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Chinook II Charter Fishing Report – December
The winter Cod fishing season is well and truly underway now! There are stacks of fish in the Estuary and the numbers are increasing all the time. As the weather cools and sea temperatures drop it should get even better.
The average size of the fish is also increasing, as a month ago the fish were just around the legal limit or below, they are now well over, with a good head of fish to around 2-4lb being caught on most sessions. In fact nearly 90% of fish are around or over the 40cm mark. There has also been some bigger specimens mixed in, as just last week a superb fish of over 10lb was landed from a mark just off Clacton.
As you'd expect the best baits for getting amongst a few has been the good old fashioned Lugworm and Squid cocktails. Big baits with plenty of smell, fished hard on the bottom, will almost certainly put you in with a chance of a nice fish or two!
As well as the Cod and Codling there has also been good numbers of Thornbacks, with fish to double figures not uncommon. It's a little unusual to see fish of this size still being caught, but it's because the weather has been so mild, however usually after a prolonged cold spell they will thin out and move offshore. In general the majority of these fish fall to anglers targeting Cod, but they can be targeted with more 'fishy baits' such as Mackerel, Squid or Crab.
The pier and beach anglers have also been having a good time of things, with plenty of Codling, Whiting, Dogfish and the odd Thornback keeping the rod tips knocking. The better catches have been taken on the bigger spring tides, with the top half of the flood being the peak. Once again bait wise, Lugworm, Squid, Crab and Mackerel have all proven popular.
I know i've said it before but this years prospects are looking superb, with possibly some of the best fishing we've seen in the last 20 years, so it's a great time to dust off those boat rods and get fishing!
To book a session on the Chinook II charter boat, which is based in Bradwell-On-Sea, Essex, contact Phil White on…
Visit - www.philwhitecharters.co.uk Call - 07786080771 Email - [email protected]
About the Chinook…
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.