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.
Why I Went Back to Fixed Spool Reels (And Why I Wish I’d Done It Sooner)
The more I reflect on it, the more I wonder why it took me so long to return to using a fixed spool reel. It’s been just over three years since I made the switch, and what began as a practical decision has turned into something of a revelation.
Innovative Sea Fishing Rigs: A Clever Twist on a Classic Weak Link Design
While scouting a low water mark last week, I stumbled on a cleverly engineered sea rig that left me genuinely impressed. Based on the classic weak link release system familiar to many UK anglers, this rig featured a smart twist—allowing the lead to sit remarkably close to the bait clip,...
Species of the Month: Black Bream (Spondyliosoma cantharus)
Looking for exciting summer fishing on the south coast of the UK? One species that stands out is the black bream. Known for their powerful fight, striking silver-grey colour, and distinctive stripes, black bream are a top target for anglers fishing from beaches like Chesil, the Solent, and the rocky...
First Look: The Spooligan Wingman
If you're a sea angler who loves gear that's clever, reliable, and built to withstand the harshest of conditions, then you're going to want to check out this Spooligan Wingman. Swansea based Spooligan are quickly building a reputation for smart, no-nonsense angling accessories, and the Wingman is their latest innovation....
Species of the Month: Smoothhound (Mustelus asterias)
It just had to be the smoothhound for June. Sure, these sleek, hard-fighting sharks start making their presence known a little earlier down on the lower reaches of the Bristol Channel, but it's in June when they arrive in real numbers. And it’s often when the bigger, bolder specimens begin...
An unexpected Sole Session on the Bristol Channel
An unforgettable sea fishing session on the Bristol Channel saw me break away from routine and land a prized Dover sole — proof that bold choices can pay off. From unexpected catches to broken rods, it was a day of triumph, frustration, and discovery. Sometimes, the choices we make really...
Brean Beach Evening Bass Fishing
In need of a break from the daily grind, I joined my mate Martin for a peaceful fishing session at Brean Beach. Once a regular haunt and a favourite among match anglers, this laid-back spot delivered the perfect backdrop for an evening of simplicity, good company, and the tide’s quiet...
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,...