Seagull Fishing Tackle Sea Fishing at Dungeness

If you get a good catch let me know, you can also send me your pictures! ARJHills@aol.com

Click here for BOAT Catch Reports

Bank on Darren ( 24 April)
Darren Brooks had a great trip to Sandwich on Bank holiday Monday. The local lad had six rays including a couple of doubles the best 13lb 8oz....coming soon to Littlestone!

Lovely weather for a plaice ( 23 April)
Here is a report of a nice plaice in the sun...

"Hi Tony,

Caught this lovely plaice on Easter Sunday just behind the power station in Dungeness. Weather was gorgeous, cant wait for the mackerel season to begin!

Regards Waqs

Latest results ( 21 April)

Here are the latest results and standings from Paul Jarrett of the Southern Circuit Sea Angling Society...

A family outing ( 20 April)
I had this email just come in from Andrew Small...I'm get lots of reports that the fishing is better after high water on the ebb...

"Hi Tony,

Fished Dengemarsh yesterday (19th) with my two sons to the east of the car park. Quite a few people there and very slow with nothing until high tide when the water cleared.

I had a decent plaice and skinny whiting at long range followed by a schoolie. My son Tayler had a bass about 3lb close in. Both bass were returned.

A difficult day but nice to be out. Cheers Andrew"

What is it ( 20 April)
I had this facebook message from Alan Mills...

"Wasn't Dungie but today I caught a rockling with this strange thing on it's back, and ideas? It was at Normans bay."

I don't know Alan it could be a type of parasite? Lets see if anybody has any ideas...cracking photo...

It goes to show ( 19 April)
I put a report out yesterday that I hadn't had any bass reports...but here is one from Simon Fowler...

"Hi Tony, 
just read todays beach reports , thought i would tell you about yesterday !!!
It was pretty busy but nobody seemed to be getting much at all,   several guys  
didnt even get a bite.   However i did manage a Bass , about 2.5lb.
Missed another.   Caught on black lug at short range , just before high tide .  
Fished through to 6, just 1pin whiting and no more bites.
Great to come back, hadn't fished Denge for years.  
Tight Lines for all at Easter, Si."

Reports in today ( 18 April)
Flounder and the odd plaice at Dengemarsh, dabs and small stuff towards the point...we should see more plaice tomorrow in the west bay with the north easterly wind...it was packed today, don't forget Galloways is open for fishing on a rising tide. Not heard of any bass so far this weekend...unless someone out there knows different?
Looking good for Monday ( 18 April)
Yes the weather forecast for bank holiday Monday, could mean the best weather of the weekend...

Interesting fish ( 18 April)
I had this report come in on from Conrad Kasprzyk...

"Hi Tony i found that fish at Dungeness by walk about january if anyone can tell me what kind of fish is that and if that's popular fish in english chanell... thanks conrad"

Well Conrad it looks to me to be a large male 'Common Dragonet' (Callionymus Lyra) in its spawning colours...not rare but unusual to be caught on the beach. They spawn in the English channel from January to June...a very pretty fish.

Nice day ( 17 April)
Peter Webster had a good day last Thursday...

"Hello tony, Pete Webo here, been a while since i sent in a report, anyway i 
fished last Thursday in dungie area and finished up wiv 2 bass to keep, 2 plaice 
to keep and a load ov pin whiteing an couple more very small dabs. Me dad was 
with me instead ov my bass brother Stevie b but he had no bass but ended up with 
3 fair size doggys. Not a bad session all in all. Keep em tight!"

Floundering around ( 16 April)
Verbal reports coming in today are mainly of flounder being caught...and not many of those...it can only get better...still we are enjoying the sunshine.
The answer is yes ( 15 April)
I have had quite a few phone calls on the opening times over Easter...so here they are, Friday 9 till 6.30 Saturday 9 to 6.30 Sunday 9 to 3.30 and...yes Monday 9 to 3.30 ( it being a bank holiday)
Dates for your diary's ( 14 April)
Just picked this up off facebook from Steve Harvey ( the DAA match captain)...
"Hi folks some new dates for the diaries
Sat may 10th bookin5.15-6 fishing 7-11 at pirate springs
sat may 24 bookin 5.15-6 fishing 7-11 at galloways alternative denge if they are firing
sun june 8th bookin 2.15-3 fishing 4-8 rover
sun june 22. bookin 2.15-3 fishing 4-8 rover
i understand one of these dates clashes with another that some members fish unfortunatley looking at the tides etc i cant see a way rd this. .. So its a case of que sera sera im afraid. .. If you fancy a go at our matches then all you need is to be a member of the daa you can join on the day and its a fiver to fish. ..... Tight lines. ..."

Friday fun day? ( 14 April)
Had this report from Kelvin...
"Hi Tony, Fished Galloway’s Fri 11^th, there was just 3 of us on the beach, great weather but only 1 flounder all day. Thanks Kelvin"
Yes it has been a bit slow with the coloured water, but out on the beach this morning we had an northerly breeze this should help clear the water and bring a few more plaice in at Dengemarsh.

Last night ( 13 April)
I had this email from Paul Jarrett who kindly sent me last nights results of the 'Southern Circuit Angling Society' rover match...

"13 members fished last nights match at Dungeness, fishing was very slow with plenty of undersize whiting still about, dogfish and rockling were the main fish at the weigh in

Top 5 places
1) Mick Watt - 4 fish 4lb 2.5ozs
2) Daren Edwards - 4 Fish 4lb 1.5ozs (heaviest fish 1lb 15ozs dogfish)
3) Paul Jarrett - 6 Fish 4lb
4) Tony Taylor - 4 Fish 3lb 2ozs
5) Joe Stevens - 9 Fish 3lb 1ozs

Full match results and league table to follow"

The latest DAA match stats ( 12 April)
Just posted on facebook by Malcolm (Statto) Jones our membership secretary last weeks results and current placings...

Lock...stock...and barrel ( 10 April)
Would you believe it...somebody smashed the DAA padlock on the road yesterday afternoon!
It has been replaced by Simon Newman who looks after the gate...but it must be easier to join the club and be legal rather than risk getting locked up...if you get spotted by our 'nuclear' police for criminal damage.

The weekends looking good ( 10 April)
The weather forecast looks ideal for a few plaice in the west bay...all that lovely high preasure...

Jurys Gap pays off ( 8 April)
John Smith fished Jurys gap this morning in the breeze, he had plenty of fish, flounders, codling and a couple of bass the best going 5lb 7oz!

Ray of hope ( 6 April)
The DAA had its latest club match today a rover with 18 taking part...three of us fished Littlestone wall...hoping for a thornback ray at distance. All I had was dogfish, Matt Summerfield had one undersized but Paul Gunner struck gold with a ray of 3lb 12oz...not massive but you have to hand it to him...it was the target fish! Full results to follow.

Last weeks DAA match result...( 5 April)
Here are the results fro Malcolm (statto) Jones...

Early days...my excuse was that my trip to 'pirate springs' fishing a bluey wrapped sandeel to find an elusive ray didn't pay off...but you have to try these things! Lets see how we get on tomorrow...kick off at 3pm.
EDF has been 'gardening' ( 5 April)
Malcolm Jones the DAA treasurer went fishing yesterday and kindly sent me some photos of the beach behind the power station down towards the 'diamond' EDF has had diggers down there repairing the beach after the storms...it should make access to the foreshore a lot easier!

Hi Tony. Finally found the time to catch up on lots of things. Long walk on Thursday to near the diamond and took the attached photos along the way. 2 up 3 down gave me a few dabs, flounders and whiting – all under size so returned."

Spring has sprung ( 4 April)
I had this report in from Paul Hodges who had another good day down at Dengemarsh on Wednesday...interesting at last we are getting more reports of bass...
"Hi Tony
Had another session the other afternoon. Lots of fish, plenty of Pin whiting, 6 Plaice smallest 31cm largest 38cm, 4 Dabs, a small codling of 28cm, a small Schoolie and a flounder of 43cm = 1lb 15oz which was very fat and its belly was full.
Stroll on the Holidays and more fishing :) Regards Paul"

Dengemarsh in the sun ( 3 April)
I just found this email that came in yesterday from Andrew (hiding in the spam folder)...yes the internet has been full of 'chatter'...

"Hi Tony

Busy down at Dengemarsh today. I had 5 plaice and lost count of the dabs and whiting. Also had a small codling about 30cm. Appeared to be more plaice caught east of the Coastguard lookout than to the west.

Cheers Andrew Small"

Nice Plaice ( 3 April)
Kevin had this cracking plaice down at Dengemarsh yesterday..."Tony, Thanks for good bait and rigs this morning - resulted in me and my son catching mixed bag of dabs, dogfish, pin whiting and this cracking 1lb 7oz plaice which

was caught just after high water. Regards, Kevin Harris."

Well done Jamie ( 2 April)

Here is a report from Jamie Hodsdon...

"hello wasnt sure how to post a picture to you so I thought i would message you, me and my friends fished deal last night my mate had a codling off around 1lb on the 1st cast and then we fished the tide out and caught a few dogfish and another small codling then on at around 3:00am i caught this lovely thorneback ray (not sure on size as i had no scales) but it made my night:) Nice fishing Jamie you can allways email me the report on ARJHills@aol.com

Hot off the press ( 2 April)
I had this email from Andy this afternoon ...cracking early season fish...
"Hi tony
I am currently fishing at Galloway's where i have just landed a 1 lb 6 oz place on straight lug ,also caught so far 1 doggie 1 dab 2 whiting.
Regards Andy Heslop"

Better and better ( 1 April)
Martin Swinyard posted on 'facebook' another successful day at Dengemarsh...
"Another good day on the red spots loads coming out to fresh black lug"

The sun is out at Dengemarsh ( 1 April)
I had this email from Steve who joined the stampede down to Dengemarsh yesterday...
"Hi tony 5 of us fished denge today and had a great session catching lots of plaice .. about 30 were caught and a bonus bass pic attached is m swinyard with his haul of plaice ... I had 7 .. simon had 11 and dave wood brignal had a few ... Looks like things are looking up at last many thanks steve harvey"

Mothers Day plaice ( 1 April)
Here is a report from Paul Hodges...
"Hi Tony, Haven't really fished much this year or over the winter but with the lovely warm spring weather I felt the urge to try for a few Plaice. Fishing started off well with a 35cm Plaice first cast then nothing until 2 hours before HW when the tide began to run. Then a flurry of activity with 4 more Plaice and a flounder, then another quiet spell and 2 more Plaice coming 1-2 hours after HW. The biggest Plaice was 39cm, all coming on Fresh Outs. Most fish came at distance over 100 yards on single hook clipped down rigs. Plaice sizes 34cm, 4 X 35 cm, 36cm and 39cm, Flounder 30cm Regards Paul

There's a plaice for us ( 31 March)
Simon Newman sent me this link on facebook...
"Heads up to my fishy friends. Denge Marsh fished well for Plaice today. There was a comp there and one chap had 6, someone else had 5 and there were lots of one's and two's. Biggest I saw was 41cm but they seemed to average about 34cm+. Bearing in mind they finished an hour into the ebb and only fished one rod each, it is a damn sight closer than Brighton! I'll be having a go tomorrow."
I have had lots of reports of fish coming on to feed after high water...it was the same for me at Pirate Springs.

Good night ( 30 March)
Here is a report from Steve Harvey DAA match captain...posted on 'facebook' concerning last nights match...some people are bad losers :-)
"Match result 29.3.14
20 anglers fished in an easterly breeze ..caught mainly dogs dabs ling and odd flounder
1st micheal smith 8lb 10
2nd D.wood.Brignal. 8lb 6half
3rd Alex Veel ..8lb 2half
4th Graham 'need a shave' king 5lb 8half
5th matt summerfield 5lb 5half
Heaviest fish 2lb dog for Mike Richardson
Me???.....,well i was dragged kicking and screaming to a venue on the assurance of a bumper haul by an 'unnamed' local angler... I wont name and shame for fear of retribution ...however since then ive heard a squeek that he was pre warned to not fish it in an easterly :)
I guess its my turn to choose next week ... So i better get my choice prepared ... Next match is sunday 6th april 3-7"
Good night had by all...everybody weighed-in...my gamble didn't pay off...I think I was almost last...but there's always next week?

See you next season ( 30 March)
Fishing the DAA club match last night, I chose to try 'Pirate Springs'...totally deserted...amongst the hordes of pin whiting I had six beautiful baby coddling between 28 to 30 centimetres...next autumn these baby's will be sizable!

Who loves rockling? ( 29 March)
One of my regulars who fished Dengemarsh last night reported this morning that it was...wall to wall...rockling and dogfish! The DAA have their match tonight, let see what gets caught?

Local lad does good ( 28 March)
I had an email from Gary Seare...cracking fish...well done...
"Fished sandwich bay last night with a top a fisherman...who put me on to a 11lb thorny a new pb...thanks briggs"

The quiet before the storm ( 27 March)
Very few reports coming in...with the beaches being so quiet...plenty of fish...not many anglers! But it is looking good for the weekend with the warmer weather and the bigger tides...I had this email from Graeme Pullen of 'totallyawesomefishing.com' on U Tube...

Hi Tony,

The part 2 film of "The Great Cod Hunt"on Dungeness is just up. Link below if you want to post it anywhere. Part 1 had a load of views and shows the sea anglers are at least getting good info from our Show. I imagine the Dungeness one will also pull in over 1000 views in the first 24 hours. 3rd and final "fishing" part of the series is up tomorrow night-Friday 7pm.

All the best, Graeme.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLtyNRqxXWo

A few more bass ( 26 March)
David Elliot came in today after fishing...loads of dogfish, dabs whiting and codling up to 30cm...David sent me a photo of a bass he had a couple of days ago, with the crabs on the move due to very warm seas we should see more and more bass being reported.

Reminder ( 25 March)
Here is a reminder from the DAA match captain Steve Harvey...
"Its matchday on Saturday ...booking in at the gate .. 5.15-6 fishing from 7-11 a rover .... After that the next match is next weekend 6th April fishing 3-7 so booking in will be 1.15-2 ... Sorry about the two matches being so close together the tides etc are the reason ..."
Very interesting ( 24 March)
Speaking to the DAA match captain today (Steve Harvey) on how the Seabrook match fished yesterday...there was one fish of interest...a decent sole...now that is early!
Bass on time ( 23 March)
Here is a report from Andy...again just after top of the tide?...
"Hi tony
I fished 12.30pm to 16.30 yesterday at tailors road .
I had a 1 small flounder. 1 rockling and a 2lbs bass on a 2 hook flapper with lug .
Just after high tide . Regards Andy Heslop

Behind the boats ( 21 March)
Report in from Adam Goldie...
"Hi Tony, fished behind the boats today, what a lovely day!! plenty of Dabs and 3 keepers, and tiny Whiting and Rockling, and half way through the flood ! had this surprise fish on single lug fished 20 yards out intended for Bass, I believe its a Coal Fish."

High Tide ( 21 March)
Reports coming in this afternoon from behind the boats today...nothing till after high tide then flats and whiting...strange?

Good cod ( 20 March)
One of my customers told me this morning that he fished Littlestone wall yesterday...and had codling after codling just after high water...in daylight!

Good news for fishermen ( 20 March)
I had an email yesterday from the MOD with 'firing times' for Dengemarsh (going west) and Galloways for the month of April....I couldn't believe it so I queried it, and here is the reply...
"Just to confirm with everyone that the Firing Times list is correct as showing Lydd closed for the month (a few of you have quite understandably questioned it – as did we! - Lydd are having a targetry upgrade and so no live firing is scheduled for April.)"
Yes that means open house all April...all we need is some clear water and the plaice to move in to the beach!

A timely reminder ( 17 March)
Here is a bit from Steve Harvey (the DAA match captain)...
"This coming friday is the DAA A.G.M.
At Heysham Hall next door to the chip shop in Taylor Rd .. its your chance to voice your opinion and have your say on all matters regarding the DAA also we are looking for people to join the committee .. start time 7.30 ..."
What a lovely evening ( 16 March)
It could be summer...walking the dogs on Greatstone beach this evening...calm ...warm...in the glow of a golden moon.

Loads of fish ( 16 March)
Here is a report from Paul Jarrett...love those dogfish...

Southern Circuit SAS match result - Dengemarsh 15/03/14

"Hi Tony hope you are well,

Result from our Dengemarsh match fished on Saturday evening, 11 members fished the comp, we were plagued by pin whiting from the off, rockling, dabs, dog fish and whiting were weighed in

The biggest fish was a 2lb 4oz Dog Fish caught by Steve Field

Steve Field – 12 Fish 7lb 9ozs

Sam Collier – 13 Fish 7lb 6.5ozs

Adam Horton – 13 Fish 6lb 12.5ozs

Keith Johnson – 13 Fish 4lb 9.5ozs

Daren Edwards – 6 Fish 3lb 10ozs

Mick Watt – 12 Fish 3lb 8ozs

Wesley Cheeseman – 12 Fish 3lb 7ozs

Paul Jarrett – 7 Fish 1lb 13ozs

Joe Stevens – 6 Fish 1lb 11ozs

Daniel Collier – 5 Fish 1lb 4ozs

Alan Jarrett – 4 Fish 13.5ozs

Regards Paul"

What a cracking weekend ( 16 March)

Reports coming in are that a mixture of species...mostly small but some bigger flounders, the weather has been brilliant, the forecast hopefully will give a bit of a 'stir up' next week...will it bring in some bigger codling?...the buzz is that the bay is full of them!

Yes...its a plaice ( 13 March)
The intrepid Simon Newman ventured down to Dengemarsh...how did he fare...
"It's not big, but it's oooooh so pretty. 29cm plaice from a short session at Dengemarsh today. No other fish and no other bites so i must thank Daniel Sanger for keeping me amused between casts. I left Daniel on the beach. He's been fishing since 0630 and I left him at 4pm not only fishless but also biteless. I will say no more, already having said too much LOL."

Rock on...( 13 March)
This email came in from Lukey yesterday ( spam folder yet again) here is the report...
"hi Tony, my dad and myself fished infront of the powerstation this afternoon (wed). not much to report tho as we only managed to find 2 species 3 beard rockling and 5 beard rocking. my dad caught 5 fish and i caught 4 fish. nice day to be on the beach tho if not a tad chilly in the N/E breeze. cheers Lukey Knight.
I think Lukey was a bit unlucky on the species, we have some 'local heroes' fishing Dengemarsh today looking for a plaice lets see how they get on...

When the winds in the east fish bite the least... errr...no! ( 11 March)
Here is a report from Steve behind the boats...into the wind...
"Hi Tony myself Mr Field, Martin and Martin Jeff(Martins dad) had a couple of hours behind 'fairchance' this afternoon .... Hoping for an early bass in the surf ... No bass unfortunatly but we did have 12 small codling between us which is a good sign for the future ... Plus a cple of flounders whiting and ling ... So all in all not a bad session ...the picture attached is jeff with one of the codling ... Tight lines steve Harvey"

I have had loads of reports over the last six weeks of baby codling being caught...not just around here...the Thames estuary and the east coast!...I had some customers 'pop in' on Friday (on the way to the British Open up north) from Belgium...and guess what...their coast have loads of small codling as well!

Oops (10 March)
I found this email from Arkam in my 'spam' folder I think it came in yesterday therefore I think Arkam was fishing on Saturday...

"Hi Tony...I fished yesterday with a friend of mine between the boats and the point...it was beautiful day with plenty of fish caught:rockling, dabs, whitings,3 plaice, dogfish,codlings, but the highlight of the day was a codling around 2lb and my first time ever coalfish at dungeness. From Arkam

Well what a nice day (10 March)
We had the a good match day yesterday...nice weather...plenty of fish (mostly small) here are the match results from Malcolm Jones (Statto) our DAA Chairman...

DAA match result Sunday, 9th March 2014 – Full Rover – 3-00 pm – 7-00 pm

1st Scott Strudwick 12 fish 3 lb. 9 oz.

2^nd Paul Gunner 10 fish 3 lb. 5 ½ oz.

3rd Mike Richardson 9 fish 3 lb. 4 ½ oz. Heaviest fish 1 lb. 3 ½ oz. dogfish

4th Mike Smith 8 fish 2 lb. 3 ½ oz.

5th Tony Hills 8 fish 2 lb. 2 ½ oz. .

Predominantly dabs, whiting, rockling and the odd dogfish, pouting and plaice weighed in. Slight SE breeze.

17 fished and 14 weighed in.

There's a plaice for us ( 7 March)
Reports coming in today...more plaice about, linked with the forecast of building high pressure for next week...this should clear the water...fill your boots!

Next DAA Match this Sunday ( 7 March)
Yes you lucky people...its the next DAA league match this Sunday...this must be a mistake as we have a decent weather forecast with plenty of fish about!
Book in on the road from 1.15pm to 2.00pm fish from 3.00pm to 7.00pm if you need any more info call Steve Harvey on 07786 538103
Codling...( 6 March)
Here is a report from Martin Weeks...

"Caught this last night of the point at dungeness first proper cod I've ever caught
5th march 2014"
A point of view...( 6 March)

I had this email from Rafal...

"Hello,
I have been reading postes on DAA website for about a year or so. 
Few of my friends and I were down the dungeness several times in the past. 
However we had no much luck so we couldn't send you pictures or email before. 
I'm getting a bit concerned about the post on the 2nd of March from Kevin 
regarding polish anglers kicking the fish around the beach. 
I was just wondering how does Kevin know that they were polish?
For someone who is english, spanish or french would be hard to tell if someone 
is polish, czech, slovakian, russian, ukrainian, serbian, croatian, estonian, 
lithuenian etc. 
There is nice and friendly polish, angling society around bexhill, hastings and 
eastbourne. We have been going fishing for couple of years or so, mainly around 
sussex/kent coast. 
We respect other anglers, rules, regulations and what is most important natural 
environment. We keep the beach clean and treat fishes with care because it is in 
our interest to keep them healthy so we can all have fun when they get bigger. 
I would be very disappointed if this is done by polish anglers however all those 
times we went down the dungeness we didn't meet one. 
If there is anything we can do in the future to help please don't hesitate to 
contact me. Best regards, Rafal.

60% (or there about's) of my customers don't speak English as their first language...without them I wouldn't be in business! There are good and bad in all types....our role is to show some anglers a 'better way'...teaching by example...promoting angling...working with other users of the beach showing that we can all work together in partnership to protect our environment.

Better and better ( 4 March)
Simon Newman popped in this morning and gave me the good news that the codling are getting better (bigger)...up to 4lb being reported up around the 'point'...besides all the baby fish!

Having a good time ( 3 March)
Here is a report from Savio...
"Hi Tony,

We fished near the power station on Friday night into saturday morning and had lovely time fishing. We caught 8 different species of fish and while most were not very big and left to fight another day, there were a few takers.

The best moment was when I hauled in a lovely bass and a codling on the same cast. The bass just came under a kilo and 44cm in length and made a lovely dinner while the coding was released back. They were caught on straight lugs just before low tide.

Species: Whiting, Codling, Rockling, Dab, Plaice, Bass, Pouting, Dogfish

Thanks and regards, JJ & Savio"

Wow....( 2 March)
This was posted on facebook by Dave Hancock...copied from 'magic seaweed'
http://www.holidaysincornwall.com/worlds-biggest-waves-to-hit-monday-3rd-march-2014/

"Forget Bondi Beach or Hawaii – the biggest waves to be found anywhere on the planet tomorrow will be aiming themselves at Cornwall’s coastline.
The map from surf website Magic Seaweed shows that tomorrow morning nowhere in the world will have bigger swell than Cornwall.
The waves crashing into the South West will be higher than Hawaii and bigger than Bondai at that time.
The website expects swell of up to 33ft to hit Sennen in West Cornwall.
This is the second time this year that Cornwall will experience the largest waves in the world."
...I'm going to bed in my 'flotation suit'!
A sad story ( 2 March)
Here is a sad story from Kevin...
"hi toni just thought you may want to put this on your forum was at hythe last week on a Saturday 22nd feb watching the fishing as I had nothing to do whilst the beach was full of fisherman there seemed to be a few dog fish about I no these fish are like pouting to some fishermen and they can be a pain whilst there feeding. to my surprize I witnessed 5 polish fisherman catch a large dog fish rather than put it back they kicked it up beach then dug a hole in shingle and buried it alive rather than put it back being a fisherman myself I jumped off sea wall dug it up and said if you don't want it you barskets put it back I walked down to sea edge and put it back luckly I was so angry they let it go as they wernt sure about what I was going to do. yes I could of got beaten up by these thugs but wasn't going to let this go shame we don't have a fish monitor to check these venues out. yours sincerely kevin varn boat club."

Well Kevin I think all fish should be treated with respect (I like dogfish!), there is no excuse to torture fish...I feel guilty match fishing with fish in the bucket....but I can't explain some peoples behavior...but we have to 'teach' by example...but be careful don't put yourself at risk!

Another quiet day in paradise ( 1 March)
The beach has been a bit quiet today...in spite of glorious weather but reports coming in say we still have plenty of plump codling around 1lb, popping into the beach to say hello!

Leader of the pack ( 27 February)
Paul Belli yesterday spent time down at the 'kennels'...
Hello Tony,
Quick report on the lovely session i just fished. Arrived at 11am and fished the point side of the boats. Lots of dogfish. A nice codling, many small codling. Couple of nice dabs and 2 good flounder.
Fished until 5.... By when the wind had picked up... Definitely not t-shirt weather where i was.
Little bit weedy and fishing 2 rods meant i hardly sat down. At least the rockling were thin on the ground.
Lovely day to be out.
Cheers Paul
Ps. The new lifeboat was busy zooming up and down.... nice to know they're right there if anyone gets washed in.

Fun in the sun ( 26 February)
Paul Howells just popped the key back in after fishing the point, he said he had loads of dogfish some nice dabs and baby codling, he said it was so warm he fished all afternoon in a 'T' shirt...wow in February!

The writing is on the wall ( 26 February)
I had this email this Carrie...
"Hi first time messaging you we fish about 4 times a week putting in many hours and i read your site everyday we fish any where from Hythe to Camber but there is just nothing out there Fished Littlestone wall last night and this morning not much about 5small codling biggest about 1lb and loads of ling carrie & wayne"
...yes we have plenty of small fish about, the sea is very warm, it won't be long until we get more flounder and plaice!

The WDC...the results ( 24 February)
Here is what Simon Newman posted on facebook...he missed one person out! Thanks Simon for a great idea and all the work you have done to make this an unique event...

Tronixpro World Dab Fishing Championships 2014 THE RESULTS

Firstly a few very big thank you's.

George Cunningham and Tronixpro for the kind and generous sponsorship of the event

The Pilot Inn and all who sail in her for hosting.

Zziplex for a fantastic rod, and Chris Dance for building it for us.

Seagull Tackle and Micks Tackle for raffle prizes and one of Micks world famous bait pumps

Andy Molson for the rod and reel Junior prize

…..and everyone else who donated raffle prizes on the day. KH recruitment for £50 worth of tackle vouchers, Paul Fenech /Sea Angler for a cracking reel, the raffle mafia of Wayne Hill and Phil Hambrook who are now so intrinsic to the event, Gobby Welsh git Jason Davey for running the raffle, Stephen Harvey for looking after the weigh in and a big big hand to Steve and Kim Field for running the registration and results service. Anyone I’ve forgotten to mention, I most humbly apologise.

The very biggest thanks of all must go to the 147 anglers who fished on the day in what were “testing” conditions to say the very least. With long arms and shallow pockets, they donated a final tally of £3383 to the Dungeness RNLI, which I’m pretty sure tips the 4 year total to just over £20,000.

Ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls, I salute you all.

The Results:

Junior World Champion: Kane Wood Brignall 1 dab 4 oz

World Champion: Andy Molson ( AGAIN!!!!) 5 dabs 2lb 5oz

Runner up: Kevin Bowles 4 dabs 1lb 11oz

3rd Alex Veal 4 dabs 1lb 9oz

4th Roy Barker 1lb 3

5th Greg Dixon 15oz

6 Paul Gunner 14.5oz

7. Peter Bolton 14oz

8. Darren Mills 13.5oz

9. Scott Shadwick 11.5oz

10. Shaun Graham 10oz

Pools paid to 17th place (£30 paid down the field after 3rd). If anyone knows Peter Bolton, if he could get in touch with me please. I have his prize and £30 pools winnings.

Gentlemen, until next year, I am looking forward to not worrying about the weather for a while!

Tightest of lines, Simon Newman

The World Dab Championship ( 23 February)
Three of us fished Galloways today...bracing...

For us only rockling and whiting. I believe that around a 140+ fished...a really good turnout considering it was the reserve date with a forecast of southerly force 6 to 7 winds...I was told around thirteen weighed in, I will post the full results when I get them!

A fishy story...( 21 February)
Here is a report from Kevin concerning problems when skinning a dogfish, someone told years ago 'scald it' with boiling water first?...Iv'e seen Jerry Oiller ( Fairchance) skin a doggy in about a half a minute.

"Fished down by the boardwalk on Wednesday. Very busy with the sunshine coming out at last. Fished 3 hours before high and 1 hour after.

18 whiting (only 1 keeper), 1 dogfish (keeper), 1 codling (keeper) 4 rockling and 1 dab

I have only been fishing since last spring and was my first dogfish. I normally fish Winchelsea Beach as I live round the corner but thought i would give Dungeness a go. Anyway, back to the dogfish, after some advice, when I got home I skinned it. WOW, if I had known how hard it was i wouldn't have bothered. I think any more dogs will go straight back in unless you have any advice. I cut round the bottom of the head with a flap over the back of the head and then pulled hard.......... what a mess, the Mrs was not to pleased, Kevin"

As if we didn't know ( 21 February)
This is the met office rain map...as if we didn't know...most on Dungeness!!!

Fingers crossed ( 20 February)
Here is the latest from Simon Newman (Organiser) ...
"Tronixpro World Dab Fishing Championships Sunday 23rd Feb Dungeness....weather update: Saturday and Monday are ok, Sunday is looking very windy but dry. On the basis that any slippage with the forecast either way will be in our favour, the event is going ahead as planned. We will be very reluctant to cancel again as long as conditions are deemed fishable and safe. We suggest you keep an eye on the forecast for the next couple of days and pray for no deterioration in the current predictions. You will need to assess your own capabilities to decide whether or not you are competent to fish in potentially strong wind and rough conditions. Hopefully the conditions will improve, but do please keep an eye on the weather forecast. This is a weather site I generally trust for Dungeness:http://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/tn299nw"

Don't Forget ( 20 February)
Here is a report from Steve Harvey (DAA Match Captain)
"The DAA members league due to be fished on the 23rd of february.... This match will go ahead however due to the Dab match there will be changes to the times .... The fishing will take place at THE SAME TIME as the the dab comp ...11-4 ... Booking in for both will take place at the pilot from 7.30 onwards ... If you can inform booking in team that you wish to fish both ... There will be no fee for the league match ... Its just about the points for this .. due to most people will be fishing both matches ... Just bring your buckets to the weigh in where there will be two sets of scales one of which will be for the league aswell ... So that your 25 cm dabs can be weighed seperately if you are fishing both .. but remember to keep all your sizeable fish if you are fishing both ... There maybe a pools for the league match of £2,just for the heaviest fish ... Any more info dont hesitate to contact me on 07786538103,tight lines for now"

Littlestone wall...underrated ( 18 February)
Here is another report from Paul Belli...
"Hello Tony,
Fished Littlestone again today from 12 until 3 over the high. A few others keeping me company for a change today.
Lots of small whiting and dabs, with two good sized dabs coming home.
At one point, within a ten minute period i reeled in 5 dogs. Didn't see one before or after this strange spell. They're surely not shoal fish. Must've been the perfect conditions just at that time for them.
No bass and only 1 small codling.
Light winds and only a few raindrops. Perfect day fitter me if not the fish ;)
Cheers Paul
Ps. I usually fish behind the boats but haven't heard any feedback for a few days now?"
We are still recovering from the storms with fewer anglers fishing...equals fewer reports!

A real mixed bag ( 17 February)
Just had this report in from Paul Belli...
"Hi Tony,

Just a quick report from my trip today. fished Littlestone from 11am till 4pm.

Lots of small whiting and many (10) small rockling. One small plaice, one large dab, 3 codling of no size and 2 schoolie bass.

Just before finishing I pulled out a very nice dab but upon inspection it had what looked like superating lumps by its head on its top and near its tail on its underside. Looked like bleeding warts ? What would that have been .. .some disease ? Wished I'd taken a photo with my phone now.

Good session , although the wind did pick up later on and being southerly i didnt escape it. I'll have to bother getting my big brolly out of the car next time.

Cheers, Paul"

A good day Paul, well done, you are right if you get a diseased fish send me a photo and I will copy it to the local IFCA for identification.

Plenty of water how about the fish ( 16 February)
I had this cracking picture on facebook taken by Ian Dawes today so much water lying around it could make Dungeness into an island...plenty of fish being reported...dabs and more dabs...

A bit of a blow ( 15 February)
Nick (no fear) Burton popped in this morning on his way back from Dengemarsh, showed me this photo...a bit wet...but it is still there...and it will be flat calm tomorrow!

Weather window? ( 15 February)
I had this email from George...

"Hi Tony,
I was just looking on your website and the BBC Weather site. Then I looked out 
if the window and just wondered was there a window Sunday morning. Was is 
possible that Mother Nature was going to allow a mornings fishing?? 
How did Dungeness fair in the storm, do you agree there us a weather window 
Sunday morning? Cheers George.

...Yes the weather looks good for tomorrow after weeks of little activity 
we have quite a few orders for the morning, so your not alone in your 
thinking.
The beach has been flattened in the west bay...but we have survived so 
far!

Yes it is spring? ( 14 February)
Well...I checked the sea temperatures yesterday 8 degrees the average for April! Here is a report from Wayne...

Hi Tony,

I met my fishing buddy at Dunge yesterday morning (4am) 'suspecting' a fish or two.

There was no rush to get set up, so i walked the LW line.....there was loads of shellfish....but only the odd worm today. Picked up few a queenies/razors for a 'change' bait.

Set up at 5am with a very basic 2hook flapper, hooks baited with a single black lug....(i picked up 25 score from the HW line on Tuesday).

Short casting was the order of the day, hoping there may be a Flounder moving in with the flooding tide....however Bass were also in the back of my mind.

My first take came quite quickly...and was very savage....i instantly thought BASS, and so it was.....2lb 8oz.

My buddy quickly added one of similar size, the it went quiet for ½hr.....then the Pins arrived...but not in great numbers.

At half tide the fun really started, with me getting a proper 'slam down', resulting in a bigger Bass at 4lb 2oz and my mate taking another 3 (all in 2-3lb bracket.)...we both missed a couple of takes too.

At HW the action stopped.

We decided to give it another 2 hrs, this accounted for 4 Dabs...a couple of Rockling and a small Plaice.

Would have expected more Dabs....very thin on the ground.

Packed up at 2pm...and apart from a bit of squally rain, it was a smashing days fishing....and great to actually be able to get out. Regards Wayne

Bass...( 13 February)

It pays to keep an eye on the weather, here is a report from Matt Barwick...
"Hi Tony

Thought i'd take advantage of the weather window this morning. Arrived behind the boats at 5.00 am looked perfect for bass. No bites till 7.00 am when the whiting came on. Looking for bass I moved behind the RNLI first cast nice bass 54cm not sure what the weight is. Had another good take on the next cast but failed to hook it. All went quiet so moved to Taylor rd for a couple hours not even a bite. Talk about right place at the right time. I did pop in to see you but you were at the flood meeting. Any way well chuffed nice first bass of the year and looking forward to dinner tonight !!

Regards Matt ( Tonbridge )"

The sea is still above 8 degrees...more like April!

Very Interesting...( 10 February)
I had this photo from Jeff he is asking for help in identifying what it is...any ideas?

Flat as your hat...( 9 February)
Here is a photo from Roy Godden he was down at Dengemarsh yesterday...totally flattened...

The sun is out...( 9 February)
Beautiful morning...but a touch breezy...here is the local shipping forecast from the met office...

24 hour forecast:

Wind: Southwesterly 7 to severe gale 9, occasionally storm 10 at first, decreasing 5 or 6, becoming cyclonic 4 or 5 later.
Sea state: Very rough or high, becoming moderate or rough later.
Weather: Squally showers, rain later.
Visibility: Moderate or good, occasionally poor.

Bad news...Dab World Championship ( 6 February)
This has this evening been posted on facebook by Simon Newman...

"World Dab Fishing Championships ..POSTPONED

Having taken all the many weather forecasts available into consideration, and despite being the eternal optimists that we are, we are sorry to announce that in the best interests of the participants, we have cancelled Sundays Tronixpro World Dab Fishing Championships. At best the beach will be a very unpleasant place to be on Sunday, at worst it could be down right dangerous.

The event will now be held in two weeks time, on Sunday 23rd February 2014. All the other details remain unchanged.

It is with great regret that we have taken this decision and we understand the inconvenience this may well cause, especially to those of you who have travel plans and accommodation and bait on order.

We now pray to a different weather God for fine weather on the 23rd (obviously we did not sacrifice enough whiting to our usual one), and we hope you can get a fishing pass to come and join us on the 23rd.

Tight lines and stay safe this weekend, Simon.
PS. I would appreciate it if all my fishy friends would share this to reach as many anglers as possible and if my media friends could perhaps duplicate this announcement on their web pages"

If there is a silver lining...the tide of the 23rd of February is far better ( Fishing low tide to high) this will give us more choice of fishing spots if the weather is still difficult! I feel sorry for Simon who has put so much hard work into organising this.

Lots more codling...and a few dabs ( 6 February)
Reports in today ...from those hardy anglers who gave it 'a go' this morning were more 'baby' codling...and good news a few dabs! I can't remember a time when so many baby codling were on the beach...might be something to do with the October weather?

Dab World Championships update ( 5 February)
This just came in from Simon Newman organiser of the DWC...

"Tronixpro World Dab Fishing Championships 2014 Weather update and contingency. Hi Dabbers.

As we can all see, the weather is not looking very promising for Sunday at the moment, however, it is still 4 days away and all we need is a nudge of high pressure and the Atlantic lows will miss us here in the SE and the event will be fisheable.

If the weather forces cancellation, the event will be postponed and will be held on Sunday 23rd Feb, same times and rules etc. A decision shall be made by the organising committee by 10am on Friday morning at the very latest and shall be announced here on Facebook and World Sea Fishing Forum.

We will not delay the decision until Friday if tomorrow the forecast looks beyond hope. Cheers for now, Simon. PS. AAaaaaaaaaaGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!"

Fingers firmly crossed!!!

A little bit of surf ( 4 February)
I had this report in this evening from Paul Belli...
"Hi Tony,

Just thought I'd drop you a line. You told me Littlestone by the wall could be productive when i popped into the shop to buy some forceps. Well, I fished over the high tide from 12 until 4. Very windy but dry. Sea became rougher and rougher during the session.

I caught 5 bass, 2 of which were of a size for supper. 1 good sized Flounder. 1 small flounder. 2 small codling and numerous small whiting. No DABS though!!

Kept me busy all session. Very enjoyable but a little wind blasted - nearly fell asleep once in the safety of my car for the journey back to Rye. Cheers, Paul"

Size limits...do you measure up? ( 4 February)
I keep trying to remind myself that people take up sea fishing every day, we all have to start from the beginning, we all have to learn, none of us know it all...hopefully we all carry on learning and developing, fish size limits are part of this. In our area we have the 'Kent & Essex Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority' (IFCA)who have responsibility for enforcing the byelaw's ( website...kentandessex-ifca.gov.uk). If you pop in I can give you a card with the fish sizes...

Loads of baby cod ( 4 February)
If you have been reading this blog for the last few weeks you will have seen the reports of 'hords' of baby codling being caught. I have no doubt they are right, cod goes in cycles and hopefully in a couple of years we will see the benefit! I had this report in from waqs...yes I know its Deal but its a nice photo of a 'baby' cod...Remember the legal take home size for codling is 35cms...
"Hi Tony 02/02/2014 my name is waqs,its the first time weve messaged you but we regularly read the daily reports!here i am with my fisher lady Naz on deal beach in kent! we are regular fishers in dungeness but this time we thought we would try deal. weather was beautiful,bit chilly but low winds.

we caught 22 whitlings 5 codlings and one rock fish,all decent sizes!!

had a brilliant day! "

It's the big one ( 3 February)
Here is a bit off facebook from the excitable Steve Harvey our DAA match captain...
"YAB-ADABA-DOO
This coming sunday 9th feb sees the return of the south of Englands most popular charity match ...yes folks THE World dab champs is nearly upon us and with the forecast improving everyday it should be a good day ... Dont forget you can have a breakfast at the pilot whilst booking in .. booking in from 7.30 a.m and fishing from 11-4 ... £10 to enter 100% of entry goes to the RNLI ... £5 optional pools which in previous years anglers finishing 30th have won themselves £30 .... Plus an absolutly fantastic raffel table which includes a zzipplex rod ... Each entrant gets free raffel tickets so if you think youre a Dab hand at catching Dabs come down to Dungeness and give it a go ... All DABS OVER 25 CM COUNT ... Hope to see loads of you there .. tight lines for now"

Jack's being dogged ( 2 February)
Here is a report from Jack fishing today...

"Hi tony
Fished just down from the boats today, thought I would practice for the dab comp 
next weekend! All I had was whiting, flounder and loads of dogfish! 
I do hope there are a few more dabs showing for next weekend otherwise we will 
have to have to call it the dogging championships!!!
Regards Jack Feaver"

Don't worry I have had reports of more dabs being caught from...oops I will tell you Monday!

The sun came out ( 2 February)
Dungeness, very busy today after after a very quiet week...not easy massive tide, weed and a strong tidal flow. One angler reported to me (because behind the boats was so busy) he fished Littlestone wall...getting fish every cast, whiting, codling, dogfish and dabs lovely fishing great conditions!

The quiet before the storm ( 31 January)
The few reports I have had or seen have been quite good, plenty of dogfish, whiting a few dabs and codling around 1 1/2lb...but the beaches are so quiet...so few reports. With the world dab championship coming up Sunday week then we will be fighting for places!...lets hope for a gap in the weather...this morning has been calm dry and warm!

Bye bye...( 30 January)
As the month comes to an end ( the wettest on record) we have the first of the really big tides of the year 8.3 metres at Dungeness with some interesting weather...Sunday looks good?

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Shingle movement & codlets ( 28 January)
Here is a email from Ted Gower...

"Hi Tony
My name is Ted and I used to drive regularly from Salisbury to fish Dungy 
although I now live north of Colchester but still a member of DAA. I read with 
interest the comments on your web site re the shingle extraction. It's not 
surprising that planning permission was granted as this application was 
submitted by an energy company. I would be interested what stance  the  RSPB 
take on this issue.We anglers are very often at odds with the RSPB and 
twitters(birds) but on this issue both of us should lobby EDF to continue to 
have access at all times. I believe that there are certain sites on our coast 
that need protection form large corporations and access remain unrestricted for 
all to enjoy
On the subject of these small codling being caught( I call them codlets) you are 
absolutely correct on the identification issue. I went fishing on Walton peir 
two days ago and caught over a dozen. Tony,they are all over the east coast 
right down to Sussex. like you I believe that this is natural cycle which occurs 
when the sea temperature is just right.It does bode well for the next two years 
where they should be 2 to 3 pounds after that,they then get decimated by the EU 
commercial fleets.
Keep up the good work tony and hope to see you at the world dab championships.
Regards Ted.

Just for the record Ted RSPB opposed the application which is joint between the EA & EDF our main area of concern is NE and the SAC (special area of conservation)...but that is another story!

I want to tell you a story ( 27 January)
Here is a report from Paul...'pin' whiting...tell me about it...

"Hi Tony

Not been fishing for a while had lots of work on and with the lack of Cod around I haven't really had the inclination or motivation to go. However last Saturday I pulled myself together and went fishing from 7am to 7pm. The weather was good and I was fishing where I wanted to be (boats) albeit the tides were small and I wasn't sure of how the tide would run. During the day there was little tide and very little action tbh. All the usual suspects showed up Whiting, Dabs, Dogfish, Rockling and the odd Pouting.

The fishing was very slow indeed, lots of Pin Whiting a few sizeable and the odd good Dab (7 X 25cm plus) but all in all the fishing wasn't up to much. I tried all day with 2 rods out at distance (120 to 130 yds) with 4/0s rigged for that elusive cod, and one in closer for Dabs.

As the day progressed and the tide began to Flood the weather, well the wind picked up too as did the tide. I have to say for such a small tide there was an awful lot of flood tide which gave me some hope that a Cod may show up. I fished with Fixed wire 8oz and these were being dragged. There was a little bit of weed but not a lot and no sign of MR Cod or Codling anywhere for the day.

I had fresh Blacks and Cuttlefish and old Blacks for the Dabs, I also tried a variety of tipping baits from shellfish, mackerel, sprat, sandeel and squid but made no significant difference. All the fish cam at a variety of distances from 30 to 120yds and no where seemed to be more prolific in catches. will try again hopefully when there is a break in the weather and a much calmer day.

only lost two sets of gear all day so it isn't very snaggy.

Regards Paul Hodges"

After two matches ( 27 January)
Here are full results from last night plus the league positions after 2 matches...

1st codling of the year ( 27 January)
Here is the report from last nights DAA match from our chairman Malcolm Jones...

"DAA match result Sunday, 26th January 2014 – Full Rover – 4-00 pm – 8-00 pm

1st Paul Gunner 2 fish 3 lb. 2 1/2 oz. Heaviest fish 1 lb. 14 oz. dogfish

2nd Steve Harvey 3 fish 2 lb. 1 oz.

3rd Martin Swinyard 1 fish 1 lb. 11 oz.

4th Nathan Elliott 5 fish 1 lb. 9 oz.

5th Richard Yates 4 fish 1 lb. 9 oz.

Dabs, dogfish, whiting and rockling weighed in. Blustery SW winds easing.

21 fished and 15 weighed in.

Full result to follow tonight."

The weather was very bad at first so five competitors re-located down to Littlestone wall...interestingly this supplied the top three places. As usual all I managed was 'pin' whiting...and a seven inch codling (my first of the year!) more were caught by Steve Field.

Is it a cod? ( 25 January)
Here is a report from Jose...
"Hi tony,

I fished Dungeness today but caught no codling, caught around 25 whiting though. at the time i thought they might be cod but they were all whiting. are you sure people aren't just mistaking the whiting for cod? how do you tell them apart? none of my fish had the single barbel under the mouth. but they did have gold colour markings?

best regards. Jose"

The easiest way to tell a cod is the chin barbel, but pouting have one to as do 'poor cod'...cod are usually mottled with a more distinctive lateral line, colours can very, whiting have a bigger eye and a 'slimmer' feel...but at first glance a big 'fat' whiting has fooled an experienced angler more than once!

Yes people could be confused, but every tide is different and baby codling can appear in large numbers...I give them a kiss and put them back.

Hot of the press ( 25 January)
I attended the planning meeting at KCC (Maidstone) yesterday to consider the application to restart shingle recycling at Dungeness, I spoke against the planning application on behalf of my local Town councils but it was passed with a large majority, here is a response from the DAA...

"Dear all,

I have been made aware that KCC yesterday granted planning permission to EDF Energy and the EA, with conditions, for further recycling of shingle from the Dungeness Borrow Pit. During the consultation period we asked for conditions to be placed on the application to ensure that anglers continued to have access to the foreshore during operations to remove the shingle via the haul road.

At present DAA have no further details of proposed commencement date and operational details but we will be closely monitoring the situation and keeping you suitably informed.

Shingle movement will now be added to the agenda for the AGM, Friday 21^st March 2014 @ 7.30 pm – venue Heysham Hall, Taylor Road, Lydd On Sea TN29 9PA

Regards, Malcolm Jones – DAA Chairman"

Very interesting ( 24 January)
I just opened this report from Nigel Grieve...
"Hi Tony, wondered whether you had any thoughts on the numbers of small codling this early in the year. Friends keep asking me "Why" as they have not experienced this before. I remember numbers further round the coast appearing around March and April and that would be generally our equivelant to a spring run of fish. As for the present numbers my thoughts are that due to the cold snap after Xmas last year this is the result of the Cod spawning much later by several months. If indeed this is the case why are they so small or is it simply the case of a shortage of food? One consolation is that with the disappearance of our cod stocks at the end of November(mystery) there are no shoals of Cod hovering up these precious juvenile fish. The big question now is will these huge numbers of juvenile fish return in October around the 2lb mark. If so happy times again. History in the past suggests it will happen depending on our South Westerly air flow. You may like to share these thoughts with your fellow anglers and see if they have any other ideas as to why we have this invasion. Regards Nigel."
A lot of people think that cod numbers go in cycles, I remember when the cod suddenly appeared about eight years ago, we had all these small codling being reported! The big question was...where did the parents come from? With all the whiting how did the eggs and fry survive?...all that said all cod do is eat and make little cod...so the fish follow the best food source...but great news!

As long as you enjoy yourself ( 23 January)
Here is an email from Bob on his away day...

"Hello Tony, my son and I plus two of his friends came in on Wednesday and 
bought some tackle, a rod and a couple reels. I would like to thank you for 
your help and advice. You did warn us that it might be very windy on the 
beach near the power station and to go to the boats instead, but we decided 
to go near the power station and after two hours of strong winds lashing 
rain into our faces and strong waves pushing our tackle back onto the beach, 
we took your advice and went over to the boats, where the wind was at our 
backs and less strong and within a couple of minutes we began to catch. It 
was all small Codling and between the four of us we caught 43 and my son 
James caught a nice rockling. So it turned into a pretty good day, thanks 
mate. Bob Pembroke Dagenham."

Same old...same old ( 23 January)
The reports coming are much the same this week...dabs, whiting, rockling and baby codling...but at least the weather has improved...here is a photo of Greatstone beach this morning...spring like!

Great for the future ( 20 January)
Here is a report from Bob Pembroke...lovely to hear it...

"Hi Tony, My son and I came in on Sunday and bought some traces and weights. 
We had an enjoyable day helped by the good weather. I caught three very very 
small codling and my son caught one rather small Dab and thirteen small 
codling. Although all the fish were small it was nice to get out onto the 
beaches this time of year, we are returning on Wednesday, this time we are 
hoping to pick up the small codlings bigger brothers. Cheers Bob"

Calm Sunday ( 18 January)
What a great forecast...a weather window, good for the VBC boat match and for a change we are spoilt for choice where to fish around Dungeness!

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Wet and wetter ( 17 January)
Not a very nice day...lots of rain (dryer tomorrow even better on Sunday) but the reports coming in from those keen anglers returning from behind the boats...whiting and dabs...no surprises!
Dinner for two ( 16 January)
Just had this email from Kevin Warden...all in the best possible taste...
"I fished behind the boats and caught 3 dabs of 25cm and a 32 cm whiting plus a rockling and pin whiting. My daughters shared the whiting for dinner! "It tastes like fish fingers"

Thanks Wayne ( 16 January)
Here is the bit concerning the Herne Bay Open at Dungeness on Sunday...

"Hi Tony,
Re Herne Bay match (Penn pts)..........book-in opposite The Pilot. from 
about 7.45am.
(Info source, HBAA website).
Regards Wayne

Dave's dabs ( 15 January)
Here is a report from Dave Wood-Brignall ...lovely dabs...

"Here are some of my better dabs caught on Saturday . The largest was 32cm , 31 & 
29 and weighed 13oz , 10oz and 9 oz . All caught on month old lug , rotten 
queenies , and manky cuttle."

Wayne's world ( 15 January)

I had this email from Wayne...great day...sounds like some pre-match practice...I will email Wayne for 'booking-in' details...sounds like it should be a good event...

"Hi Tony,

Had an early start at Dunge yesterday (14th), got there for 3.30am, the rain was lashing it down, but not to be dederred...i set up at the waters edge to get the last hour of the ebb. Sticky blacks, queen cockles and razor picked up on the beach last week.

With hardly any ebb flow i started to catch pin Whiting 3 at a time with a few Dabs for good measure. then as the tide turned, it went quiet for a while but by the time it was daylight the (small) fish were back. One hour before HW quite a bit of weed coming through, however the fish did get a bit bigger, with decent Whiting (to 35cm) and some 'dinner plate Dabs. After HW it all went quiet again.

I fished till 2.30 by which time i was having to cast to my maximum range to contact the fish.

Queenies were the best bait, accounting for most of the bigger fish.

It turned out a lovely sunny day and a few fish for the table....perfect.....thoroughly enjoyable.

Herne Bay Angling Association are holding a match at Dungeness on Sunday 19th.....9am - 2pm.... Its an open/rover and anyone can enter. £10 entry..... Flatfish Only.

42 anglers attended their last match....so could get busy down there specially as the weather forecast is looking good. Regards Wayne

PS I almost forgot.....i also had a small Codling too. LOL"

Feeling a bit peckish? ( 14 January)
Had this email this morning from these lads...I was speechless...

"Hi, We fished Sunday morning from 6.30 until 2.30 pm. We had a lot of small fish 
including one tiny codling. The best fish was a 2lb Bass, caught right on high 
water. The bait used was common lug. We also found a lot of rubbish on the 
beach, shame really. Did see a party of four anglers beside us catching small 
whiting and cooking them on the beach. Takes all sorts I suppose.
Kevin, Daryl and David."

Just to remind people that Dungeness is a National Nature Reserve and the rules say...no fires on the beach...as I always say take back all that you bring! Don't leave a trace that you have been there!

Cracking dab ( 14 January)

Just had this email from Chris ...I would have loved one of these Sunday night...

"Just a quickie, 
Thought we'd let you know, we fished greatstone late last week, plenty of dabs 
and whiting.
As you can see from this picture, ( hope it loads) the dabs were of exceptional 
size, this one weighed in at 1lb 1oz. A stonking fish caught on straight lug.
Happy New year! Chris Voller."

What a night ( 13 January)

This DAA match was posted on 'facebook' by our match captain Steve Harvey...
Hi folks....well....what a cracking start to the new members league season 20 anglers turned up in fairly cold and windy conditions to fish a rising tide.... Fish were fairly few and far between .. with dogs whits slugs and dabs weighed in
1st ....c.brenan 4lb +
2nd ....d wood brignall 2lb 10
3rd .....n.elliott 2lb 3
4th ......s lacey 1.13half
Heaviest fish dogfish of 1lb 9half
For the record 5th place went to mr f :)
Next match 26 jan 4-8 so if you want to get involved then all you need is to be a,member of the DAA tight lines
Just for the record 14 out of the 20 weighed in...sad to say I was plagued by pin whiting nothing sizable!...The best fishing was deeper water...challenging conditions...strange started off very cold and got warmer as the cloud built up.

Good and bad ( 12 January)
Here is a report posted on 'facebook' last night by Jovan Djumic...
"Just back home from fishing the point with some mates. 6 rods out and loads of whiting and dabs to keep us busy. I personally had my beachcaster set up with a 3 hook boom rig and a carp rod fishing live/dead whiting on a pennel. Both rods fished between 10-30 yards out but alas no bass. Did discover that a 2.5tc carp rod with a multi loaded with braid makes for a wonderful combination! Lastly sadly though I must say I'm thoroughly discussted with the group next to us who seem to think its ok to leave loads of s**t everywhere and dead fish dotted around the beach. F**king idiots need shooting"...I know its difficult but by example and through education we have to make anglers aware that every time they leave rubbish behind they damage us all...we have to change the mind set that good behavior and keeping the venue clean only applies to other people!!!

'Dabbin' around ( 10 January)
Here is a report from Kevin Warden...I think he was fishing Wednesday...
"Tony

We fished from 10 until 4pm. I caught a couple of dabs and about a dozen whiting, 3 keepers. There were a few people fishing, I saw plenty of dabs and whiting caught as well as a several dogfish. It was a beautiful day and I collected razor and cockles to freeze as bait. Kevin"

...yes the dogfish are moving back in and we are getting more reports of the odd flounder!

As for codling the reports are mostly small fish.

Signs of life ( 8 January)
A few anglers are starting to fish Dungeness again after being a bit quiet with the bad weather
one of our DAA members John Smith posted this on 'facebook'...
"Fished at the boards today had 1 codling st 20 cm. 5 dabs and loads pin. Whiting and slug." about par for the course...we should see more flounder soon in the catch reports.

A bit of a battering ( 7 January)
I popped down to Dengemarsh today...

It has had a real battering and the car park is full of shingle (but the road is OK) so be careful this weekend...with Sundays match and the weather calming down (flat seas!!!) ...it could be good for a few dabs?

The first of the year ( 7 January)
Just a reminder that the first DAA match of the year is this Sunday 12th January
book in on the EA road between 2.15pm and 3.00pm. fishing from 4pm to 8pm, its a 'rover' on a rising tide. If you need any more info contact Steve Harvey on 07786 538103.

Codling ( 5 January)
Malcolm Sargent just popped the key to the DAA gate back...fishing last night had a couple of codling (one sizeable) plus some doggies.

Greatstone beach ( 5 January)
This morning on the beach with the dogs...what a difference a day makes...

Rucksack lost ( 5 January)
I had a phone call this morning from Murat, he had left his rucksack outside the the Britannia pub last night...with his beach multipliers in it! If you find it please give the shop a call 01797 366837.
Not very nice...but ( 4 January)
The weather today has been horrible...squally winds and heavy showers...but wait what is this I see, a weather window...the forecast, lighter winds sunshine and no rain till Sunday evening!

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...and more bass ( 3 January)
Just had this email from Darryl Nicholas...nice fish...

"Early morning bass caught at low water in the dark on sand eel which were found 
on the beach.  Fishing behind the boats. 50 centimeters long and weighs 3lb 
10oz."

High Tide ( 3 January)
Here is a photo of Dengemarsh car park this morning at high tide ( thanks to Roy and Steve Harvey)...

More bass ( 3 January)
Customers coming in this morning (fishing last night) reported bass to 5lb with the usual bits & pieces...the surf has been immense when the squalls came through...but very mild? Better weather tomorrow.

Today's report ( 2 January)
With a break in the weather Dungeness was 'heaving'...catch reports coming in this afternoon have been whiting, dabs, flounder the odd dogfish and codling. Breezy again tomorrow...I thought we might see more bass, we will have to wait and see?

What a start to 2014 ( 1 January)
Here is the forecast...a better day tomorrow...a chance to dry out!

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Happy New Year ( 31 December)
The year ends very 'damp' at Dungeness but very mild!
To those guys fishing tonight I hope you finish the year on a high note.
Lets hope 2014 brings you some great fishing...and better weather!

Ending the year with a bass ( 31 December)
Just had this email from Andy...fishing tough conditions yesterday but it payed off...
"Hi tony .
After a tour of the point, Galloway's where we could hold the bottom with 8oz leads we decided to try Taylors road ,whiting and a 2lbs 44cm bass all on lug fished different locations from 18.00 to 00.30.
All the best for new year. Regards Andy Heslop

Great dabs ( 29 December)
Had this email from Darryl Nickolas what a great day...
"Just got back from a good days fishing from the point Dungeness. Plenty of large dabs biggest measuring 35 centimetres weighing 1.5lb. Also plenty of Chanel whiting biggest being 39 centimetres weighing 2lb. Being a very productive day ! Fish for dinner make a change from Turkey ."

Good news ( 29 December)
I had this report come in this morning on facebook from Matt...
"Hi bud fished beach last night plenty of whiting some over a lb plenty of dabs and 3 coddling biggest about 12oz. Best wishes matt"
Thanks for that Matt...the good news is that little codling soon grow into big codling!

Dab-in around ( 28 December)
The only reports from the beach today are some big dabs and whiting...no reports of codling...yet...or bass but we have a weather 'window' tomorrow and rising tides (8.1m!!! next weekend) and with all the 'blows' marching through I'm still hopeful of some more cod.

Reports in today ( 27 December)
Those few brave anglers who have been out 'dodging' the showers have reported mostly whiting, dabs the odd flounder, small bass and some small codling. With weather conditions easing over night and a calmer weekend forecasted lets see what the weekend brings...

More Christmas Reports ( 26 December)
Rob Perfitt send me this report on facebook today...

"Hi Tony,

Well we got down to the gate at about 7 Christmas day morning and ventured out to the back of the last boat (point end), set up base camp with a full day in mind and started fishing! The amount of razors and other ex-shellfish getting caught on the line, rigs and weights was unbelievable, the huge ball of hemp rope my friend caught got us excited for a few seconds as did the sheet of canvas I caught! After 3-4 hours the Cod showed up.............................. Well one did (see pic). We gave it a couple more hours and gave in, what with having issues holding bottom and all the bits and bobs getting in all the gear and the 3 broken eyes we had had enough!

Ive thrown in a couple of shots of the day. There were about 20 odd fishing down there today, even Christmas cant hold us back!"

Christmas day ( 26 December)
I got down the beach (behind the boats, bottom end) just 'pin' whiting...still plenty of shellfish washing in...all 'de-shelled' mostly 'sand gapers' and queen cockle?
customer came in this morning told me he had a 7lb bass from the same area yesterday!

Dengemarsh Heroes ( 25 December)
I hope you are all happy and having a great Christmas...just checked the emails and one from Derek Maplesden came in last night...

"Hi Tony yes me and my mate Vince tried     our luck only bass I'm afraid not 
complaining two keepers sham no cod/coddling merry Christmas 
Derek"

Fair play, it was looking very 'bassy' if you could hold out...it was seriously rough! Very heavy showers down here...still deciding if I can 'creep' down the beach before having a very late lunch?

Dengemarsh ( 24 December)
I 'popped' down to Dengemarsh this afternoon to see the damage after the last nights storm. The car park is full of shingle again and the crest has been flattened...but 'respect' to the two guys fishing by the 'container' down towards Galloways...Merry Christmas.

Yummy! ( 23 December)
Thanks for the photo Alex and the report...It makes me feel peckish...
"Hi Tony,

Pic attached of the mentioned shellfish washing in last night. Mountains of the stuff! Just Dabs & Whiting for me as well.

Filled my freezer with Queenies for the new DAA match season though....you never know, it could be the 'killer bait'! ;)

Happy Xmas. Alex

Merry Christmas to you Alex....you never know...flounders love queen cockle!

Shellfish? ( 23 December)
Here is a email in this morning from Shaun...

"hi tony..

fished back of boats last night, plenty of whiting and dabs but no cod..
as the tide started coming in we noticed literally hundreds of razors, clams, queens etc being washed up...
would that be our answer to no cod??

cheers Shaun."
No...the opposite with all that lovely bait washing in it will attract all the fish around about to gorge themselves on the 'freebies'. Always worth a go...pick up any cockles, razorfish or clams tie them on a pennel rig with a bit of lug and launch it back of the surf and hope you get lucky!...the only problem will be that the fish are spoilt for choice!

In Phil Tapp's memory ( 22 December)
This letter from me appeared in the local press this week...

In Memory

As the year comes to a close I look back over the past year...sadly in November 2013 Phil Tapp passed away, who was Phil, well Phil was a retired farm manager living at Lydd- on-Sea, Phil was a lifelong keen beach angler who loved fishing and loved Dungeness. Now Phil was a determined man some might say stubborn, but like so many of his generation he had a ‘never give up’ attitude to life...a dogged determination.

In 1998 the Coastguard decided to sell off the lookout tower at Dungeness, Phil and his friends of a certain age with mobility problems used to park alongside the tower to get easier access across the shingle to the beach for their fishing. The tower once sold, one of the first acts of the new owner was to dig up the hard standing to prevent anglers parking there. That could have been an end to it, but not for Phil he wanted to carry on fishing so he decided to approach the EA who controlled the shingle haul road to the point to get access to the point without the long walk.

So Phil formed the Dungeness Angling Association so that anglers could join the DAA and get easier access to the beach, he worked with Owen Leyshon of the Romney Marsh Countryside Project and with the consent of the EA to manage the gate.

After all the battles to get the DAA accepted we now have a respected association with over a 1000 membership that makes a major financial contribution to beach cleaning through the RMCP and Dungeness RNLI, with beach fishing at Dungeness now at a level not seen since its ‘hey day’ in the sixties, this is to the major benefit of the wider local economy.

So thanks Phil for your commitment, determination to make this happen, supported by your wife Maureen you have helped make Dungeness a better place, we will remember you.

Tony Hills

We wish you a merry Christmas ( 22 December)
If you think its windy down here...you have to feel sorry and concerned for those up north who have this early Christmas present...
Surface pressure chart - Forecast T+60 - Issued at: 0000 on Sun 22 Dec 2013

Surface pressure chart - Forecast T+60 - Issued at: 0000 on Sun 22 Dec 2013

Things are looking up ( 21 December)
With the strong south westerly winds this week giving us some really big waves it's not surprising that I have had three reports today of big cod being lost in the surf...for those who haven't had the lucky experience of big fish on the beach here are a few hints.

Don't rush or 'bully' the fish, keep your clutch slackened...use your finger on the spool.
Get close to the water so that you can 'clean' your shock leader knot of weed while your fish is still beyond the surf.
Let the fish swing down the tide so that you can get it parallel to the beach then let the waves roll the fish in...don't try and drag it through the undertow (as the water runs away) just hold it and wait for the next wave.
Years ago we used to carry gaffs, nowadays out of fashion...so watch the sea carefully and go in between the waves and get your finger under the gill plate and drag it up the beach.
Be careful no fish is worth going into the surf for...never under estimate the strength of those waves.
...and more codling ( 19 December)
Just had this email come in via facebook from Dan Sanger...
"just got home from denge marsh. had the beach to myself. also had 6 codling. nothing of any size though. 5 whiting 3dabs 1 flounder and 1rockling. a hell of a lot of weed too. and got the car stuck in shingle. big thanks to 2 well known locals for pushing me out. "
Well done Dan...it has been quiet with the weather but these south westerlies should push more fish onto the beach...the weed is a pain but it should work its way through...at least the 2 well known locals didn't charge you!

Yet more codling ( 19 December)
Nick (No Fear) Burton popped in this afternoon after fishing behind the boats...nice dabs and a two pound or so codling...according to Nick the beach is fishing better than the boats!

Warm and wet ( 18 December)
Here is a email from Andy...it came in last night so i guess he's talking about Monday in the wet...

"Hi tony we fished last night in terrible rain near the life boat 1 small codling 
and whiting from 19.00- 00.00 all fish fell to lug 
Regards Andy Heslop"

The wind from the west ( 17 December)
Yes the fish bite best...a couple of reports today of small codling being caught...not amazing but at least its going in the right direction.

The final positions ( 16 December)
Here are the final results and placings from Malcolm Jones the DAA chairman for 2013...
"First of all, congratulations again to Gavin for his win with over a 1000 points - impressive! As for runner up I checked and rechecked, then I thought, then I looked at the rule again, then I thought for a while to see if I could interpret it any different but it is as it is!!! Well done Steve and Tony but commiserations to Tony. For those that don't do rules it is - ' The lowest three matches, including matches not fished, will be discarded from the final results table at the end of the year'. Steve did not fish 2 matches and Tony only missed 1 match so he had to discard 2 blanks to Steve's 1 - hence the 5 points difference."

What a night ( 15 December)
Well that was tough...12 'hardy souls' fished the last DAA match of the year...won of course by Gavin Smith that catching machine and a stunning second place for Steve Harvey our match captain! Like a 'loon' I chose to fish the point in a gusting force eight with a two metre plus surf! Scary or what...my big baits failed and I blanked, you have to feel sorry for Steve Field who had an undersized cod...and bass!...he has had a tough year!
The only fished weighed in were dabs ( I think only five caught sizable fish) ...to rub salt into the wound...Steve Harvey could have pushed me into third place...we will let Malcolm 'statto' our chairman to sought out the points!

Enjoying Christmas down under ( 15 December)
Here is a email from Chris Dennis on his last trip to Dungeness before catching a flight down under..
"Hi Tony bit late, because our current immigration of Oz is manic. Me & my wife had our 1st but last coddy bash on dungy on the 26th Nov. Well planned for 2 lowtides, I wanted a cod to go with me santa hat. Fished the end of the walkway & very calm but nice colured sea. Put cuttlefish out & blacks at extreme range with live bait rigs all the go. Few anglers not catcjing much near us, but the cod gods were with us as always. 2LB 6 & 8LB 8 with big whiting aswell. Wicked session with my wife 12ish am till 9pm, so many good times at dungyvfrom 16 till 48 yr old. 21lb & 11lb in 2 casts kept me returning yearly LUVIT WE DO. Thanks for the memories Dungy tightlines you all, thanks Tony from Chris & Debbie Dennis we are off to catch mega fish in Oz now BIG BOYS."

Scores on the doors ( 13 December)
Reports coming in today are a bit of a mixed bag, whiting, dabs and rockling, I hope the wind will come to the rescue...with a strong south westerly airflow starting to 'kick-in' to give the water a bit of colour...time will tell?

DAA match ( 12 December)
This weekend we have the last DAA match of the year, here is a reminder on facebook from Steve Harvey the DAA match captain...
"Our final match of the year is on Saturday ... Booking in at the gate 5.15-6 fishing 7-11... Lets make it a good turn out ... But have no fear the new improved league starts in a months time :)"

Enjoy the day ( 11 December)
Here is a report from Phil Goodsell fishing yesterday...

"Hi Tony

First of all apologies for not having my card yesterday and thanks to your mate in the shop who helped me out.

Three of us fished the point from about 3.30pm to 6.30pm last evening. 3 different baits: squid, lug and whiting. No cod, a few whiting and dabs. One dab and one whiting taken home – both caught by John on lug.

Regards. Phil PS have now found my card."

Harking back to the 7th of December ( 10 December)
Here are a couple of photos from our 'mystery' anglers...

"Here are some photos Tony Regards Shirl"

A nice fish ( 10 December)

Here is a report from Steve Barry...a very nice and tasty dab...

"This was at 18.30 monday night at dungeness Regards Steve"

It's not Dungeness...but ( 10 December)

I was skimming through today's Angling Times and I saw this report...
Dave Jones landed a cracking 13lb 7oz bass using squid off Lepe beach (Southampton)...
"We were using live whiting but to no avail, so I pinched some friends' old bait which has been defrosted twice and within two minutes my rod was rattling like crazy"
So what I hear you say...when the going gets tough don't ignore the pulling power of an old big 'smelly' bait...just a thought?

A run of codling? ( 9 December)
I have had reports of some small codling coming out over the weekend including small fish 8oz upwards! These fish up to 5lb are to young to spawn so hopefully they will spend Christmas with us?...it all depends on the weather.

Nice night for Alex ( 8 December)
Here is a report from Alex Veel one of our DAA match heroes...
"Hi Tony,

Fished through Low and up and over High last night. No real flood tide until an hour before high which died about an hour after. Did manage the x1 Codling of 3lb 6oz at bang on high- water.

Some lovely fat Dabs showing as well, had a dbl shot both at 30cm on the livebait rig.

See you at the match next week.

Cheers Alex"

Fun in the sun ( 8 December)
Young Lee Waterhouse (14) fishing behind the the boats had this cracking cod in the sun at high water on lugworm...it went 10lb on my 'avon' scales...a beautiful well conditioned fish.

Yes...I have had a report of cod ( 7 December)
A very friendly local 'hotelier' has informed that a few cod were caught last night...one 'secret squirrel' had three to ten pounds and the other (a new resident to Lade) had a two pound codling...no photos to get us excited...but as I always say...you got to be in it...to win it!

Well that was exciting ( 6 December)

Went out last night to watch the tide cut through the sand dunes...like a knife through butter!

Catch reports today from last night...whiting and dabs and the odd codling to about 3 lb's.

Some good news ( 5 December)

I had this email from Ralph Sommerville on face book...

"Good morning Tony. Just to say that I did manage to find some cod on Tuesday evening. One over 7lb, one 2 1/2lb and one of about 5oz! Also missed one on live bait as both hooks were masked. There's some great fishing coming soon I think."

Thanks for that Ralph lets see what the 'weather' brings...

At Last...( 4 December)

Our DAA chairman Malcolm Jones has at last caught a 'coddy'....

This was posted on our members page on facebook...but no photo...

"Hurrah, first cod(ling) of the year for me! On the power station stretch today. Couple of dabs and some reasonably large whiting, all returned. Did not need my big blue bucket! It might improve on Friday after tomorrow's blow."

Very disturbing ( 4 December)

Men in black to the rescue...

"Hi there
Had my rear car window smashed with a stone while fishing behind the
power station. Nothing was taken and no sign of trying to steal
anything. I parked up at 1.30pm at the car park next to the power
station and got back to the car just before midnight. Power station
police came around when I arrived back at my car and provided a strong
police evidence bag and tape. They helped to tape up the window so I
could drive back to London. A big thank you to the officers involved,
they went far beyond the call of duty to help me out!
If anyone saw anything please let me know.
Fishing was ok, some good sized whiting and dab.
Best Joachim"

Please keep your eyes open and if you have a problem call the police and let me know.

Those were the days...( 4 December)

John Strange popped in this morning and while we were chatting John said he would email me the photo of the cod he had in 2010...so just for who have forgotten what a cod looks like here's the photo...

...with big tides and a bit of a blow tomorrow lets hope we see a few more cod about!

All gone a bit quiet...until... ( 3 December)

No cod reported to me over the weekend but loads of whiting and big dabs...a customer this morning told me that last night he retrieved a well 'chewed up' whiting...cod damage he thought? Well with these massive tides and a short blow from the west by south west on Thursday anything can happen...we will have to wait and see!

Looking good for 2014 ( 30 November)

Here is a 'facebook' update for 2014 from the DAA match captain Steve Harvey...

"Hi folks .. THE MEMBERS LEAGUE 2014
Because the league has had its best year so far ive decided to add a bit of a carrot to dangle for the 2014,league ... Instead of a hoody the league winner will now recieve £100 in tackle vouchers ... Runner up £50 and third place £30 plus minor prizes and a nice prize for heaviest fish of the year .....
The first few dates are as follows
Sunday 12,jan.......booking in 2.15-3 fish 4-8
Sunday. 26 jan ......booking in 2.15-3 fish 4-8
Please dont forget the world dab championships on 9th feb
Sunday 23,feb .......booking in 1.15-2 fish 3-7
Sunday 9 mar ........booking in 1.15-2 fish 3-7
Saturday 29 mar ....booking in 5.15-6 fish 7-11
Sunday 6 april.........booking in 1.15-2 fish 3-7
Saturday 26 april.....booking in 5.15-6 fish 7-11
Venues or rover to be confirmed later in december .... Im hoping to keep up the high attendances with a few extra so hopefully another good year is on the cards Id also like to thank you all for attending/helping throughout this year ... I think its been a very good league well attended and a good atmosphere between all involved .. lets hope it stays that way ... Tight lines for now"

Not everybody blanked last night ( 29 November)

Nigel (no surname to protect the innocent) popped in this morning to give me a photo of his cod. He had three fish in the early hours on lug and hermit (picked the crab up from the beach...wise man). The best fish he estimated about 9lb, one he threw back because it was ulcerated.

What a nice fish ( 28 November)

Thanks for the email Noel it all helps to keep people informed...

Hello Tony,
My report from Dungeness 24/25 th November.
We arrived at Dungeness At 23.40 pm.
We had a look around spoke to a chap fishing west of the walk way
gleaned some info from him so decided to fish straight of the end of
the boardwalk.
It took us a little while to set up the camp lanterns,shelters etc...
At 1 am i Decided it was time to start fishing,so cast my pennel live
bait rig out no more than 50yds,it wasn't long before it started to
rattle with a Whiting on the trace,great just what I wanted.
Well i didnt have to wait long no more than 10 minutes infact before I
received a Classic cod bite nod nod nod and then slack line.
Tightened down and cod on was the shout given to my mate.
it didnt take long untill I had beached my Prize a 16 lb cod all be it
a little skinny but very welcome.
Cant wait to go again. Kind Regards Noel Luck

Well done Andy ( 28 November)

A nice eating size Andy...

"Hi Tony fished of the point this am I caught a 8.5 lbs cod with whiteing live bait with a pennel dropper well chuffed. Regards Andy heslop

The real deal ( 27 November)

Thanks to Paul Belli for this email...

"Hello Tony
I fished back of the boats yesterday 26th from low to high water at 5pm. Caught 2 bass not of any great size but keepers. The larger one had a pin whiting in it's mouth, so it wasn't the lug but the live bait i had no idea i was using!.
Small Dabs and whiting and a small plaice along the way but no sign of any cod. I didn't notice any of my fellow anglers pulling any cod out either.
All the best Paul"

A flurry on the internet ( 26 November)

I'm getting reports off the internet some good cod being caught...but I have to say speaking to my customers I have had loads of whiting and dogfish reported over the last couple of days but no cod? So please you 'secret squirrels' out there if you have a catch report and photo...don't be shy!

The full result and DAA placings ( 26 November)

With one match to go (14 December) I think we can say that Gavin's won!!!

The DAA result from last night ( 24 November)

Here are the results of the match from Malcolm Jones our Chairman...

DAA match result Saturday, 23rd November 2013 – Full Rover – 7-00 pm – 11-00 pm

1st Gavin Smith 37 fish 22 lb. 4 1/2 oz. including 4 lb. 11 oz. cod

2nd Martin Swinyard 35 fish 16 lb. 1 oz.

3rd Paul Jarrett 29 fish 14 lb. 2 oz.

4th Tony Hills 11 fish 14 lb. 0 1/2 oz. Heaviest fish – Cod – 9 lb. 9 1/2 oz.

5th Steve Foster 21 fish 11 lb. 10 1/2 oz.

Whiting, dogfish, dabs and 3 cod/ codling weighed in.

12 fished and all weighed in.

Even I get lucky ( 24 November)

Here is a photo of my cod in the DAA competition last night, thanks to Alex...

...and here is the DAA cod team...

Great match last night ( 24 November)

Here is a email from the DAA match captain after last nights match...

"Hi folks ... Just a quick mention of last nights match ... Full result willl follow later
Amongst all the whiting there were 3 cod/codling caught .... Tony hills had the best fish with a cracking cod of 9lb 9 half oz .... Gavin smith had a codling of 4lb 11 and fozz had a 2lb 2 oz codling ... All caught from the lookout tower area around low water
The winner was gavin smith with 22lb 4half oz
Runner up martin swinyard 16lb 1oz
Heaviest fish t hills 9lb 9half oz a very enjoyable evenings fishing 12 fished"

Here is Gavin's cod...well done Gav!

DAA match tomorrow ( 22 November)

Can't wait...here is a reminder from Steve Harvey our match captain...here coddy...

"Hi folks tomorrows match is a rover but is over low water so it may get crowded on the point/boats area ... So we are getting the key to go behind the power station as a precaution ... If enough people want to fish there then those who want to fish the point area can do so and the others can go behind the powerstation so you have a choice ... Booking in will still be at the normal gate ... See you there(hopefully)"

What a cracker ( 22 November)

Chris has just popped in to show me his cod caught today, 2 fish the best being a 19lb...yes a nineteen pound cod caught from the beach! I weighed the fish on my 'Avon's' and with Chris's help the needle just flickered past the nineteen pound line!

It was a big fish...not rowed up so as we all think things are a bit late this year...will December be the new November? Thanks to Simon for the report and a cracking photo...roll on tomorrows match! Here's Simon's report...

"This is an 18lb 8oz cod, caught today at Dungeness, Kent. (1230, about an hour before HW)

The angler is Chris Radley Rod: Zziplex M4 EV Reel@ 7HT Line Sakuma

Rig: 5/0 pulley pennel baited with a lug and squid cocktail. The cod had a whiting also in it's mouth which was on the top hook of the pennel therefore we can safely say the cod ate the whiting!

Also attached is a picture of my much smaller (seemed decent at the time) 6lb 12oz cod caught on Wednesday night on half a cuttle and lug wrap just before low (no whiting were eaten in the capture of this one!). I also had a smaller codling of 3lb 10oz just as the flood started to run.

Chris said he would probably pop in to see you later."

Simon's picture is a bit further down the page ( 21 November)

A example to us all ( 22 November)

Here is an email from Fred Brown...

"Tony,

Just a quick Email to let you know how it went today. After picking up your excellent worms l decided to drop in behind the power station rather than my favourite mark by the boats (had nothing to do with the strong NE wind and heavy rain!!) 7 others there and it was a bite a chuck. No debris coming through and loads of colour. Probably had 30 fish all dabs and whiting but of a good size and great sport. 2 elderly men to my left asked me if it was always this good!!!

See you again soon my 2 whiting are nearly cooked Regards Fred"

Things are looking up ( 21 November)

Simon Newman ( of Casterways B+B fame) popped in this morning and told me he had two codling last night to about six pounds...good news...if I get a photo I will put it up.

One of his B+B guests told me that Simon's special anti whiting technique is to use a bloody big bait...on a 8/0 pennel!!!...respect...he only had two bites...both cod!

Well done Lily ( 21 November)

I had this email from Ian, a trip a couple of weeks ago...

"Lilly Wade late summer Bass 5lb last cast of the day!!!!

Dad looses again........nothing new then

Ian wade(dad) ps late in coming file lost on laptop Tony

Still whiting, whiting and more whiting ( 17 November)

Not much to report this weekend, some small cod (up to about 3lb) from around the point, but we have loads of whiting...and some big ones up to 3lb!!! Plenty of dabs and dogfish being reported, quite a few bass on the rising tides.

Not much to report ( 15 November)

Plenty of fish about...but not many codling reported...but lets see if these bigger tides help?

Results...at last ( 14 November)

Here are the results from the last DAA match on Sunday...only two to go!

...and behind the power station ( 11 November)

I had this email from Paul, didn't they do well...

"Tony, Many thanks for a great website, took my son fishing yesterday Sunday 
10/11/13 at the back of the power station in what could only be described as 
warm and calm afternoon, he cast out 20 yards with a single black and then wound 
this nice plump 6lb cod in after a bit of a tussle.
Dad did manage to winkle one out just before dark and high water albeit it was 
half the size of my boys.
You have my permission to publish the picture of my son Kieran (aged 8) on your 
web site if you so wish. Tight Lines. Paul Harper of Ashford

Just back from the match ( 10 November)

Just back from the DAA match...lovely evening...

loads of whiting, dabs and a few dogfish, nothing exciting, but it was fun, even my 6/0 pennels rigs didn't put the whiting...

Full results to follow...

Have you lost...please call ( 10 November)

I had an email from Elliot today...

"hi there i found a blackberry phone last night was wondering if it can be returned to the owner

i found it at the car park by the lighthouse if anybody reports it let me know thanks"

...you know the number!

It 'aint half' wet ( 9 November)

Well not surprising it has been a bit quiet today with the heavy rain, those hardy souls fishing have reported mostly...you guessed it whiting. Lets see what comes out tomorrow, we have a better forecast for the DAA match.

Slowly things are picking up ( 8 November)

I had this email from Mark Bell...I'm getting an increasing trickle of codling reports...it will be interesting to see how we get on (DAA match) on Sunday...

"Hi Tony,

Fished in front of the old coastguard station yesterday, 2 hours up 6 hours down. Estimate 90+ whiting caught by two of us, with just one dogfish. Lug, squid, mackerel, close in or banged out, small baits, huge baits, high tide or low tide, non-stop action. Saw one small codling caught that the guy returned. Mark"

...that's a lot of whiting!

The next best thing ( 7 November)

One of my regulars returned a key to the gate this afternoon...and I asked how did it go, he fished the point side of the four boats, lots of whiting fairly close in, a bit of weed further out...but he did see a cod around 6lb come out!

Whats new ( 6 November)

Reports coming in, whats being caught on the beach...whiting, flounder...whiting, bass...whiting, dogfish...whiting, dabs...and the odd codling!

Here is the latest on facebook from Steve Harvey DAA match captain...sounds great...

"THE MEMBERS LEAGUE 2014
Hi folks with this years league coming to an end plans have already started for the 2014,league which starts early January... Next years league will hopefully be our biggest one yet ... I'm happy to announce that the winner of the 2014 league will receive £100 in tackle vouchers with the runner up receiving £50 and third spot receiving £30 plus a couple of minor placings prizes ... Also there will be a biggest fish of the year prize ...the format will remain the same and so will the entry fee ... Just remember you gotta be in it to win it .... The first few dates will be available from here or the DAA website in the next couple of weeks ... Be sure to check them out tight lines for now"

Near miss ( 5 November)

Flood alert yesterday...spoke to the Rye harbour master yesterday and he told me they had a small surge at high tide yesterday .4 of a metre! Walking the dogs at Greatstone beach this morning you could see how much of the dunes had been cut away...like a knife through butter!

What a good day ( 3 November)

Just had this in from Marie Day...

"fished dungie today 2 bass 1 approx 3lb 2 flounders 1 about 1lb whiting in masses 2/3 per cast no size all to neat lug good sport but real pain"....I know what she means!

Flood alert ( 3 November)

Just had a automated phone call from the EA issued at 7.33pm of a flooding risk from Dungeness to Rye tomorrow morning over the high tide so those at Galloways and Dengemarsh be careful...don't get cut off.

Another alert for Littlestone to Dungeness issued at 7.40pm of over topping over the high tide period. I will get this put up on facebook so some of you guys might get a warning on your phones!... so be careful out there!

Wet, wet, wet ( 2 November)

It was not nice last night...respect...I hope Scott had a good set of waterproofs...

"Hello,

Fished Dungeness last night (1/11/13) in tough conditions. Along with lots of Whiting I managed to catch this 4lb 8oz Cod to whole squid and lugworm combo, well worth the hard work! Regards, Scott Down.

Whiting, whiting more whiting ( 1 November)

Here's a report from Dan Hayes...

"Hi tony me and my mate niño went fishing on the 29 oct 2013 fished by the boats 
and caught loads of fish all great size we had a dozen or so of dabs 65 whitting 
and a very nice size bass all on lug worm and washed up bate tipped with razor 
clams and queen cockles all washed up from the storm lovely weather will 
defiantly be going again soon  Regards Dan"

What a good start ( 31 October)

Here is a report from James Palfreyman, Its nice to hear of a young angler getting off to a good start...

"Fished behind lighthouse with my nephew Jamie on his first cod trip and managed 
to winkle these 2 out along with some big whiting, on lug and cuttle supplied by 
yourself, conditions were perfect hopefully this is the start of a decent run!!"

The bass are back ( 30 October)

Reports coming in today after the 'weather' on Monday are more bass (mostly small) being caught on a rising tide behind the boats...I had the odd bait cancellation because lugworm was washing up on the beach!!!...needless to say...loads of whiting.

No news...is no news ( 29 October)

Plenty of phone calls...after the blow...any cod reported...not yet, loads of big whiting and we should see more bass on the growing tides from low water up...as for the cod...just the odd fish...unless you know different?

Well that was breezy ( 28 October)

After the blow I wondered down to Dengemarsh...strange nobody was fishing, I had a look at the sea defence...the shingle bank...its a bit flat & a bit 'moth eaten', keep an eye on the weather for next weekend...big tides...the big question will this 'stir-up' bring a few cod in?

Clive was in the right spot...( 27 October)

Here is a report from Clive Smith...

"Hi tony I popped in your shop yesterday and kindly let me have 1&half score of 
lug which I put to good use by catching ten bass I fished opposite castaways 
with my son who helped to wind in one of the fish he was over the moon
Many thanks Clive"

Whiting, whiting and you guessed it...( 27 October)

Here are full match results from Malcolm...my 'big bait' for a bass (or cod) only caught whiting!!

It was good of Steve Harvey to have a minutes silence prior to weighing-in for the passing of Phil, if you want to know more about our DAA founder see below...

"DAA match result Saturday, 26th October 2013 – Full Rover – 7-00 pm – 11-00 pm

1st Simon Lacey 31 fish 13 lb. 13 1/2 oz.

2nd Alex Veel 28 fish 12 lb. 4 oz.

3rd Michael Smith 26 fish 11 lb. 11 oz.

4th Gavin Smith 21 fish 8 lb. 15 oz.

5th Steve Harvey 18 fish 8 lb. 6 oz.

Paul Ottoway Heaviest fish 12 oz. whiting

Whiting and dabs weighed in.

Fished in fresh SW wind.

17 fished and all weighed in.

One minutes silence at the weigh-in in memory of Phil Tapp, DAA Founder, who passed away that morning.

regards, Malcolm Jones DAA Chairman & Membership Secretary"

Sad news ( 27 October)

I heard yesterday that Phil Tapp had passed away...you might ask who was Phil Tapp, well Phil founded the Dungeness Angling Association (DAA).

In 1998 the Coastguard sold off the 'lookout tower' at Dungeness and the person that bought it promptly closed off the access and 'dug up' the hard standing to stop anglers parking to get easy access to the beach. Phil was a regular fisherman using that spot, like many of his fishing friends who were getting on a bit he had mobility problems and needed easy access to the beach.

Phil approached the EA workers on the shingle haul road to allow fishermen to park their car closer to the beach, they agreed as long as they didn't get in the way.

Phil went round the beach signing up members (I think I was number 7) and it grew quickly, I designed a club logo to give us an 'image', we worked with the Romney Marsh Countryside Project to control and manage beach access for fellow anglers.

The EA allowed us to put our padlock on the barrier to 'police' it, the original members were key holders.

There were major problems with damage and vandalism to the barrier leading it to be cut in half! But the EA came up 'trumps' and put a stronger barrier in (the one we have today). The shingle movement ceased in 2006 and has not yet restarted.

Membership has grown to over 1250 a year and all those anglers owe a debt to Phil, without his drive and vision angling at Dungeness would be a lot more restricted!

So thanks Phil for all your hard work and caring about natural justice...a true gentleman.

Interesting weather forecast ( 25 October)

The wind forecast is strengthening through the weekend culminating in gale force eleven on Monday...the good news is that the direction is south west , great for 'behind the boats' (wind on your back) but on Monday...six metre waves thats scary!

Reports from the beach...lots of small bass, lets hope the weather brings in a few codling,

Just a reminder ( 24 October)

Here is a reminder from Steve Harvey (DAA match captain) for the forth coming match...

"Hi folks... We have our next instalment of the best league in the land ... Forget the premier league .. we've got the members league ...
Saturday evening booking in at the gate 5.15-6
Fishing 7-11.... Its now the business end with 4,matches remaining .. can Gavin hold his nerve and see it out .... Or will the chasing pack of 4 or 5 anglers push him all the way to the end ... Its still all to play for ....last match we had 21,attend in less than ideal weather ... Hopefully get the same sort of numbers again and with the wind had been blowing south westerly all week there could be a few codling about ... Anyway hope to see you all there ... Tight lines for now"

Here coddy coddy ( 24 October)

Here's a report in from Simon Newman...

"Hi Tony

Team castaways was joined this week by Colin and Sally from Bournemouth. In "challenging" wind conditions at times they managed bass, whiting, dogfish and weaver!!!!!

I joined them for 3 hours down to low behind the boats last night and sneaked out my first codling of the season. Just over 2lb and caught on half an ammo cuttlefish wrapped with a couple of worms. Off out on the fair chance now hunting the little fellas grandpa and grandma. Cheers for now, Simon.

Its all a bit late ( 23 October)

It been a bit strange this year...sole were early...eels late as well as the main run of codling...but bass have been superb...here's a report just in from Ken Gifford...

"hi tony had a good 4 hours at littlestone
good size whiting some small bass and a nice eel [returned] ken&terry

The bass keep coming ( 22 October)

Plenty of bass being reported...along with this cracker caught by Saulius Privorius...

"Saturday I catch this nice 10 lbs sea bass next to the power station!"

I'm getting a lot of phone call concerning...you guessed it 'COD'...don'y worry they are out there just (check out the boat reports!)...it won't be long!

Wind = bass ( 21 October)

Here is an email from Jenny...

"Hi tony a friend of ours. His nickname is ' catcher', he caught lovely 7 pound 
bass at Dungeness on Sunday. Asked us to send u pic.
Regards. Mick and jenny"

Its warm out there...its bass ( 21 October)

Here is a great report from Matt...the enthusiasm shines through...

"Hi Tony had a good night on the bass last night. Got to the back of the boats for 6.30pm and managed to get a spot right on the edge of the tide. Nice surf rolling in and was not long before I pulled a nice plump 5lb bass , Shortly after had a lovely take and was pulling in fish number 2 but it came off gutted, Fished for a bit and thought it would be best to move down the beach in towards the bay and follow the surf. Parked by the pilot, tide was still out so had a coffee something to eat, walked down and tide had just reached shingle. Cast first rod out and was baiting up second rod and bang fish on this one around the 4lb mark. Baited both rods together and cast, only waited about 5 min then was into another this one was around 2lb. After that it went quiet for an hour then had 2 dogs and a couple small whiting. Packed up for the night drove back down to the boats and had a kip and was up at 5.00am for another shot at the bass had a couple of small tugs and a bass of around 1lb then decided to go home. All in all a great night and good fun. Matt..Tonbridge"

Its a mystery ( 20 October)

I had this email this evening but they didn't leave a name...just had another email its Jack

"Hi Tony, I fished near the lifeboats I caught a 3lb bass about 80 yards out on a pulley rig with lug, I also caught 2 dogfish, 8 whiting and 1lb flounder. I fished today 20th October"

Watch out for weever's ( 20 October)

Here is a email from Donatas about his unlucky experience...

"Hi Tony

Just wanted to say a very big thank you for help after the weever fish fin puncture into my finger (18/10/2013) (Hot water really takes off pain)

I want to share the photo the fish has caused me big pain .

We caught a few small flatfish and whiting . Donatas"

Be careful out there...carry a fishing towel or cloth to wrap around the fish whilst you get the hook out...my personal record is forty in one weird night at Dengemarsh! If you are not sure what a 'weever' looks like Donatas has sent a picture (below) of the offending fish...

Great photo...watch out for the gill covers as well as the dorsal fin!

South southwest ( 18 October)

The weather forecast this weekend is looking interesting...strong south by southwest winds with these spring tides should push some food and 'colour' into the surf...and maybe a few cod...they are out there (check out the boat reports)...lets see?

The latest DAA match results ( 16 October)

Sorry for the delay in putting these up...been away for a few days!

I know I failed again, I will have to try harder (...a cunning plan?) the surprise is that I'm still in second place...come on the Steve's...you will have to try harder...Paul's breathing down your necks!

What a load of rubbish ( 16 October)

Here is an email from my old friend David, volunteer beach cleaner ...

"Hi Tony

Seeing Waynes comment about litter, this little lot was left Saturday into Sunday in front of the Power Station, the bag of rubbish included 37 beer bottles and cans.

Cheers David Gower"

I'm not shocked...I'm not even surprised...just very disappointed that there are still so called fishermen out there who can treat Dungeness like a toilet and let us all down...this is a national nature reserve, are you surprised that the other users (RSPB, walkers, etc) think we are rubbish!

Back of the boats ( 16 October)

Here is an email from Jamie Pankhurst...

Hi Tony

Just wanted to say a very big thankyou for the bait on Saturday. We fished behind the boats (near Fair Chance) from low tide up (12ish on 12/10/2013), my mate Andrew had a schoolie bass on lug tipped with cuttle on a two hook flapper fished about 30 yards out in the surf, his first ever bass and only his second time sea fishing! I had a flounder at about the same distance on the same bait. We had two more savage takes which must have been small bass but never connected. It went quiet as the weather got better, sea cleared and tide came in. I’ll definitely be fishing this spot again on a rising tide in bass season! Jamie"

A nice day out ( 14 October)

I had this email from Qasim...

"Hi Tony,

Thanks for the great bait. We managed to get a nice spot behind the boats on Saturday and fished from the start of the flood around midday until low water around midnight. Started of a bit slow with the odd whiting but as the tide flooded the numbers went up and we also had some good size dog fish. We continued to fish hard and at one point had 7 rods in the water but only whiting was to be had except for one of my mates who was fishing for the first time on the beach and he landed a bass weighing a couple of pounds just 2 hours after high tide, it went safely back after some nice photos.

Overall it was a real fun session and the weather was great as well.

Best, Qasim

Plenty of fish for Wayne ( 14 October)

Here's a report from behind the boats...

"Hi Tony ive never posted before but felt the need as was disappointed how many fishermen who left the back of the boats sat night in such a state,empty plastic bottles and litter,no need for it,giving us a bad name,come on lads it aint hard bagging up and taking away,on a positive the fishing was great,i stayed later than most and as the tide turned in the early hours,4 nice bass,3 doggys,1 small codling,and mega amounts of whiting,kept me busy."

In the match last night I had a word with Chris the RMCP beach cleaner, he does a fantastic job (which DAA help fund) but Wayne is right we should clean up more and give Chris less work to do!

Not everybody wins ( 11 October)

I had a report from Ian concerning fishing in the gale yesterday...

"Hi Tony thanks for putting by the bait yesterday.....just to say I fished behind 
the power station catch report was the last half an hour before high tide was 
the only action I saw with four whiting on your lug. One catch the fish had a 
belly full of squid.
Thanks for the tip to go there as the wind was full on, yet again another boat 
close in and it was sitting there for three hours.
Back soon for more action. Kind regards Ian Florey"

It will be interesting to see how it will fish tomorrow in the weather window?

Just in ( 10 October)

Chatting to customers this evening who braved the weather up Dungeness today (it was flat calm behind the stations) plenty of whiting and dabs and a report of a 3 1/2lb codling.

Doing it for charity ( 10 October)

Here's an email on facebook from Alan Downes trying to raise sponsorship...

"hi m8 is there any chance of u sponsoring us 4 this 24 hour fishing charity event 4 cancer research uk all u have to do is click the link to donate plz ty"

http://www.justgiving.com/Alan-Downs2013

A DAA reminder ( 10 October)

Here is a reminder of the next DAA match from Steve Harvey...

"Next members league match
Sunday 13th oct booking in at the gate 2.15-3
Fishing 4-8"

Also the rest of the dates for the year...

"The last match dates of the year are as follows
Sun 13 oct....4-8
Sat. 26 oct....7-11
Sun. 10 nov...3-7
Sat. 23 nov....7-11
Sat.....14.dec...7-11
All of the above are rovers ....booking in times will be published the week before each match ....the presentation of the winners will take place on the first match of the 2014 league ... I thank you all for your co-operation"

What a forecast...it must be the cod season ( 8 October)

The wind is getting up tomorrow (gusting 36kts) then dropping on Friday to give a 'stir' up for the weekend...the odd bit is the wind is forcasted to start north west and then swing south east by Saturday and drop away by Sunday!

You have to tough it out ( 8 October)

Here is a report this morning from Paulo...

"Hi Tony
Lots and lots of weed in Dungeness.
Whiting up to the 120/140meters... loads of it! I had 5 big ones and over 30 returned. The farther we cast the bigger they are!
Excellent opportunity to train the pendulum cast though :) as the weather was fantastic. Best regards Paulo

Energetic Bass ( 6 October)

Had this encouraging email from Stooey Griffin...

"Had A nice Bass Friday morning , Big sea and weedy , nearly ripped the rod from the

Rest ., 6 Lbs 13 oz , Awesome."

Having a good time ( 5 October)

Here is an email from Stu...who's being enjoying himself...

"Hi tony just a quick message to say thank you for your advice this morning about giving denge a bash, the missus and I had a brilliant day the bait was suburb, plenty of bites all day, I managed a few whiting, the missus, what can I say, first time out and a bass over a pound, so there goes my peaceful fishing. Anyway again a big thank you. stu taylor"

It's in the net ( 5 October)

I had this email from Marie concerning nets close to the beach...

"fished dungeneess in day low water trawler came in yards beach to right side of blow hole dropped nets as motored back out thought blow hole was bass preservation area the 1st buoy was that close in to start with could have walked in and grabbed it is the a set distance for netting"

Sorry to say there is no ban on nets close to shore...you are not allowed to take bass or use sandeel for bait from a boat in the controlled area that is there to protect bass stocks.

If you think that commercial boats are fishing illegally call the Kent & Essex IFCA ( 01843 585310 ) try and get a photo and the boats registration number.

It's not all good news ( 5 October)

I had this email this morning...

"Hi Tony

Fished by the power station last night and didn't get a bite for 5 hours had some great bait and even peeler, Weed was a real problem but didn't affect bait on the bottom did try out far at around 150 yards and in close in, nothing the surf was great lovely swell and the wind light I didn't see a fish come out after 8PM along by the power station.One interesting thing was that a trawler came past at about 12.30pm and came from around the point and straight out alongside the power station, I am kidding you not he was only 250 to 400 yards out from shore. He definitely had a net out as you could see it trailing out the back. I am no expert but he could have been shrimping or something but don't think it did the fishing any good. Never mind was a lovely clear night and may try behind the boats next time."

...that's the way it goes, there is no guarantees, I don't think bait was the problem...but I am surprised that you weren't 'hammered' by the whiting once it got dark? As for the trawler...I don't know what he was fishing for but I think it was just one of those nights!

Wet...Wet...Wet ( 4 October)

Had this email from Tim Stretton...great fish...

"Hi Tony,
Fished the boats with Gary and managed to land two lovely Bass!
Great advice as usual, caught 20-30yds out on lug.
Got absolutely drenched on Thurs night in the thunder storm but it was worth it!
They weighed the next day at home after being cleaned 6 1/4lb and 5 1/4lb no idea what they weighed on the beach as i had no scales with me.
Regards, Tim."

Front page news...( 4 October)

Just had this email from Val Stephens...

"Bass caught today at Dungeness on Tonys brilliant lug!"

...very cryptic...nice picture, but where's the chips?

The hunter and the hunted ( 3 October)

Here is a report from Ravin...I know its not Dungeness...but it is a nice photo...

"Hi Tony. Here's a fab catch of a Bass using a live bait...It paid off.
This is what fishing is for me...the hunter gatherer. RAVIN.

The whiting are biting ( 3 October)

Just had the email in from our new DAA members...

"Hi Tony

Good to meet you in your shop yesterday afternoon when I joined DAA.

Thanks for your help and advice, also for the tapered shock and excellent looking tripod. A bit cheeky of me but would you be interested in my new ‘old’ one from Veals for £20 worth of gear – (cost me £30 and unused)?

John and I fished behind the boats (as I think you suggested) from about 4.30pm till 10.30pm when our bait ran out. About 50 whiting between us (one rod each with two hooks each rod). Kept four and returned the rest. John had a Dab later on (returned).

Once again thanks for being so friendly and helpful.

Phil and John"

I think its 'ebay' for you Phil?

Off we go again ( 2 October)

Mark Harvey popped in and showed me a photo of his catch from last night.

The codling weighed 5lb and the bass was 6lb. They were taken on the 'wooden walkway' an hour before high tide last night using lugworm on a three hook flapper rig armed with size 1/0 hooks....Mark also missed another 'slack liner' about the same time!

Wow what a bass ( 1 October)

I had a phone call from John Smith (the DAA Champion) who was fishing the Seabrook Competition at Hythe last night...He was fishing whiting livebait...and did it pay off!

He had a 9lb12 1/2 oz bass...I believe beating the old 'Seabrook' record by three pounds...

Well how was it for you? ( 30 September)

Here are the results from yesterdays match...I 'bombed' out on undersized whiting, time for a rethink...I can feel the 'Steves' breathing down my neck!...Well done to the new members Colm & Simon...great result.

DAA match result Sunday, 29th September 2013 – Dungeness Rover – 4-00 pm – 8-00 pm

1st Colm Brennan 19 fish 8 lb. 11 1/2 oz. Heaviest fish 1 lb. 7 oz. dogfish

2nd Simon Lacey 18 fish 8 lb. 0 oz.

3rd Cieron Bull 14 fish 6 lb. 14 oz.

4th Graham King 16 fish 5 lb. 14 oz.

5th Paul Gunner 14 fish 5 lb. 12 1/2 oz.

Whiting, dabs and dogfish weighed in.

Fished in fresh NE wind.

17 fished – 14 weighed in.

regards, Malcolm Jones DAA Chairman & Membership Secretary

Don't forget ( 27 September)

After a bit of a break we have the next DAA match coming up here is a bit from Steve Harvey DAA match captain...

"Sunday 29th september sees the long awaited return of the members league ...
Booking in at the gate 2.15pm-3
Fishing 4-8 fiver entry ... Be nice to see all who normally fish and a few new faces ... Tight lines
This is a ROVER ... Fish anywhere between pirate springs and galloways provided they are not firing ... The whiting are back so should start to see a few more fish ...."

Quiet week ( 27 September)

Not many people fishing this week with the small tides...but reports have been coming in of a return of the dabs...big dabs, a bit early but hey I'm not complaining.

More reports...plenty of 'fry' close in on the power station side out of the north easterly wind, with loads of bass 'filling their boots'!

What a great day last Sunday ( 24 September)

Here is a report of the festivities...

The Dungeness Angling Association Open Day

Well done to the ‘Pilot’ for hosting such a great event and being so generous.

DAA Junior Open

33 juniors fished from 12 to 2.30

Overall winners

1^st Melissa Brodie...bass 47cm

2^nd Arfon Leyshon...42cm bass

3^rd Kane Wood-Brignal...35cm bass

4^th Daniel Bradley 19cm...flounder

5^th Steven Ayres 12cm...weever

Under 13

1^st Melissa Brodie bass 47cm

2^nd Arfon Leyshon 42cm bass

3^rd Kane Wood-Brignal 35cm bass

4^th Steven Ayres 12cm weever

Over 14 to18

1^st Daniel Bradley 19cm flounder

A great day was had by all; a big thank you to all the local shops who supplied prizes...every child went home with something! Plus everybody on the day who put in the hard work that helped makes it such a great event.

All the youngsters seemed keen to go again in the future...

that’s what makes it all worthwhile!

Lee has seen the light ( 22 September)

I had this email from Terry...and no I'm not paying him for the 'write up'....

"Hi Tony
Fished Saturday night to the right of the wooden walkway, not much going on until this lovely Sole made an appearance, weighing in at just under 2lb and caught with a single lug at about 100yds, yum yum!! Otherwise one small smoothhound and lost count of the Whiting, Lee had a very good bite and was very heavy on retrieve which turned out to be one dead pin Whiting with small puncture wounds down both sides, who knows what that could have been, should have used a pennel rig!!
Also, thanks for the light you sold Ken, it worked a treat and could easily stand up against some at three times the price, great value! It especially came in handy as Lee, pictured, forgot his head torch, we did contemplate duck taping it to his forehead but we couldn't catch him!! Thanks Terry, Ken and Lee Gifford"

Things that go bump in the night ( 22 September)

Here is another email from last night from Jay...

"Hi mate me my mate from Hertfordshire fished thurs fri night 
Thanks for the tips 
Got this cod off the point at height tide
Thanks see you soon Jay Neil

Yup were getting there ( 22 September)

I had this email last night...

"hi tony. fished just before high tide on frid and yes I caught a codling a nice dogfish plus app 12 whiting. left app 6pm"

Lots of 'background' noise ( 21 September)

Lots of people are telling me that codling are being caught up to about five pounds...but I'm old fashioned I like see the photograph and a 'email'...It's a bit busier tonight so we shall see what comes through tomorrow?

Don't forget tomorrow it's the DAA Junior Open and open day held at the 'Pilot' pub all members welcome (if you're not a member you can join on the day) all members get a free drink and a bit of the hog roast!...lots going on...casting tuition etc...

Hello autumn ( 20 September)

I just had this email from Wayne...

"Hi Tony,

Fished Dunge last night...got there about 7.30 just as the rain was tailing off. Picked up some excellent bait and ummmed and ahhhed for a while over where to fish, eventually opting to fish one of my favourite spots 'over the sand'.

Was set up by 8.15, however there was no water yet...had to wait till after 9.00 before the water touched the shingle and my first cast.

Fishing a one up, one down size 1/0 rig to straight lug, it was fish from the off......Bass (just sizeable at 43cm and released)...had four of them all similar size.

As the water got deeper a few pin Whiting (5") started to show...and one of them got smashed by a small Bass (see pic).....goes to show that not only the bigguns take live bait!!

An hour before HW i started getting some really good size Whiting (30cm+, see pic)....however there was plenty of weed coming through over the high (see pic)

All went quiet for an hour...the weed was a pain...then as if by magic.....nothing...not even one strand of weed.......fish biting again...had double shot of doggies....and a few more Whiting.

Packed up at 3am pleased as punch, with a nice feed of Whiting to take home (all Bass and dogs went back)

Hardly any tide run on the up, however the ebb was quite fierce requiring 8oz nose grips to hold....the Bass were all from very close range. Whiting were at distance..100yd+.

A cracking night, comfortable fishing...plenty of fish, and it was so light you didnt need a headlamp!!

Regards

Wayne Beale

PS Fishing 'over the sand' between the fishing boats and the lifeboat station offen gets overlooked by anglers visiting Dunge....ok...you can only fish the duration of the tide...but hey...guess what? Theres some decent fishing to be had here all year (wink, wink)....and you mostly get the area all to yourself. (giving my secrets away now Tony. LOL)"...don't worry Wayne...I won't tell anybody!

The one that got away ( 18 September)

Here is a report from Richard...

"Hi Tony,

I fished at the north end of the boats on Tuesday afternoon (17^th). The weather was foul but based on recent reports, the fishing looked promising. I caught a dogfish, 2 small whiting and a dab, all on small hooks and lugworm. I was about to pack up when I got an almighty bite and picking the rod up confirmed that I was probably into my biggest fish of the season. This notion was short-lived however, as I quickly realised that I had actually caught a juvenile herring gull! It had flown or swum into my line and got tangled. I gently reeled in and managed to land it and then with help from the wife, managed to free it without having to cut the line. It walked away nonchalantly and then flew, apparently none the worse for its experience although I got pecked a few times for my efforts. Another first for me at Dungeness! Regards, Richard from Oxted."

Well done, I'm not sure what the 'specimen weight' for a Herring Gull is, but I have had a few in my time...but I bet it got your blood moving when your rod shot round...lets hope we get the same experience this weekend...but with a codling!

Good news? ( 17 September)

I have had a couple of reports concerning the return of the whiting (cod food)! Paul Gunner told me at a recent match at 'Pirate Springs' he was knee deep in them...small ones on lugworm but sizable fish on mackerel strip? Not many reports from Dungeness last weekend...it must have been the wind.

Beautiful Bass ( 14 September)

I had a phone call this morning from a Mr Moore concerning his email...had the photo got through...well you know that this time of the year is traditionally when the big bass start to move in....

"MY BEST CATCH IN OVER 50 YEARS FISHING THIS VENUE THIS 12LB BASS 
CAUGHT AT HIGH TIDE  USING SINGLE LUGWORM ON A FLOWING TRACE WITH 
YELLOW BEADS SIZE 1/0 ABERDEEN HOOK FISHED AT APPROX 30 YARDS"

More good news ( 12 September)

I'm getting reports of more dabs starting to show back on the beach (they must have spawned and headed back in), whiting still thin on the ground, more good news on the weather with a westerly blow forecasted for Sunday this should stir things up.

Then a second ( 11 September)

I saw this post from Dan Sanger on my 'facebook' page...

"dengemarsh - 21 fish - 7species- including my first codling of the year, @ 36cm its small but still sizeable!!
happy days."

Well done Dan...these look to be very lean hungry fish.

The first of the season ( 10 September)

A cool misty beach and then...

"Hi just to let you know that I caught a 3lbs 80z codling just right of the boats along with a weaver fish plus a few whiting. Cod caught about 120yds out dungy blacks squid flag on flapper rig, all the best with fishing picture to follow if I can,...

robin elliott "

and here's the photo...

Well Robin you should be smiling it's the first confirmed codling of the season (and it does look hungry)...the first of many if the forecasts are to believed!...remember the date, our cod season has just 'kicked off'!

The full info ( 10 September)

Here is the full result of the DAA Sole open from Steve Harvey our match captain...

"The sole open full result:
1st .. fillipe fernandez 14.5 oz sole
2nd ..darren mills .......10oz sole
3rd... Kirk watson .......7.5oz sole
4th.... Paul gunner ...... 6oz sole
4th.... Martin swinyard. 6oz sole
4th .....steve field............6oz sole
Bonus sole prize donated by the DAA f.fernandez
Pools: 1st darren mills , 2nd kirk watson , 3rd equal p.gunner,m.swinyard,s.field
Thankyou to all that fished ... Thanks to cieron and ed turley who helped at the scales and steve field who helped with the results and money ..... Look out for a cod open in November or December hope to see you all there plus our open day on the 22nd Sept ... And our next members league match on 29th Sept ..... Tight lines for now"

More bass ( 9 September)

Rubbing more salt into the wound...whilst we were fishing (blanking) behind the power stations...

"Hi Tony my name is Tony Brooker i fished Galloways last night from 17.30 to 1 o clock Sunday morning had 1 little rockling and a nice Bass picture enclosed.regards .Tony"

Well done Tony...a very pretty fish.

New rod...first fish ( 8 September)

Here is a report from Andy fishing last night...when I was 'blanking' up the road!...

"Hi Tony
Thanks for the force 8 rod brilliant.
I caught a 3.5 lbs bass on straight lug and a small sole on lug at high water at Galloways last night some returned. Regards Andy heslop

DAA Sole Open ( 8 September)

Held behind the power stations, a nice mild evening with the surf due to ease back with the dropping wind...it looked really 'bassy'...but no...here is a 'facebook' report from Simon Newman...

"Long time friend and Castaways Guest for the weekend Filipe Fernandes popped his Dover Sole cherry in style last night winning Dungeness Angling Associations Sole Open with this 14.5oz Sole. Joined by the families and a picnic on the beach in the dark, 9 pairs of eyes saw the winning bite. £185 in prize winnings, thanks Fil sharing IS caring! Fil also had a smaller sole of about 7oz. Personally....I blanked!"

I will post a full report when I get it, but I believe 21 fished the event ( I think only seven weighed in)...the most fish were caught by Darren Mills who had 4 sole to win the heaviest bag of sole on the night.

But it was a bit weird the only sizable fish weighed in were sole...no round fish? So nobody won the heaviest round fish prize.

Years ago we ran sole opens and it was hard work to catch a sole...now we had nothing else...not even a sizable whiting!

Like Simon I blanked...not even a bite...very strange?

Special thanks go to DAA match captain Steve Harvey for organising the event...and giving everybody a head start by forgetting his bait and having to make a 'emergency' drive home to pick it up!

Bringing in the bass ( 6 September)

Autumn in the mist worked for Nigel...

"Fished last night 5-10pm at Galloways. Caught 6 Bass, 5 were keepers. One 5lb (60cms.),a 3lb and 3 approx. 2lb. each. A heavy mist rolled in and the Bass started biting! I started fishing 2 hrs. before low tide, light breeze and fairly warm conditions. The 5 pounder was a PB! Enjoyable evening and the wife came too! What more could a man want? Cheers, Nigel George."

Sole open ( 5 September)

Don't forget the DAA Sole Open this Saturday night behind the power stations. Book in at the power station gate from 5 to 6pm fish 7pm to 11pm, for more information call Steve Harvey on 07786538103.

I think its good news? ( 4 September)

I had Nigel Carle from Crawley pop in this morning and tell me...last night as soon as it got dark it was like throwing a switch...no bites to whiting every chuck? So the cod & bass food is back!

Some good news ( 4 September)

Here is a catch report from Steve...

"Hello Mate,

Read your site every day and wanted to contribute to it, fished behind old lighthouse on Monday from about 1800, 2^nd cast had a lovely bass weighed on the beach at 10lb 8, pictures to follow. Was caught on straight lug on a 3 hook flapper at about 70 yards.

Will send the pictures as soon as i can download them from my crappy cheap phone.

Regards Steve

...WOW Autumn com early!

Here are the full DAA stats ( 2 September)

Shame I couldn't fish (and more than likely blank) as I attended the 'blessing of the lifeboat' at Dungeness...a very nice service...well done Bishop Trevor of Dover.

Tough going ( 2 September)

I have just had the results in from Malcolm of last nights match on the point...rock hard,,,full stats to follow...

DAA match result Sunday, 1st September 2013 – Dungeness Rover – 4-00 pm – 8-00 pm

1st Steve Field 3 fish 2 lb. 6 1/2 oz. Heaviest fish 1 lb. 8 oz. dogfish

2nd Matt Summerfield 2 fish 1 lb. 10 oz.

3rd Mark Parnell 1 fish 1 lb. 6 oz.

4th Simon Newman 2 fish 1 lb. 1 oz.

4 dogfish, 2 sole, odd whiting and dab weighed in.

Fished in fresh SW wind.

11 fished – 4 weighed in.

regards, Malcolm Jones DAA Chairman & Membership Secretary

Hello Autumn ( 1 September)

The fishing over the last week has been poor ...August 'doldrums' but now as far as I'm concerned its autumn, it will be interesting to what they catch at Dungeness in the DAA match this evening.

I have had two reports of missed bass bites...I wise angler stays close to his rod...they only 'knock' once!

DAA match on Sunday ( 29 August)

Here is a reminder from Mark...

Hello Tony,
I hooked this little beauty back in spring and have been meaning to send it in 
since!  Looking forward to the DAA match on Sunday, is it considered the first 
of the autumn season or are we a little early for that yet?
All the best. Mark.

That,s a heavy old hook pattern I feel sorry for the fish!

The DAA match on Sunday (1st Sept) book-in 2-15 till 3pm on the DAA gate.

Fishing as a 'rover' 4pm to 8pm...sad to say I won't be fishing as I will be attending the

'Blessing of the Lifeboat' at Dungeness.

Education, Education, Education ( 29 August)

Well I think Martin touched a nerve...looking at my inbox! Here is a email from Paul...

"Hi Tony, I have to reply regarding the recent e-mails.
I understand both points from others but he is right, no need for racism, but 
there is a need for manners. Although the beaches are for anyone and everyone, 
some nationalities are more prone to fitting in your tackle box rather than give 
the angler who has been there all night his/her well deserved place.
I would say two rod lengths as a minimum?
I have fished your region for ten years +, I travel from the Stansted Airport 
area to get expert advice from yourself and quality bait. 
The rubbish that is disposed of in the car park and along the beach, seems to 
happen in the summer months when the mackerel are in!
Lets not mention the cool boxes full of under size fish!
See you in two weeks, I will make my self known!
Kind regards Paul Moss

It is all to easy ( 27 August)

I have just had this email from Saykim Sam...

"Good afternoon Tony,

Hope all is well, just wanted to email you following reading a message from Martin Toal on 25^th August. I have fished at Dungeness for around 6 years now.. and follow your website closely. I have never had a problem with anyone I met here the entire time I have been visiting. Dungeness is a wonderful place to enjoy fishing. I am Chinese and to hear the term “chink” being used in this society and in this day and age is really disappointing. This is a public place which welcomes everyone age/culture, I think it’s very unnecessary to use this language!

We all here to fish at the end of the day, nobody deliberately wants to annoy anyone. Martin - Maybe your car getting bashed is a sign of Karma…! I think everyone would appreciate if you just continue to just enjoy fishing and leave out the racism.

#cutoutracism Cheers. Say"

Maybe I got it wrong putting the email up, I try not to act as a 'censor', so that's my fault, but I do get a lot of complaints from people...I don't take it as racist ( insulting maybe) its just 'shorthand'. Its easy to give any ethnic group a bad name but there are good and bad everywhere, as well as some who don't just care! Needless to say whatever your race, creed, nationality or my customers are wonderful!

You have got to be in it to win it ( 26 August)

Here is a report just in...thanks for the kind words...fishing is sometimes poor, then somebody catches some fish...and suddenly the fishing is good?

"Good afternoon Tony,just a quick catch up (like the punn??) to say thanks for the help and advice on Thursday last week 22Aug we met up Mick who you had just sorted out with a fine kit.

On his third cast he got that Bass,first time hes ever done sea fishing jammy.But a great day yes mackerel where around when the sun came out so had a few for the barbie.Did see the comments about the people keeping schoolies dreadful but they do this all the time. We will be back as the bait was great quality.

Ian and Eleanor Florey"

Not a happy bunny...( 25 August)

Here is a report from Martin Toal who had a less than happy experience at Dengemarsh...

"Went down Dengemarsh Thursday beach got over run by a boat load of chinks mackerel bashing and hiding small school bass when caught got back to my car to find out it had been hit with just a poorly written note saying sorry quoted 300 to repair damage was a expensive couple of hours fishing"

An empty beach...( 24 August)

Here is an email just in from Tony...he's right the beach has been quiet...

"Hi tony,

Tony again just a quick catch report for you from Thursday night. Went beside the power station's Had 4 soles all keepers and a school bass that went back to get bigger. Other than that very quiet on the beach in the way of anglers. Be back in a couple of weeks to see if I can get an early cod or 2.

Regards Tony Ainsworth."

I had a verbal report today of a couple of codling being caught at Hythe...I recon the next high tide sequence could spring a couple of surprises at Dungeness...this year is totally upside down!

Getting started ( 23 August)

Here's a nice positive email from Mick...

"Hi Tony,

I your shop today and you set me up with my first beach kit,after

years of fly fishing for trout i thought it was about time to hit the high 
seas,and it was worth the wait,3rd cast and i was into my first fish a nice sea 
bass followed by mackerel,the gear you sold me and the instructions were 
excellent.
I will definitely be back a great afternoon sport and good company a very nice 
fella Ian and his daughter.
Thanks for your patience with helping me get started.
Regards Mick Fitzgerald

Very good news ( 21 August)

I had a visit from Richard Yates this morning who brought some good news...ever since Ultima ceased trading in the spring, I have struggled to find a replacement for my favourite black 'F1' line...pre-stretched low diameter and as tough as 'old boots'...well Richard is importing from Italy line by ASSO and looking at the samples it looks like 'F1' is back in business!!! Stocks should be in with-in two weeks...I can't wait!...I will do a review once I have had a chance to test it.

The right place at the right time ( 21 August)

Here's a report from Richard...

"Hi Tony,

After calling in at your shop for some more of your lovely lug worms, I fished at the lookout end of the power station on Tuesday 20^th – what a pleasant place to be on a sunny afternoon! After a couple of hours with the only taker being a very small crab, I decided to call it a day. As I walked up to my rod to pack up, I got a bite and promptly landed two nice sole. A few minutes later the same thing happened on my second rod and I landed two more. I have never caught any sole before so was very happy to land four. This happened at low water (around 4:30pm) and I eagerly stayed for another couple of hours but there was no more action. No one else fishing seemed to be catching anything. This year I am thankful to have caught bass, whiting, dogfish, mackerel, ling, flounder, plaice, dabs and now – sole. Hopefully, I’ll get lucky and land a cod before the end of the year. Regards, Richard From Oxted"

You just don't know...if you stay an extra half an hour you might turn a 'blank' into a session to remember...how many times over the years have I done that...and still blanked!

Low water can be a very good time at Dungeness...as the water changes direction always gives me hope.

Its good for your sole ( 20 August)

More sole being reported not loads but a steady stream...

"Hello tony,

Tony here thanks for the worms Saturday. My baby brother tubsy put them to good use and caught this 38cm sole along with some whiting. However I caught a lovely 7ft long weed fish and a couple of whiting. Be back for the bass on Thursday night!

Regards Tony Ainsworth"

Power Station pays off ( 19 August)

Steve Field had a nice day in the sun, what a nice way to start the day...

"Tony 
Fished behind the power station this morning over the high. Had a couple of sole 
and some school bass all on lug. Cheers Steve.

Pretty slow today ( 17 August)

Reports coming in are a few sole, dogfish, 'pin' whiting being caught, but it has been mostly 'dead' in daylight, today's 'breeze' might perk things up tomorrow? Bait (lugworm) has been in very short supply...hard to hit. But we have the big tides next week coming to the rescue!

Girl Power!! ( 16 August)

Hi Tony.
 I took my 2 girls Ashleigh 10 and Bethany 8  for their first sole fishing trip 
to Dungeness on Wednesday 14th august we fished the low tide up and were 
straight in to sole from the power stations. had 4 in total over 3 hours ( only 
3 were keepers). they all fell to Black lug on a long snood.
i have attached some pictures of another great days fishing at my favourite 
spot. Regards Danny Reynolds

One happy lad ( 14 August)

I had this email from Les Smith...

"Hello Tony, I took my Grandson Scott to Dungeness last Friday / Saturday for his first sea fishing trip. He caught a nice doggie and a small dab. Thanks for your advice and good bait. Regards, Les."

Galloways sole ( 13 August)

I just had this facebook report in today from Shane Pullen concerning a feature in the next edition of 'Sea Angler'...

"Had a nice evening on the Soles near Galloways Kent with Paul Gunner and Dave Fester Harrington .. Not all big but great to see so many caught. For a full report in Sea Angler Magazine in Shops Augusts 29"

Another fine mess ( 13 August)

"The wife and I went to Jurys Gap on 12th August. Normally we fish at Winchelsea Beach but the last 5 weeks have been dire with just 1 school Bass, an Eel and a Grey Gurnard (about 10 sessions in total.)

On arriving it was great to see the surf raging and we were rewarded with 3 school bass. Ok , they were not monsters but it was nice to get catching again 2 hours either side of high tide

While I am online I would like to comment on the state of Denge Marsh. I was there last week and was disgusted by the state of the beach with cans and plastic bottles. Also there were about 5 of us there a good distance apart when suddenly there was an oriental (I think they were chinese ) invasion. About 25 who decided to "fill in the gaps" about 1 yard between each fishing for Mackerel. I am sure they would have been the first to complain if a rig broke and they were hit by a flying lead.

With regards to the mess it would be good if the RSPB would put a few bins there for those who cannot be bothered to take their rubbish home. Kevin.

We get this problem every year...the invasion of the mackerel snatchers, whole family's camp out for days...with no facility's, hopefully we can get a work party down there in September for a good 'clean up'. RSPB do have 'volunteer' work parties as well...but the problem with bins is getting them emptied and if they 'overflow' its chaos with the foxes...much better to persuade people to take their 'rubbish' home!

Good Friday ( 12 August)

Hi Tony, I went fishing last Friday night behind the boats. ..nothing in the low, but around 2 hours before high, the bites started non stop .I caught a lot of good sized dog fish, 2 dover sole and 2 bass. ..dungeness was and always will be my best fishing spot:). ARKAM"

Ben's got a lot of 'bottle' ( 11 August)

I get a lot of complaints concerning empty vodka bottles left lying on the beach...this one had something inside it...

"Hi,
Nothing fishing related but thought you may be interested in one of my beach combing finds - found this rolled up inside a vodka bottle at Dungeness today.
You'll see it was sent from the Astrid which was sadly lost of the Irish coast recently, this was written approx. 20 days prior to the sinking! All crew and passengers saved I understand.
Have sent a message to the sender but am awaiting a reply!
All the best! Ben Norton"

Thanks Ben for a fascinating report.

Bless my sole ( 10 August)

Here is report just in from Steve Field who had a good day at Dengemarsh...

"Tony 
The sole were feeding in daylight today at dengemarsh. This was the best of 3 , 
also a school bass that was returned .
All fish on lug . All the best Steve"

Hard work ( 10 August)

Here is a report from Mike Dew...hard work but always worth it...

"Hi Tony,

Thanks for staying open for me last night so I could purchase the bait.

I fished by the look out at Galloways until 0200. Only 1 bite which resulted in a small bass. Tough going, only a few small schoolies caught by others and 1 small sole, apart from the gang further up the beach which I assume was the other welsh men. I did see the large bass as they walked passed me leaving the beach.

Regards Mike

Big bass ( 10 August)

I had an email from Simon Newman (Casterways B+B)...

"Hi Tony

we have 4 Welsh anglers staying with us for a fishing weekend. Galloways last night, one had a 9lb 9oz bass. (single lug). No sole and 4 other schoolies caught. We just finished a quick high water session in front of the house for no fish!!!! Power station tonight for Sole and then back to galloways looking for another biggie! Will let you know how they get on."

Wait till the sun goes down ( 9 August)

This time of year, its tough in daylight unless you get lucky with the bass...

Hi Tony,
Thanks for the Nite-Light and lugs.
Caught my first dover sole near the boats just before 11pm.
Regards, Anthony from Enfield.

News from the beach ( 8 August)

Customers returning from the beach have reported mostly dogfish, undersized smoothound, the odd sole in daylight...after dark whiting as well. If the water clears a bit we should find more mackerel. Big tides this weekend lets hope for a few more bass.

Local beach event for your diary ( 6 August)

Here is the email from Dorian...I know its not Dungeness, but it is just down the road...

"Hi Tony,
Seabrook Sea Anglers Association are holding an open beach competition, I would be grateful if you could post it on your FB page.
I will drop some entry forms in if that is OK some point over this weekend.

Many Thanks Dorian Beach Secretary SSAA"

Doggie heaven...( 5 August)

Here is the report of the latest DAA match on Sunday afternoon...

Flat calm in bright sunlight...bloody marvelous...a great day in the kennels...all sorts of doggies this one took a whole sandeel on a 2/0 hook!

Lovely sole ( 5 August)

Nice sole Russel...

"Hi Tony,

Went fishing with my farther at Dungeness on Wednesday 31st near the boats, Had two rods each, one for bass and the other flatties.

I was lucky, first fish of the night was a lovely sole, caught on lugworm, tide on the drop at approx 8pm.

As the night progressed my farther and I had four doggies, all taken on squid and lugworm cocktail, also had a few whiting between us, but alas no bass.

Took the sole home for supper, lovely. Hope to get back down soon

Regards Russell"

Loads of fish ( 5 August)

A better report from Paul...things are looking up...

"Hi Tony,
I tried the Ragg worm that you gave me with excellent results. I fished at the 
boats between 2000-2300hrs on high tide. The outcome was 13 fish, 9 reasonable 
size whiting and 4 dog fish. I have only been fishing for a short period and 
very pleased with the results. If I had a little more experience the evening 
would have been even more profitable with bites missed!
Thanks for the handling advice on the Dog fish, much appreciated. 
Regards, Paul F

More sole ( 3 August)

Tough going in daylight just the odd sole and dogfish being reported...as the wind eases tonight lets how they get on at Dengmarsh. With the DAA match tommorrow (in daylight) lets see what happens...but bait (lugworm) is in very short supply!

Nice one Paul ( 2 August)

Here is a 'facebook' tag from Shane Pullen...

"Sea Angler Magazine regular Paul Gunner with a fine Sole taken at Dengemarsh on black lug. Paul was fishing a boom rig at 40 yards."

Bit of a quiet week ( 1 August)

At least as far as reports go, in the shop I have heard of lots of weed a few days ago down the west bay...hopefully clearing by now. Most verbal reports in the shop are sole the odd small bass and whiting after dark. Hard work in the sun (lovely weather).

But we are all looking forward to Sunday (4th August)...

The next round of the DAA match league, a rover...Book in at the EA gate from 2-12 - 3.00pm, Fishing 4.00 - 8.00pm...all members welcome...don't forget the sun tan lotion.

Paul's found a sole mate ( 27 July)

I had this email from Paul Fox...

"Hi Tony,
Read your report from Adam. 
I think I was next to him by the boats this evening with my daughter. 
We also caught a couple of sole as in the picture, our very first ones. Not sure 
if they are both the same type. We also caught 1 Dab and 3 whiting. We sat it 
out until the morning but not a lot else happened from 4am. 
Thanks for the ice pack it kept the bait in good shape, not sure if my wife's 
impressed with having to pick my bait up though, oh well. 
Regards Paul

"The other Sole

Regards,Paul
Great website by the way! Really helpful and informative. I'm hooked!"

Yes...nice sole and a dab for tea...but how big was the plates?

Fish can be fickle ( 27 July)

Here's an email from Mike...you have to stay positive...

"Hi Tony. Caught 6 mackerel yesterday behind the power station at high tide. the first 4 are in the photo. Other anglers were also catching the odd few, It was slow going. I then walked up to the walkway having a few casts on the way. When I got to the buoy, I caught another 2. The chap I had just passed came walking up and wanted to have a look at my feathers. He had been there all day and caught nothing. Mean while the the other chap next to me had just pulled in 9. It can be frustrating sometimes not catching when everybody else is. The 2 chaps fishing in there canoes only caught 2 mackerel. so the beach anglers had the best spot. Cheers Mike

Tasty...very very tasty ( 27 July)

Here is a mouth watering report from Adam Uprichard...

Hi tony 
Lovely session last night from 9pm to 2am with my mate Dave! I took 2 lovely 
sole (oven baked in bardic, herb and butter sauce as per the pic! Delish!) I 
also took 5 whiting and a tiny rockling (anyone else noticed an absence of 
rockling? First I've had in 2 years, the whiting have been scant aswell!?)
Cracking lug as ever! Tight lines Adam .

We all have to learn...some of us never stop ( 26 July)

Here is an email from Robert Streeter...the important lesson...you have to be fishing to catch fish...

"Hi Tony, just to say your patience with showing me knots when you should have 
been writing your article was much appreciated and led to success!
Nothing overnight, foxes nicked the last of my lug but then 6 lovely mackerel 
the next morning."

Better late than never ( 24 July)

Here is a report from Ravin...

"Hi Tony, just one late report.
Went fishing by the boats with the lads about three weeks ago. I had three rods on, one with lug and squid ( for bass ) one with feathers ( in hope of a mackerel or garfish ) and the third with a flatty rig.
My two mates had one rod each in hope of a nice bass.
Got there in the morning and was casting 2 hours well before high tide.
Sea was carm though. Hot sunny day,some say not ideal.
There were lots of other people fishing and nobody got a single sniff all day, then 2 hours after high tide i caught a good size dab, was 35 cm.
I was the only one to get a fish that day, usually I'm the only one that doesn't catch a fish...nice twist in the story this time around.
Caught on fresh lug bought from your good self.
Many thanks Ravin."

Well that good sized dab in the photo looks like a very nice sole! Fishing in daylight can be tough in the summer, catches should improve dramatically after dark.

The official DAA league results to date ( 22 July)

Reports from Sunday are still mostly mackerel...but with these thunder storms forecasted...who knows?

Big, Big tides on Thursday...should be interesting!

Rock hard last night ( 21 July)

Here are the results from last nights match...rock hard...I only had one bite all night!

Plenty of mackerel about I caught a few for bait.

"DAA match result Saturday, 20th July 2013 – Galloways Rover – 7-00 pm – midnight

1st Steve Harvey 2 fish 2 lb. 14 1/2 oz. Heaviest fish 2 lb. 9 oz. bass

2nd Gavin Smith 3 fish 1 lb. 5 1/2 oz.

3rd Jim McMurray 2 fish 0 lb. 11 1/2 oz.

4th John Smith 1 fish 0 lb. 6 oz.

5th Mark Parnell / Tony Hills 1 fish 0 lb. 5 1/2 oz.

1 Bass, 1 Sole, flounders and whiting weighed in – 11 in total.

Fished in dying NE breeze. 15 fished – 7 weighed in."

Here is a photo of Gavin's black bream...

Hi tony just a snap of the bream I caught during the match Saturday night 
thought u might wanted to see it  Gavin

...very pretty Gavin, and well done for putting the fish back back to fight another day.

More DAA dates for your diary ( 20 July)

Here is the info from Steve Harvey (DAA Match Captain)...

"Hi folks a few more dates for your diaries
The members league
Sat 4th of Aug .. book in 2.15-3 fish 4-8
Sun 1st Sept .. book in 2.15-3 fish 4-8
Sun 29 Sept book in 2.15-3 fish 4-8
Sun 13 Oct book in 2.15-3 fish 4-8
Sat 26 Oct book in 5.30-6 fish 7-11
All the above are rovers anywhere between pirate springs and galloways and are booking in at the gate ....
Also keep your eyes peeled for our sole open details to be released soon .... Sat 7th Sept .... Hope to see you all on the beach .. tight lines"

Fickle mackerel ( 20 July)

Here is a report in today from Ben ...

"A disappointing Mackerel fishing trip yesterday evening at Dengemarsh..... filleted and fried for a second each side it was delicious!
Cheers! Ben Norton"

Tough luck Ben they were 'knee deep' in mackerel at Jurys Gap last night!

Possible good news ( 17 July)

Just had a customer in who told me that the 'trawler' going up and down at Dengemarsh could be a survey vessel...good news! I did see the boat in question anchored up in the east bay a few days ago?

Those trawlers again ( 17 July)

Here is an email from Stooey...

"Just to say I fished Galloways on tues night , No Sole , But trawlers going up and down all night long , some maybe 300 metres off the beach ???."

Sad to say the 'commercials' monitor the facebook and internet traffic as well as the forums for the 'S' word, it could be worse we could have 'gill nets' as well...shut my mouth?

What a star ( 17 July)

I had an email from Niko...

"Hi Tony,

Had a session yesterday in Dengemarsh from 4am to 5pm. Used lug tipped off with squid, there wasn’t a bite all day I was shocked and fed up so I decided to pack up at 3pm, when all of a sudden I noticed some one catching a Mackerel so I sprinted to my rod put feathers and Mackrel to the rescue. I fished for the next 2 hours and ended up with 23 but 19 keepers. Hard work but well worth it. Disappointed with the rubbish left behind by whoever was there before me. However, I did get an extra bag and collected the rubbish and took them home with me. It was upsetting to collect some else rubbish but it had to be done as the place looked filthy. My main concern though was not the rubbish but the fishing boat that kept going backwards and forwards all day dragging the net all the way to the bottom, the whole area changed to a beautiful clear water to muddy brown colour. I didn’t stand a chance with my rod against the mighty boat, but I wander the damage that it is causing at the bottom of the sea. I guess everyone has to earn a leaving.

Anyway I better go and enjoy my Mackerel fillets with a nice ball of chips and perhaps I can just about deserve some roasted peppers with it!!!!"

Fishing can be tough in daylight with bright sunlight, short tides...but after dark? Well done with collecting extra rubbish, your'e a star, as for the fishing boat...don't know what is was trawling for, but close in they can be a pest.

What a load of rubbish ( 16 July)

I have just had this email from Wayne concerning Dengemarsh...

"Hi Tony,

Had a session a Denge on Saturday night...fished up near the Diamond (the only available space).

It was a perfect tide /weather conditions for Sole...... or so i thought.

Size 4, 3 hook rigs anchored hard on the bottom....week old Dunge black and small king rag as bait.

In a nutshell, it was very disappointing....the night tide bringing only 1 Sole (1¾lb), 5 Dab, 2 Pins, 1 Bootlace.

One teeny gripe though Tony (not like me LOL).....the beach and carpark was absolutely disgraceful, being reminiscent to a third word slum....the RUBBISH...by the cart load....discarded everywhere...including human waste. 'Anglers!?'...and others, you should be ashamed of yourselves. Regards Wayne.

...we get this problem every year, people camping out catching mackerel! It can be a right 'zoo'! The road is managed by the RSPB and they occasionally have volunteer parties that clean the area. I have also organised the 'community payback' people to come down and do a clean. If you want to help...pack a black bag and take back more than you brought.

Don't use the 'M' word ( 15 July)

I had this report from Jon this afternoon...

"Sunday 14^th

Just a brief note to say that at 8.30, the water was like a millpond. Fished with friend Richard and his brother Jim. Great weather, but not much going on , then 4 Mackerel at tea time. Now in these times, catching a Mackerel is a rare event and one to be savoured (and later put on the BBQ). The days of gratuitous 7 a time lines all afternoon are gone. Now we can work hard and feel rewarded catching maybe one or two of these beauties. Opps… mentioned the M word again. Cheers Jon"

I was down the beach this morning with Shepway engineers looking at the beach profile, I have never seen the sea so calm...mirror...on the way back I stopped to say hello to an old mate who lives in one of the railway carriages by the lookout tower, he told me that quite a few mackerel were caught yesterday evening.

First Bass ( 13 July)

Here is a report from Trevor showing its not about age its the thrill that matters...

"Hi Tony
My dad used to have a fishing boat in Hastings and won a few cups catching tope and Conger ells from the wrecks, it took me till my 60th birthday last year to buy a rod and realise why he got such a buzz fishing, any way I fished in front of the working lighthouse on Friday 12th, started fishing at 9am and stopped at 4.00 pm, had one bite just before high tide and caught my first ever Bass at the grand age of 61 (me not the Bass), it was 41cm and around 2lb, did not get a sniff after that but I was more than happy. Trevor Culmer"

Last night ( 13 July)

Reports coming in from last night from the west bay (Dengemarsh & Galloways) are more sole, flounder, dabs and bass...good fishing, but mostly after dark.

Galloways? ( 11 July)

I'm getting loads of phone calls about Galloways...chasing the sole, bass and bream etc. that has been reported on the 'net'...but remember at this time of year night fishing is better, not a lot showing in bright sunlight! The fishing has been brilliant right through the west bay from behind the power stations, Dengemarsh and Galloways.

Don't mention the 'M' word ( 9 July)

I have had various reports of mackerel being caught...not very many, small numbers, eight in one session the best so far...but good news.

The big surprise is the three reports of black bream at Galloways (besides Simon's), not big fish but lovely to see.

Bloody brilliant ( 8 July)

I had this email from Simon Newman ( of 'Casterways' B+B fame)

summer fishing doesn't get any better than this...

"A fantastic session at Galloways on Saturday night. Fished 4 hours for the following:

17 sole (6 kept, best 1lb 8oz)
5 plaice (all returned)
12 bass (6 keepers, best 47cm)
5 flounders (best 35 cm all returned)
2 bream (both babies and safely returned)
1 dab (27cm and still swimming)"

The full details ( 8 July)

Here are the results of Saturdays match, and the current standings...well done Gavin!

Investing in the future ( 7 July)

Here is a report from the Finley's...

Thought you might like a look at our Bass we landed yesterday evening... a shade over 45cm according to my official BASS tape which means this fish should have spawned at least once in its lifetime. Another slightly larger one was returned for my Son to fight another day. All the best! Ben and Finley Norton.

Good for the sole ( 7 July)

Here is the report from Last nights DAA match...

DAA match result Saturday, 6th July 2013 – Dengemarsh Rover – 7-00 pm – midnight

1st Gavin Smith 28 fish 8 lb. 10 oz.

2nd Steve Field 16 fish 5 lb. 2 1/2 oz.

3rd John Smith 11 fish 4 lb. 8 1/2 oz.

4th Matt Summerfield 9 fish 3 lb. 9 1/2 oz.

5th Paul Jarrett 6 fish 3 lb. 7 oz. Heaviest fish 1 lb. 15 oz. bass

Sole, dabs, flounders, couple of bass and a whiting weighed in.

Fished in cooling NE breeze.

15 fished – 14 weighed in.

regards, Malcolm Jones DAA Chairman & Membership Secretary

Brilliant fishing great to see so many sole being caught, lovely evening...I had a bit of a disaster, but hey that's life, tremendous catch by Gavin...he must be on 'steroids' here are some nice 'arty' photo's of the beach taken taken last night by Steve Field...great evening and Steve had a great 2nd place.

Out for a strole...( 6 July)

Here's a report from Bob Lascelles...

"Down at Galloways again last night I know it's boring two bass 42 & 45cm, plus 30cm sole. stopped to chat to a chap as we walked off the beach, just as he landed a small blonde ray. At least I think it was a blonde."

...could have been a 'brunette'?

Summers here ( 6 July)

With the distant sound of sole music...here's a report from Paul...

"Hi Tony

Had a late afternoon session down the west Bay yesterday with my friend Mark and targeted Sole. For once the whiting did not spoil the party and we ended up with 7 between us plus 3 flounders and a small plaice. All the sole were around the 29/30cm size. A cracking little session in lovely sunshine!

Paul (from Faversham)"

Historic report ( 5 July)

Here is an email from ifty, nice fish...

"Hi. Sorry for late report I caught these 2 beauties behind the boats on 23rd last month 8pm ish. 7lb and 6/3/4, Ifty London.

Still plenty of fish ( 4 July)

Here is a report from Simon of Casterways B+B fame he posted on 'facebook'...

A great session yesterday evening. 17 bass, 12 of which were legal with a couple taken for the pot and this absolutely cracking sole. 2lb 1oz beating my previous best by 7oz. Happy days. Heatwave coming for this weekend, soletastic! by: Simon Newman

DAA reminder ( 4 July)

Here is a reminder that the next DAA match is at Dengemarsh on Saturday 6 July...all DAA members welcome, £5 entry, book in with our match captain (Steve Harvey) in the car park at Dengemarsh between 5.15pm to 6.00pm...its a rover fish 7.00pm till midnight.

A fine bass ( 1 July)

Here is an email from Shen Tas...cracking bass photo...

"Shen Tas. I had a brilliant catch on the 30th of june of a 4lb 12oz Bass and 
another at just over 2lbs. There was no action from 7am till late. Both caught 
at high tide just after 5pm. Caught on lugworm. Wish you guys all the best in 
your fishing."

Adam's view on the bass debate ( 1 July)

"Gentlemen,
I have been fishing dungeness for 2 years now which is tiny period of time in 
comparison to some anglers on the shingle. However even I have noticed the 
dozens of anglers that do not respect size limits while fishing. We can debate 
size limits or bag limits all we want but that is not the crux of the problem. 
It is the many fisherman who come to dungeness in the bass season who ignore the 
rules. Rant over. Adam"

Thanks for that...this June we have had the best bass beach I can remember, and this has brought a lot of inexperienced anglers to the beach in search of their first bass...these anglers need education help and advice on how to treat fish. There are others who should know better, the trophy hunters who get more 'buzz' from the kill than the catch...these should 'wake up' and smell the coffee!

Yesterday at Dengemarsh ( 1 July)

I had this email from Steve, it has slowed a bit, but when the wind picks up so does the fishing...

"Hi Tony I said I would let you know how I got on well first cast had a bass of 42cms not bad but I returned it let it grow bigger

Then two dabs and that was it for me packed up about five.

Well tight lines see you soon. Regards Steven Latham.

Tough luck ( 30 June)

Here is a report from Burt...you can't win them all...

"went to same location behind the boats saturday from 11am - 9pm and for the first time ever fishing anywhere in dungie didnt even have a single bite .... As far as I know was the same story for everyone behind the boats ?? , there was 2 fellas next to me who had fished nearly 48hrs and same story as me. Goes to show that the bassys like the rough surf 5 nice keepers last week in the wind... This week baits coming in every cast completly untouched . Anyway lovely bait once again tony thanks for that and thanks for exchanging my faulty mitchell reel for a new one, shame it never pulled a fish in but next weekend should be better hopefully at least I caught a sun tan :) "

Wow Peter...respect ( 30 June)

Here is a report from Peter Webster...

"Alright tony, done a very long fishing session, got down Friday night late n 
dident leave until lunch time today!! Yep i still love kipping on the shingle 
lol anyway fishing very good from the go with me n my pal straight in wiv the 
bass. Altogether we finished with 21 fish with the best one going to Steve at 5 
an a half pounds i had mostly 30-35cm size fish all went back but 2 keepers for 
my dinner ov around 44 cm. i also had a brace ov big flounders.  All caught on 
straight lug. I'm very tired now n sun burnt so am signing off for today, 
goodnight everyone."

Good day at Dengemarsh ( 30 June)

Here is a report from Steve Field taken from his facebook page (with permission)...

"Good day at dengemarsh 5 flounders and a couple of schoolie bass biggest 40cm. All fish returned , caught on straight lug."

It has been mentioned that after a big blow on a spring tide the shingle bank can 'cliff'...it is a shame that NE won't let the EA profile it to be more durable...it's a SAC (Special Area of Conservation)...NE rules...OK!

I totally agree with Mitchell ( 29 June)

Here is an email...just come in...

"I have to say I have thought a number of timed about the needless killing of immature bass. But thought improper to post on your site, which is brilliant in my opinion. Rather than us rant

Yes Mitchell, I don't want to make the site to 'political' but something is has got to be done and I will take it up with the Kent & Essex ICFA...I believe their officers are bright enough to seize the opportunity...we can but try!

I will of course keep you all informed if anything happens!

Too much of a good thing ( 29 June)

Here is a report from Rob...

"Hi Tony

Had a good day at Galloways yesterday, all bass Four keeper's (only took two) and four under size. Hooked into another definitely 3lb plus, got it just onto the shingle it flipped came off, back into the surf and off it swam.

The family are now bored with bass, are there any whiting about.

Rob Lascelles"

All joking apart...I was concerned when the whiting disappeared last winter...the good news is the odd one has started to show (two in the latest DAA match)...lets hope there is a lot more come October...cod food!

Another point of view ( 29 June)

Here is an email from...

"Hi Tony. Some common sense from Paul re the killing of bass by a few would-be fish mongers. The are certain time and tide conditions when bass are so easy to catch that any novice can fill their boots and we see photos of smiling goons squatting next to piles of dead bass. I don't say stop eating bass. You have earned a just reward. Kill one or two and stocks will survive but this industrial scale fish slaughter must end. I do not however agree with increasing the size limit. Surely it makes more sense to keep a 42cm sexually immature large schoolie than a 46cm prime breeding fish. Thanks for running the blog and to all who keep the area special. Andy Gash."

...thanks for your views Andy, but remember we all have to start somewhere none of us start out as 'experts', I love to see the excitement of a 'new' angler with his or hers first bass?

Be it 42 or 46cm bass...if you take it home its still a dead bass...it won't grow any bigger, I have said this before, I support bag limits...

That's the way to do it ( 28 June)

Here is a report from Paul Hoffman...

"Hi Tony 
Brilliant bait as always and Fred " the Shed " Brown who is well known match 
angler and founder member of DELCAC who are one of the biggest coarse match 
teams in UK . He is now transferring his skills to sea angling and had a great 
day at Littlestone on Thursday catching 5 nice Bass  One for the pot and rest 
all returned for another sporting day when they might be 3 to 4 pounders !!!"

A point of view ( 27 June)

I had had this email from Matt giving me his view on some catch reports...

"Hi there

First of all I would like to congratulate you on your blog I have fished dense since I was five but now live in Lincolnshire so don't get as much opportunity too fish it as I would like and your catch reports help me plan my weekends. However it concerns me how much you publicise the catching of what appear to be undersize bass. I appreciate that it's not you keeping them but on a number of occasions I have seen blatantly small bass dead on the shingles. I am asking that if you receive a catch report and you belive fish to be undersized not to publish the pictures as it encourages newcomers who know no better to keep them.

In the 20 years I have fished this coast I have never seen bass in these sorts of numbers as we have encountered over the last couple of seasons and that's is due to considerate anglers and size limits being obeyed. However I believe if people keep taking illegal fish we will be back to no bass on our lovely shingle beaches. The same applies for shad and eels.

Once again this isn't me accusing you of being in the wrong it just me asking you to consider not posting pictures with "iffy" fish in.

And again congrats on a fantastic blog. Regards Matt Telford"

I have a lot of sympathy with Matt, we all want to see bigger and more fish in the future, do I personally support 'bag limits'...yes, do I publish knowingly undersized dead fish, no!

The fact that the legal size limit of bass is ridiculously small...36 cm's...tiny, but it is legal to take fish of that size, I was at a Kent & Essex IFCA meeting yesterday and I told them it is too small, our club (DAA) fish to 41cm, IFCA state average breeding size is 46cm?...so maybe we should raise it to that level?

To a angler who has not caught a bass before and is proud to hold it up for the camera, and send me the photo even if it is undersized and then returns the fish unharmed ?

I don't believe in censorship, but I do believe in education as regular readers will know ( as this is?) I want every angler to return the fish he catches 'gently' back to the sea, respect the fish and the size limits...I could go on but you lot will have fallen asleep...

Sometimes you have to be patient ( 26 June)

Here is a report from Rob...nice fish he looks a bit 'gutted' (the fish not Rob)...

"Hi Tony. Fished in front of the power station today from 12.45 'till 15.45. first cast produced a 33cm bass just a shade too small then nothing until, the last cast (last two worms in bait box) produced a 45cm beauty. Ended up a good day.

Rob Lascelles

Littlestone...humming ( 26 June)

Massive lug, don't blame me, its the bait digger! Here's a report from Fred Brown...

"Hi Tony,

Due to the massive tide yesterday me, Hoffy and Ridgey went to Littlestone. We find it hard work at Dungee! The lug was awesome and have some left to try Grain tomorrow. I had five bass one for tea and the other 4 went back. Hoffy had a nice keeper too and Ridgey a schoolie. All caught about 60 metres on 3 hook clipped down rigs out in the gullies that are exposed at low tide. Few other bites with no surf but lots of sun which made it a lovely session. Quite a few fishing too. And a nice cider in Dymchurch on the way home to London.

See you again soon. Regards Fred Brown"

A fair trade ( 24 June)

Here is a report from Osamah...he made the right choice...

"Hi Tony,

I was about to sell something but I found out that the man was not coming down to pick it up so I decided to go fishing and I caught a 2.5 bass. I fished from 8.00pm - 9.15pm. Osamah."

Never too late ( 24 June)

Here's a report from Burt fishing last Saturday...did a bit better than us down at 'Pirate Springs'!....

"Hi tony bit late report but... Had great day fishing Saturday arrived at 12pm as tide was on its way out nothing for 3 hrs not even a bite done a twat cast and snapped one of my rods in half around 3pm ... Everybody around me had a laugh at least haha !! But 10 mins later around low tide had a 4lb bass followed by 5 more at 2lb, as the tide was halfway up it went quiet again for 4 hrs or so untill 12am, but then had what I think is a red gurnard about 1 1/2 lb ... have sent picture what is it ?? all fish caught on lug and king rag gave to me by the fella next to me who had enough of no fish thanks who ever you are never seen rag worm as thick as my thumb before ... Cracking bait !! Left around 2am sunday morning as the wife had enough of the cold 40 mph wind bless her at least she got her 1st bass!! brilliant surf all day back there this weekend I reckon !!"

Looking at the photo it looks like a red mullet to me (nickname goat fish) supposed to be great eating?

DAA match report ( 23 June)

"DAA match result Saturday, 22nd June 2013 – Pirate Springs Rover – High Water – 8-00 pm – midnight

1st Rob James 2 fish 2 lb. 12 oz. Heaviest fish 1 lb. 9 1/2 oz. bass

2nd Steve Foster 1 fish 1 lb. 8 oz.

3rd John Smith 1 fish 1 lb. 4 1/2 oz.

4th Jim McMurray 1 fish 1 lb. 3 1/2 oz.

5th Steve Field 1 fish 0 lb. 9 1/2 oz.

1 bass, 3 dogfish and 2 whiting weighed in.

Fished in strong SW wind, warm and occasionally wet – location moved from Dengemarsh due to heavy seas. 18 fished – 6 weighed in.

regards, Malcolm Jones DAA Chairman & Membership Secretary"

Yes it was hard work and very windy...all I had was one under sized bass and two 'baby' smoothounds...very pretty!

Friday was a good day ( 23 June)

Here is a report from Joe with his mate James...

"Hi Tony
 My friend James Aldridge and I managed to get some spare time and drive up
from Portsmouth to your neck of the woods and do some Bass fishing.

Friday 21st at 20:45 we tried to get to the back of the boats but could not
find a spot. So we drove up a little further and managed to find a spot
behind the light house. Baits we were using was Peeler crab, Squid, Rag
worm, Sand eel and Lug worm. We fished to 03:45  22nd June and only had one
Bass on Rag worm, then we decided to go back to where we wanted to fish when
we first arrived.
It was now nice and quite with only one other fisherman. Started fishing
from 04:30 till midnight and as you can see from the photos it was great
sport and the right move, we also had a very small Smooth Hound which was
return and a Dog fish that was also returned. The biggest Bass weighed in at
5lb. Thanks for a great fishing spot may it long last!!  Joe Massiah"

I have had several emails ( 23 June)

Concerning can anglers sell their catch...the answer is no, if they want to stay a recreational/sport angler. Here is a quote from the Angling Trust website...

"The Marine Committee of the Angling Trust meeting in June agreed that they would only represent recreational sea anglers. The meeting confirmed that the EAA definition of Recreational Sea Angling formulated in 2004 should be their criteria:

“Recreational sea angling is the activity of catching or attempting to catch fish, principally by rod and line, pole or hand-held line for non-commercial purposes; recreational anglers do not sell the fish they catch.”

Whilst it was agreed that angling can be both commercial and non-commercial, recreational sea angling can only be non-commercial, as recreational sea anglers do not sell, barter or trade their catch. Recreational sea anglers may return or retain their catch, providing it is above legal minimum size, and consume it within the family. It was discussed that recreational sea angling is pursued for many purposes and a multitude of highly diverse motivations. These include challenge, sport, recreation, achievement, relaxation, etc."

Going commercial ( 23 June)

The sheer number of bass that Paul Hodges has caught and kept is amazing he must have a very big freezer....or a lot of friends...

Hi Tony
Adam and I fished Galloways last night from 7.30pm until 2am (21st June) and we never expected such a busy night. it was busy from the word go. With both of us catching in excess of 30 Bass, lost count really. My self had 20 keepers to 4.5lb and Adam had 16 keepers to 3.5lb. There was also a 5.5lb fish landed there last night too. Everyone fishing there had fish, I also managed two eels one of which was well over 2lb. All the fish fell to lug. All the Bass were 40cm +, and I lots a much bigger one in the surf too. It was non stop from the word go apart from a spell over high water.
All the Bass have gone to a lovely home for peoples dinner Regards Paul

A few of the many

Another Cracking bass ( 22 June)

Just had an email from Sit Sukphol who got 'lucky' with a very nice bass...

"Hi Tony

Decided to go fishing as we’d seen pictures of people landing some good-sized sea bass. I caught this last night at Galloway. The weight is 7llb 4oz. I was really excited to catch this – my first big sea bass. Sit"

Its not that easy ( 22 June)

Here is a report from Terry Gifford showing hard work pays off...

"Hi Tony
Did I miss something, woke up this morning and it seems to be October??!! Anyway we had a go this morning in front of the watch tower from 7 through until about 12, had four Bass around 2lb which all went back and then this one at 5lb which was invited home for supper! Very hard going but worth the effort!

Thanks, Terry and Lee"

Fortune favours the brave ( 22 June)

Just had this report in from Paul this morning...

"Hi Tony

Just a quick report from yesterday fishing at Galloways. Lovely surf and hopes were high for some Bass. Fished from low water up and down again. Ended up with 10 Bass biggest 5.5lb. Good luck to anyone fishing down there, it was getting very windy! Paul"

White Horses = bass ( 22 June)

I had a report in from Rusty Carter of 'White Horses' B+B fame...

"bit of luck opposite house last night 3lb6oz bass.
regds Rusty."

Non stop bass ( 21 June)

Reports keep coming in of bass being caught...all sizes, different location, different conditions...

here is a report from Matt...

"Hi fished behind power station had a couple small bass and several small dabs 
MATT

Very pretty ( 21 June)

Had this report from Stuart Brown...quite a few people found it hard going yesterday plenty of bass but a bit quiet when it came to dogfish and dabs...

"Tony, As my boat trip was cancelled I decided a fishing trip was needed anyway, fished from high to low, hard going, no bites, baits coming back clean, managed to get 
this 2 1/2lb bass half way down the tide so well worth the trip.
Regards Stuart." Thanks for the photo...very pretty!

A nice evening fish ( 21 June)

Here is report just in (Jusy gone midnight)...

"Hi Fishing back of boats from 18.30-00.30. Large bass caught on lug 8lbs my mate caught 1 schooly bass and dog fish both returned. Regards Andy heslop

The walkway paid off ( 20 June)

Just had a phone call from Terry Cousins who fished to the left of the 'walkway' yesterday...

Terry told me that he and his fishing partner had six bass to four pound, big doggies and flats, a great day on a neap tide, the fish came on from about 5pm.

Check out the weather ( 20 June)

I checked the weather forecast this morning for the weekend...could not believe it, a south westerly gale gusting force seven...great for bass ( and codling)...but in June...or is it October?

Lots of small bass...( 20 June)

Reports coming in from yesterday....that plenty of small bass being caught behind the boats up to forty two centimetres.

Just a reminder...( 20 June)

Here is a message from Steve Harvey the DAA match captain...

"Saturday evening sees the next instalment of the DAA members league to be fished at Dengemarsh ... Book in at the car parking area at Denge between 5.15-6 fishing is from 7-midnight ...hope to see as many of you there as possible ..."

A very nice first bass ( 17 June)

I just had this email in from Neil Oatway...

"Was taken out today by a good friend for my first sea fishing experience with 
kit bought for me for my Birthday.
Although I'm told difficult conditions to see a bite my little Yoda managed to 
land a sea bass, verified by the lovely lady at the fish/bait shop near the 
pilot pub, at 7 & 3/4 pounds. I don't talk to him anymore !!"

More bass rolling in...( 17 June)

Here's a report from Ali down on the breezy beach today...

"Hi every one, its Ali
Fished by the boats today 17/06/13.
Very windy but the sea was not to bad.
The guy on my left managed to pull very good sized bass. Here is what i managed

to land. Fished from 9 till 2."

A present for 'fathers day' ( 16 June)

I had this report in tonight from Mark Howard who fished Dungeness today...

"Hi Tony

Thanks for the great bait, Me and my son fished between the boats 1:30 till 6:00. very quiet overall with the chap next to us having 2 schoolies and a 43cm bass. I was saved from a blank with a small dab until this 4lb 12oz Bass took the whole worm about 80yds out. Lots of tide pull and heavy with may water. I ended up using an 8 oz fixed wire to hold the bottom at any distance. Mark and Adam"

Wow...what a cracker ( 16 June)

I have just had a report from Jennie...who has caught a fish of a life time, this is the best beach bass I have seen for the first half of the year...fabulous...

"Hi Tony, fished Dungeness yesterday and had a very poor day until.........the guys next to me were catching 2-3 lb bass all day....... 2 hours after high tide I decided to hold my rod to see if i could keep my line taught and hold bottom, I thought my lead was being moved by under current and twice I took in a little slack, then I thought my weight had been buried and had a job holding the rod, it came loose and just thought at first I had picked up old line and weights again, kept bringing line in and it was wobbling and I struggled. My partner mick had to help me out, as I was bringing in my line the biggest bass I had ever seen came in. Got home to weigh it in at 16 pound 7 oz. size 3/0, 2 hook pulley pennel rig with just one worm on - must have dangled it right in front of its nose. A day not to forget. 15/06/2013 Jennie Evely, West Malling.

A little burst of October ( 16 June)

I'm surprised seeing that the south westerly 'blows' we have had over the last couple of days that we have had no reports of codling from the beach (there are loads out there on the wrecks) but here is a report from Mitchell Russell...

"Hi tony fished dungy yesterday behind the boats not very productive. had 1 bass the a fella to my left had 2 and a doggie. but that was it. there was a lot of sloppy weed about is that the may weed and does it affect the fishing. bait was A1 again mate thank you looking forward to getting back down Regards Mitchell From Bristol"

'May weed', is the algae bloom brought on by a rise in sea temperatures, clouding the water, then dies ending up as a brown sticky mess on the beach (and on your line). This can happen anytime in the first half of the year, mix this up with seaweed 'ripped' from the seabed after a 'blow' can be a pest...I have to say this year it hasn't been to bad, I guess because the spring has been so cold?

Plenty of bass being reported ( 16 June)

I had had lots of bass being reported, at least this windy weather has brought the fish in, here is a report from Ken Gifford...

"hi Tony, fished between last boat and the lighthouse very windy but had a few flatties and this 2lb bass a good day was had Ken"

Talk about 'fill your boots'...( 14 June)

Here is a report from Paul Hodges...lucky chap...

"Hi Tony
Fished on the 12th and 13th around the Dungey area and had 12 Bass to 3.5lb and 10 keepers, plus some very good Flounders to 1.5lb all caught on Lug. Had many other bites and missed opportunities too. Fished same are last night (13th) but I think sea was too rough and only managed one small schoolie, a small Flounder and a small turbot. I think tonight will fish well.
Regards Paul Hodges"

The bass keep rolling in...( 14 June)

Here is a report from Jason who in that strong south westerly wind fished behind the boats...

"Hi, 
We fished at the back of the boats from about 3:30 onwards. These 2 were caught 
on lug tipped with squid about 15 metres out. Before low tide we had 6 bass (5 
keepers) a doggie and a couple of flounders. 
A good day out, the sun shone, it didn't rain but it was very windy. 

Regards Jason

 Out in the 'Fresh' air ( 13 June)

Here is a report from Nigel out this morning in the 'breeze'...

"Tony, Good morning after a slow start. Nice bass 3lb 14oz, plus a couple of doggies 
and some small dabs. Bass caught on very last cast, just packing up to leave, on 
lug close in. Nigel Hackett

Remember...wind makes fish ( 13 June)

Well...we have had plenty of wind, here is a report from Andy...

"Hi fished Dengemarsh last night in bad weather conditions 1,large eel caught on lug and 1 place caught on squid. All fish returned to be caught another day .
Regards. Andy Heslop"

But thanks for reminding me to inform all the new anglers to the beach that eels are a protected species (stocks have crashed over the last ten years) and should be returned to the sea unharmed.

Eels are running on their way back to the 'sargasso sea' to spawn, so be prepared.

This has been the best flounder season I can remember, I think the low temperatures have helped...and Andy I think your plaice is a 'chunky' flounder, it is confusing when they both have spots, flounders have a more 'diamond' shape a longer 'wrist' and a square cut tail, underneath plaice are more 'cold' white colour, flounder it tends to be 'creamy' white, spots, plaice are rich red, flounder are orange, we are lucky to have to have such good specimens to catch.

Just had an email from Nigel ( 12 June)

Nigel Bourne had a great time in the west bay last night with the bass...

"Had these keepers put back 6 lost quite a few and lost count of the bites I 
missed. All at 30 to 50 m single black lug"

I wish I had Peter's energy...( 12 June)

Here is a report from Peter Webster, who obviously likes sleeping on shingle ...

"Hello tony, fished another long session behind the boats, started around 4.30 
Tuesday until 1.30 in the morning then we got in our tents for the night but was 
up at 7 to fish on! Tuesday night fished well with myself taking 4 bass 2 large 
schoolys which went back n 2 around the 2- 2 n a half pound mark only one ov 
those made it back. Also few dabs n couple doggys my buddy had 1 large schooly n 
few dabs also worlds smallest dogfish. Next morning i never had a bite to pack 
up time my pal had one large schooly, all on lug. Tired now so bye for today, 
Pete "Webo ".

A beautiful bass...( 12 June)

Mike sent me a photo of the bass he had on Saturday yummee...

"Plenty of bass photos on the site so didn't send one from Saturday but here it is (or rather some of it) now! Regards Mike Richardson"

Is it true...( 11 June)

I had this email from Derek Maplesden...

"Tony is it right that they are planning shut the beach from Hythe ranges to Dungeness and use the area as a marine conservation no pleasure fishing bait digging ????"

I'm putting this up because I get so many people concerned about the proposed Hythe Bay MCZ. I spent two years working on 'Balanced Sea' on behalf of recreational sea fishermen and at no time did we (or were asked to) consider banning beach fishing or bait digging. Yes I have concerns about the European 'habitats directive' giving too much power to Natural England, when it comes to the beach and foreshore. We should hear in September from Defra about Hythe and 'fingers crossed' it will be 'maintain' not 'recover' as the conservation objective. But as soon as I know I will put it up on the site!

A good move...( 10 June)

It was rough behind the boats...mike made the right call...

"Hi Tony,

Fishing into a force 7 north easterly seemed a bit too much like hard work so headed off to Denge/Galloways Saturday evening. Arrived at low tide, not a lot happening and some guys who were fishing all day had had slim pickings as did I for the first three hours. Was just thinking about changing tactics (going to The Pilot for a beer) when a bass turned up about 2 hours before high tide. 58cm so around 4lb 12oz. Had another an hour later. 39cm, returned to fight another day. Both at about 25yds, Single lug on a 2/0 with a plain lead. Regards Mike Richardson"

Talk about surf...( 9 June)

It has been a real windy weekend...the surf behind the boats was to much even for the bass!

Here is a cracking photo of the surf the boys were fishing in taken by Steve Field...

Better late than never ( 8 June)

Here is a report from Dave Knott of his trip last Thursday...

"Hi Tony
A bit late sending this, but went fishing near the boats Thursday night and had 
this 6lb bass, tried again last night and had 4, the biggest was 39cms, they all 
went back. All caught on lug. Regards, Dave Knott "

Dengemarsh 'bassing' well ( 8 June)

Another report from Jon who is having a good run...

"Hi Tony went and had another go at Denge Marsh Friday evening for low tide again 
after Thursdays good days fishing for bass . Took my fishing bud who also wanted 
some of the action . We caught three bass one went back was under size . Tried a 
big bait on one rod for the big one after I see that pic of that lovely 10lb one 
which was caught . All fish caught on worm with tip of squid 
 Regards  Jon
Ps  New rod didn't weld itself together this time which was nice ."

Floundering around behind the boats ( 8 June)

"Hi Tony, Following your advice we fished behind the boats from low tide up. Plenty of bass though small ( one keeper but nothing worth a photo ) but excellent flounders and doggies galore once it became dark. Many thanks, Andy & Martin"

The big breakfast ( 7 June)

Guess what the happy B+B'ers are getting for breakfast tomorrow...

"Hi Tony

I had an hour in front of the house this morning before HW. 1st cast with whole squid gave this cracker of 10lb 11oz, beating my shore PB by 5oz. 3 schoolies followed on the worm rod, no more bites on the squid rod. Happy days!

Simon

Thanks for the memories ( 7 June)

A nice welsh family on holiday popped in the shop yesterday to get some bits, and when I got into the shop this morning I found this note in the letter box...

"Thanks very much for the advice on fishing by the power station we caught a 4lb bass! + 2lb bass 2 dabs! Excellent fishing! They will be in the pan tomorrow night back in Wales! ( we popped in at 4.00pm for bait + tackle) Thanks Again.

Made his day ( 7 June)

I had this email from Will Kemp ...."5lb1oz Bass caught Thursday pm 5:30 behind boats"

Jon with a large car aerial ( 7 June)

"Hi Tony after leaving your shop today after you kindly helped me get my fishing 
rod apart which decided to weld itself together ! .I decided to get out of the 
wind for the rest of the day and fish the low at Denge Marsh ended up with two 
nice size dogs and three bass i also lost a bass right on the waters edge in a 
snag of fishing line in the shingle .  Thanks again for your help today didn't 
fancy driving back to West Malling with a 14 ft fishing rod sticking out of the 
sun roof ."...OK Jon, all part of the service.

...and yet more bass ( 6 June)

Another report from Simon Newman...

"Fished 2 hours last night (1 up 1 down). 7 bass, 5 keepers, best 3lb 12oz which took a whole squid, the others on worm."

...So if you're booked in at 'Casterways B+B' you can expect bass for breakfast?

...more bass ( 6 June)

Just had an email from Edward Hudson concerning his fishing trip yesterday...

"Hi tony just to let you know I fished in front of the the watch tower yesterday 
evening,I had 4 bass around the 3lb mark all with in an hour after low water, i 
had a few dogfish and a hand full of dabs to what away to spend a lovely 
afternoon and evening. Yours Edward"

What a nice flounder ( 5 June)

Terry Carpenter popped in lunchtime with a cracking 2.5lb flounder caught behind the 'boats'

A nice surprise in the sun...

Plenty of bass ( 5 June)

Here is a report from Simon Newman concerning bass ...plenty of small fish being reported...

"Hi Tony

I thought I'd let you know that team Castaways hit the surf this evening. First 90 minute session was behind the boats just as the water hit the shingle. A bite a cast from the off with 5 bass, mainly small but a couple of keepers. This was followed by a dusk session in front of the B&B fishing an hour up to high water. Again a bite a cast with 6 fish this time of which 3 made the required minimum. Great sport on light gear. Bait was black lug."

Thanks Simon, with this north easterly airflow we should get a nice 'bass' surf behind the boats as the tide turns...mostly small fish...but you never know!

Here are the results from last nights match ( 3 June)

A lovely evening...not used to the warm weather...

DAA match result Sunday, 2nd June 2013 – Dungeness Rover – High Water – 4-00 pm – 8-00 pm

1st Paul Jarrett 9 fish 5 lb. 10 oz.

2nd Paul Gunner 4 fish 4 lb. 10 1/2 oz.

3rd Graham King 5 fish 4 lb. 8 1/2 oz.

4th Tony Hills 5 fish 4 lb. 1/2 oz. Heaviest fish 1 lb. 14 1/2 oz. dogfish

5th Gavin Smith 7 fish 1 lb. 10 oz.

Generally dogfish and dabs, with odd pouting, flounder and rockling weighed in.

Fished in slight E wind, warm and dry.

15 fished – 13 weighed in.

regards, Malcolm Jones DAA Chairman & Membership Secretary

East bay winter West bay summer ( 2 June)

Had this report in last night from Ravin...

"Hi mate, Went fishing on 31st May 2013 in front of the power station. Had two rod's on. One with small hooks with fresh lugs and the other rod had a pilley rig with a quid bait stuffed with fresh lug. Caught seven and a scad. No bass for me. Ravin Kissoon.

What a lovely day...tough fishing with cutting tides, bright calm conditions...dabs to the rescue...Ravin I think your 'scad' looks like a pouting to me?

Don't get stung ( 31 May)

I had an email this afternoon from Tim Startup concerning weever fish...

"Tony, Just to warn other anglers, just caught this weever fish on a 3/0 hook. Greedy little got!! Cheers Tim.

This is a timely reminder from Tim 'the Lesser Weever' (Trachinus vipera) move inshore early summer, and are often caught in shrimp nets. My personal record one autumn night, was forty at Galloways! The dorsal fin is black with about six spines, the spines on the dorsal fins and on the gill covers are venomous and cause exceedingly painful stings. The wise angler carries a nice thick piece of towel to protect yourself when unhooking!

Brrrr...its been a bit 'nippy' ( 30 May)

I just heard on the news that we have had the coldest spring in fifty years...an average of 6 degrees!...no wonder the mackerel have been a bit slow...some people just get on with it, hear is a report from Marcin Siemek...

"Hi Tony. After visiting yours shop I make my way to spot we have spoken about.    Was quiet for about 1.5h and first fish which come out of the water was this nice 
bass(attached) than very slow again just few under sized flaties, until about 
7pm  when another bass jumped out, than again slow until dark, but after dark 
all kicks dabs starts coming bigger(every cast fish) and between all of them 
flaties 1dog fish comes out packed up about 01:00am.
P.s. On the beach I here'd stories that some one had a bass about 5lb that 
morning, rood with reel I bout from you works very well, but no mackerel caught 
will try it again next time, cant wait, that was very nice day out.
Kind Regards. Marcin.

The next DAA league match Sunday...( 28 May)

Yep, it soon comes round...at least it gets me out of the shop...here is a reminder from our match captain Steve Harvey...

"Our next match next sunday is a rover... Booking in at the gate 2.15-3 fishing 4-8
Attendances have been excellent even when the fishing hasnt been too clever... Just goes to show what a good bit of banter and a friendly atmosphere can do.... And long may it continue .... After this match we will be going to saturday evenings for while just so we can fish into darkness and stand a chance of more fish on the beach ... Also the matches will be 5 hrs .. i hope this doesnt stop anyone from fishing .... Anyway hope to see you all on sunday ... Tight lines"

You can't win them all...( 28 May)

I had an email from Pete Webster...

"Hi tony, finally sussed out wot I'm doing, the blank email was a question as i 
found it a bit hard to believe any one caught dinner plate size dabs, probly 
flounder. Cheers. Me n my pal done no good last dungie trip, been having a few flounder out the Thames as its local, cheers. Pete."

Yes Pete we have had a lot of flounder caught...and they keep coming...maybe the fish think its still winter? We have had two codling reported this week! But we have had some massive dabs over a pound...you just don't know whats going to turn up...the cold weather must have confused the fish...the sea temperatures are way down on what they used to be for this time of year?

A lovely day out ( 28 May)

Mark Parnell had an early morning first trip to Dengemarsh...

"Hello Tony,

having started fishing again a couple of years ago I finally got round to trying out Dengemarsh today and had a fairly eventful few hours really! I started fishing at about 6.30am and all was quiet for a couple of hours until a very decent sized mackerel beached itself a few yards away! I don't know if it was chasing fry or trying not to become breakfast but if it was the latter I would have loved to catch what it was getting away from! I chucked it back anyway and had a go at catching one myself but drew a blank there. About an hour later I caught a plaice which was my first ever from the shore so was well pleased with that and another hour or so passed then tea turned up (attached)! It was all quiet after that and I packed up for home just after the tide turned. For info, I used frozen, local black lug and cast about 80-90 yards out.

All the best. Mark.

Fred got lucky ( 27 May)

Fred Brown just popped in after a nice day fishing at 'Littlestone Wall' in 'murky' water, Fred told me he had two bass (one about three pounds) three dogfish and an big eel...Fred got 'broken' up by a big bite, as the tide dropped he hooked his 'rig' that he had lost and recovered all the gear...when you are lucky...your'e lucky...I hope Fred is going to do the lottery tomorrow?

What a nice weekend ( 27 May)

Just had this report in from Abdelilah ...this is what fishing is about...enjoying yourself...

Hi , Quick report on the 25th and 26th of May, good weather allowed for good fishing. Was able to catch flounders and dog fish. This was due to the good tackle shop that provided good information on what was currently going on. Would like to thank mohamed and moustafa who fished with me .

From abdelilah almajdoubi Thanks

A nice surprise ( 26 May)

Here is a report from Andy today...his is the second 'surprise' I have reported in two days?..."Fished dengemarsh from 09.00-1500 flounder 2. And a suprise codling at 3.5 lbs my mate caught a bass,whiting,flounder and small bull huss,all on lug .regards

Andy heslop "

Yes there was a bass ( 26 May)

Yesterday was the 'Big Bass Bash' but sad to say no one in the comp could find a sizable bass...but Terry did...

"Hi Tony
Had a good day in front of the watch tower Saturday, fished from 07.00HRS through to 16.00HRS, plenty of small Dabs, a couple of Flounders and a Rockling. About an hour after high tide we noticed a large flock of Gulls diving and picking at a large ball of Whitebait that were about 15 yards out, quickly put on some fresh bait (lug tipped with squid) and punched it out just past at about 20 yards and within seconds hooked this 3lb Bass! Not the biggest specimen to grace your site but it just goes to show, watch what the birds are doing! Terry, Ken and Lee Gifford

Most the competitors in yesterdays match fished 'behind the boats' down to the lifeboat but with a touch of 'may water' it was a bit 'dirty' the 'cleaner' water is behind the power stations.

More dabs ( 24 May)

I just had an email from Fred Brown who had a good day on Wednesday...

"Tony,

After my excellent day at Dungee on Wednesday when l had 24 fish(dabs, rockling and pouting alas no bass) l am going to give Littlestone a go on Monday. Could l please order 2 score of lug and a score of rag if you have it. Many thanks Fred

Well I'm getting reports of plaice and dabs at Dengemarsh (and Galloways)...so with the weather forecast being so variable we will have to what happens, no strong winds forecast but with the low pressure over us the winds are swinging round, so not much surf.

Another 'dab' hand ( 22 May)

Well here's a report from Bob who had a good day fishing the west bay...

by the way Bob...my names Tony...

"Hello Andy, My son and I and my son's friend spent the day, 21st May fishing 
near the power station. We caught between us, 19 Dabs of varying size from 
palm size to 3 that were just under dinner plate size, a dog fish of 1lb and 
the worlds smallest Ling. We really enjoyed ourselves as we have not been 
fishing for long and this was our most successful day so far. We are all 
looking forward to returning in the next couple of weeks.

Regards Bob Pembroke, Dagenham Essex"

Yes other reports over the last couple of days tend to mirror this, I think we should be seeing more dogfish as well as plenty of small bass.

I checked the sea temperatures this afternoon, east bay 9.5c west bay 10.2c, still pretty cool with only a degree up over the last three weeks. The bigger tides this week will I hope move things on. Looking at the weather forecast we could get some surf on Friday to 'wake up' the bass...there are plenty of crabs about.

This could be good for Paul Hodges 'Big Bass Bash' on Saturday?

Well that was really tough ( 21 May)

Sunday match was ...'rock hard', fishing shallow water, short tides and daylight, yes quite a few small bass were caught but nothing sizable...here are the results...

DAA match result Sunday, 19th May 2013 – Littlestone Pegged – High Water – 4-00 pm – 8-00 pm

1st Paul Gunner 1 fish 0 lb. 8 oz.

2nd Mark Parnell 1 fish 0 lb. 7 oz. Heaviest fish 0 lb. 7 oz. flounder

3rd Steve Field 1 fish 0 lb. 5 1/2 oz.

4th Tony Hills 1 fish 0 lb. 4 oz.

5th Steve Harvey 1 fish 0 lb. 3 1/2 oz.

1 flounder, 1 whiting, 6 rockling weighed in, 1 eel catch & release to the winner

Fished in stiff E wind,cool but dry. 16 fished – 9 weighed in.

regards, Malcolm Jones DAA Chairman & Membership Secretary

Just a reminder ( 17 May)

Here is a reminder for the next DAA match at Littlestone this Sunday from Steve Harvey...

"Hi folks our next thrilling members league match is at littlestone on sunday ...pegged... Book in at the watertower 2.15-3pm fishing 4-8... See ya there ... If anyone fancies helping pegging ill be there from 2"

Wow...first double ( 16 May)

I had this great photo in tonight from Andy best bass reported this season so far...you can guess where it was caught (look at the photo) well done Andy...

"Hi Tony, this picture of 10lb 1 ounce bass is better. The other one 
had line through it. Andy Gibbons

More bass reported ( 16 May)

I'm getting more reports of bass coming ashore including this one from Mr Dennis...

"Dengemarsh : Thursday am Bass 2lb Plaice 1lb plus several small dogfish,dabs,whiting.

Charity Bass Match ( 16 May)

BIG BASS BASH SATURDAY 25TH MAY 2013

REGISTER 7am TO 8.30am at The Varne Boat Club

86 Coast Drive Greatstone, New Romney TN28 8NR

BIGGEST BASS WINS!!!! BBQ and BAR AVAILABLE AFTERWARDS

The Rules

This is a friendly comp with an emphasis on raising funds for the RNLI and Tomorrow’s Child Trust.

rnli.org/Pages/Default.aspx and http://92.48.74.7/~childtru/

£10 Registration and weigh in at the Varne Boat Club TN28 8NR (full breakfast available)
This is a roving match, fish with your family and friends anywhere between Pirate Springs and Dengemarsh (reason being we cannot predict what the weather may do).
Fishing 9 am and 3 pm
Two rod, maximum 3 hooks per rod (6 hooks in total)
Size limit: minimum Bass length 42cm
No pre-registration, sign in on the day.
Weighing in begins at 3.30pm to 4.30pm to allow any anglers fishing at Dengemarsh time to get back.

£5 optional pools with 100% payout. Prize money subject to number of entries (50% 1st, 30% 2nd and 20% 3rd).

There will be trophies for the top 3 anglers too. If no Bass are caught then the result will go on the next biggest fish (in weight).
Any type of baits are allowed.

Dengemarsh is on form ( 14 May)

Here is a report from Tim Startup with a succeffull trip to Dengemarsh...

"Tony,
Caught this 5lb bass at Denge Marsh today. Lots of wind and waves, perfect for bass but tough conditions to fish for them! Anyway it was worth the hard work, it put up a good account of itself. Good to know there are sizable bass about.
Cheers, Tim.

Another great bass ( 13 May)

I had this report in, the best bass so far?

"Hi tony
Fished just below lighthouse boat side as was busy further down so thought try 
it for a change,quite windy and sea quite choppy,but was worth it as got this 
bass of about 9lb ish 2 hours before high tide Regards mark & josh

after 26 attempts...( 13 May)

You know how it is, you keep trying to catch that elusive fish when all around you are wading in...I had this report copied in by Steve Field (lovely photo)...I know its not Dungeness but I still think its worth a mention..."Dorian Partridge of Hythe caught this 9lb 4oz ray at the first meeting of the More fishing less Pollocks Facebook group at sandwich bay today Caught on Sandeel and bluey wrap on the flood tide. Cheers Steve"

...and even more bass ( 11 May)

another report of bass, nice to see things things picking up...

"Hi Tony, fished up behind the boats last night lots of small dabs and 1 small 
bass about 2 1b. Lots of bites but missed a few of them. Will be back down soon 
for another go. Cheers Adam"

...and more bass ( 11 May)

Just had this email from Stuart Brown...

"Morning Tony,
Michael and I fished the evening tide 1830 - 0030, 3 Bass, 2 Dogs and a few dab, 
all happened about 2hrs into the flood, then went quiet.
Regards Stuart Brown"

...then it changed ( 11 May)

After my plea yesterday, I turned on the laptop and here is a report from John Frank....

"Hi Tony
Thank you for the advice this morning on my first trip to Dungeness. I fished behind the boats as recommended and had several bass - the biggest being 8lb 3oz all on lug about 30yards out fishing from 1030 to 1500. I also had several flatties and missed a couple of fantastic (bass!?) bites 30mins after high-tide. Best wishes John."

...all quiet on the western front ( 10 May)
'how's the fishing' owing to the fact that we have not had
many reports...
the fishing is fine...but it is very quiet, not many anglers due to the wind.
Reports from the 'front' today (from the boats up to the cluster of four) small bass, a few flats
and Tony 'B' told me had baby smooth hound each cast on crab, they are so pretty...
So any reports feel free...some of the local hero's are going bass fishing tomorrow morning lets
see what happens...

The first of many...we hope ( 7 May)

Here is a report from Simon Newman that came in lunchtime...

"Team Castaways B&B followed a hunch and tool a spinning rod out this morning to Dengemarsh.
An hour after high water and lunch was sourced with our first fresh mackerel of 2013.
Spring has sprung and although the wind on Thursday will probably disperse the shoal
it should however also kick off the bass season!"
...I suppose it will be mackerel pate for breakfast!

What a lovely weekend ( 6 May)

Plenty of flatfish being reported and a growing number of small bass

here is a report of the DAA match from last night...

DAA match result Sunday, 5th May 2013 – Dungeness Rover – Mid Water – 4-00 pm – 8-00 pm

1st Steve Field 13 fish 3 lb. 4 oz.

2nd Steve Harvey 2 fish 1 lb. 12 1/2 oz. Heaviest fish 1 lb. 9 1/2 oz. bass

3rd Paul Gunner 9 fish 1 lb. 9 1/2 oz.

4th Gavin Smith 7 fish 1 lb. 5 1/2 oz.

5th Matt Summerfield 1 fish 1 lb. 4 oz.

Flounders, dabs, rockling and 1 bass weighed in.

Fished in SW breeze,cool but dry.

17 fished – 15 weighed in.

regards, Malcolm Jones DAA Chairman & Membership Secretary

I could only manage 13oz but what a nice evening...and no lost tackle!

Cracking Weather ( 4 May)

The forecast for the 'Bank Holiday' is looking good. The DAA has its next match tommorrow...

"The next instalment of the members league this coming sunday ...
5th may ... A rover... Booking in 2.15pm-3..... Fishing 4-8 ... £5...

And at the moment the weather is not looking too bad so hope to see you all there. Steve Harvey.

The Mackerel have arrived...in Brighton at least! ( 2 May)

I had this email yesterday from Richard...

"Hi Tony,

I know that this is possibly not immediately relevant to Dungie but your other readers might be interested. I went for a walk along the East Wall at Brighton Marina with the Missus this afternoon and we observed a chap catching Mackerel. (three on one line). At the time no one else was catching although many were using feathers. He was the only angler using floated mackerel strips.

A early sign of things to come hopefully! Richard Oxted"

That's interesting Richard, if the water was 'coloured' (maybe a touch of 'may' water) mackerel being 'sight hunters' couldn't see the flash of the feathers yet the 'scent' of the bait worked?

I also had a report of mackerel being caught at Dover...it won't be long!

Whats been caught today ( 1 May)

Reports in this afternoon from the road, quite a few small bass...plus the usual bits.

May Day ( 1 May)

Don't forget the padlock changed today on the DAA road...anybody out there who has a DAA key please return it...it won't work!

What about the weather ( 30 April)

The next two days we have more of the north easterlies...a bit on the cool side but OK behind the power stations, catch reports today mainly dabs. But the forecast for the bank holiday is looking better with the winds going round to the south west, temperatures in double figures.

Not just dabs ( 28 April)

A couple of customers had bass today...nothing big, up to a couple of pounds on the road

...but better than nothing!

What a lovely day ( 28 April)

What a difference a bit of sun makes...11 degrees, wow, but daytime fishing can be a bit slow in bright sun, reports are mostly dabs from 'back of the boats'...unless you know different?

Strange ( 26 April)

I have had reports of weed on the beach, we had a little on Sunday but not much, but walking the dogs this morning there was quite a bit on the beach...old stuff washing through, here is a report from Jonathan Vowels...

Hi Tony Fished 09.00 to 16.00 behind the lookout tower.

Weeds, weeds and weeds! Then replaced by 3 porpoises, who put all the fish off any prospect of feeding. Nice weather though! Cheers Jon

On Sunday I saw 12 porpoises feeding in front of me...feeding on something (Herring?) my mate Paul also fishing the DAA match had a dab bitten in half...great bite!

With the sudden rise in sea temperatures we have a bit of 'may water' on the beach...its a pain barrier we have to go through...roll on summer.

Whats being caught? ( 25 April)

Reports coming in today are still mainly dabs, here is a report from Fred...

"Fished near boats 2100-0200 last night

many dabs,a few over size limit, and a few small dogs. Fred

with sea temperatures having shot up (9 degrees today) we should see a few bass about?

On the negative side three guys today reported weed around the point, lets hope it moves off with the growing tides.

And here's the photo ( 25 April)

"hi Tony, heres the pic of the "offenders" car. this was taken 8.30-9am, and according to the guy in the lookout tower at denge he had moved the guys on from Galloways earlier in the morning and they had been drinking then so maybe some rubbish there too."

Keep it clean ( 24 April)

I had this email from Lukey today...some people do let the side down...

"Hi Tony, myself and 2 mates fished a very foggy denge yesterday from 8am till 3.30pm. not much to report other than a few rockling and small dabs between us. the fog lifted around midday and out came the sun which made the fishing more bearable in the chilly sw wind. only down side was the car full of guys fishing just up the beach from us leaving their rubbish and empty beer cans all over the beach and carpark. shame about the mindlessness of the minority spoiling it for the rest of us.

i do have a photo of the offending vehicle and rubbish if you would like to name and shame. when we left the beach, the guys were still fishing and there was already a large amount of rubbish on the beach. dread to think what it looked like this morning.

Lukey Knight"

Thanks for that, yes send me a photo and I will put it up on the site, I will also copy it to Owen Leyshon of the Romney Marsh Countryside Project for his files to see if they transgress again!

Strange....( 22 April)

Just had this report in from Mitchell Russell...

"Hi all managed to get down to dengemarsh sunday morning. 0600 -1400. no dabs no flounders but dogfish by the dozen. still great fun. tides were not the best but got out and done a bit. regards Mitchell from Bristol"

Well done Mitchell you did well, you can only catch what is in front of you...what is strange is that two hours later some competitors fishing the DAA match at that venue totally blanked they didn't get a bite?...they would have loved those dogfish!

A dab hand ( 22 April)

The DAA held its latest match of the series last night...dabs galore, here are the results...

DAA match result Sunday, 21st April 2013 – Dungeness Rover – Mid Water – 4-00 pm – 8-00 pm

1st Paul Jarrett 26 fish 5 lb. 15 oz.

2nd Tony Hills 19 fish 5 lb. 13 oz.

3rd Gavin Smith 17 fish 4 lb. 12 1/2 oz.

4th Paul Gunner 18 fish 4 lb. 7 oz.

5th Steve Foster 16 fish 4 lb. 2 oz.

John Smith Heaviest Fish – Flounder - 1 lb. 8 1/2 oz..

Flounders, dabs, rockling and 1 whiting weighed in.

Fished in increasing SW breeze,cool but dry.

16 fished – 12 weighed in.

Seagull Fishing Tackle Dungeness

Beach Catch Reports

If you get a good catch let me know, you can also send me your pictures! ARJHills@aol.com

24 hour forecast:

He had a 9lb12 1/2 oz bass...I believe beating the old 'Seabrook' record by three pounds...

"Good day at dengemarsh 5 flounders and a couple of schoolie bass biggest 40cm. All fish returned , caught on straight lug."

£5 optional pools with 100% payout. Prize money subject to number of entries (50% 1st, 30% 2nd and 20% 3rd).

There will be trophies for the top 3 anglers too. If no Bass are caught then the result will go on the next biggest fish (in weight).
Any type of baits are allowed.

Seagull Fishing Tackle Dungeness

Beach Catch Reports

If you get a good catch let me know, you can also send me your pictures! ARJHills@aol.com

24 hour forecast:

He had a 9lb12 1/2 oz bass...I believe beating the old 'Seabrook' record by three pounds...

"Good day at dengemarsh 5 flounders and a couple of schoolie bass biggest 40cm. All fish returned , caught on straight lug."

£5 optional pools with 100% payout. Prize money subject to number of entries (50% 1st, 30% 2nd and 20% 3rd).

There will be trophies for the top 3 anglers too. If no Bass are caught then the result will go on the next biggest fish (in weight).Any type of baits are allowed.

There will be trophies for the top 3 anglers too. If no Bass are caught then the result will go on the next biggest fish (in weight).
Any type of baits are allowed.