Light Rock Fishing (LRF) , is a modern ultra light lure fishing style born by Japanese anglers and introduced to the UK a few years ago via a group of Bass fishing guides from the Jersey Isles who were looking for a way to increase their fishing season once the Bass fishing tailed off around November.
So what is LRF?
Countless hours of research ensued as they tried to translate information from Japanese forums and videos on Youtube in the quest to gain more knowledge about this exciting new method. Over the last 2 years there has been a rapid growth in the UK as more and more anglers want to sample this no stress, multi species, lure fishing fun. A prime example of this was on a recent episode of Keith Arthur’s “Tight lines” on Sky Sports which was devoted to LRF; this has been great exposure for the sport and will no doubt contribute towards it’s popularity for years to come. There have also been a few articles recently in both Sea Angler and Total Sea Fishing Magazine.
LRF has opened up a new dimension to the anglers, allowing them the opportunity to fish for species never before targeted with conventional lure and bait tactics. This modern light approach has opened anglers attitudes, fun can be had from all species regardless of size or quantity. Enjoying the true essence of angling!
This is a great way to get people into fishing, especially youngsters. It requires very little skill or fishing knowledge to start catching fish. You don’t even need to learn to cast! Surely this would hook more people?
Flounders are great fun on LRF tackle
What species can I expect to catch?
Everything! Here’s a list of species that you can catch using LRF tactics.
Gobies, Dragonet, Blenny’s, Wrasse, Flounder, Turbot, Allis Shad, Rockling, Pouting, Mackerel, Poor Cod, Mullet, Sea Scorpion’s, Bass, Pollock & Coalfish. This method can also be used in freshwater for the like of Trout and Perch! One question we get asked a lot from guys unfamiliar with LRF is “why do you want to catch those little tiddlers”? LRF is not just about catching small fish, yes you can fish in rock pools, harbours etc embarking on mini species hunts but that’s not just what LRF is about, fishing with ultra light tackle will give you the best possible presentation of ultra light lures & jigs occasionally weighing less than 1g! It’s quite remarkable what has been caught so far on LRF tackle, 6lb plus Bass, 3lb plus Wrasse & 4lb plus Pollock.
How awesome is that?
Rockcook Wrasse have such vibrant blue markings
The most important aspect of any type of lure fishing is to balance your tackle. Trying to present a 1g jig using 30lb braided mainline and a 9ft 15-50g casting weight rod is going to be difiicult, yes you will catch fish but scaling down will allow you to present these ultra light lures in a more natural way, give you more feel, fish more efficiently and ultimately catch more fish!
Light Rock Fishing Tackle
Rods
Rods best suited for the job are generally between 6ft and 8ft in length and with a casting weight ranging between 0.5- 8g. You then have to decide between solid tipped or tubular tipped. Solid tips are very sensitive, more durable and offer better visual control. Tubular tips have a faster recovery once compressed, ultimately allowing you to cast further. They also transmit more feel. The choice is yours