishing feathers (also known as mackerel feathers, Hokkai rigs, or sabiki rigs) are highly effective, multi-hook, artificial lures used to mimic small baitfish schools.
They usually consist of 4 to 6 hooks dressed with feathers, tinsel, or plastic, primarily targeting mackerel, herring, and pollack.
When retrieved through the water, the feathers flutter, creating a lifelike, enticing display that triggers a feeding response in predatory fish.
Finger Stall
A finger stall is a protective covering for an angler's index finger, designed to prevent cuts and burns from fishing line (especially braid) during casting.
Usually made of neoprene with a reinforced leather or synthetic tip, it improves grip, enables longer casts, and fits over the finger.
Flattie
A "flattie" is an angler’s term for various flatfish species.
Including Plaice, Flounder, Dabs, and Sole.
Fluke
In the UK "fluke" refers to the Flounder, a common inshore flatfish found around sandy or muddy coastlines, estuaries, and up rivers.
While they can be caught year-round, they are a staple of UK winter fishing, particularly when other species are less active.
Gape
A hook gape is the distance between the hook's point and the shank, representing the opening width of the hook.
A wider gape allows for better bait presentation with bulky baits and can improve hook-up rates because of the hook point is exposed.
Hokkai Rigs
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A popular saltwater fishing rig used designed to target species like cod, pollack, and mackerel.
Usually features a series of 3 to 6 hooks decorated with vibrant, soft plastic bodies, reflective feathers, and luminous, glow-in-the-dark or glitter, attracting fish by mimicking injured baitfish.
IMP bait Clip
An IMP is a popular, quick-release bait clip designed to secure a baited hook behind the lead during a cast.
IMP is an abbreviation of Impact.
It automatically releases the bait upon impact with the water.
Iseama
Iseama hooks are versatile, high-strength forged hooks commonly used for their wide gap and durable, turned-in shank design.
Ideal for targeting hard fighting fish.
Iseama hooks are similar in shape to Chinu hooks but usually feature a heavier, stronger gauge.
Jigging
Jigging is a versatile technique where a weighted metal lure (a jig) is dropped to the sea bed and moved in a vertical up and down motion or a jerky motion to mimic injured fish.
Can be used from boat or shore.
There are different techniques; Fast jigging, Slow jigging and shore casting jigging.
Joey
Joey mackerel are small, young Atlantic mackerel (typically 7–10 inches) used as a high-quality, oil-rich bait in sea and predator fishing.
Suitable for both boat and shore fishing, providing a durable bait that holds up well on hooks.
They are a staple bait for sea anglers in the UK, and are also effective for pike fishing.
Kaiju
Is a Japanese term translating to "strange beast" or "monster,"
Mustad adopted this name for their inline single lure hooks.
Kicker Bait Clip
A sea fishing kicker bait clip (specifically the Trident Kicker) is a stainless steel bait clip designed to hold large baits securely against the lead during casting.
KWAG Rings
A Fuji KWAG ring is a high-quality, three-legged stainless steel fishing rod guide featuring Alconite or SiC rings, specifically designed for tangle-free, long-casting performance in saltwater.
Level Wind
A reel level wind is a mechanical device that automatically guides the line back and forth across the spool during retrieval ensuring even line lay.
Not usually used for beach casting as it can significantly reduce casting distance.
Low Rider Rings
"Low rider" rings (or guides) are low profile rod guides designed for long, tangle-free casting with thin braid or light mono lines.
They feature small diameter, angled rings that sit close to the rod blank, allowing them to quickly eliminate line coils from fixed-spool reels, reducing friction and preventing tangles in windy conditions.
Peeler Crab
A peeler crab is a common shore crab in the process of shedding its hard outer shell to grow, making it a highly effective, soft-bodied bait with a potent scent.
They are often used whole or in halves for big fish but due to their high cost, smaller "softie" crabs or pieces are used to maximize bait. Alternately, you could collect your own.
Pirks
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A sea fishing pirk is a heavy, metal, fish-shaped lure designed for vertical jigging to catch bottom-dwelling species like cod, pollack, and coalfish.
Designed to mimic a wounded baitfish, they are dropped to the seabed and retrieved with a "lift and drop" motion (pirking).
Pumping the Rod
“Pumping the rod" is a technique used to land large or heavy fish by lifting with the rod to move the fish closer, then quickly reeling in the slack line while lowering the rod.
This method prevents overloading the reel's drag system and uses the rod's power to fight the fish, rather than relying solely on the reel.
Rig
The fishing rig (or trace) is the terminal tackle arrangement attached to your mainline, designed to present bait or lures to fish.
Consisting of hooks, swivels, weights, and beads, there are many designs to suit most sea fishing situations.
Roto Bait Clip
The Trident Roto Bait Clip is a clip that secures hooked bait against the lead during casting.
It automatically releases the hook upon impact with the water.
Rotton Bottom
A rotten bottom is a weak-link system connecting the lead weight to the fishing rig, designed to break deliberately if the sinker becomes snagged on rocky or rough ground.
By using a lighter line to attach the sinker, the angler can pull free, losing only the lead rather than the entire expensive rig and fish.
Rubbing Trace
A rubbing trace is a heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant line attached between the main line and the hook/bait usually mono or wire.
It protects against breakage from shark skin, teeth, rocks or wrecks. It is crucial for targeting large fish like sharks, tope, or when fishing in rough terrain.
Sabiki Rigs
A Sabiki rig is designed primarily to catch baitfish like mackerel, herring or sardines, often used from boats, piers, and jetties.
Consisting of a main line with 6 to 10 small hooks, each decorated with bait-mimicking feathers, iridescent film, or plastic lures, with a heavy weight at the bottom.
Japanese, the term roughly translates to "bait-catching rig" or "to catch bait fish".
Sand Spike
A sand spike is a lightweight, single rod holder designed to be pushed directly into sand or shingle beaches.
Often used by mobile anglers as they are light.
Not so popular in the UK but widely used abroad for beach fishing.
Schoolie Bass
Juvenile/small Bass, often called school bass because they often gather in large shoals or schools, often found in shallow, inshore waters or estuaries.
They can offer high-action sport.
Bass are subject to strict minimum size and catch and release regulations to protect the species.
Shank
A hook shank is the straight section of wire connecting the eye (where the line attaches) to the bend (where the curve begins).
Shock Leader
A shock leader is a 10 to15 meter length of heavy duty line (usually 50 to 80lb mono) tied to the end of a lighter main line.
It absorbs the force of casting heavy weights to prevent "crack offs" (line snapping)
It should be roughly twice the length of the rod with 6 to 10 wraps around the reel spool.
A general rule is to use 10lb of breaking strain for every 1 oz of lead weight.
Tapered shock leaders are available with with about 10 metres of heavy line that then gradually tapers down to create a smaller, smoother knot that passes through rod guides easily.
SIC Ring
A SiC (Silicon Carbide) ring is a high-performance ceramic insert used in rod guides, renowned for its extreme hardness, smoothness, and ability to dissipate heat.
These rings minimise line friction for longer, smoother casts.
They also prevent wear and tear from braided lines in harsh saltwater environments.
They are a lot lighter than other materials and enhance the overall balance and sensitivity of the rod.
Silver Bar
Bass are often referred to as silver bars because they are prize catch for most anglers.
Slack Liner
A slack liner bite occurs when a fish takes the bait and swims towards the shore or parallel to it, causing the previously taut main line to go slack, resulting in the rod tip straightening.
A "dropped" rod tip is a clear sign of a fish moving towards the angler.
Smoothie
Refers to the Smooth Hound (common and starry)which is a popular, hard-fighting shark species targeted by shore and boat anglers.
They are commonly found in shallow coastal waters, feeding on crustaceans like peeler crabs, hermit crabs, and squid.
Snood
A snood, or hook length, is a short piece of fishing line connecting the hook to the main rig body.
Often made using memory free monofilament to stay straight, reducing tangles.
Solo Bait Clip
A Gemini splash down solo bait clip is designed to lock a baited hook directly behind a lead during casting.
It streamlines rigs, improves distance, and prevents tangles by keeping the bait secure until it hits the water, where water pressure releases it.
It locks the hook in place during casting and releases the hook on contact with the water.
Splash Down Clip
Is a hook and bait releasing device used in shore fishing to lock the hook behind the lead during casting.
The hook and bait are released on contact with the water