More angling hints and tips from Ted Tuckerman.

As the boat drifted lazily across the wreck, a couple of rods were doubled over as two powerful predators tried to retreat to the safety of the twisted metal, and within no time a ling and a pollack dropped onto the deck. A welcome sight because the once prolific ling have been scarce for many years.

In the not too distant past ling (Molva molva), with their long cod like bodies and big mouth filled with extremely sharp and menacing teeth, were more prolific than conger, growing to between four and six feet in length and are one of the most prolific breeders; the British record stands at 59.8.0.

Nigel Foord - Torbay & Babbacombe ASA Ling - 33.3.0

In times gone by, fish regularly topped 30lb and often 40lb, but of late a mid 20lb fish was considered big. Now they are making a comeback with a handful recorded this year from south Devon wrecks topping 30lbs.

Ling are not easy to target because conger will also grab the bait, a mackerel flapper being one of the better baits on an 8/0 hook. Despite the sharp teeth a white nylon trace of 250lb BS should suffice, but keep an eye on it and replace if it gets chaffed.

Ling will take a lure, this will keep the conger at bay, but not pollack and cod, a shad is one that is successful at times. Lures, though, are not as attractive as fresh bait. Pout also make good bait. For eating they have a lovely flaky flesh like cod; small fish are best.

We are now coming into the main tope season. They are, unfortunately, listed as an endangered specie making it an offence to retain one. You can catch and keep it on film but it must be returned alive to the water so, when handling, do it with great care and avoid dropping it on the deck and rupturing its internal organs and do not squeeze its tummy when posing for the picture.

They are great sport on light tackle; a 12lb test rod with line 12lb to 18lb is an ideal combination. There are a variety of baits that will excite them: fresh mackerel, either as a flapper or a fillet, launce and flounder or dab. Using a circle hook will make sure it is only hooked in the corner of the mouth and is easy to remove; use wire hooks so if one has to be left in the mouth it will disintegrate in a few days.

Finally, sea anglers have a new leader. Richard Ferre, who followed me as chairman of the NFSA, has retired after three years in the post. The new man at the helm of the Angling Trust Marine group is Stuart McPherson, a retired senior police officer with more than 40 years' senior management experience in the police service and with a private company.