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  • 07/08/2023 Fishing Report by Scott Belbin on Galloper (Brightlingsea, Essex)

    7 Aug 2023 by Scott Belbin

    Report on-board Galloper

    With our main tope season now behind us I thought it would be a good time to take a look back at this years efforts. as ever there was no shortage of effort from the lads and we managed to get out and fish for them on just about every suitable tide. the weather tried its best to curtail our efforts but with the right people on board, fishing the right area and luck on our side we managed to get all of our trips in. of course having a big catamaran like Galloper helps with this too and she certainly earned her keep again this year.
    As always with this kind of fishing it can bit hit and miss. After all we are targeting one specific species which just so happens to be an apex predator therefore is less numerous than other species lower down the food chain. That said we had tope on all but one trip and when we didn’t have tope we managed other quality fish such as decent bass, hounds or other species.
    The Thames estuary is renowned for big tope and although we may not see record breakers each year the average stamp is still good. Most trips we saw fish between 35-45lb with several below this and one or two above this size. The biggest of the year fell to Martin at 47lbs and our best day I my opinion was 6 tope between 35-45lb and several more lost or missed. The most we had was over 20 just 2 days later but not a ‘decent’ fish came to the boat.
    From any reports I have seen it looks like once again very few boats even bothered for tope locally. To be honest I only see the occasional private boat or very occasional charter boat targeting them around here now. one or two are caught as bycatch while fishing for other species but seemingly little interest or effort goes in. presumably that would put us as the tope tope boat locally but unfortunately by default rather than competition. This is not just lack of interest from skippers but more often lack of interest from anglers. so as ever I am grateful to the lads who invest their time and money with me. I am particular about how I like to target these fish and tend to vet the anglers that come toping with me. As I mentioned earlier these fish can be hit and miss so I was to stack the odds in our favour. With the lads that do join me I have faith that we will make the most of any chances that come our way. If you would like to join us tope fishing next year please get in touch and get a few trips in for other species first. There’s nothing worse than seeing an angler who’s not been out for a year loose the best fish of the day because he’s a bit rusty! These fish will find any weak point in you or your tackle but once hooked they are never forgotten.
    Special mentions to some of my regular tope anglers like both Barry’s, Wayne and Ian Hewett for your continued efforts. great to see you get some decent fish again this year though some were harder earned than others. Also to some of the newer additions to tope angling who caught their first big fish like Kevin and Martin. Once again thanks to all of you for your efforts and giving me an excuse to go hunting big fish.
    With our tope season finished most of our offshore trips from now to the end of November will be targeting bass in various places using various methods depending on conditions. From shallow water with worm and surface lures to deep water using lives and lures. Its nearly all light tackle and some of the best bass fishing you will find anywhere. this is better suited to beginners than my other offshore trips so you can hire tackle too. Please get in touch to be added to my mailing list or arrange individual or boat bookings.
    Our general trips are still fishing well too despite the unsettled weather. I will post a report on our latest catches soon.
    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
    09/08-full boat available from £490 or offshore trip available
    14/08-full boat available from £490
    15/08- full boat available from £490
    16/08- full boat available from £490
    17/08- full boat available from £490
    18/08-half day trip from £250 or full day trip both starting from midday
    22/08- full boat available from £490 or offshore trip available
    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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