Latest Fishing Reports: East
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09/01/2023
Fishing Report by brian poppy
on Cleveland Princess (Lowestoft, Suffolk)
9 Jan 2023 by brian poppy
Report on-board Cleveland Princess
Monday 9th Jan with a bit of a blow off the West i took the party off the cliffs at Corton to keep in the lee of increasing wind the flood produced some decent upto 36cm but a lot of small fish were taking the baits as soon as they hit the bottom not giving anything else a chance but they did manage to latch into 3 nice Rooker best 7lb and 1 fat Spotty Dog no Cod or Dabs today well done all, Sunday 15th forecast is looking reasonable at the moment if any one is interested in a inshore trip.
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01/2023
Fishing Report by Scott Belbin
on Galloper (Brightlingsea, Essex)
Jan 2023 by Scott Belbin
Report on-board Galloper
Last year (2022) we had such a busy summer we struggled to find time to head off to the land of no fish (some of the marks a long way offshore) but we did manage a couple of days when weather, tides and people made it possible to go exploring. We had been busy bass fishing on a lot of the suitable tides and this had been prolific. Even when we did manage to get off to the land of no fish we were distracted by bass. We passed loads working on the steam in and out but chose to ignore them or we wouldn’t have time for everything. On the first day we headed in one direction with a plan for mixed fishing on wrecks, drifting for flatties ect and some bass on the way home. We started on the drift and the lads sent various rigs to the bottom trying to entice a plaice. Most of the lads were new to this so rigs and set ups took a little refining through the day. I got some feathers out to try and add some fresh bait to the table. It soon became clear there was no shortage of bass around as the first fish to come up on feathers and baits were bass. We picked a few mackerel up along with the odd gurnard, launce and horse mackerel. We decided to steam a little further and try some other marks we had drifted towards in the hope of some more mackerel and other species. We had some pouting, whiting and scad before setting another drift up for flatties. The tide was just coming right for the plaice but as we drifted down I could see a mass of birds working. We may not have been here for bass but the lads didn’t need asking twice if they wanted to go and catch some more. I set the boat up for the first drift on a blisteringly hot, flat calm sunny day. we drifted towards the boiling mass of fish and the lads sent their lures towards them. they were all into fish immediately of course and as they played them to the boat the mass of bass followed the exited fish towards us. the water visibility was at least 10ft that day and as we looked beneath the hooked fish the water was thick with countless bass under them. most fish were 4-7lbs but there were several doubles amongst them. it was like gazing down into a koi pond teaming with bass and the shoal was huge, stretching as far as I could see! what was the funniest thing though was the lads reaction. I often say that fishing seems to turn a 60 year old man into an excited schoolboy again but on this occasion some middle aged men were screaming at me like over excited girls. ‘I’ve got one skip’ was the first cry then ‘ I’ve hooked a cracking bass off the surface skip’ which turned into everybody going ‘look at them, there’s bass everywhere! Look at them look at all those bass!’ As if I don’t have eyes myself of course. It was amazing to see and the stuff of a bass anglers dreams. suddenly I found myself needing 6 landing nets all at once. We had a series of drifts through these over the next couple of hours we had several more drifts and lots more bass, a few mackerel and some scad. The bass were finicky at times and it seemed they were switched on to small bats that matched the whitebait they were feeding on. Several of the lads had great success on strings of mini sand eels with a slow pitch jig on the bottom. This would often result in 4 chunky bass over 4-5lbs coming in at a time though! The other lads persevered with surface lures and caught on all manor of lures. Although the fish were still feeding I did remind the lads that we had spent over 2 hours chasing these bass and if they wanted a shot at something else we should probably make a move. Although it was hard to drag ourselves away we did just that and I set up a drift for flatties again. The lads added dogfish to the list of species and shortly after some plaice too along with more gurnards and several pesky lesser weaver fish. as the tide got going we tried a few drifts on another mark on the way home. This produced more bass before we made tracks for the day. the bass had somewhat taken over our trip but they had been great fun, we had seen well in excess of 100 of them through the day and some cracking fish too. Of course the lads only kept their 2 per person and on days like this the bag limit is both a blessing and a curse. Some may say it is pointless catching so many without keeping them but to me that isn’t what angling is about. It’s best to fish for what’s there and the bass were there on that day for sure.
The next day were headed back offshore to the land of no fish again. This time I wanted to try and avoid the bass so headed so an area 10-15 miles away from the previous day. the weather was spot on again as we steamed out past yet another mass of birds working over bass. We ignored them in order to save time as we had even further to steam today. Plenty of yarns were shared and tea was downed to pass the time as the lads tackled up. I planned to fish an area we have caught several turbot, brill and blonde ray from but try fishing at anchor today. I was hoping this might allow us more time with our baits where the fish are as well as improving the chance of more rays. We had some mackerel left from the day before to start off but Fresh mackerel were plentiful here anyway so I could top up the bait as the lads got fishing. unsurprisingly the first fish to come out on our fresh mackerel baits were some dogfish and whiting. While feathering for mackerel myself and Alex also had horse mackerel, launce and Alex had a greater weaver! This is only the second one I have seen from the Essex coast. Alex’s dad Steve wasn’t left out either as he caught a small blonde ray. There were also a few tub gurnard caught before the tide began to ease.
We decided to take a run to a wreck over slack tide. we had 3 nice slow drifts of the wreck which produced several species. Near the surface there were still plenty of mackerel, as they neared the wreck there were lots of pouting and a few horse mackerel mixed in. the lads were mostly fishing baited feathers and a couple fished sidewinders. Steve Canham had a little codling while Alex had a pollock, uncle steve had another pollock as well as himself and dad managing to find a black bream each among the barrage of pouting. As the tide seemed to have turned we decided to drift another mark a few times before we had to head home. Aside from a few bites and small fish we didn’t get any turbot or brill which was a shame. All too soon we had to head home, unfortunately that long steam limits our fishing time. There were some bass feeding on the way home but they were a bit out of our way and it had already been a long enough day so we had to ignore them. It hadn’t been an electric day but it had been fun .it’s always nice to see different species, it’s just a shame that there weren’t a few more of them and a bit bigger size.
We had a few more runs to the land of no fish in 2023 but were mostly distracted by bass each time. They were generally a great stamp and numerous in places. We also had some more scad, pouting, mackerel, gurnard and pollock. The biggest going 5.8lbs.
I have individual spaces and possibility of full boat bookings over the coming 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
05/02-individual spaces £60pp or full boat bookings from £490
12/02- individual spaces £60pp or full boat bookings from £490 possible offshore trip upon request
18/02- individual spaces £60pp or full boat bookings from £490
19/02- individual spaces £60pp or full boat bookings from £490
25/02- individual spaces £60pp or full boat bookings from £490 possible offshore trip upon request
26/02- individual spaces £60pp or full boat bookings from £490
05/03- 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 View Boats Page
UPCOMING INDIVIDUAL SPACES ONBOARD Galloper
View Full Charter AvailabilitySat 08/02/2025 3 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp offshore tripView details Sat 22/02/2025 3 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 08/03/2025 3 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 15/03/2025 9 Spaces 10 Hours £60.00pp View details Sat 22/03/2025 1 Space 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 05/04/2025 2 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 19/04/2025 2 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 03/05/2025 1 Space 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 10/05/2025 9 Spaces 10 Hours £60.00pp View details Sat 17/05/2025 9 Spaces 10 Hours £60.00pp View details -
01/2023
Fishing Report by Mark Peters
on DAWN TIDE II (Wallasea Island, Essex)
Jan 2023 by Mark Peters
Report on-board DAWN TIDE II
Just a heads up & Reminder on 2023 availability onboard Dawn Tide II
It is getting very limited now especially during peak season so booking in advance is recommended if possible!
I will be putting on my evening Bass & hounds trips during the spring & summer again this year! This is ideal for those who can’t book ahead due to work & commitments & want to jump on last minute
Thanks everyone to the continued support can’t wait for it all to begin ��
www.dawntidecharterfishing.co.uk
07523 488290 View Boats Page
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02/01/2023
Fishing Report by brian poppy
on Cleveland Princess (Lowestoft, Suffolk)
2 Jan 2023 by brian poppy
Report on-board Cleveland Princess
Monday 2cd forecast was good enough to take a party of individuals off Corton plenty of small Whiting plus a few decent sized fish to keep best going 36cm a variety of baits were used but fish baits seem to be the best,the start of the flood we had 1x5lb Rooker that gave a good account of its self coming to the boat, for all the boys efforts no Cod today but a freind of mine found 4 they are very localised and very close into beech.Brian.
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01/2023
Fishing Report by Mark Peters
on DAWN TIDE II (Wallasea Island, Essex)
Jan 2023 by Mark Peters
Report on-board DAWN TIDE II
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Me & my family Just want to wish everyone a happy healthy new year!!
Thank you to everyone for the support & loyalty over the years im really looking forward to the new season ahead,
My 2023 diary is open & its looking to be another busy one thank you!! A Quick reminder that booking in advance is recommended for your preferred date especially during peak season!
2022 was a fantastic season especially targeting the bass offshore!! We had Lots of laughs lots of PBs & most of all lots of good times!!
My First trip of the 2023 season is tomorrow lets hope its a good start
Hope to See you all onboard soon!!
Heres my favourite picture of the 2022 when i took my boys on a quick session fishing inshore great memories & enjoying life!!
www.dawntidecharterfishing.co.uk
@dawntidecharters View Boats Page
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01/2003
Fishing Report by brian poppy
on Cleveland Princess (Lowestoft, Suffolk)
Jan 2003 by brian poppy
Report on-board Cleveland Princess
Hope you all had a great Xmas and will have an even better 2023,Iam making a trip up for Monday 2cd January as forecast is looking very good for a COD hunt,Call 07771926590.
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22/12/2022
Fishing Report by brian poppy
on Cleveland Princess (Lowestoft, Suffolk)
22 Dec 2022 by brian poppy
Report on-board Cleveland Princess
The Whiting have gone off a bit now and Sprats are in abundance we have done ok for the last few trips fishing inshore off Corton Cliffs a few small Cod have been caught and Rooker and a nice surprise on Friday a 58cm Bass around 4lb a few pictures and promptly released to spawn as if you all did not know there is a ban on taken these fish until March 1st,with xmas just around the corner i would like to wish you all a great time and look forward to seeing a few PBs in 2023 Tight Lines Brian & Paul ( INDIANA).
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22/12/2022
Fishing Report by Scott Belbin
on Galloper (Brightlingsea, Essex)
22 Dec 2022 by Scott Belbin
Report on-board Galloper
This week I thought I would focus on the coddling we have seen over the last couple of months on our general trips. since their disappearance 8 years ago we have all-but given up expecting to catch these fish. however this year has seen a slight improvement in their numbers even if the stamp isn’t huge. I have said the last few winters that I would be happy to average one per trip throughout the season. This may seem a low target but even this hasn’t been achievable of late. So I am pleased to have averaged just under 2 per general trip. Not bad considering we spend so much time chasing bass and even when we were on general trips we couldn’t always reach where to codling were due to weather or tides. Obviously these numbers are still woefully low in comparison to years gone by but hopefully it is a sign that all is not lost yet. Of course in between there have been numbers of thorn-backs, smooth-hounds and bass. Let alone huge volumes of whiting and dogfish interspersed with pouting and dabs at times. Keep an eye on the next few months offshore trips when our attention will turn to spur dogs, thorn-backs, smooth-hounds with a chance of bass or even a cod. Please get in touch if you want to have a go at these.
I have individual spaces and possibility of full boat bookings over the Christmas period if you want to get out.
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
27/12/22 Whole boat or individual availability for general trips
28/12/22- 7 spaces @ £60pp
29/12/22-offshore trip 3 spaces @ £100pp
31/12/22-possible offshore trip @ £100pp
01/01/23-possible offshore trip @ £100pp
02/01/23-possible offshore trip @ £100pp
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 View Boats Page
UPCOMING INDIVIDUAL SPACES ONBOARD Galloper
View Full Charter AvailabilitySat 08/02/2025 3 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp offshore tripView details Sat 22/02/2025 3 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 08/03/2025 3 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 15/03/2025 9 Spaces 10 Hours £60.00pp View details Sat 22/03/2025 1 Space 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 05/04/2025 2 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 19/04/2025 2 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 03/05/2025 1 Space 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 10/05/2025 9 Spaces 10 Hours £60.00pp View details Sat 17/05/2025 9 Spaces 10 Hours £60.00pp View details -
12/2022
Fishing Report by Scott Belbin
on Galloper (Brightlingsea, Essex)
Dec 2022 by Scott Belbin
Report on-board Galloper
As we head into spurdog season I thought I would give you all a gentle reminder of what our winter offshore trips can produce. This time I will look back at what we had earlier this year in anticipation of what may be on its way.
Trying to arrange offshore trips at this time of year is always a bit of a lottery. Getting those ducks to line up can be a real pain at times. Not only do we need enough people willing to head offshore on a long trip but we need them to be booked on the right tides and we need suitable weather. i ended up cancelling more trips than I have done in the past last winter and spring. Unfortunately after several years of commercial pressure the thorn-back rays weren’t as numerous as they had been so we had lost our ‘get out of jail card’ if the weather was marginal. Luckily a catamaran like the Galloper is more comfortable than most boats in a bit of weather so we can still get away with a lot.
Even so our eyes remain fixed on the weather each time the tides come around. Hoping that out of the unpredictable barrage of weather systems pushing through there may be a window for us to nip out in search of something different. Luckily the many sand banks within the greater Thames estuary afford us a lot of shelter from the right wind direction and they also break the seas up pretty well so swells can die away very quickly here.
Although we have got among some packs and seen some big numbers of spurs at times in the past. I am still happy when I see the first one on board each trip. Although the spurs have become our main focus on these trips I try not to make it entirely about one species. After all I accidentally bumped into these fish while chasing cod the first time. We continue to see some great variety on these trips and although the cod are pretty rare around here currently I still hold out hope of seeing one of these too.
Our first trip of last season was a nice little warm up to ease us in. as usual heaps of hungry dogfish wanted our baits and if we fished through these then we could catch the occasional whiting! Thankfully it wasn’t long before the first spurdog found its way up the scent trial to the boat. We sat it out and picked a few more up as the day went on. Over slack tide I decided to try another mark for the last hour and picked up a few more spurs, a couple of rays and a smooth-hound before home time. A lot of the spurdogs around here are double figure females and very fine looking fish too. Definitely worth catching.
We managed a couple more trips as the weeks passed by and we got closer to springtime and the hope of some slightly more settle weather. a few weeks into the season and we had a nice steady days fishing despite the wind and tide doing funny things. The spurs came thoughout the day. a small pack would pass through and result in a few more decent fish to the boat between the dogfish. of course there were smooth-hounds mixed in too. These may not be as big as some we catch kin the summer but are a welcome sight on a winters day. what the hounds lack in size the spurs make up for and with several doubles throughout the day the biggest fell to Wayne at 18.8lbs. this was one of over 30 spurs we had that day and the lads even snuck a couple of thorn-back out too.
I don’t know where I got the idea of springtime coming and with it more settled weather but it didn’t work out that way. When the weather was good the tides didn’t suit offshore. Every time the tides came around another weather system would push through. over a month had passed since our last trip offshore when those ducks did eventually line up. By then things had changed somewhat, the water was warming up and the fish were on the move. We had a few days on the bounce offshore and although we did find a few spurs they were mostly small males. Thankfully there were plenty of other species to be had. As well as the usual whiting, dogfish, thorn-backs and hounds wee saw several nice bass, a lot of herring and even quite a few mackerel for our efforts.
It would be easy to write off the spurs now but I have spent a lot of years chasing these fish now and have a fair understanding of their habits. The next opportunity came around and we found ourselves back out there looking for something different. As ever those lesser spotted dogfish were ravenous but the lads worked hard to get through them. Thankfully they were rewarded with some nice spurs to 17.8lbs plenty of hounds, thorn-back rays, pouting, whiting, bass and a fine blonde ray for Barry.
We lost the next set of tides to weather and with the water now getting quite warm and the fish spreading out I had all but written off the spurs. Towards the end of the season they are very hit and miss. Anybody can luck on one or two but just well they could miss them. As luck would have it we managed a couple more on general trips but they had one last hurrah for us. we were on an offshore trip with very little to show for our efforts. I thought we might luck out a spur but things weren’t looking great as the morning turned afternoon and afternoon turned to home time. Just as the tide came right Wayne (yes the same Wayne) leaned into a decent fish. it fought well and made our day as it was another high double figure spurdog for him. While we were unhooking this another rod leaned over. Before too long the lads were playing 4-5 double figure spurs at once. It was madness for the last hour or so with multiple hook up after multiple hook up. I simply couldn’t keep up with the net and disgorger. The lads were having to deal with the fish them selves as I tried to grab a couple of pictures and weigh the bigger fish. it was so busy that often their baits were barely touching the bottom before the rods were arching over! Barry (yes him again) managed the biggest at over 20lbs and many more were around the same size. It was a very busy hour or so to end the day with over 30 spurdogs and a great way to end the season.
As I mentioned earlier not every day is a red letter day like this and our winter offshore trips aren’t all about spurdogs but they tend to be our main focus currently. We will be running trips like this from now until the end of April and I have spaces this week (weather permitting) on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th. Next spaces after that are over the Christmas period. Please note I wont report on this years spurdog trips until I have finished fishing for them as too many people want to let me do the leg work for them. If you would like a trip out there either as a group or individual then please get in touch and book with me.
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
10/12/22 Whole boat or individual availability for general trips
16/12/22- offshore trip 4 spaces @ £100pp
17/12/22-offshore trip targeting spurdogs, smooth-hounds ect 3 spaces @ £100pp
23/12/22- Whole boat or individual availability for general trips
24/12/22-
27/12/22 Whole boat or individual availability for general trips
28/12/22 7 spaces @ £60pp
29/12/22-offshore trip 6 spaces @ £100pp
31/12/22-possible offshore trip @ £100pp
01/01/23-possible offshore trip @ £100pp
02/01/23-possible offshore trip @ £100pp
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 View Boats Page
UPCOMING INDIVIDUAL SPACES ONBOARD Galloper
View Full Charter AvailabilitySat 08/02/2025 3 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp offshore tripView details Sat 22/02/2025 3 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 08/03/2025 3 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 15/03/2025 9 Spaces 10 Hours £60.00pp View details Sat 22/03/2025 1 Space 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 05/04/2025 2 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 19/04/2025 2 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 03/05/2025 1 Space 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 10/05/2025 9 Spaces 10 Hours £60.00pp View details Sat 17/05/2025 9 Spaces 10 Hours £60.00pp View details -
05/12/2022
Fishing Report by Scott Belbin
on Galloper (Brightlingsea, Essex)
5 Dec 2022 by Scott Belbin
Report on-board Galloper
Our general trips remain productive, with a constant run of bits coming through. the whiting are on the baits instantly with the dogfish close behind. As ever in between we are catching rays, pouting, even late bass and a smattering of codling too. The easterly winds stopped us heading offshore for a couple of trips last week but we changed tack and kept the rods tips rattling inshore. the estuary is still loaded with whiting and dogfish the same as everywhere. The lads changed down to some flattie rigs and found snuck out a few dabs too. These were a welcome change in between the other fish on a windy day.
The Petley family and friends joined me for their pre-christmas get together and were un-detoured by a grey, December day and strong easterly wind. we crept a little further out to start with to make the most of the tide first thing. I warned the lads we may have to head closer once the tide died off but luckily the Galloper sat lovely all day. the fish even played ball too with 3 rays on the first cast! We kept plugging away all day with a couple of moves in between and a constant stream of bites and fish. Gary had set his sights low as he never has much luck on the boat. He told me on the way out ‘I will be happy with one fish Scott’. Now I must admit I like a low bar, it takes the pressure off me but I was sure he could do better than just the one fish. he ended the day with several ray and a codling as well as countless whiting and dogfish throughout the day. between them the lads had 11 rays and 4 codling with all of the other bits keeping us busy all day. I know it’s not going to break any records but surely better than being stuck inside watching TV?
Please note I have full boat availability both days this weekend (10th and 11th) and spaces offshore the week after.
Our next offshore trips will aim for spurdogs, smooth-hounds, rays and who knows what else as these trips can produce all sorts of fish. As ever I will hold back reports on these until after the season finishes in the end of April. If you want to get on board one of these trips then please get in touch. I have spaces for full boat bookings and individuals.
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
10/12/22 Whole boat or individual availability for general trips
11/12/22- Whole boat or individual availability for general trips
17/12/22-offshore trip targeting spurdogs, smooth-hounds ect 4 spaces @ £100pp
23/12/22- Whole boat or individual availability for general trips
27/12/22 Whole boat or individual availability for general trips
28/12/22 7 spaces @ £60pp
29/12/22-possible offshore trip @ £100pp
30/12/22-offshore trip 3 spaces @ £100pp
31/12/22-possible offshore trip @ £100pp
01/01/23-possible offshore trip @ £100pp
02/01/23-possible offshore trip @ £100pp
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 View Boats Page
UPCOMING INDIVIDUAL SPACES ONBOARD Galloper
View Full Charter AvailabilitySat 08/02/2025 3 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp offshore tripView details Sat 22/02/2025 3 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 08/03/2025 3 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 15/03/2025 9 Spaces 10 Hours £60.00pp View details Sat 22/03/2025 1 Space 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 05/04/2025 2 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 19/04/2025 2 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 03/05/2025 1 Space 12 Hours £100.00pp View details Sat 10/05/2025 9 Spaces 10 Hours £60.00pp View details Sat 17/05/2025 9 Spaces 10 Hours £60.00pp View details
