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  • 11/04/2023 Fishing Report by Scott Belbin on Galloper (Brightlingsea, Essex)

    11 Apr 2023 by Scott Belbin

    Report on-board Galloper

    With fine weather and plenty of fish around I have too much to include in a single report so I will post a few short reports over the coming days.
    Of course not wanting to break a great British tradition bank holiday Monday was wet and windy. Not wanting to miss out on all the fish around we made the most of the working a big catamaran from the blackwater estuary. to be honest part of me enjoys the extra challenge of finding some decent fish in these conditions as well as having the place to myself.
    With the group largely made up of regular individuals pushed a fair way out in the hope of a mixed bag. Unfortunately as the anchor went down the rain set in and stayed with us for several hours. There were no shortage of bites from those pesky dogfish but several smooth-hounds amongst them. as the tide got going we saw some rays mixed in too and then our first bass for Alex. It was a nice little table sized fish which was followed soon after by another for Kevin. By now we were all soaked and the driest thing on the boat was Marks sarcastic comments about how the weather was improving! Thankfully the net was getting wet regardless of the rain. As I was making another cup of tea Barry called for the net telling me Mark was into something very lively. I put the tea on hold and we waited with baited breath to see what came out of the murky depths. to our delight a big bar of silver broke the surface and was guided expertly into my net by Mark. We quickly photographed and weighed her before returning her to the sea. We settled on a weight of 9.10lbs which certainly brightened up a rainy day for us. soon after the clouds cleared to reveal a bright but breezy afternoon. By the time we had started to dry out it was time to head home with some great fish for our efforts, obviously Marks bass was fish of the day and just goes to show you have to be in it to win it, we certainly wouldn’t have caught it from the sofa!
    SPACES THIS SUNDAY PLEASE SEE AVAILABLE DATES AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS REPORT.
    In general there are plenty of fish out there at the moment. Depending on where we fish there are hoards of dogfish and whiting around at the moment. These do keep us busy but can become a nuisance when they mask the hook which potentially prevents a better fish taking the bait. It is therefore worth checking baits very regularly at the moment.
    When we can find our way past these fish there are good numbers of thorn-back rays to be had. These may not be the same quantities as the recent past but we have enjoyed several days with 20-30 rays per day on board over the last few trips.
    The numbers of smooth-hounds are improving each week. these early fish make a very welcome addition to our catches. They are showing on most trips and we have seen several days with 10-20 mixed in with the rest of the fish. as the shore crabs start to peel in the next few weeks the numbers of bigger hounds should arrive.
    Its been nice to see a few bass coming out too. One or two table sized fish here and there with better numbers in some places than others. These too will increase in numbers over the coming weeks.
    Further afield we are chasing spurdogs, hounds, rays, bass and other species including the occasional codling 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.
    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
    14/04-offshore trip 4 spaces @ £100pp
    16/04- 8 spaces @ £60pp
    20/04-1 space @ £60pp
    22/04-1 space @ £60pp
    29/04-offshore trip 5 spaces @ £100pp
    30/04-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

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    UPCOMING INDIVIDUAL SPACES ONBOARD Galloper
    Fri 27/12/2024 3 Spaces 12 Hours £100.00pp
    Offshore trip
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    Sat 28/12/2024 8 Spaces 10 Hours £60.00pp
    General trip
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    View Full Charter Availability