This breakwater, which offers first-class sport all year, is the only one left on the island where access is not a problem at any time. The back wall is best over high water, but the front can be better over low to avoid the strong tide sweeping around from the end. Try the back wall for wrasse and conger eels or try the front and end for coalies, mackerel and pollack. Conger eels can be taken during daylight, but the best come from the back wall at night.
SPECIES
The most likely fish you will encounter are ballan wrasse, conger eels, coalfish, Pollack and mackerel. However, there can be the odd surprise species turn up at any time.
BEST BAITS
A medium-sized sandeel is spun for pollack and mackerel, while the wrasse are tempted by ragworms, lugworms, peelers and best of all a small hardback crab. Use mussels, peeler crabs, razorfish and queenie frills for coalfish. A fillet of mackerel or a small calamari squid will tempt a conger, but it pays to rebait every 20 minutes because cuckoo wrasse strip a bait in no time.
TACKLE
Spinning rods of 10ft cope with everything except conger eels. A one-up, one-down rig is ideal to lower down the side for coalies. A good sturdy boat rod and 4/0 size reel loaded with 60lb line is needed to coax conger eels around to the steps. Be prepared to lose tackle in the kelp off the back wall.
GETTING THERE
Head for the south of the island and follow the many signposts to Port St Mary. Go around the one-way system, which leads to the breakwater. Drive down to the end and park alongside the back wall.
TACKLE SHOP
Hobbytime, 8 Castle St, Douglas, tel: 01624 625720 or 621562.
