My Blog
Guided sessions, my own fishing and everything in between.
The Blog
A deeper look into life as The Gambling Angler
Welcome to the heart of The Gambling Angler — a space where the tide meets the tale. This blog is a living journal of my journey through saltwater fishing, chronicling everything from guided sessions on the open sea to quiet, personal outings where instinct and patience come together. Here, you'll find more than just catch reports; expect honest reflections, sharp insights into tackle and gear, and musings on the ever-evolving culture of angling. Whether it’s the thrill of the catch or the calm and quiet of nature between casts, this blog captures it all — the gamble, the glory, and everything in between.

The Night a Friend Searched for Me on the Cliffs—and What It Taught Me
There’s a quiet magic in off-grid fishing—just you, the sea, and the rhythm of the waves. But a recent night on a remote headland reminded me how quickly peace can turn to peril. When a friend showed up unexpectedly, worried for my safety, it drove home a truth we often...

Blue Skies, Cold Fingers, and a Bit of Fishing
Nothing beats the buzz of tackling a mark you haven't visited in some time; turns out that this was to be a prolific trip out, at least for one of us.... They do say that some anglers have all the luck, some struggle to find it and for whatever reason,...

Species of the Month: Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
May marks the start of prime bass fishing season on the Bristol Channel, one of the UK’s most dynamic and rewarding coastal fisheries. As water temperatures rise and daylight hours extend, bass begin to move inshore, making this the ideal time for anglers to target them along rocky outcrops, estuaries,...

Three Years with the Dongle – My Honest Thoughts and Why It’s Staying in My Sea Fishing Rig Arsenal
After three solid years of fishing with the dongle rig on the Bristol Channel, I’m sharing my honest thoughts on what works and what doesn’t

Species of the Month: Thornback Ray (Raja clavata)
April marks the beginning of an exciting period for shore anglers targeting thornback rays in the Bristol Channel.