Smoothounds & Lost Rods

Size for size the smooth hound is the hardest fighting fish in our waters and although it does not grow as big as the tope you will certainly know you have one hooked.

A member of the shark family there are two sub species the common and the starry smooth hound and the Thames estuary is one of the finest areas to have a crack at them holding the record of twenty eight pounds and going by resent seasons this will be beaten again from this area.

Of all the fish targeted in our area the smooth hound is the fish responsible for more lost rods than any other fish and i can not remember a year when this has not happened, despite our warnings, turn your back for a few minuets and you could be a statistic as these fish power through grabbing baits at high speed with resulting lost rods, so concentration is important and rods low in the rod rests. Rods and tackle needed, a nice ugly stick 15 to 20 pound class multiplier or center pin reel loaded with 20 pound mono running ledger with a 3.0 4.0 forged hook.

Best baits are hermit crab and peeler although early fish will take squid, and the time of year is June to August, for the big female fish your best bet is mid July August, the best we have caught was just over twenty seven pounds, so you can see we are nudging the record please note we do not allow penal rigs when fishing for hounds, and we practice catch and release for this fantastic sporting fish.

For the novice we offer our usual free expert tuition with rod hire and tackle options including bait if required, and of course all the usual facilities you would expect from a top of the range charter boat. Early booking is advised, as this exciting fishing is very popular and falls in our busiest period so ring the hotline for more details or email us today!

For booking Telephone Boat Direct on 07774 492856 or evenings telephone 01255 821255