26th February 2001
REPORT FOR THE HUMBER TO THE THAMES
Colin Bond, who runs the Skerry Belle from Southend, had his best haul this year so far with 28 roker to 13lb 8oz, plus some whiting. If you want to take benefit from this good fishing, phone him on 01702 390842.
The beaches are fishing at night for small flounders on the shore at Southend. Thorney Bay is producing some flounders and small bass. Several flounders from Grays Wharf on rag and maddies, the fishing at Stanford plus a few smelt. Dave Godwin from Wallasea also reports an upsurge in fishing on Sunday, with boats finding fish moved over ground fished on Saturday for almost nothing. Codling to 5lb, roker to 12lb,some large whiting, dabs, as well as an eel. The roker should move up the river over the next set of big tides.
The codling fishing has also improved at Bradwell, although not too many roker showing at the moment. Up to 20 codling per boat to about 5lb on lug tipped with squid baits. The first of this year’s baby 6-8″ codling starting to show.
The beaches at Clacton and Walton remain quiet whilst the pier at Walton has codling, whiting and dabs. Just to show us that he can fish, that Dave Brown at Breakaways won a match at Leiston with a weight of 2lb 2oz. He wanted to talk more about that than the fishing, the truth is he does not normally win or there is no fish to report?? Ring him for his story on 01473 741393.
Lawrence at Castaways reports that he has heard of several spring codling from most areas, with fish around the 2lb 8oz mark. The best he has heard of is 5 fish to one man at Jacobs Ladder, near Felixstowe. The boats are landing fish to 10lb from his region. Give him a ring, make him happy on 01394 278316.
Doug at Tackle and Tide is very happy with lots of codling and dabs from Pakefield and Lowestoft. The Yarmouth beaches are producing dabs, codling and school bass, the same can be said for Hopton and Minsmere. Walcott, Cart Gap and Trimmingham, are the top spots around Martin’s patch at Cromer. Head there for some flounders and codling.
The cod have turned up at Doverstrand in the deeper water, around bays 19-28, fish up to 4lb on worm baits. Top spots to head for are Cleethorpes prom, fish either side or behind the leisure centre on big tides for flounders to 2lb on rag and worm baits or worm tipped with mussel. Humberstone Creek is fishing well for lots of flounders on the smaller tides, try one hour before high and 3 1/2 hours down, with size 2 hooks. Baits are available from Cleethorpes Angling Centre on 01472 602002.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Pakefield
Current Form
Lots of spring codling and dabs moved in, which should last for a few weeks yet.
Bait
As per most marks, the same old lug, black lug and lug tipped with squid.
Tackle and Tactics
For the dabs you should cast between 30-90 yards, which means anybody can have a successful days fishing. The rig needed is a 2 or 3 hook flapper using size 2 3261 or Kamasan B940’s. For the cod you should have a 1 or 2 hook clipped down using size 1/0 3261 as you generally need to be at distance during the daylight unless the water is very cloudy.
Location
Follow the A12 to Lowestoft, and then take the road to Pakefield. Once at Pakefield you can fish either side of the boats on the beach. It is snaggy in front of them or fish by the Jolly Sailor pub, which is on the cliffs.
Local Tackle Shop
Tackle and Tide
01493 852221
SKIPPERS SPOTLIGHT
Lady Lucy
This is a relative new boat on the scene, it has been working since August 2000. It can fish 10 anglers in comfort, with ladies and children welcome. Bait and tackle can be supplied, and the boat has a toilet and galley. 4, 8 and 12 hours trips can be booked, any day of the week. The boat is licensed for up to 60 miles, so for a trip out phone Phil on 01702 546921,
