Latest Fishing Reports: Galloper

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  • 30/05/2023 Fishing Report by Scott Belbin

    30 May 2023 by Scott Belbin

    With the summer fishing now ticking along nicely I thought I would take a look back at our early season offshore trips where our main target is spurdog nowadays. It was a funny season really with us missing some of the best tides due to weather or not being booked. As ever the fish were hit and miss. This is often the case when targeting a particular species especially one as mobile as a pack of spurs. It’s easy to come to expect these fish after seeing some great catches in recent years but I always say I am pleased once the first one comes over the rail and ticks the box.
    Its interesting to see how the size of fish seem to vary from one pack to the next, as does the colour. I certainly don’t think these fish are wall to wall in this area and I am concerned about increased commercial pressure in them.
    although we started the season well the fish weren’t of the stamp we have come to expect around here. Surely enough we did find some nice double figure fish after a while and it was great to see some of the lads breaking their PBs. Adam had set out to catch a decent spurdog this year and achieved it with a nice mid-double but was pipped to the biggest fish by Chris with a lovely fish of over 18lbs! it wasn’t just Spurs coming out of course and we saw some decent bass, hounds, rays and even a stray codling for Wayne. All the while those delightful dogfish and whiting keeping us busy.
    On a couple of sets of tides when the spurs went off the boil we went in search of other fish. the lads adapted nicely and we had a pleasant trip on the plaice as well as a couple hours catch pollock and coalfish on another day.
    Numbers varied from a couple of days with no spurs (although other species) to a few days on 6-15 spurs among the other fish. to be honest after many years of successfully targeting these fish I am quite pleased with these numbers particularly considering I havnt heard of any other local charter boats catching as much as one this year I cant complain. Of course the promise of a red letter day is what keeps us going through the hard days. We cant always have them but they are days that we dream of. Thankfully we managed to luck out a red letter day once again this year too.
    With no signs of spurs for a while it was looking like we wouldn’t see any at all until around 14.20hrs Alex got into something that was fighting very much like a spur. Sure enough a very dark ‘black dog’ broke the surface and was netted. She was a decent fish of high doubles and a new PB for Alex. I commented that hopefully this could be the sign of things to come. It was around half an our later when the next spur came aboard. Yet again a big dark upper double figure fish. it was around 1500hrs when the pack really descended upon us. before we knew it we had various multiple hook ups on our hands. On several occasions every rod that was in the water was onto a fish. there were PBs being smashed all over the place. We had another 2 hours of fishing before I had to drag the lads away from the fish and start the long journey back to Essex. just to give you an idea of how busy the fishing was even when we packed up they were still well on the chew. Barry had just landed a high double figure fish as I started the engines. As I went to haul the anchor he was already re-baited so I said to cast out and I would tell him when the anchor had lifted from the bottom so he would have to reel in. so he cast out, let the weight settle on the bottom and held his rod all while I had already been hauling the rope in. right on que he had a couple of pulls and was into another fish. by the time I had stowed the anchor he had the last spur of the day which they had already weighed at 18.8lbs.
    That put the tally to 65 spurs in all (although I may have missed a few in the frenzy) there were 4 over 20lbs and several more over 19lb with most fish mid-double figures and one or two that may not have made the 10lb mark although we didn’t weight them or give them a second glance to be honest. not bad for around two an a half hours of fishing, put it into context in comparison to the other local charter boats currently operating in the this area we had more in the last two hours than most of them have had in their career! Although it may not beat our best day which was 88 spurs, this truly was fantastic angling and we were lucky to experience it. I owe it to the lads who invest their time and money with me each year in search of these fish and others.
    We will of course be hunting spurdogs again next year so feel free to get in touch to book your tides. Please remember this is only really suitable for experienced anglers with their own tackle. If you don’t have suitable tackle then you are welcome to join us on a general trip until you find your feet.
    On our general trips lately we have seen some fantastic numbers of bass, smooth-hounds and still some rays.
    Please get on touch with me for full boat bookings or individual spaces. I can also add you to my messaging list when I am trying to put offshore trips together. Please note that Galloper is a big, fast catamaran with a genuine 60mile code of practice. Not something many local boats can boast these days. All of this helps with our offshore trips and very few local boats can boast a a success rate like ours either.
    The hounds will be inshore in numbers until September and we should see plenty more good days and decent fish between now and then.
    I have plenty of spaces on general trips for full boat bookings and individuals. I also have spaces for tope, plaice and bass coming up soon so please get in touch.
    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
    01/06- general trip full boat bookings from £490
    06/06-full boat available from £490
    07/06 full boat available from £490
    08/06 full boat available from £490
    11/06-offshore tope trip 3 spaces @ £100pp (own tackle required bait supplied at extra cost)
    13/06-plaice and bass trip 2 spaces @ £110pp
    14/06 full boat available from £490
    15/06 full boat available from £490
    16/06 full boat available from £490
    19/06-8 spaces @ £60pp
    24/06- offshore tope trip 5 spaces @ £100pp (own tackle required bait supplied at extra cost)
    25/06- offshore tope trip 87spaces @ £100pp (own tackle required bait supplied at extra cost)
    29/06 full boat available from £490
    30/06 full boat available 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

  • 26/05/2023 Fishing Report by Scott Belbin

    26 May 2023 by Scott Belbin

    There has been steady numbers of hounds this week along with several rays and increasing amounts of bass. In fact on Jon's trip we couldn't get away from them. Starting on lures, then bait fishing catching hounds, rays and more bass on bait. In between we had another play with the bass as we moved and again when we packed up. There was just no getting away from them. I have spaces on bass trips between now and December or if you would like to get out sooner I have spaces this Bank holiday Monday on a general trip @ £60pp please call me on 07956411528 or +44 7791 859624 for more information.

  • 22/05/2023 Fishing Report by Scott Belbin

    22 May 2023 by Scott Belbin

    This week I thought I would take a look back at last years tope fishing and remind you that we have spaces over the next 6-8 weeks tope fishing offshore aboard the Galloper. I wont take beginners off there so you will need to be experienced with your own tackle for these trips. I have plenty of availability on general trips for everybody else.
    We managed a good few tope trips in 2022, many Pb’s were broken and as usual several good fish lost too. After a few smaller fish the first decent tope of the year was a nice male of 43lb. our next trip was a few weeks later but the fish were still there and Mick had the biggest of the day at 43lbs. the bigger fish proved elusive for a couple of trips but by the time Tonys group joined us they were feeding well. Kevin had two over 40lb before 10am(44lbs and 43lbs). Graham had the next big girl weighing in at 44lbs followed by Tony with a fish of 35lb and several smaller pack tope mixed in.
    The following trip was the busiest of the year with a total of 14 for the day. this consisted of several pack fish some in the 7-12lb range. A few between 20-35lb and a brace of 41lb fish for Barry and Charlie. Rolf topped the day off with a cracking fish just shy of 50lb (I gave him 49.8lb). caught on his spare rod (a tubertini continental match rod) which he was using while he re-tackled his uptider. We wont forget that one in a hurry! Interestingly Rolf had been out with me just two days before fishing the same area when we had struggled to find any decent fish. I always appreciate being given a second chance and what a pay off for him!
    As ever Ian Hewett put in some serious time and effort with us. not least when he hired the boat to himself for a days tope fishing. it wasn’t thick and fast but after Ian had checked his knots by dragging in a heavy bundle of tangled rope, wire and weed we were confident his gear could stand up to the fish. we did find a few fish in the afternoon and Ian boated 4 tope and lost one. A brace of 30’s and a brace of 40’s which I think we were both pleased with.
    Please get on touch with me for full boat bookings or individual spaces. I can also add you to my messaging list when I am trying to put offshore trips together. Please note that Galloper is a big, fast catamaran with a genuine 60mile code of practice. Not something many local boats can boast these days. All of this helps with our offshore trips and very few local boats can boast a a success rate like ours either.
    The hounds will be inshore in numbers until September and we should see plenty more good days and decent fish between now and then.
    I have plenty of spaces on general trips for full boat bookings and individuals. I also have spaces for tope, plaice and bass coming up soon so please get in touch.
    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
    26/05- tope trip 4 spaces @ £100pp (own tackle required bait supplied at extra cost)
    27/05-tope trip 1 space @ £100pp (own tackle required bait supplied at extra cost)
    30/05-general trip full boat bookings from £490
    31/05- general trip full boat bookings from £490
    01/06- general trip full boat bookings from £490
    03/06-3 spaces @ £60pp
    05/06-6 spaces @ £60pp
    09/06-tope trip full boat bookings from £700
    11/06-offshore tope trip 3 spaces @ £100pp (own tackle required bait supplied at extra cost)
    13/06-tope trip full boat bookings from £700
    18/06-7 spaces @ £60pp
    19/06-9 spaces @ £60pp
    24/06- offshore tope trip 6 spaces @ £100pp (own tackle required bait supplied at extra cost)
    25/06- offshore tope trip 8 spaces @ £100pp or full boat from £700 (own tackle required bait supplied at extra cost)
    28/06- offshore tope trip 8 spaces @ £100pp or full boat from (own tackle required bait supplied at extra cost)


    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

  • 15/05/2023 Fishing Report by Scott Belbin

    15 May 2023 by Scott Belbin

    The smooth-hounds have been showing in great numbers so far this year. Our best trip so far was very busy with me clocking 116 smooth-hounds for the day although I am sure I didn’t get them all. There were a few double figure fish mixed in there but the majority were smaller. Some of the biggest fish fell to Cem, Richard, Kevin and Nick. As usual they provided great sport on light tackle as did the rays, bass, whiting and dogfish we caught that day.
    Nick was also pleased to catch his first bass, not a bad way to start either at over 4lbs. I’m sure he would have been satisfied with the 2-3lber he had later in the day as his first one! Nick has been out with us a lot the last few weeks and seems to be reaping the rewards with decent days on rays, hounds, plaice and bass to his name. it’s always nice to be part of somebodies angling journey and nick is certainly putting in the effort.
    The hounds will be inshore in numbers until September and we should see plenty more good days and decent fish between now and then.
    I have plenty of spaces on general trips for full boat bookings and individuals. I also have spaces for tope, plaice and bass coming up soon so please get in touch.
    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
    26/05- tope trip 4 spaces @ £100pp (own tackle required bait supplied at extra cost)
    27/05-tope trip 1 space @ £100pp (own tackle required bait supplied at extra cost)
    29/05-offshore plaice/bass trip 4 spaces @ £110pp worm required at extra cost
    05/06-8 spaces @ £60pp
    11/06-offshore tope trip 8 spaces @ £100pp (own tackle required bait supplied at extra cost)
    18/06-7 spaces @ £60pp
    19/06-9 spaces @ £60pp

    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

  • 13/05/2023 Fishing Report by Scott Belbin

    13 May 2023 by Scott Belbin

    Despite the decline in rays, Les Andrews and his crew have managed over 20 each trip the last couple of months. It may not be the big numbers we were seeing a few years ago but still a respectable amount together with a few bass and hounds. Barry had the biggest bass this trip. Once again no need for long arms and big fingers.
    i have room for full boat bookings this tuesday, thurday and friday.
    next individual spaces on
    20/05-1 space @ £60pp
    29/05-offshore trip 8 spaces @ £100pp
    05/06-8 spaces @ £60pp
    11/06-offshore trip 8 spaces @ £100pp
    18/06-8 spaces @ £60pp
    19/06-9 spaces @ £60pp

    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

  • 09/05/2023 Fishing Report by Scott Belbin

    9 May 2023 by Scott Belbin

    We had a very pleasant trip offshore the other day. With bright sunshine and no wind we headed for the horizon with lots of options depending on the conditions. We decided to give it a go for plaice as I felt conditions suited them and we had explored other options in previous trips. Several of the lads hadn't caught them before so we scrapped together some traces and gave it a go to see what was showing. The first drift showed signs of life with a nice plaice for Chris early on as well as several missed bites. Over the next few drifts we refined our rigs, the lads tuned into the bites and I smartened up our drifts. It was great to see some of the lads like Chris, Mick and Nick getting into this way of fishing. They may have never fished like this before but they were still catching a steady stream of fish with several double shots coming out. To be honest they were out fishing some of the more experienced lads at first! After the tide turned the fishing seemed to turn up a notch and by now everybody was catching. Wayne had a pretty little tub gurnard and there was a good number of dabs thrown in too. Not that we were complaining but dogfish were noticeable in there absence. Only around 6 came out all day. The lads kept 20 odd plaice for the pot and let as many again go. I must admit I thought there might be a few but it was as good as I've seen for Essex plaice fishing in years. Of course we would have liked to have seen more but around 40 plaice for the day as well as the other species made for a very pleasant trip.
    If you fancy joining us for some plaice and bass fishing in the coming months please get in touch and I will add you to my mailing list.
    Next spaces for other trips include
    20/05-1 space @ £60pp
    27/05-offshore trip 1 space @ £100pp
    29/05-offshore trip 8 spaces @ £100pp or full boat from £700
    05/06-8 spaces @ £60pp
    11/06-offshore trip 8 spaces @ £100pp or full boat from £700
    Other midweek dates available. Please call 07956411528 for more information or visit essexseafishing.co.uk for more information

  • 02/05/2023 Fishing Report by Scott Belbin

    2 May 2023 by Scott Belbin

    Spaces this week aboard Galloper from Essex.
    We continue to see some nice rays aboard the Galloper. Not as many as we used to expect but enough to put a bend in the rod between the other fish. The numbers of bass are increasing each week. Boyd Rees had a lovely bass to start his trip off. Followed shortly after by a nice smooth-hound for Pete. There are a few more better hounds showing now and I look forward to getting among them in the coming weeks. In between there are lots of dogs and whiting to keep us busy too.
    Next individual spaces on
    Saturday 06/05- 7 spaces @ £60pp
    Sunday 07/05- 2 spaces @ £60pp please call 07956411528 for more information

  • 24/04/2023 Fishing Report by Scott Belbin

    24 Apr 2023 by Scott Belbin

    No need for extra long arms for bass pictures on board the Galloper. Al started his day off with this cracking fish which he returned.
    Spaces this week aboard Galloper from West mersea Essex please call 07956411528
    Saturday 29/04 offshore @ £100pp
    Sunday 30/04 general trip @ £60pp
    Monday 01/05 boat from £490 or 10 spaces @ £60pp

  • 17/04/2023 Fishing Report by Scott Belbin

    17 Apr 2023 by Scott Belbin

    We managed to get a few trips in with varied conditions last week. Small tides and strong winds limited our options at times but we were able to put a few miles in and found plenty of fish. the rays are down on numbers compared to recent years but there are still some nice fish amongst them. Bens group had the biggest of the week at 15.2lbs which is a very respectable fish. not least on a windy day and a very last minute trip.
    We had smooth-hounds on every trip and although there were no monsters they are widespread and numerous. Our best trip totalled around 30 hounds along with countless dogfish, whiting, dabs, roker and a bass.
    Mark was pleased with his first bass of the year to go with his first hounds too. Hopefully there will be plenty more where that came from.
    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
    20/04-1 space @ £60pp
    22/04-1 space @ £60pp
    29/04-offshore trip 5 spaces @ £100pp
    30/04-10 spaces @ £60pp or full boat from £490
    07/05-5 spaces @ £60pp

    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

  • 13/04/2023 Fishing Report by Scott Belbin

    13 Apr 2023 by Scott Belbin

    Spaces this week aboard Galloper from West mersea Essex please call 07956411528 or Message 07791 859624.
    Weather looks good for the next few days. Spaces on Friday 14/04-3 @ £100pp , Saturday 15/04-1 @ £100pp and Sunday 16/04-7 @ £60pp
    The lads from Suffolk police had a great trip the other day with a complete contrast in weather to last month. They had 31 rays and a few smooth-hounds between loads of dogfish and whiting

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