Hints

Put plenty of backing on the reel, most sea fish pull a lot harder than pond rainbows!

Wrasse, mullet and garfish are apt to attack the tail of a fly, so when they are about avoid long streamer patterns, or fit a second 'stinger' hook in the tail.

DON'T take your favourite gear on your first trip, when you've a feel for it you may decide it'll be O.K. Sand, rocks, pebbles, grit, shells, rotting seaweed and salt water will test your gear, use the spare set 'till you're sure.

Get a line tray, loose line left to dangle in the surf will always tangle, and shore crabs will grab it at night. ( No, I don't know why they do it, it's quite a shock when a fish strips the loose line through your fingers and a crab suddenly smacks into the palm of your hand! )

Most fish can be landed without a net. Waders are useful even if you stay on the beach. Carry a torch if you'll be staying 'till dusk. Bring a spare pullover.

Wear polariods by day, and some sort of eye protection at night, there is usually a wind by the sea, and a hook in the eye is always inconvenient.

Keep a sharp eye out behind you, longshore strollers are not used to fly fishing backcasts, but they are often very curious. If you can wade out a little and keep your backcast over water then there is much less danger.

You shouldn't fish a rising tide in the dark unless you know the area well by day, and NEVER NEVER NEVER wade a rising tide at night without a companion who also knows the spot by day.