Fishing in Israel

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Major Craft Solpara - a bargain

About a year ago I bought a Major Craft Solpara SPS-902ML spinning rod. It is a fine rod and built using good quality Fuji fittings throughout.
This particular model, with a length of 2.74m will cast lures from 10-30g and handle line between 8-14lb. It is well balanced and is one of my favorite rods.

So, over the last little while I've been thinking about getting another one but one that would cover heavier lures for longer casts and, hopefully, some big bluefish.
I looked around the web and was nicely surprised to find a tackle shop in Cyprus selling the Solpara SPS-100M (3m, lures from 15-42g and line between 8-20lb) for a very good price and with international shipping at only 15 Euros, it was a bargain that I couldn't let pass. So with a quick talk with my wife (it is my birthday in a few days time) and the deal was done.

For those interested in having a look at the shop where I bought the rod it is: Tackle4All.com

Tight lines!

Monday, April 1, 2013

Recommended Lures for Fishing in Shallow waters

One of the problems with fishing with lures in the shallow waters of Israel's Mediterranean coastline is in choosing the right one[s].
An expensive mistake, as I and others have done, is to buy lures that folks on foreign fishing forums and fishing websites are saying are good; but the problem is that what might be good for their situation is not necessarily good for the shallow water and reefs that we have here in Israel.
So I have endeavored to put together a short list of lures that, from my own experience, work very well, will not easily get snagged on those shallow submerged reefs that we have, will cast a good distance and, most important of all, catch fish. Most of these lures are quite expensive but I'm sure the money you save on lures you might have bought and found to be pretty much useless will make the cost worthwhile.
All the lures below come with treble hooks but I have started to replace them with special single hooks for a number of reasons, most of all to lessen the damage that trebles do to the fish and to make the lures less likely to snag.

Lucky Craft G-Splash

The Lucky Craft G-Splash comes in two sizes: 65 (65mm, 7.5g) and 80 (80mm, 12g) and is, as are the other lures below, available in a variety of colors.

IMA Salt Skimmer

This is a silent walk-the-dog lure that casts great and has a unique action. Ideal for calmer conditions. It comes in just one size - 110mm and weighs 14g.

Xorus Patchinko II

Although expensive the Xorus Patchinko is one amazing lure. It will outcast any other lure in its class and you can make it zig-zag and splash across the surface of the water with the minimum of effort. You can even get it to 'dance' on the spot which is great when you don't want to take it away from an interested bass.
This version is 14cm in length and weighs 25.8g.

Xorus Patchinko 100

The Patchinko 100 is the little brother of the Patchinko II and also has a great walk-the-dog action like its older sibling.

Halco Roosta Popper 80

The Halco Roosta Popper is a very versatile lure. You can straight retrieve it and it will bubble just under the surface like a fleeing baitfish or you can rip it to create a huge splash of water and a stream of bubbles, or short jerks like you would a normal popper. Whichever method you choose it will be sure to get the fish's attention.
The smallest version, with a length of just 80mm and weighing in at 16g you can cast this lure a long way.

Luck Craft Gunfish 95

The Gunfish is already a classic sea bass lure. It is possible to work it even in the surf and it will still catch fish. Like the Patchinko, it too is a walk-the-dog lure that also spits and splashes attracting fish from a distance.
The Gunfish comes in four sizes: 75mm (6.5g), 95mm (12g) 115mm (19g) and 135mm (28g).

TackleHouse Feed Shallow 105

The TackleHouse Feed Shallow 105 is a great casting lure, is a proven fish catcher and swims at a maximum of 30cm which makes it great for working over the shallow reefs. You can still get it snagged though but if you swap the trebles for some single hooks then you have less chance of loosing it to the rocks (you actually get a better hookset with singles and less damage to the fish).

Rapala MaxRap 15

The Rapala MaxRap is the cheapest of my recommended lures and although the quality is not as good as the others (the split rings tend to rust and the paint has a tendency to peel) they are nonetheless good fish catchers. They also cast a fair distance and don't swim too deep.
Rapala are probably not having as much success with them as they anticipated and so they only offer two sizes now: the MaxRap-11 (13g) and the MaxRap-13 (15g). You can however still find the other sizes on eBay.

Like I said, these are my own recommendations based on my own personal experiences. There are of course a lot more similar lures on the market but I'll leave you with a word of advice: You only get what you pay for. If you want a long casting high performing lure that will catch fish then don't waste your money on cheap imitations.

Tight lines!

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Where to Fish - Ga'ash and Shefyim

Ga'ash and Shefyim

The coastline between Kibbutz Ga'ash and Kibbutz Shefyim has long stretches of reefs interspersed with a few sandy beaches. There are also a lot of submerged reefs in the shallow waters close to the shoreline as well as more reefs further out. These reefs offer cover and are an abundant food source for the many species of fish that are there.

Looking North from the Reefs at Ga'ash

When you arrive at the beach you can either head south or north. The southern part of the beach, which heads eventually to Shefyim, is mostly a long stretch of reef with relatively shallow water and interspersed submerged reefs. They provide good fishing for a variety of species especially bass, bluefish and, in the summer, blue runner.
The northern part of the beach is slightly different in that it also has a couple of stretches of sand which is a good place to fish with jigs and other lures that would otherwise get snagged on the reefs. If you continue to walk north you will eventually come to a flat reef which resembles a table somewhat that is about 40 meters from the shore. You can get out to it by wading over the rocks that lie between it and the shore. Be careful though if you decide to fish from there as if the waves are anything more than 50-80cm they will quite easily knock you off your feet.

Table Reef

Although the waters are relatively shallow, around the 1 to 1.5 meter mark, this doesn't hinder the fish, especially bass and bluefish both of which like to feed in the breaking surf, from coming close to the shoreline. It is not unusual to catch decent sized fish 15 to 20 meters from the edge of the reef.

A Small Blue Runner Caught on a Rapala CD-1

1 Kilo bass on a Gunfish 75

As you stand on the reefs and look carefully at the sea you will notice darker patches in the water. These darker patches are the submerged reefs. Find yourself a place where there is a good distance between these submerged reefs and fish there. Be careful of these submerged reefs as they are only about 20 to 30 centimeters below the surface and it is very easy to get snagged.

If you plan on fishing with lures then, unless you have found a good clear area, it is advisable to begin with a topwater lure until you get to know the area where you are fishing better. Saying that though the topwaters count for the most fish caught - especially bass and bluefish.

During the late spring and summer one can have great fun with ultra light gear. Even though the lures might be smaller you can still expect to catch some good sized fish.

Ultra Light Fishing from the Reefs

Getting There

If you are coming from the north then exit the Coastal Highway at the Hof HaSharon Interchange and continue past the first roundabout and then turn right at the second roundabout. Follow the road (it's a bit bumpy) until it curves left. The car park is on your right.
If you are coming from the south then exit the Coastal Highway at the Shefyim turn off. Turn right as you exit the underpass and then left at the second roundabout. Follow the instruction above to get to the car park.

After you park your car there is a gate in the left hand corner of the car park. Follow the path down to the beach and reefs.
Have a look at this map to help you get to the beach and reefs.

Tight lines!

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Where to Fish - Poleg

Poleg

Poleg Beach

The coastline at Poleg consists of a long sandy beach with a couple of areas of rocks and a section of reefs below the cliffs at its northern end.
The sandy beach (where the lifegaurd station is), although filled during the daytime with bathers in the summer months, is ideal for beach casting. There are no submerged reefs close to shore unlike the beach's northern end, and so it is possible to fish without the fear of getting snagged. Further up the beach the reefs start to appear, first as a few patches and then developing into a continuous reef system which is a great place to fish.

You can expect to catch sea bream at any time of the year, day or night whilst other species such as bass, bluefish, greater amberjack etc. can be caught a couple of hours either side of dusk or dawn between November to April. Bluefish can be caught year round but as with the others it is best a couple of hours either side of dusk or dawn.

2.58kg Bass Caught on a Patchinko 100

The reefs at the northern end of the beach are relatively flat and long and have a distinct edge about 10-12 meters from the shoreline. You can fish from the edge of the reef as the water is only about 5-10cm deep; there are however a lot of uneven areas where the water can be knee deep so you will need to watch your step as you move around.
After the 'edge' of the reef the reef continues underwater for quite a distance and is broken up into several large areas with a few deep channels in between. The submerged reefs are only about 30cm beneath the surface and it is very easy to get snagged on them. If you intend lure fishing and if you are not sure about how shallow the reefs are then go with a topwater lure to begin with until you get to know the reef better.

The Reefs at Poleg

There is also some very good fishing for gray mullet and sea bream on the reefs and a light rod with a small bobber float, using flour dough for bait will provide some good sport throughout the day.

Getting There

Exit the main Coastal Highway at the Poleg Interchange and head towards Netanya.
Turn left at the first set of traffic lights and then left at the second roundabout. Keep going until the turning on the right which takes you to the beach car park - there is a parking fee.

Alternatively you can continue along Ehud Manor and turn back on yourself at the roundabout at the end of the road, and park on the side of the road. Then walk over the sand dunes and down to the beach and reefs.

Have a look at this map to help you find your way to Poleg Beach and the reefs (you can clearly see the submerged reefs on the map - the dark patches in the water).

Tight lines!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Reef Fishing

Reef fishing in Israel generally refers to the coastal reefs that run the length of the Mediterranean coast from Rosh Hanikra in the North to below Ashkelon in the South. These reefs are not coral but rather limestone yet still have a healthy population of fish species. The reefs themselves have an abundant covering of a green and orange colored type of seaweed, which looks a bit like lichen, that the smaller species of fish feed on.
These reefs are generally made up of three distinct types. They gradually change from a flat horizontal type in the far North into a more rugged type with smooth semi-submerged plateaus in the central region to a gradual smoothing and tilting seawards with an increase of sparsity the further south they go.
The ones in the North near Rosh Hanikra are flat, sit just above the sea level (on a calm day) and extend about 5 meters out from the shore with submerged reef outcrops extending another 40 meters or so. Their edges are sudden drop offs into about 2 or 3 meters of water so be careful where you stand and where you move on the reef.

Rosh Hanikra

Coastline at Rosh Hanikra

The ones further south between Tel Dor and Michmoret are more rugged on the shoreline and the semi-submerged portions have a roundish shape and are inter-spaced with sandy stretches of beach. These reefs are flat and at their furthest point stretch about 25-30 meters from the shore also with submerged reef outcrops extending another 30 or 40 meters or so. These ones, unlike those at Rosh Hanikra, are partially submerged to an average depth of about 10cm (depending on the height of the sea - it can change by about 40cm sometimes) and have varying sizes of pot holes - some large enough for 3 people to stand in up to their waists.
Obviously you will need to be careful, especially when the waves are breaking over the reefs with the associated foam which hides these pot holes very well, this speaking from experience! Like the Rosh Hanikra reefs, these too have sudden drop offs into deep water so be careful.
If you intend fishing these reefs in low light conditions or after dark, be very careful and don't go alone; accidents do happen and it's better to be safe than sorry.

Reefs at Tel Michmoret

These large reefs with their surrounding deep water and their continuance underwater provide an excellent environment for an abundance of small fish species and the larger fish which feed on them.

In good lighting conditions it is possible to make out the underwater parts of the reef by their dark patches in the sea. The reef, as mentioned previously, can extend another 30-40 meters or so and usually have a varied topography with high points, gullies and sandy bottom patches. You can experiment fishing the reef's different features to find out where the fish are located. Fish such as grouper tend to be somewhat territorial whereas other species like bass, Spanish mackerel and barracuda will be on the move hunting prey; gray mullet and sea bream will also tend to move around but you can get them to hang around with some suitable groundbait. Do be careful with your terminal tackle as the reefs are very unforgiving.

Reefs at Sydney Alley

The third type of reef begins to transform from the previous type into a more gentle sloping kind that begin just south of Netanya and continue all the way to around Ashkelon in the South. This type of reef runs mostly parallel to the shore and can stretch uninterrupted for a hundred meters or so and differ from the other two types in that they mostly (more so from Ga'ash southwards) have a gentle slope disappearing into the sandy sea bottom. They don't extend that far into the sea, only about 3-10 meters and hence don't offer much in the way of deep water like the other types, only about 1.5 meters, but the fishing can still be great. Bass and bluefish for instance forage for prey really close to the shore where the waves are breaking. Other fish such as gray mullet and sea bream also come close inshore into the shallow waters to feed.

Reefs at Ga'ash

With regards to fishing styles that will of course depend on the species of fish that you are targeting. If it is predatory fish such as grouper, bluefish, bass or barracuda, then the best method is with artificial baits -- bass wedges (commonly referred to as 'nickel' here in Israel), soft plastics and hardbaits (mostly minnow shaped stickbaits, jerkbaits, topwaters etc.). If you are using hardbaits then shallow diving floating ones are best so as to avoid getting snagged on the shallow reefs.
If you are after sea bream, gray mullet and the like then small bobber floats with shrimp, offcuts of chicken breast or worms for sea bream or flour dough for gray mullet and sea bream. For the sandy bottomed areas between the reefs it is possible to use a sinker for extra distance but just be careful of the submerged reefs that you might not be able to see easily.

Tight lines!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Had a good morning's fishing last Saturday on the reefs at Kibbutz Ga'ash.
I got there just before 6am, whilst it was still dark, and met another lure angler in the car park getting his gear sorted out. We exchanged a "morning" and made our way down to the water together.
We got to the table reef (a flat section of reef that sits just below the water level about 40 meters out) and started to fish just as it started to get light. After an hour of fishing suddenly a large splash on the water about 15 meters in front of me and a fish is on. The bass put up a good strong fight on my ultra light gear and after a minute or so I managed to land a magnificent bass of a couple of grams under 1 kilo. A quick photo and the fish is back in the water - "Catch, Photo and Release" - that's the way it should be - especially for such a fine species as the sea bass!

For those interested the lure was a Gunfish 75 rigged with two #4 Gamakatsu Single Hook 53 Salt Plugging Lure Hooks:

I started using single hooks on my lures for a variety of reasons but that will be the subject of another post.....
In the meantime here are some directions to get to Ga'ash:

If you are coming from the north then exit the Coastal Highway at the Hof HaSharon Interchange and continue past the first roundabout and then turn right at the second roundabout. Follow the road (it's a bit bumpy) until it curves left. The car park is on your right.
If you are coming from the south then exit the Coastal Highway at the Shefyim turn off. Turn right as you exit the underpass and then left at the second roundabout. Follow the instruction above to get to the car park.

After you park your car there is a gate in the left hand corner of the car park. Follow the path down to the beach and reefs.
Have a look at this map to help you get to the beach and reefs.

Tight lines!

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Fishing in Israel has a new home!

Things get expensive from time to time and so I figured it was time to move my super duper fancy website to a more simplistic blog style.
This way it will be easier for me to update things and create shorter to the point posts.

Over the next little while I will be experimenting with the layout and boring stuff to make things look good and so that it should be easy to find what you are looking for.

I'm also thinking about creating a Google+ group for us English speaking Israeli sport fisherfolks - keep you posted.....