UK Coarse Fishing Reviews

Grayling

The Grayling is one of our most under sung coarse fish, This is probably because many of the best locations to catch them are on expensive Game fishing beats where they swim alongside the Trout and Salmon and are looked upon as pests by the fly fisherman who pay the fast sums to fish these area's That said they are a fantastic hard fighting fish and can be found in many rivers up and down the country, The Scottish rivers and the southern chalk streams hold some very large Grayling and you can have a great days sport if you target them, Grayling are very hardy and will feed in the coldest of conditions making them the perfect winter target.

As Matt Hayes shows here they are a beautiful fish with a large dorsal finn and pound for pound I believe them to be one of the hardest fighting fish in our rivers. Some people say they have the smell of cucumber but you will have to test that one for yourselves! They do have all the colours of the rainbow on them and are for me one of the most attractive fish in our rivers.

Location

Grayling are happiest in clean fast flowing rivers with gravel bottoms, I live in the South and rivers near me where they can be found are the River Test, River Frome, The Itchen and the Dorset Stour to name but a few. I have said that many of the best waters are on expensive game beats but it is very possible to catch Grayling on day ticket stretches or even area's of free fishing. In=fact my biggest Grayling of 3lb 15oz came from a free stretch on the Dorset Stour. Grayling can often be found in shoals of 10 or more fish and on these clear chalk streams they are often visible, but you can easily locate them by walking a stretch you know them to be in and look for small pools or faster area's after sweeping bends, If you want to try fishing for Grayling simply ask in your local tackle shop for rivers that hold them near you.

Baits

You don't need to look for anything technical to catch Grayling, A tin of Sweetcorn and a few pints of red and white Maggots are really all you need. Keep plenty of freebies going in, as many swims will also hold Trout and you want to feed these off if possible but it is likely you may hook these too, Unhook them quickly and put them straight back as they may be out of season!

Methods

A simple trotting rig with a Chubber float is perfect for Grayling as pictured below, Simply bulk your shot and fish at dead depth with 3/4 maggots on the hook. Hook size should be about size 14 as Grayling have very hard mouths and you will want a strong 'Animal' or 'Specimen' type hook. Don't underestimate the power of a large Grayling, I would use no less than 4lb line fished right threw as when they turn with their large dorsal fin in fast water you need some sensible tackle if you are going to win the fight!

The perfect set up for a days Grayling fishing.

I love to spend a few days each winter trotting my local chalk streams for Grayling, What I have learned is that they make a great target when it is to cold for any other species but if the water is coloured or too high you just as well forget it, When conditions are right a good box of maggots and a roving approach definitely put more fish on the bank.

Fish Safety

Grayling are very hard fighting fish and often give almost their all during the fight, This is why you must take special care with them, Unhook and return the fish as swiftly as possible, If you want to take a photo let the fish revive in the landing net first, Never throw a Grayling straight back in, It will probably go belly up and float down stream! Place it into the landing net and hold it in the water as the water runs through it's gill's, ensure it is facing upstream or it will drown! When the fish looks fully revived, simply lower the net and the fish will swim away. it's not a lot to ask to enjoy catching these beautiful fish and will ensure great sport for years to come.