The weather has been unsettled this week but when we have got out the fishing has been fantastic. The Cod have finally arrived inshore in good numbers and with hardly any Sprats and Herrings this means the Cod are on the bottom and easier to catch. Most fish are 2-4 lb with a few fish around 5 lb, best baits are squid and lug.
There are some cracking Thornbacks around, best this week was a superb fish of 15 lb taken by Chelmsford angler John Wheldon, this fish put up a real struggle and was returned alive. A lot of these Skate are big fish and pull really hard. There are some big Whiting around, some of these fish are up to 1 lb or more and give good sport on light tackle.
The piers are fishing well for Codling and Whiting and when the wind is blowing this is the place to head for with the big spring tides best.
It has been too windy to get offshore lately but with an abundance of fish inshore there is no need to go further at the moment. The estuaries are full of sprat and herring and will not fish well until March when the spring Codling turn up.
Prospects are excellent; providing the Herring and Sprats don’t turn up this could be the best winter fishing possibly for several years.
To book a session on the Chinook II charter boat, which is based in Bradwell-On-Sea, Essex, contact Phil White on...
The place you need to come for a great day out fishing the Thames Estuary from Bradwell on Sea in Essex with one of the most experianced and friendly skippers on the East Coast. Whether you are a novice or experianced angler, they cater for both.
Chinook II is an offshore 105 with two 180hp turbo diesel engines giving a comfortable 15 knot cruise. She is a big spacious boat with a large deck space for all the anglers and a heated cabin big enough for everyone to shelter when the weather turns. She is a very stable fishing platform and features all the latest electronics, flush toilet, full cooker and oven. She is licensed for 8 anglers up to 60 miles from safe haven.