Still plenty of nice codling and rays coming in at the moment along with whiting, dogfish and other species too. The weather has been all over the place of late but those codling seem to be drawing the lads out there despite this.
The lads from Suffolk police were faced with some unsavoury conditions for their trip last week. Given the option of a very early or very late start the lads opted for the later. I must admit as I drove down to the boat through the rain I was questioning our sanity. However the lads were keen as ever to get out on their first trip of the year. I was also relieved to hear that they had chosen not to have their usual match as they wanted to try for codling and these don’t score very well so it made sense. So armed with over 900 lugworm and a cool box of squid we made our way out into a strong east to south-easterly wind. I wasn’t sure how far we would get as there were sizeable white horses rolling in the entrance to the moorings but the conditions suited Galloper well and it was far more comfortable than expected as we punched down to our chosen mark. The late start meant we didn’t get any baits in the water until 10am so we would have as long with the wind and tide together as I would have liked. Thankfully we dropped straight onto the fish and in the first couple of casts a couple of codling came aboard for Tony and Adam. The obligatory dogfish and whiting soon followed along with more codling and one or two rays. Condition deteriorated as the day progressed with sleet and snow flurries but the lads effort didn’t. by high water we had exceeded my expectations but still hoped for more so had a move over slack tide. to my surprise the next tide fished well too with a couple more codling coming aboard shortly followed by more rays. The lads had endured enough by now so we called it a day at 4pm and headed for home. It may not have been the biggest catch of the week but it was a rewarding one in challenging conditions. I was really pleased to see 12 codling and 8 rays among the dogfish and whiting on a day like that. As many of you know I don’t like to say nice things too often, particularly about serving and former police officers. However full credit to the lads for putting in the effort in those conditions, I think they enjoyed it as much as they endured it. there were times when I looked out at the snow settling one their backs and shoulders. which made me consider turning the wheelhouse heating off in solidarity but I thought better of it as they kept dragging me out to net fish.
For any cod police or wannabe grettle thunderbirds please scroll on past. Some codling were harmed in the making of this report. The fish that were kept were over 100mm the 35cn minimum landing size for cod. They were caught in the most sustainable way and many were returned. If you want to harass or troll somebody please find one of the many local commercial boats targeting these same fish, keeping them far small and keeping many times more. If you wish to make a real difference then your time would be better spent lobbying for a larger size limit and commercial restrictions. I feel I have to put this as several people seem to feel the need to pick on fellow anglers and charter boats that are far from the real problem with fish stocks and I am fed up with it.
Further afield we are chasing spurdogs, hounds, rays, bass and other species. There is of course a good chance of seeing a cod off there too and with any luck a proper one at that.
I have individual spaces and possibility of full boat bookings over the coming weeks and months if you want to get out.
Please be advised that a steady trickle of dates are filling up for 2023 so please get in touch asap if you require a specific date.
Remember it is often worth giving me a shout if you are cancelled else where and still wish to get out, as we have lots of sheltered fishing available and a big catamaran which makes it even more comfortable.
Spaces as follows
19/03- individual spaces £60pp or full boat bookings from £490
01/04- individual spaces £60pp or full boat bookings from £490
02/04- individual spaces £60pp or full boat bookings from £490
09/04-6 spaces @ £60pp
10/04-01/04- individual spaces £60pp or full boat bookings from £490
14/04-offshore trip 6 spaces @ £100pp
16/04- individual spaces £60pp or full boat bookings from £490
Not all dates advertised, other spaces available for full boat bookings upon request
For regular updates, availability and more information please visit www.essexseafishing.co.uk find us on social media or call Scott on 07956411528
