The total catch was 3 sizeable and 0 undersize, the weather was Dry and mild, light southerly wind, I managed to catch Just Cod and my best fish being a Cod, 3lbs, the best bait seemed to be 6 day old lugworm soup.

Bit of a b*gger trying to thread the soup onto the hooks, but by tipping with a bit of squid it stayed on. Only had four bites resulting in a cod of 3lbs and two at 2.5lbs plus an udersized edible crab.

Reported by Brian Royden-Hall
Added - Wednesday, January 01, 2003 at 22:25:18 (GMT)

The total catch was 8 sizeable and 6 undersize, the weather was Easterly wind, very cold, I managed to catch Codling, Whiting and Dab and my best fish being a Codling 2 1/2lb, the best bait seemed to be Whole Squid.

Barry and I started fishing Lug and Squid cocktails at about 90 yards but as a result of a mis-cast falling short at about 35 yards and a rattling bite being missed we began fishing closer in. A change to Lug on one rod and Whole Squid on the other resulted in some savage bites being missed. We had started with 2/0 pennel rigs but it wasn't until we scaled up to 4/0 that we started hooking fish. These were only small Codling in the 2 lb range but were really having a go at the squid. Lug produced very little but the odd Dab and Whiting.

Reported by John Abbott
Added - Wednesday, January 01, 2003 at 21:45:35 (GMT)

The total catch was 8 sizeable and a few undersize, the weather was east winds rough sea, I managed to catch codling,flounders and my best fish being a codling 1.5lb, the best bait seemed to be lugworm.

fished hopton again today,frank got 4 codling,carlton got 2 codling and 2 flounders.I blanked.

Reported by Lewis
Added - Tuesday, December 31, 2002 at 21:08:41 (GMT)

The total catch was 0 sizeable and 0 undersize, the weather was n/e wind moderate picking up,

sat for a 4 hrs with 3 rods and 5 hooks never had a bite weed came on when the tide turned, there were about 15 or more other people fishing and i never saw anything caught at all and the bait was never touched either- chips were good tho.

Reported by jazzo
Added - Monday, December 30, 2002 at 18:27:33 (GMT)

The total catch was 6 sizeable and 10 undersize, the weather was rain from east , windy and choppy. wind moved to south with more rain. easing about 10.30, I managed to catch whiting/pout/codling and my best fish being a codling pushing 4lb, the best bait seemed to be lug/squid.

what a crap night.just small whiting untill 9pm h/t 6.45. got soaked, my second edition buddy leaked above my head, the drips were pi**ing me right off, lost 5 sets of gear and my trusty ancor decided it had had enough and flew into flames, all this untill about 9.30. got the lamp going again and started fishing once more. 2 codling landed 1lb 3/4 and good 3 1/2 lb, 4 decent whiting, best for size was from 9.45-11.45 when i ran out of bait. my mate was fishing next to me and had pretty much the same but only 1 codling 1lb 1/2. spoke to 4 anglers on the way back to boat yard, all of which could only report small whiting and dabs, the night before there was 6 fishing together with 2 codling apiece to 2 1/2lb so i was told by one angler.

Reported by paul claxton
Added - Monday, December 30, 2002 at 10:30:49 (GMT)

The total catch was 5 sizeable and 10 undersize, the weather was Torrential rain, sou'easterly wind, cold, I managed to catch Whiting, Dabs and my best fish being a 10 ozs Whiting, the best bait seemed to be .

Fish a small match (15 anglers) 10am - 3pm at Kessingland today. What a disaster, sluggish tide, sou'easterly wind and torrential rain all day. To top it off, pretty well no fish either. I had 3 x 10 inch Whiting. Best fish landed a 10 oz whiting and only 5 sizeable fish were landed all day.

Reported by John Abbott
Added - Sunday, December 29, 2002 at 20:31:27 (GMT)

The total catch was 4 sizeable and many undersize, the weather was wet wet wet, I managed to catch codling, micro whiting and my best fish being a codling 3lbs, the best bait seemed to be whole squid.

Despite an invasion of whiting the size John West would say were too small to put in a tin, I managed to sort out 4 codling using big whole squid baits. Even these offerings were attacked by the hoards of small fry, but stayed on the big 4/0 hooks long enough to tempt the bigger codling. Tried using some frozen black lug, but hooks were stripped in seconds. Nice to see that the codling are staying inshore for the moment at least..cant be scooped up by the trawlers there eh?

Reported by Mark
Added - Sunday, December 29, 2002 at 19:16:17 (GMT)

The total catch was 0 sizeable and 14 undersize, the weather was mild and calm, I managed to catch Whiting and my best fish being a , the best bait seemed to be .

only managed to catch 14 small skiny whiting, mind you the quality of the lug we brought was about the same small and skiny.

Reported by Simmo and Clanky
Added - Sunday, December 29, 2002 at 19:00:17 (GMT)

The total catch was 8 sizeable and 20 undersize, the weather was southerly 15 mph slight rain, I managed to catch whiting,pouting,dab and my best fish being a pouting 1lb, the best bait seemed to be everything.

Came to Felixstowe for the dabs. Viewing area fairly busy and a lot of freshwater pouing down the river. So fished Landguard. Whiting from the word go. Got one dab around half a pound three hours after high then big pouting. Would encourage anybody fishing to hit the bites as the whiting swallow very fast. Fish fairly thin suggesting little natural food about. Will someone tell these Whiting that they are not supposed to be here.

Reported by David Mullett
Added - Sunday, December 29, 2002 at 11:00:56 (GMT)

The total catch was 19 sizeable and some undersize, the weather was northerly wind, I managed to catch dabs,cod ,whiting,bass and my best fish being a cod 3.5lbs, the best bait seemed to be lugworm.

Frank,Carlton and me fished Trimmingham today(28/12/02)from 9.30am to 4.00pm.total take home bag 8 dabs,5 codling to 3.5lb,5 whiting and a bass.yet again frank and carlton caught the cod!

Reported by Lewis
Added - Saturday, December 28, 2002 at 21:08:24 (GMT)

The total catch was 2 dab sizeable and plenty dab & whiting undersize, the weather was stiff but warm breeze, overcast, I managed to catch whiting and dab and my best fish being a didn't weigh any, the best bait seemed to be lug/squid.

evidence of a few skate caught recently

Reported by kenny and bertie
Added - Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at 18:19:59 (GMT)

The total catch was 5 sizeable and lost count undersize, the weather was dry, light winds sea state was moderate, I managed to catch codling/whiting and a dab and my best fish being a codling 3lb, the best bait seemed to be straight lug for the codling.

fished all the way to top and down a couple of hours. 2 nice codling around the 3lb mark with a few small ones landed as well.any bait dropped short was savaged by just sizable whiting. spoke to 2 anglers that were packing up as we got thier and they had 6 codling between them averaging 2lb. oil seemed to be going away as very little signs of it appeared on my boots. have a good one best wishes paul

Reported by paul claxton
Added - Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at 11:48:13 (GMT)

The total catch was 5 sizeable and lost count undersize, the weather was dry, light winds sea state was moderate, I managed to catch codling/whiting and a dab and my best fish being a codling 3lb, the best bait seemed to be straight lug for the codling.

fished all the way to top and down a couple of hours. 2 nice codling around the 3lb mark with a few small ones landed as well.any bait dropped short was savaged by just sizable whiting. spoke to 2 anglers that were packing up as we got thier and they had 6 codling between them averaging 2lb. oil seemed to be going away as very little signs of it appeared on my boots. have a good one best wishes paul

Reported by paul claxton
Added - Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at 11:40:54 (GMT)

The total catch was 0 sizeable and 4 undersize, the weather was calm and mild, I managed to catch whiting and my best fish being a 1/2 whiting, the best bait seemed to be lug.

pleasant days fishing not a ripple on the water all fish caught on ebb tide useing a wishbone rig with floating beads lug was best bait although did try squid

Reported by peter
Added - Sunday, December 22, 2002 at 13:24:57 (GMT)

The total catch was 9 sizeable and about a dozen undersize, the weather was clear turning to drizzle later, I managed to catch Whiting, Dab, Codling and my best fish being a Codling, 1.5lb, the best bait seemed to be Black Lug.

Fun on the pier for a day (even the 'FPO' visited - see preceding post). Good day's fishing, had to leave at 4:30 though as I only purchased a day ticket.

Reported by Jason
Added - Sunday, December 22, 2002 at 11:41:42 (GMT)

The total catch was 28 sizeable and loads undersize, the weather was dry,easterly wind, I managed to catch whiting,dab and my best fish being a whiting 1lb, the best bait seemed to be lugworm.

Me ,Pete,Frank and Carlton fished Hopton again on the 21/12 from 9.30am to 5.30pm. 16 whiting and 12 dabs to take home was the total bag.bad weed problem mid tide.

Reported by Lewis
Added - Sunday, December 22, 2002 at 08:48:31 (GMT)

The total catch was 15 sizeable and 1 undersize, the weather was wind SE light at start increasing E later - weather was dry, I managed to catch Codling Whiting and my best fish being a Codling 3.5lbs, the best bait seemed to be Lug/Squid.

Took Marks advice & gave Gorleston a try instead of my usual venue - caught 3 codling all during the last 2.5 hrs of the ebb (daylight) all three fish had nearly swallowed the whole trace!!!!!!!! all but one whiting were sizable but returned as all were lip hooked. Only two whiting caught after dark

Reported by Tony Friend
Added - Saturday, December 21, 2002 at 20:46:40 (GMT)

The total catch was 8 sizeable and 12 undersize, the weather was nice night for fishing for a change, wind dropped off, cold and clear , I managed to catch codling, whiting and my best fish being a codling 4lbs, the best bait seemed to be whole squid.

3rd trip in 8 days to this HOTspot, venue still on form, 4 codling this time, + 2 whiting of just under a pound + 2 decent dabs. Tried whole squid to try and get a really decent cod, (am I getting greedy) no biggies but with a nice fish of 4lb I aint complaining. Tackle and tactics as in other my reports, another angler on the beach reckoned he had 7 codling but as I didnt see em, cant confirm. Will try again Boxing Day if FPO** allows. ** = Fishing Permission Officer (or wife)

Reported by Mark
Added - Saturday, December 21, 2002 at 19:47:26 (GMT)

The total catch was 2 to 4 per person sizeable and loads undersize, the weather was , I managed to catch Codling, whiting, small bass and my best fish being a cod 3lb, the best bait seemed to be lugworm.

6 Braintree Sea Angling Club members escaped the Christmas rush to visit Orfordness during the week when it's less crowded. With only a couple of others over on the island they travelled down the river in their own boat to fish the “narrows”. Fishing from both in the river and off the beach produced codling to 3lb, along with plenty of whiting, although many of them were undersize and returned. Simon Farrow kept his best 4 codling for a combined weight of just over 9lb Photo's on web site at http://www.geocities.com/braintreesac/

Reported by Braintree Sea Angling Club
Added - Thursday, December 19, 2002 at 15:50:17 (GMT)

The total catch was 10 sizeable and 8 undersize, the weather was NE force 4-5, overcast, I managed to catch codling, whiting and my best fish being a codling 3lb, the best bait seemed to be lug/squid cocktail.

Another trip to my fave venue at the moment, why fish elsewhere when the sport is that good on my doorstep! 6 codling this time, + the biggest whiting I have ever caught - a beauty of 2lb (weighed on kitchen scales at home when gutted but head still on) so must have been about 2 1/2 lb !! All fish caught on pennel rig cast 80-120 yards out, bites were invariably slack liners, missed 5 good bites too. Was feeling quite smug with my catch until the only other angler on the beach packed up at 3pm and walked back past me, when I asked him how he got on, he replied "only had 11 codling today, had 14 two days ago" This beach is fishin its nuts off at the moment-get down there, there is enough space and fish for everyone, last half of the ebb is best.

Reported by Mark
Added - Wednesday, December 18, 2002 at 20:55:07 (GMT)

The total catch was 0 sizeable and 0 undersize, the weather was cold odd shower,

Help! Back down the river. 15 bites yes thats right 15 bites NO fish. Bites thick and fast give them time hit them quick nothing works size 2 down to size 8. Thats right there freshwater hooks that I had to break out of my Chub gear. Some of the bites are NOT flounders msall rattles that I thought where maybe whiting?

Reported by David Mullett
Added - Tuesday, December 17, 2002 at 22:18:39 (GMT)

The total catch was 0 sizeable and 0 undersize, the weather was 20-25mph easterly driving rain cold,

Fished 2 hours up and 20 mins down. Bites 7 very hectic hour and a half bites very strong lifting rod butt off the ground. Could not hit the Flounders tried sitting on my hands and waiting for second knocks which never came. Gave up when the rain got heavier and started to drive sideways across the river. Must be mad because I enjoyed myself would have been better to have got at least one. Never mind will try again. I f you give it a go and get some of these VERY big fish PUT THEM BACK.

Reported by David Mullett
Added - Monday, December 16, 2002 at 10:27:40 (GMT)

The total catch was 0 sizeable and 2 undersize, the weather was Lousy, I managed to catch Whiting and my best fish being a , the best bait seemed to be .

Total washout! Not only was the weather against me, the oil on the beach was awful. I spent the rest of the evening and the next day clearing the oil out of my kit and my poor dog's paws. This report is really just to warn anglers thinking of going to Dunwich not too.. As readers of these reports will know, I love Dunwich, but the oil there is a real nightmare at present...Better luck next time :-)

Reported by Jason
Added - Sunday, December 15, 2002 at 11:08:20 (GMT)

The total catch was 18 sizeable and loads undersize, the weather was overcast,moderate easterly wind, I managed to catch cod,whiting and my best fish being a 2lb cod, the best bait seemed to be lugworm.

Carlton and myself fished Hopton on 14/12/2002 from 9.00am to 3.00pm.3 codling each to 2lb and 12 whiting between us to take home.

Reported by Lewis
Added - Saturday, December 14, 2002 at 20:49:37 (GMT)

The total catch was 8 sizeable and 12 undersize, the weather was light easterly, milder than lately, I managed to catch codling, whiting,dab and my best fish being a codling 4 1/2 lbs, the best bait seemed to be 6 day old lug.

Eventually made a belated trip out with the surviving lug from my aborted Orford trip (leader lines match). Very good session it turned out too, with the best of the action coming on the last 2 hours of the ebb, 4 codling, the best of them 4 1/2 lbs, the 3 smaller ones round the 2 to 2 1/2 lb mark, a jumbo whiting of 1 1/2lb + 2 around a pound, and a nice dab completed the catch. Lug/squid baits were cast 80 to 120 yards and bites came steadily throughout the evening, the better fish to bigger baits as usual. No other anglers on the beach for miles around, which i found very surprising considering the best conditions for a week.

Reported by Mark
Added - Saturday, December 14, 2002 at 18:38:33 (GMT)

The total catch was 3 sizeable and 9 undersize, the weather was blowing a bloody ice cold gale in my left ear all day, I managed to catch pout, whiting and codling and my best fish being a (Dan's) codling 2lb, the best bait seemed to be lug tipped with squid.

This was our second Leader-Lines trip over to the Island with 9 of our regular visitors. Much better weather than last time even if it was very cold and very windy. This fish seemed to be on the feed most of the day but a little slow going, as we are a good green team we asked that each angler only weighed in their boggest three fish each, Ian Chasley managed to scoop the jackpot with a few nice juice codling, well done Ian, I enjoyed watching you reel them in all day long, no really I did. We, Dan & Nigs would like to thank those who came along, it was another good session, thanks also to Peter Merrin for puting up with us again, if you are planning a trip across then you would do well to phone peter and book up, you can even get good bait from him too. Regards Dan & Nigs HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL YOU GREAT FOLK OUT THERE IN INTERNET LAND...

Reported by Dan & Nigs
Added - Monday, December 09, 2002 at 18:48:32 (GMT)

The total catch was sizeable and undersize, the weather was Force 2 to 3 North Easterly, I managed to catch and my best fish being a , the best bait seemed to be .

The latest boat match had to be changed from launching at Felixstowe Ferry to Levington marina as the shingle bars on the entrance to the river Deben restrict access over low water. With a moderate North Easterly, fishing off the front wasn't possible and most of the boats ended up fishing off the south shelf in the harbour. Despite the match being fished in the river there were still a lot of fish to be had. Bob Pennick, fishing aboard Les and Paul Fitches Orkney day angler managed 9 codling for a weight of 13lb 13oz for first place. Brian Grundy also managed to get some codling onboard his Orkney strikeliner to claim second spot with a total weight of 10lb 13oz. Paul Fitch claimed the third spot with codling totalling 9lb 8oz.

Reported by Braintree Sea Angling Club
Added - Monday, December 09, 2002 at 17:00:27 (GMT)

The total catch was 1 sizeable and about 12 undersize, the weather was as below, I managed to catch codling / whiting / pout and my best fish being a codling 1 1/2lb, the best bait seemed to be lug&squid.

as jake said below, but just one for home. ian my mate who won with 3 codling biggest pushing 2.1/2lb (not weighed) and a few whitng up to 12oz caught his better fish on rag. i only fished one rod other one had broken tip eye when i took it out of the bag. i thought dan might have stood on it in the boat as i said i was going to kick some "pro angler" arse, only joking dan. a very enjoyable day day despite the cold wind.

Reported by paul claxton
Added - Monday, December 09, 2002 at 11:05:50 (GMT)

The total catch was 4 sizeable and too many undersize, the weather was winds notherly going northeasterly later but DRY, I managed to catch codling whiting Dabs pouting and my best fish being a whiting about 10oz, the best bait seemed to be lug tipped with squid.

as it being another LEADER-LINES trip i could of guessed it would be bloody windy and it was, but not 1/2 as bad as last time, and it DIDN`T RAIN at all(phew). Im sure everyone enjoyed it especailly the trucker on my left who couldn`t stop catching fish (he won the match) and well done to him , even though i thought i saw a tesco barcode on his 3 biggest fish .(lol). Well done mate anyway , oh yeh , i did fell sorry for the 2 chaps next to my mate Richard who had there 1st trip ob=ver to the Island, no brolley/shelter no proper clothing and they admitted to us later they were F in freezing all day. guts they had, i said guts they had. happy xmas and a happy new year to you all anyway.

Reported by Jake
Added - Monday, December 09, 2002 at 05:22:40 (GMT)

The total catch was 0 sizeable and 1 undersize, the weather was windy, I managed to catch bass and my best fish being a ?, the best bait seemed to be lugworm.

we had a look at bacton,decided it was too rough,went round to Salthouse.the wind got worse and when the tide started running properly we couldnt hold at all.i even tried 2 leads on 1 trace(11ozs)eventually we gave up!total score for all 3 of us? 1 undersized bass.still theres always next week!

Reported by Lewis
Added - Saturday, December 07, 2002 at 17:00:32 (GMT)

The total catch was 0 sizeable and 1 undersize, the weather was windy, I managed to catch bass and my best fish being a ?, the best bait seemed to be lugworm.

we had a look at bacton,decided it was too rough,went round to Salthouse.the wind got worse and when the tide started running properly we couldnt hold at all.i even tried 2 leads on 1 trace(11ozs)eventually we gave up!total score for all 3 of us? 1 undersized bass.still theres always next week!

Reported by Lewis
Added - Saturday, December 07, 2002 at 17:00:09 (GMT)

The total catch was 2 sizeable and 1 undersize, the weather was very wet and cold, I managed to catch whiting codling and cod and my best fish being a cod 2.3/41bs, the best bait seemed to be lug/squid.

worth getting cold and wet for a nice piece of fresh cod for my tea must add it is getting very snaggy there at the momment and a fare bit of tar on the beach

Reported by peter
Added - Thursday, December 05, 2002 at 14:59:41 (GMT)

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