Beach Catch Reports

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

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Yes...frozen lug does work...( 27 May)

I had this report in fromNeil Rodwell this afternoon...

"Hi Tony. It was back to eastbourne today for more of the same. Hunting those spotties. Managed 3 as the tide started to come in then that was it for the rest of the session. Used salted and oiled frozen black lug which I had never used before. I've gotta say it was good quality and didn't leave much residue on my hands making them easier to clean when I got home. Caught me a few fish as well so it must work. Will speak soon. Neil."

Great news Dungeness to open...( 27 May)

Yes it's very good news, the Dungeness Estate will be open for visitors from 9am on Friday 29th of May. I very grateful to EDF management for informing me that after their careful consideration they have decided to open back up...welcome news. Can I please ask everybody to treat the estate and residents with respect. It goes without saying...but I will say it anyway...please leave no trace that you visited.  Lets keep Dungeness clean.

Great...except for sun bathers...( 25 May)

I had this report from Neil Rodwell this afternoon...
"Hi Tony. I went back to langney point today to target the plaice again. Managed 4 before deciding to make a tactical move to another venue. The beach became crowded with sun bathers and swimmers so I thought in the interest of safety (swinging leads and hooks!) and social distancing I moved to normans bay over high water where it was quieter. Only managed 1 pouting before calling it a day. Topped up the tan nicely as well. Will speak soon. Neil."

What a weekend for Becky Lee...( 25 May)

I saw this report from Becky Lee this morning, out yesterday...

So after the awesome Bass season last night myself and David Harrington headed back there to see what the day tide would throw up. Well...... let’s just say we should have stayed in bed. We arrived at 9am and were fishing by 09:30. We fished until 2pm for next to nothing. Dave managed a flounder to save a blank and I managed a schoolie and an eel.

The second part of the day saw us head to a local mark for Rays. We were very confident about this session as the wind was dropping, evening low tide, a big tide. By the time we were fishing it was flat calm perfect conditions for the rays.

David was first in with a ray and then proceeded to have one every cast saving the best one to last of 9lb. David only using a single rod had four and dropped one he also took a long time out as we were both shattered from this morning and me from last night. I managed 10 skate to 7lb with most being around the 4lb mark. We only fished for 1 3/4 hours and if we had fished it really hard could have easily smashed out 30 plus rays between us. It was literally a fish a Chuck and they were so close in you didn’t need to wade for them.

Sorry for the lack of pictures but I am knackered, 3 hours sleep in the last 36....

Surfs up...first Bass for Colin ( 24 May)

I had this report in from Colin...it was a bit windy...

"Hi Tony,

I finally got out fishing yesterday, headed to Dengemarsh and arrived at 5am armed with some live rag and couple frozen mackerel. There were quite a few anglers set up and a few guys donated their blow lug which was well appreciated.

By 7am most had gone and I was left on a pretty much deserted beach. The wind was strong coming in from the south west and I had got the shelter set up and dug in.  The conditions screamed bass so I was sending out running ledger pennel rigs loaded with lug and rag, holding bottom was no problem apart from at the peak of the tide and with a pendulum cast I could power through the wind.

A couple hours in I see the line has gone slack, reeled in to find the 1st bass of the season at 45cm and unfortunately that was it for the day and packed up around 8.

All the best, Colin"

Neil enjoyed cool, clear, water... ( 21 May)

I saw this report from Neil Rodwell down south today...

Hi Tony. Had a few hours down langney point today. I have no idea what happened to the may rot from a couple of days ago but the sea was as clear as I've ever seen it up this way. Managed 2 plaice, 2 school bass and one smoothhound pup. Then it went dead after high tide. Perfect weather and perfect fishing. Camt wait for dungy to re-open! Many thanks. Neil.

Fishing for Spiders... (19 May)

I had this report in from Neil Rodwell...cracking weather to for a dangle...

"Hi Tony. First report from me since the fishing ban was lifted! Went to Brighton marina today in the sunshine. Only had the one plaice. The spider crabs were a nuisance all day snipping my hook snoods but more than anything it was just good to be out. Hope you are staying safe and I've enjoyed your stories from years gone by. I look forward to reading more of them until it is safe for you to come out of isolation. Stay safe Tony and will speak soon. Neil."

Sunday hunt for a flat dogfish... (18 May)

I had this report from Becky Lee...fishing near Hythe yesterday..."So after much deliberation and rig making and general sorting out I headed to the coast for a session in search of the not so elusive flat dogfish, more commonly known as Thornback rays lol. There are plenty here on our coast now and they can be caught most stages of the tide. Best over low or high usually where I go.

Rigs were up and over and pulley pennels with 3/0 varivas big mouths and 2/0 circle at the top.

Baits were crab, Bluey, Sandeel and mackerel.

Fished from 4 hours before high until 1.5 after. No bites until 1 hour before high as the sun went down and an hour after high tide just dogfish.

Only dogfish on Sandeel and crab all rays to Bluey and one to Sandeel / Bluey wrap. All at distance nothing in close.

Catch was 3 small skate 2 x 3lb and one 4-5lb. All kept for the dinner table. Also had 8 dogfish.

Conditions were perfect apart from the very small tide and there was absolutely no tide whatsoever which probably accounted for the fewer skate. Dropped one bigger skate on the way in should be very good next set of spring tides."

The answer is yes... ( 14 May)

II had a chat today with the MOD...yes Dengemarsh is open for fishing. So is Galloways when the ranges ar not in use.

Please obey the rules... ( 13 May)

I have had concerns raised with me this morning that fishermen are still ignoring the signs at Dungeness. This is not acceptable behavior and is 'tarring' all anglers with the same brush.

Remember, Dungeness is a large private estate that goes all the down to within 300 metres of Dengemarsh Road...it is a Nature reserve of national importance.

What a beautiful morning... ( 13 May)

I saw this early bird report from James 'cliffy' Clifton...
"1st morning out after lockdown went to hythe and bagged a few thornies. Was lovely to get out!" ...you have got give it to James started at Ipm pre dawn what a great way to see the sun come up...respect.

Here is the relevant section from this document published today...concerning fishing...

OUR PLAN TO REBUILD: The UK Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy
Page 27...

"People may exercise outside as many times each day as they wish. For example, this would include angling and tennis. You will still not be able to use areas like playgrounds, outdoor gyms or ticketed outdoor leisure venues, where there is a higher risk of close contact and touching surfaces. You can only exercise with up to one person from outside your household – this means you should not play team sports, except with members of your own household. People may drive to outdoor open spaces irrespective of distance, so long as they respect social distancing guidance while they are there, because this does not involve contact with people outside your household. When travelling to outdoor spaces, it is important that people respect the rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and do not travel to different parts of the UK where it would be inconsistent with guidance or regulations issued by the relevant devolved administration. These measures may come with some risk; it is important that everyone continues to act responsibly, as the large majority have done to date. The infection rate will increase if people begin to break these rules and, for example, mix in groups in parks, which will trigger the need for further restrictions."  


Well if you haven't heard the news we could be fishing locally by Wednesday...so we might get some real reports...in the meantime here is another of my stories to keep you going...

South Brooks Bass

It was September 1978, the forecast was good, as September weather can be. I had planned an overnight trip down to Galloway's storm beach, down from Dungeness deep into the west bay.

I picked up Saturday morning some fresh bait from my local tackle shop, Hounslow Angling Centre, great guys...great shop, sadly no more.

So armed with fresh lugworm & Ragworm, I loaded up my Datsun Sunny estate and headed off from Richmond down to Lydd. Bait was always a challenge, so I was grateful for whatever I could get my hands on. Tim from Hounslow AC always did his best to supply quality bait, great guy.

Reaching Galloways around mid afternoon...beautiful weather, I parked in the lookout tower car park...it was a bit different then...the lookout tower was the start of the ranges, the eastern extension didn't exist till the eighties. The car park was unfenced with just a few of the 'foundations' of old houses from the Galloways hamlet before the war.

Things were a bit more relaxed in those days, no 'health and safety' if you were silly enough to do silly things that will be on your own head!

The beach was deserted, as was the lookout tower...only my bright red car, sticking out like a sore thumb to warn the fish I was coming.

For my overnight session the plan was to head west deep into the ranges.

Great storm ridges of shingle have been laid down heading east as Dungeness was created. Over thousands of years massive amounts of shingle carried from the south by 'long shore drift' moving up the west bay from Rye & Jurys Gap, creating what we now know as Dungeness.

These great ridges of shingle in the ranges had lower areas in between which over the centuries have been used by marsh people as shelter for their boats, fishing communities etc. Three main areas developed over time, South Brooks, The Wicks and the Midrips.

My target site was South Brooks just west of Galloways...a bit of a trudge. I loaded myself up like a pack mule, headed west from the tower down the beach so much easier with the tide out.

I knew this mark well, it had a wartime landing craft door sticking out of the shingle, so it was easy to find. Having reached the spot I unpacked all the gear, positioned my brolly tent between the crest and the last big storm ridge. I set up my pair conoflex 'Black Adders' as the sun was going down.

Then I checked out the position of the sand bars...they tend to move, after every major storm. I like to fish the gullies between the sand bars...the cod motorways on a rising tide.

It was getting darker with the rising tide...not much in the way of fish...so disappointing. Ideal tide, right conditions only a few bits and pieces, but that's fishing for you.

There I was deep in the ranges not a soul about. I made myself comfortable in my brolly tent, poured myself another coffee...I must have dropped off, a sixth sense woke me up, I gazed at my rods thinking that I should re-bait...I still had a bit of lug & rag left.

I was half asleep, it was still dark, about 5.30. My right hand rod gave a twitch...I would say it was a bite...not a cracking bass thump... more of a flattie nibble. I leaned into the rod, surprise, I felt some weight, I wound down and lifted the rod back up, felt more weight. I quickly checked and slackened the clutch...just in case.

I was getting a bit excited...I had no idea what had picked up my bait...now I began to worry about the hook hold.

I slowly eased the fish across a sand bar...the tide was on the way out I hadn't realised how shallow it was. It gently skimmed across the deeper gully at the base of the shingle...then I saw the fish. A beautifully conditioned bass.

When I took the fish back to my tent, it weighed 11lb 8oz...my best bass ever...still is!

I fell asleep with a big smile on my face...

Daylight...someone in uniform banging on my tent and yelling that they are due to start firing in ten minutes...half asleep I asked what was going on...the sergeant replied...we start firing in ten minutes...it's your shout!

What I reported around this day a year ago...we can dream...

Plenty of fish and May rot... (05 May)

I had this report in this morning from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony,

I fished Dengemarsh yesterday, arrived a few hours before HT and set up two rods loaded with fresh lug. Conditions were wet and windy at times, but casting was fine with the NE winds, the sea on the other hand was like soup with all the rot in the water which stuck to the line in globules and caused a lot of drag. Fishing was a bit quiet to start but picked up, first catch was a whiting and a bass, followed by dogfish, flounder, plaice, another bass a dab and more whiting. All fish were close in on lug. Thanks for the great lug and will be down soon. Colin" 

I thought as we can't go fishing that I would feature a fish per week just to remind us of what we are missing. This week a ray with attitude, Blonde Ray.

Fish of the week...Blonde Ray

Sadly Dungeness is not favoured with the volume of cod of former times. I put this down to climate change...or to be more precise the change in food sources. Not necessarily less food at Dungeness, but cod could find more food mid water like herring. This has coincided with the explosion of rays being caught, the main species being thornback. Over the last few years we have seen more blonde rays being reported. Other species of ray are heading towards Dungeness, I have been informed by the experts that we can expect to catch at least six species in the Dungeness area. Small eyed, undulate, cuckoo and spotted rays joining thornback and blond in the Eastern Channel. You can see a short video on youtube on how to identify them...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=223&v=IJqx4nSKy8Y&feature=emb_title

Anglers can be a bit dismissive of rays not being a sporting species but I think that a blonde can fight if you're using the right balanced tackle to give the fish a chance to show what it can do.

Beach: The bays east and west of Dungeness, both produce rays. The best 'Blonde' I have heard of so far was a cracking 20lb fish from Dymchurch beach.

Boat: We have had some good rays over the last ten years the best 'Blonde' I have heard of was caught on Trevor Bunny's charter boat, Elizabeth Jane from Dungeness beach, a superb fish of 37lb just down the east bay from Dungeness.

The popular baits nowdays are 'blueys', tradionally herring, but I think these fish arn't choosey they will take fish or shellfish.

UK records:

Shore: Blonde Ray, Raja brachyura 32lb 8oz. 1986. C.Reeves, Mannez Targets, Channel Islands.

Boat: Blonde Ray, Raja brachyura 39lb 10oz 2gm 2006. S. Underwood, Brixham, Devon.

Here is a another story of a night's fishing down at Galloways in the early eighties...

The night of the 'Big Freeze'

One thing I remember from the early eighties was the clothing. I had a one piece 'state of the art' under suit...like wearing a carpet with the pile on the inside...I called mine 'Cyril Lord'...those old enough will get that.

My new Shogun (company car) was packed...I had my fresh bait. It was all systems go...but it had been snowing all afternoon...not worried, I had a 4x4.

I set off from Richmond down the A316 heading for the M25 as I headed anti clockwise, I was loving it, only one lane in use with the thick snow...I had the outside lane all to myself in all wheel drive mode.

When I got to Lydd, I stopped by the church, the car didn't feel right. When I got out my red Shogun was white and had grown by nearly two feet you could even tell the make, headlamps, just twin halogen beams drilling like pencils through the packed snow.

I reached the Galloways turnoff, you wouldn't know (it blew down years ago) headed down to the beach...thank heaven the snow had eased, everything white, cold, crisp & clean. In those days there wasn't an eastern range. I drove east from the lookout tower along the crest towards Dengemarsh, leaving virgin tracks for about half a mile.

I set up 'base camp' just below the crest in my 'brolly tent'...a big umbrella with a skin over it with a roll-up door. The tide was just beginning to make in the darkness, everything was silent.

My Shanghai special'  'Anchor lamp' was punching out plenty of light & heat. My Phillips headlamp was pretty useless (they were in those days) for everything but baiting up.

I set my rods...cast out and waited...it was getting colder and colder as time went by. Suddenly my left hand rod started dancing...I leaned into a nice codling about 3lb as I unhooked the fish my other rod joined in another codling about the same year class...must be shoal passing though.

I went to bait up but my fresh lugworm was frozen, I placed some on the hood of my lamp for a quick defrost...the tide was silently rising, waves of rippling slush moving in.

At least walking on the shingle was easy...frozen pebbles a bit slippery. I was so glad I gutted the codling straight away as they were freezing solid on the beach. The tide was pushing the slush in. The bites dried up. As the tide turned and the sea slowly receded leaving sheets of ice looking like beautiful ice sculptures.

As the night wore on...getting colder by the hour...I couldn't take it anymore, crawled into my brolly tent to try and get warm. Sadly my feet were sticking out the doorway. I eventually fell asleep. As dawn broke I slowly woke up...so, so cold, I tried to move but couldn't ...my boots were frozen to the shingle...

I thought as we can't go fishing that I would feature a fish per week just to remind us of what we are missing. This week the hard hitting Pollock.

Fish of the week...Pollock

Besides cod, Pollock is the fish that made Dungeness 'wrecking' famous. Just offshore we have plenty of wrecks, lots courtesy of the German navy. So after the war we had plenty of 'fresh' wrecks to fish. I remember before we had 'fish finders' to find a wreck we had to go out through low water to spot the 'over falls' the turbulence created on the surface as the water down below is forced up over the wreck, creating visible disturbance. Skippers before 'Decca' & 'gps' had to use land marks (lining up two objects to get the right position). Then you had 'magnetometers' which could tell you that ferrous metal was near bye. Early sounders produced paper print outs to give you a paper record of the sea bed...how times have changed, nowadays you have so much 'Tec' to find wrecks...but catching a fish on the drift is still a challenge.

We are going through changes, warming seas, and wrecks rusting away, but it appears we still have plenty of quality fish to go for.

My first encounter with a Pollock was when I was 16 my first fishing holiday in Dartmouth with a friend, we borrowed a clinker dinghy powered by an old 'Seagull' outboard. Headed out into the Dart estuary and landed in a little sandy cove you could only reach from the sea. On one side a large overhang of rock. Above 'gin' clear water. I was fascinated by this peering over the ledge...I saw this black torpedo shoot out and hit a shoal of small fish and dive back into cover. In my tackle box I had an elderly 'Mepps' minnow armed with a pair of rusty twin hooks. I tackled up, sliding my rod out, I 'jigged' my minnow in just the right spot...I felt the 'whack' of the take as the fish shot out from hiding. After a short but exciting fight, I landed a 3lb Pollock...a beautiful fish.

Beach: Dungeness point being close to deep water has over the years 'thrown' up the odd Pollock...you never know what's out there.

Boat: For a lot of anglers this is charter fishing...drifting a 'gill' (artifical sandeel) over a wreck feeling for the 'take' of a pollock followed by a crash dive towards the wreck...many pollock have been lost by excited anglers forgetting to set the 'clutch' as a decent fish dives.

Plenty of good fish can be had out from Dungeness. Fish to 12lb are reguly taken. Dungeness holds two British records and one is the Pollock. Caught on Bob Tanners boat (I believe 'Robert John Dee') on a near shore wreck...a amazing fish of 29lb!

UK records:

Shore: Pollock 'pollachius pollachius' 18-4-0 1986 C.Lowe Abbotsbury, Dorset. 

Boat: Pollock 'pollachius pollachius' 29-4-0 1987 W.Mayes Dungeness, Kent.

What I reported this day a year ago...we can dream...

Spring bass are back...(23 April) 

I had this report in last night from Shaun Brough...

"Hi Tony:

I hope you are well. A couple of catch reports for you and your readers from over the bank holiday weekend. 

We fished up to the midday high tide on Good Friday. Caught a nice bass first cast 1.5lbs (returned) and then nothing for the rest of the session.

Returned on Saturday night and had two bass (the best 2lb) and four whiting. Pic of the biggest bass attached.

Plenty of bass about over the past year and it seems those EU rules are improving stocks. Please can you remind us what the rules are at the moment (it’s one per session and has to be 42 cm I think?).

All fish fell to lug. The tide ran strong and it was hard to hold the bottom (even with 200 grm/7oz grapple leads). Any tips on how to keep the bait out there in strong tides would be greatly received. Best Shaun B"

Yes Shaun, you are right from the first of April till the thirty first of October you are allowed to retain one bass over 42 centimetre per day. 

Holding bottom can be a challenge, try walking 'uptide' a bit before you cast (if you have space), don't over tighten your line, allow a bigger 'belly' of line just above the waves to stop you being dragged in. If you still have a big problem try shortening your cast to reduce tidal pressure on your line...some day's on a big spring tide with heavy surf the sea wins.

Look at your tackle, what line do you use? a lighter thinner main line, say 15lb will reduce tidal pressure, then a twenty foot shock leader will act like a 'chain on a anchor' this will help you hold bottom, I hope this helps.   

What I reported this day a year ago...we can dream...

Good fishing in spite of 'may water' (21 April)

I had this report from Becky Lee Hodges fishing yesterday...

"So at it again today this time at Dengemarsh. Lots of tide and quite a bit of may weed. Still had 7 bass three sizeable and two flounder. Nice tan, a warm day and a few fish."

What I reported this day a year ago...we can dream...

What a beautiful baby...(20 April)

I had this report in this evening from Robert Broad...I had this report in this evening from Robert Broad...fishing Friday on the 'wooden walkway'...

"Was a nice sunny day. Me and Lee had 6 or so whiting a small plaice and the smallest thornback Ive ever seen."

I had this response to my 'A Winters Tale' from Neil today...spooky...

Hi 

I regularly read your Website regarding Beach Catches but am not a person with a facebook page or would ever usually comment or make a post.  However after reading Tony Hills for me  spine chilling' A Winters Tale'  I felt the need to share my own similar story.  The reason for this need in me to share my story is that the location of my story was in exactly the same spot at the end of the board walk at Dungeness on a very cold day in February 2008, in fact it was such a memorable day for me, I remember the exact date, it was the 2nd February 2008. on a 5 metre tide which was short and I wasn't expecting to catch much.

It was a very cold clear day.  I had taken a rare chance to take a day off work and drive from Eastbourne, my home town to Dungeness for  a fishing day.  I had pre-ordered 60 lug and drove down very early morning feeling very excited with the anticipation of a good catch.  I struggled  across the beach with all my gear to the same spot Tony Hill describes,   I settled on a spot and cast my first line out before 7am.  I wasn't too hopeful as there was a five metre tide which was short  but still  within half an hour caught a small codling.  Then soon after that I had another small codling but nothing much to talk about.  Then there for nothing to report really for hours through the day.  By about 2pm, after a long mainly uneventful day in the same spot, I was waiting for the tide to turn.  Mid afternoon when the sun and my hopes of a good catch began to fade, I saw an lone old man with a hat & wellies on walking across the beach towards me.  As he approached he asked me how I was getting on and I told him I only had a couple of codling all day.  He said to look around me and use all the free bait on the beach.  I was suprised at his boldness but as I had had no luck I looked around and decided to take his advice.  I took handfuls of shellfish, clams from the beach just around me.  I tipped the shellfish on the end of my hook with the lug on and cast out.  I was quite eager to try this as a last hope resort.  Almost immediately I caught a 4lb Cod and as I looked around to tell the old man he was right, he was gone, nowhere to be seen.  Within a few minutes I caught another 3-4lb cod and was catching at least 3 cod an hour  for a couple of hours, before complete darkness drew in.  I was fishing in darkness as headlamp was playing up and caught a nice 6lb Cod.  It was my best days beach fishing and all due to the old man's advice. I remember walking up the beach with a bag of cod and walking past a fisherman who had just set up, saying you're in for a good night. My head-light gave up and decided to call it a day.

A days great experience  Neil Marshall.

I had another response from Donna Smith...

The good old cod days...

Hi thanks for the story about cod freezing on the beach. As a kid l grew up in St Mary’s Bay. In the winter l put out my landline , that night l went over to see what l had caught, and to rebait the line. I had a good catch of cod. On my walk back up the frozen beach l was so cold l ended up on my hands and knees as hypothermia had set in.l dumped the catch at the high tide mark and struggled home. Two hours in front of the fire l started to thaw out. The next day l went back to get my catch, it was frozen solid as was the sea for several hundred yards. Lots of fish had been killed mainly large congers. I went to Southlands School our woodwork teacher Mr Ramsden took us fishing at Dungeness and  Deal pier. My first rod was a bamboo cane from a tackle shop in Hythe with an Orlando reel. As a teenager l moved on to a moncreef  tapered butt rod with a penn reel, l thought l was the bees knees.Today l have Zziplex rods and expensive reels, my daughter brought me a T-shirt for my 70th birthday which sums up my present day fishing very well! Thanks for your interesting information during these challenging times.

Thanks to Donna for the photos...

In my view you could not beat the thrill of a centre pin for playing a fish...Donna's photo shows how you could 'unclip' the spool, place it on the front 'peg' to cast...I still have a couple of Australian Alvey reels in the shop with rotating spools.

Here is another response to 'The Winter's tale' from Alan Morris...

Hi Tony.

I love this story. I first read it from an old newspaper cutting in your shop when I was about fourteen. It stayed with me, and I think this is only the second time I've read it. 

I've recounted this story to a few people since, I do it little to no justice but enjoy trying. 

I think you have had to have stood on the shingle, alone at silly o'clock in the night and feel the gravity of distant celestial bodies ripping a tide at your feet to appreciate the power of the Dungeness District. 

I have done so. And it holds a part of me. Its other- worldly and has been a haven for mind. As has your shop. No your emporium. 

I hope soon I can drop by and see you there again. 

Regarding your summing up of Cod as a local species in the previous article...

I am now 30. In about 2008 I experienced at Dungeness, end of the board walk, a week of fishing that I had quite literally dreamed of. I caught over ten cod/coddling to near eight lbs during advent. 

The biggest of these were bigger than any my Dab or Grandad had caught from the shore. 

I realise the era in which you discovered Dungeness was quite something-  or possibly the closing scenes of something quite special. But I also feel that nostalgia can be, at the receiving end, something quite sad and depressing. The world will always change but maybe we should look to the developing opportunities rather than those which are currently (hopefully temporarily) absent. 

Thornback ray fishing can currently be awesome, providing a real chance of a double figure fish from the UK shore. 

Bass are out there in numbers. 

And the Tuna are back in the neighbourhood. Massive sport fish in the British Isles. 

Last August, after following one of the greatest Test matches (go on Ben Stokes!) of all time I felt some feathering coming on...

Arriving at the boardwalk I was greeted by excited walkers with bags of fresh mackerel, a lady from my grand parent's generation said, "there's plenty out there for you still!" I smiled, "excellent, that's what I want to hear".

Then I reached the bund. It was one of those flat, hot, sultry evenings and the whole sea as far as I could see fizzed with white bait and mackerel. It was a sight I remembered from consecutive summers when I was primary school age. Waves burst into white bait as they met the shingle. I thought those days were gone. I believe the shoals that August evening were even more prolific than those I remember. 

I wonder what incredible piscatorial Apex predators were out there too...

So, going back to Cod. I think/ hope/ dream that as long as we have the seed beds up in the north sea we all have a chance of seeing double figure cod on the shingle of Dungeness. One day. 

I have had some responses to my 'A Winter's tale' here is one from Martin...and yes the story was true...

Having been inspired by your recent (and sometimes dubious) stories, I thought I should like to add a genuine one to provide a little interest in these fishless times.

It was back in the 60’s when I was learning about sea-fishing from my fiance’s uncle.

I had a Ford 1947 upright Prefect, bought by my wife-to-be for £27,10 shillings, and it was soon misappropriated  by the uncle and his son ,who was my age. The uncle had been gassed in WW1 and lost the use of one of his lungs, which did not stop him rolling his own, or calling in at several pubs from Higham in Kent to Seasalter for bait (at which he supervised our digging) from the seawall by the Sportsman.

We then travelled across to Dengie where we fished for mackerel in the daytime, then as evening fell and tilley lamps were lit, we cast out about 2 miles with lug as teenagers would! Old Jack would roll up the thinnest fag, put a tiny bit of ragworm on his hook and cast into the second breaking wave. While we had nothing for our efforts, he started pulling in Dover sole, one after the other. We soon changed our tactics, did the same and soon we were pulling them in as well. As it got darker we leant our rods in to one rod rest, so the lamp could shine on both rods. We waited for the rods to shiver, then when it tugged, we struck. Success every time. We never took the pi88 out of old Jack any more!

Best wishes, M Murphy.

As we enter the fourth week of 'no fishing' I thought I would reprise 'A winter's tale' published in Sea Angler in December 1994. Telling a tale of an experience I had in the early eighties...

A winter's tale

Greatstone, Kent angler Tony Hills has a spine-chilling tale to tell of a lonely winter's night, a mystery angler and 24lb cod...

It happened a few years ago now, on one of those glorious winter night tides when you could still catch a reasonable cod from the shore.

Friday afternoon my FPO picked up my bait order from the tackle shop, three score of good sized blow lug which when I got home from work I lovingly rewrapped, much to her disgust, on the kitchen table! Living at that time in West London, trips took a fair bit of organisation. Saturday morning I checked the weather forecast, I put the gear in the car and headed down to the coast.

When you reach Lydd you take the next lane down from Dengemarsh Road - the signpost disappeared years ago. You drive down a meandering road, across the ranges, dodging the rabbits, towards a distant look-out tower which marks the beach.

A fabulous long shingle bank stretching right towards Camber and left towards the 'point' with the Nuclear Power Stations looming alien in the mist.

Mounting the shingle bank, the same old thrill raced through my body as I reached the crest, the salt spray lashing my face.

The tide was on the ebb, the sand was starting to show. The beach was empty. The wind had been blowing south westerly up to gale force 8 for two to three days. It was due to back westerly this afternoon and drop away to force3. Galloways beach faces south so there would be a good surf running. I loaded up all my gear and started to 'yomp' behind the crest towards Dengemarsh. The feeling of being alone in total desolation is only broken by the giant towers supporting the power cables from Dungeness A and B.

Walking over loose shingle with patches of lichen and moss, with a pile of gear for the night is a totally 'knackering' experience. My breath is rasping. I can't go much further. I'm sweating buckets, a mile over this terrain is a killer. I struggle back to the crest. I've reach the spot five power pylons down from A and B. I sink to my knees and as I start to recover a thought passes through my head...what the hell do I do if I have a good catch, I will worry about that later.

Even though it's only mid afternoon the light is beginning to fade. The bitter cold, making even simple tasks awkward. I get the lamp going and slide down the shingle to the trough where it meets the sand. I scavenge around to find the odd queen cockle and razorfish, anything that could be useful as bait cocktails with my limited lugworm supply.

I had paced the first big gully back to base camp at about 90 yards to allow  for drift and I reckoned I would need to cast four coloured bands on my tapered Fuji line to be right for distance at the top of the tide, including shock leader about 120 yards. That sounds easy but with bait, sliding shingle and a side wind, you try it in the dark!

Now beach fishermen are odd people. You want to see other lamps strung out either side of you...but not too close to ruin your privacy. You need to know you're not the only living person on the planet and that you're not alone in thinking that this is the right tide!

It's spooky, the windy silence of the beach as black sky meets the black sea with the white breakers leaping out at you from the unknown. Other lights start to twinkle from Denge Marsh to within a mile of me...a glittering string of pearls.

I race to set up my matched pair of conoflexes fitted with Daiwa 8000 D coned fixed-spool reels. I must hurry to get ready. I lie on the beach watching the stars waiting for the tide to turn. It's a big spring when it comes, and it will be with a rush.

The note of the surf gradually changes. I scramble to bait up. In those days, before bait shields, I used pre-cut PVA tape to tie down the snood to the mainline. Tides running right to left. I trot 20 yards to the right and cast nice and easy. At night if your bait rips off it's a waste of twenty minutes.

Perfect! I repeat with the second rod but about 10 yards further out. Strange, the two rods never cast the same distance. I settle back intently watching the tips on the tripod, one the mirror of the other.

Not long before the tip of the first rod starts bouncing. A fish has taken the bait on my single hook running ledger rig, and the 6oz Breakaway is still holding. I pump the fish into the surf, wait to feel the weight and slide the plump codling in on a wave. What a nice 2lb 8oz start! That was repeated about 10 minutes later with a 3lb sister.

Then it all went quiet. The tide steadily rose. My elation and feeling of expectation slowly evaporated. Was that it? The cold started to penetrate the outposts of my one piece suit.

A couple of hours pass and the tide was nearing high water. I was lying on the shingle. Eyes fixed on the rod tips...miles away. When the shingle moved behind me, I jumped up and turned round.

A fisherman stood there silhouetted by the pressure lamp. He was staring at my rod tips. He asked how I was doing, I replied so, so. I had got my nerve back by then, I noticed he was dressed in a plaid jacket, woolly hat, jeans and wellies - hardly state of the art fishing clothing. He must have been bloody cold.

Still he seemed enthusiastic. He asked me why I wasn't fishing the 'the hole'. He went on to explain that a 100yds to my left was a famous local mark, a depression on the sea bed that trapped food. This sounded interesting.

The stranger said every year, for many years, he always came to this spot. Maybe it's worth a try. I was getting nowhere in my gullies. I set up both rods at the spot indicated. The stranger stared wistfully at the rods, I stared intently at the tips.

The left-hand tip quivered and pulled right over. I struck and felt a shuddering head-thumping response. It was swinging down tide. I moved down the beach following it. It kicked this way and that. I lost line to the clutch as I tried towing it into the breakers.

I was sweating up a storm, I had to pick the right wave to roll the fish in. I had no gaff. Anyway I don't like them, but would the fine wire spear spade hook hold?

I finally went for it and the glistening fish rolled in with the wave. Dashing into the undertow I grabbed the cod under the gills and dragged it up the beach. The cod and I lay gasping on the wet shingle. I couldn't believe it, a fat 24-pounder. I looked round. No sign of the stranger. No sign of anybody. Just me the fish and the moonlight.

I wanted somebody to share the thrill with...then I remembered the walk back to the car!

I heard later the story of a fisherman in a plaid jacket, who in the bad winter of 66/67 froze to death on the beach at the...you guessed it, 'the hole'. No, it couldn't be could it?

I thought as we can't go fishing that I would feature a fish per week just to remind us of what we are missing. This week the 'magnet' that is Cod.

Fish of the week...Cod

The fish that made Dungeness famous. When I was a youngster I used to get the 'Angling Times'...each week to check the catch reports...as the nights drew in...come October...had the cod been reported yet, Deal, next week Dover then Folkestone as the cod in great numbers migrated down from the North sea...and then Dungeness...if you lived in London, that and a few friends down the coast was the limit to my info.

In my opinion 'climate change' has had a big effect on cod numbers...changing food sources, changing weather, a rising winter water temperature all have an effect.

Beach: I started fishing for cod in the late sixties...pressure lamps ruled OK, those cold dark winter nights the heat from those lamps saved life's...no 'one piece' flotation suits in those days when the sea froze...you got very cold, when it rained, guess what, you got wet...no real weather forecasts (outside the 'shipping')...you went fishing...and being winter, you got, what you got! The best time for me was the seventies; my main concern was a regular supply of fresh lugworm. The 'point' and in those days there really was a 'point', was packed tight every winter night. I learnt very quickly that cod were not hard to catch...as long as you could present a bait about 60 yards out you could get 'lucky'...strange to say 90% of the fish went to 10% of the 'lucky' anglers...casting developed into a 'cult', but the important bit was to get the bait out there in good order...keep it simple...the more you went the 'luckier' you got!

I had my share of good fish but being a bit innocent, I didn't really fancy joining the 'Britannia' crowd, I just loved the 'crack' the challenge of it all...It was physical...I loved Galloways (still do)...so many good fish were lost in the surf...it took some skill to bring in a twenty pound plus fish through a six foot surf...hooking the fish was one thing but getting it through the 'undertow' and up the beach was something else...I have seen many big fish lost, anglers trying to 'bully' them in...I wouldn't use less than a 40lb snood.

By the mid eighties the beach fishing for cod had collapsed, it was just a shadow of its former self...some say it was the introduction of nylon gill nets in the early part of the decade, others said that cod go in ten year cycles...on that basis (current cycle) we still have at least four years to go.

Boat: In Eighty Seven I bought a weekend place on the 'front' (I had two crashes due to asleep at the wheel) I also brought a 12' wooden dinghy and joined the Varne Boat Club, with the intention if the cod weren't coming to me...I would go to them...I soon learned I would need a bigger boat to fish the 'drop off' just down from the 'point' 20m deep plus tide. I upgraded to a displacement 17' sprat fisher, from Dungeness point...and then to a faster Orkney Strikeliner from Sea Cruisers of Rye (of late lamented memory) by that stage my two boys were old enough to go with me.

Here is a photo of me running out the anchor to 'kedge' off the beach (circa 96) and the boys Anthony (8) Robert (7) with part of a great catch from the Kerton Road mark...I think we had 13 doubles that afternoon.

Sad to say, that nowadays we have fewer cod about...and even fewer boats and fishermen.  

UK records:

Shore: Cod 'Gadus morhua' 44lb 8oz 1966, B.Jones, Tom's Point, Barry, Glamorgan.

Boat: Cod 'Gadus morhua' 56lb 6oz 1992, N.Cook, North Sea, Whitby.

With the changing climate will we see these records broken...I doubt it.

What were we reporting this day a year ago...if we can't go fishing...we can dream...

Darryl out on manoeuvres...(08 April)

I had this report in from Darryl last night...

"Hi Tony, fished low tide by Hythe ranges Saturday morning had 2 nice bass couple of Rays and a few dog fish. Thanks Darryl Nicholas."

Another effort to try and make this time more bearable... 

Dungeness... a Seagull's eye view

Dungeness the home of modern beach casting...but what makes it so special.

I started fishing Dungeness when I was twelve (1960). I cycled up there from my Grandmother's house at Greatstone on a 'borrowed' Madison's holiday camp twin bike. With my brand new 10' solid glass Dover beach rod and my new Penn Delmar reel loaded with 25lb blue Sylcast, all from Marnies in New Romney. For bait I had a mackerel and my trusty penknife. I followed a footpath to where the power station service road is now, then there was no power stations built. First cast my strip of mackerel didn't go very far, as I had a massive overrun on my reel (nobody told me slow it down). So there I was sitting on the beach 'un-picking' the massive tangle, it took ages. When I reeled in...I had caught a massive (well it was to me) eel...I was hooked for life.

Dungeness is unique, this shingle peninsular projects six miles into the channel. The 'point' is deepest spot on the south coast pointing roughly south east, flanked by two bays, east bay (Hythe bay) and west bay (Rye bay).

Long shore drift, this is the current that runs along our coastline (south to north, right to left looking seaward)...this has made Dungeness. It transfers shingle (and food) from the west bay to the east bay; the strength of drift depends on wind and tide.

Imagine a three day force eight storm driving up from the south west, all that shellfish 'drummed' out of the sand at low water in Rye bay, then pushed by the 'drift' along the beach from Jurys Gap up to and around the 'point' at Dungeness. Tons of various shellfish and marine life washed up the beach. To be plundered by everything that swims, flies or trots down the beach.

This giant 'ground baiting' system is what attracted cod (all species) to come within range of the early anglers using hand lines and casting sticks. Due to climate change we don't have as many cod about, but what fish are out there still take advantage of this natural phenomenon.

Dungeness is not what it was when I was a boy...it has become 'protected', overgrown and 'scrubbed' up. As a lad you didn't see much vegetation on 'Nanny Goat Island' (before the last war fisher families kept goats for fresh milk). The feral goats and rabbits would see it all off to ground level...except for the wellie piercing prostate thorn. Great rafts of bare shingle, so hot in midsummer you couldn't walk on it in bare feet. So cold on the winter nights, it created extremes of climate...so dry, I was told it was Britain's only dessert...unique.

Many times as a youngster I would spend the day, lying (sleeping) on the shingle staring up at the rod tip dreaming of a bite.

Once I got mobile in the early seventies, I would make the three hour trip from west London (south circular, A20) on my Triumph motorcycle to my favourite place, Galloways, Friday night to Sunday morning...in those days it wasn't a range...I didn't like the crowds at Dungeness. Pat & George at the Varne Fish & Chip shop, Tailor Road, kept me going with 'saveloy & chips', filling my flask...life savers, in those days you could leave your 'kit' on the beach in safety. But tying all the gear back on the bike (plus a few fish) to ride back to London was an art form...magic days.

  

What were we reporting this day a year ago...if we can't go fishing...we can dream...

Plenty of fresh air for Paul...(05 April)

I had this report in this evening from Paul Banyard...

"Hi Tony had 5 hrs at jury’s gap today from 9:30 on wards very quiet on the catching front only got 1 small plaice had more action moving from shore line to half way up the slip way. But still it’s always good to when you’ve got your line out. 

Thanks Paul"

My fish of the week...( 31 March )

I thought as we can't go fishing that I would feature a fish per week just to remind us of what we are missing. This week 'The Silver Darling' Bass.

Fish of the week...Bass

Caught locally from beach and boat. Bass are a popular predator to catch, noted for its fight and flavour. My best catch was at Lydd ranges storm beach, 'south brooks' just west of Galloways. A beautiful female weighing in at 11lb 8oz caught in September 1978. With fewer cod and management measures. We have seen an explosion of Bass; the numbers are on the up. The best I have weighed in the shop was over 17lb and there was a fish caught a few years ago behind  the 'boats' of over 19lb on a whole squid.

Beach: My favourite venue outside Galloways would be behind the power stations. You can catch bass close to the shore as they hunt just behind the 'breakers'. Bass will take any fish bait or lugworm, they have very bony mouths and in my experience they tend to hit the bait hard...you're rod could go 'flying', but if the hook did not penetrate, that was it...one bite and gone. Bass is the one species you can 'spin' for from the storm beach (outside mackerel), using plugs, spoons or even flies on those wonderful days when the water is clear. My favourite method going back to seventies was a rolling running ledger using a 3oz pierced bullet on a 40lb running body with a 20lb snood, a 3/0 wire hook clipped up for casting. My bait of choice would be an 'Ammo' medium frozen sandeel; there is a 'knack' in threading the sandeel on the hook without 'splitting' the eel. Down behind the power stations I could cast a bait with my bass rod about a 100yds towards the 'Boils' (the warm water outfall from the power stations) let it roll with the tide and then 'spin' the bait back to the beach, a great way to catch a bass.

Boat: When I took my young boys out in my old Orkney strike liner, we had some cracking bass fishing mackerel fillets around some inshore wrecks. In the east bay down from Dungeness we have some great inshore marks. The 'coal ship' off Dymchurch has produced some great bass fishing...the ship (barge) has rotted away leaving the cargo of coal as a 'reef'. The 'mulberry harbour' (a caisson that got left behind after 'D' day) this hollow concrete block is alive with bass in the summer. A clever way of fishing a wreck is to use a sliding livebait rig presenting a live mackerel as it swims towards the bottom, can be devastating. Mid channel the most popular way of fishing a wreck is drifting with a live sandeel, or an artificial sandeel pattern like a 'Sidewinder'

Bass has been subject to controls for many years. Currently you are allowed two fish a day over 42 centimetres...if you were allowed to go fishing!

UK records:

Shore: Bass Dicentrarchus Labrax 19lb 12ox 2012 J.S. Locker, Portsmouth Docks, Hampshire.

Boat: Bass Dicentrarchus Labrax 19lb 9oz 2dr 1987 P. McEwan, Herne Bay, Kent.

There have been many reports of fish over 20lb. In this month's Sea Angler there was a report of a 22lb Bass beach caught last February but returned alive because of the then current Bass ban.

 My fish of the week...( 26 March )

I thought as we can't go fishing that I would feature a fish per week just to remind us of what we are missing. This week it's the nation's favourite flatfish Plaice.

Fish of the week...Plaice

Caught locally from beach and boat. Plaice are renowned for putting a bend in your rod, they run to a good size locally (my best in the east bay off Dymchurch was 4lb 4oz).

Beach: My favourite venue locally is Dengemarsh (west bay). Plaice move inshore after spawning in the early spring to 'fatten' up feeding on worm and small shellfish. Being sight hunters as the water clears these aggressive predators will have a go at most things. Anglers cover their beach rigs in all sorts of 'bling' to attract these inquisitive flatfish. These voracious feeders can be found all round our local coastline. I tend to use a size 1 hook on a 'flapper' rig with beads on the snood...colours are down to personal taste, locally, alternate black & green are popular. Bait, local lugworm tipped with bit of shellfish is my favorite.

Boat: Historically we have had some great catches in the east bay, Years ago when I was fishing captain of the Varne Boat Club we found some very good plaice (local commercials had fish up to 5lb) In the east bay off not far from Dymchurch over the beds of small pink bi-valves. The best fishing I found about September / October, bye that stage most people would be off chasing an early cod. But both bays hold Plaice. Jerry Oiller well known local charter skipper (Fairchance) has taken many Plaice on the 'drift', past the CS3 buoy on his way back to Dungeness. Another popular location afloat is the Bullock bank, mid channel about 12 miles south east of Dungeness. On the drift using a 'plaice' spoon 'kicking' up puffs of sand to catch the curious plaice. Hook size on a running 'drag' ledger, I would use a size 2/0 long shank. Bait again local lugworm tipped with a bit of fish or shellfish would be my choice.

UK records:

Plaice, Shore Caught 'Pleuronectes platessa' 8lb 6oz,14drams, 1989,R. Moore, Southbourne Beach, Bournemouth.

Plaice, Boat Caught 'Pleuronectes platessa' 10lb 3oz 8drams, 1974, H. Gardiner, Longa Sound, Scotland.

Lets go fishing...No!...( 26 March )

I have seen on on social media that Dungeness Estate is closed to visitors. The displayed poster was unbranded and had no contact details (phone number or website). So on Tuesday I called EDF just to check if it was correct, and I was told by their 'comms' officer that it was. EDF own the estate  and it is their 'shout' on how they want to play it. The businesses on the estate are closed.

On a wider point should fisherman go fishing in this crisis. I have seen on social media people saying they would go fishing as 'exercise'...but imagine the chaos if we all did that.

We have to remain 'solid' with our community...and be patient...stay home and reduce contact...a bit like the old course 'closed season'...yes it is tough, but we will get through it. 

News just in from the DAA...( 21 March )

Just seen this 'posted' on the Dungeness Angling Association facebook page...

"Dungeness Angling Association news. In order to promote and assist social distancing for our members and our outlets, we are extending indefinately the current membership year which was due to finish at the end of this month. The existing padlock on the EA gate will not be changed so if you purchased a key for 2019/20 it will continue to work. If you do not have a key, you can still loan one for the duration of your visit from the usual outlets. If you have recently joined for 2020 and purchased a new key, we are afraid it will not yet work but your new membership will allow you to loan one from an outlet. Please return the loan keys at the end of your session. ALL COMPETITIONS AND JUNIOR MEETS ARE NOW CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. On the plus side, sea fishing is the ideal way of getting out for fresh air while maintaining social distance. The bass will turn up very soon, there are plenty of dogfish... Which taste lovely if you Google how to skin them and there are a lot of rays at Dymchurch and Hythe when this easterly wind stops. From all of us at DAA, tight lines and stay safe. No excuse now not to clean your reels and make a few rigs."

We all need a ray of light...( 21 March )

This came in last night from Kenneth England...

"Thornback ray about 4lb returned"

Kenneth...keep your distance...( 21 March )

I had this in from Kenneth England...this is California...how about Camber sands?

Corona-19 update...( 20 March )

I thought I would update you all on the current situation at Seagull Fishing Tackle due to Corona-19 virus...I have had to go into isolation for three months so the shop is closed. My son Anthony (of Peganina fame) said he would help where he could phone 07989778361.

The blogsite and facebook page will continue as normal...so please send me your catch reports as usual. Stay safe Tony Hills.

Good turnout...in spite of...( 19 March )

This report came in last night fro Terry Carpenter of the DAA 'Vets'...

"DAA Vets had their march match tonight 9 fished with a good variety of fish caught
1st john smith
2nd mick lewis
3rd mick reynolds
Well done all that fished
Next match is subject to virus restrictions"

I gather species caught were smoothounds, dogfish and rockling.

Neil getting away from it all... ( 15 March )

I had this report in today from Neil Rodwell...

"Hi Tony. Gave langney point a bash again yesterday. Didn't bother with the rays this time instead I thought I would see what was about in the way of flatties. Got inundated with rockling, pin whiting and pouting for most of the day. Managed a nice dab at the end. That's scratching season for you I guess! Nice day on the shore. Will speak soon. Many thanks. Neil."

Big tides...and big doggies... ( 12 March )

I had this report in yesterday from Kevin Harris...

"Tony,

I opted for a trip to Fisherman’s beach at Hythe because it was a bit too tough for Dungie with the strong wind and big tide on Tuesday.

Hythe was very windy but I still managed a lot of fish including a nice doggie on most casts, all returned (I just find doggies too tough to skin!)

Not the dabs I was after but a great escape from work and other crises!

Kevin."

And then the sun came out... ( 8 March )

The first fishing report of March...it has been quiet with the weather...here is a report from Neil Rodwell out on Friday...

"Hi Tony. Took a chance with a break in the weather on Friday and had a few hours down langney point in eastbourne. Had a few pin whiting, rocking and a couple of dabs. One of which was a decent size. I dropped a ray right in the surf which was annoying but saved a blank anyway. Bait was rag worm and bluey. Nice day on the beach with my coat off. Will speak soon. Neil."

At last, a change in bass regs... ( 29 Feb )

Tomorrow (1st March) the bass regulations change...yes you can take two sizeable fish a day...

This from the Kent & Essex IFCA (Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority) website...

"Recreational bass regulations for ICES areas in the KEIFCA district (IVc and VIId):1 January 2020- 29 February 2020 and 1 – 31 December 2020, only catch-and-release fishing with a rod or a handline for European seabass shall be allowed. During those periods, it shall be prohibited to retain, relocate, tranship or land European seabass(a) 1 March 2020 – 30 November 2020, not more than two specimens of European seabass may be caught and retained per fisherman per day; the minimum size of European seabass retained shall be 42 cm."

Well fished Mick...if you don't go ( 27 Feb )

I had this report in this morning from Mick success favors the brave...

"Hi Tony fished dungie yesterday(26) as a dab match warm up( unfortunately its been cancelled )caught  5 rockling  4 whiting  3 dogfish 1 pout 1 flounder (29 cm) 3 plaice ( 31,34 and 40 cm) and finally 18  dabs  4 sizeable 25cm (2) 26cm(1) 28cm didn’t expect to catch much if you don’t fish you wont know cheers.  Mick Reynolds"

WDC 2020...it's a washout! ( 27 Feb )

I have just seen this from Simon Newman the organiser for the WDC...

"It is with great reluctance that we have to cancel this year's Tronixpro World Dab Fishing Championships which was due to take place this coming Sunday. We have another gale this Saturday with 40 mph winds predicted on Sunday. Predicted swell for the competition is over 3 meters. West of the point will not be fisheable, east of the point would be challenging at best. Hythe would also be extremely challenging. With the all day storm predicted for Saturday, the forecast for Sunday is more likely to deteriorate than improve. The WDC is a friendly fun competition. Sunday would not be fun and possibly dangerous. To everyone who loves being cold, wet, windswept, loves clearing weed from their line and watching beach shelters blowing out to sea, we apologise. We shall organise a similar fundraising event on a smaller scale involving a different species, for late spring and the 10 th Tronixpro WDC will be scheduled in the first two weeks of February 2021. Until then, tight lines and stay safe."

Nice bass Neil...is it summer?( 26 Feb )
Well done Neil Collison...at last a report from Dungeness tonight...
"Hi Tony went behind the boats today with my brother ,we caught 6 doggies all good size 2 dabs a few pin whiting and a lovely bass. All fish returned. Neil"

Here's hoping for a fair wind...( 21 Feb )
Just a reminder that the rescheduled WORLD DAB CHAMPIONSHIP is on the 1st of March. Book in at the Dungeness RNLI station...let's hope the weather is kinder to everybody taking part.
   Every cloud has a silver lining...( 12 Feb )
I had this report tonight from Don...

"Hi Tony,

Went today behind the boats, 2 hours before high tide, wind on my back, walking across the gravel looked good.

I was met at the waters edge with what could have been hundreds and hundreds of dead shellfish washing in with every wave, obviously casualties of the last storm.

High water mark was absolutely covered with dead shellfish, large cockles, clams, razorfish, slipper limpets.

I used this free bait, but every time I brought in, my line was covered with remnants of shellfish, and terminal tackle caked with the same.

After about an hour, no bites, realised that any fish would be gorged with this windfall food, I packed up went home, with free shellfish to freeze down for future, those offshore beds must have taken a real battering, and another storm over this weekend.

Regards Don mcmurdo."

Yes a storm gusting force 12 over 3 days on a spring tide will rip out shellfish from the sand at low water. Washed into shore by the current 'Long Shore Drift'...first tide still in shell...second tide 'de-shelled'...beyond the third tide start to break up...but this is one reason why Dungeness is famous.

Nice to more anglers about...( 09 Feb )
I had this report in from Mike Shine last night...

"Hi Tony

Thanks for the bait today. Dungeness was the busiest I have seen it in a long time and the weather was very kind. We fished west of the boats from high tide down till we ran out of bait and from the first cast to the least we were into fish as were all the other anglers I could see. Mainly big dog fish, a few puppies but we had over 20 good size fish, as well as 10 small whiting and a dozen Dabs. So all in all a great days fishing on a combination of frozen lug, Blueys, Squid and frozen sprats.See you soon. Mike"   

                  

Is it a big dogfish...or is it a...( 09 Feb )
I had this further report in from Neil Rodwell...
"Hi Tony. Following on from my last email. This is the underside of that large dogfish I had. I don't think it's a bull huss but I'm not totally sure as the spots were small. Many thanks. Neil"...spots and blotches can vary...I usually go by the 'nasal flaps'...do they go down to the mouth or make a 'w' shape as on a bull huss...looking at the photo I'm not sure. We did have a some huss reported a few years ago...it would be nice to see them back.

  The dogfish are getting bigger...( 09 Feb )
I had this report in from Neil Rodwell...
"Hi Tony. Fished between the point and the station today. Used frozen lug, squid and bluey. Mainly dogfish today with one unusual one that was huge with dark colouration (not shown). Also had dabs and a rockling that tried to swallow a 4/0 hook and a bait the same size as it. Only 1 pin whiting all day so it looks like they're thinning out a bit. The right distance seemed to be around 30-50 yards out with not much at range or in close. Thanks for the bait today and will speak soon. Regards. Neil."

Just a lovely day on the beach...( 06 Feb )
I had this report in from Kevin Warden this afternoon...
"I fished the point from 11 until 3.30 pm today. No bites until the last couple of casts then a dogfish,2 dabs and 2 pin whiting. Bait was awful but not from Seagull. A lovely day nonetheless."

WDC...It's been blown off...( 05 Feb )
I have just seen this post from Simon Newman of the DAA...
"POSTPONED..... Tronixpro WDC. We are sorry to announce that this Sundays WDC has been postponed due to expected severe and dangerous weather conditions. The event shall now take place on Sunday 1st March, registration 0800 - 1000 and fishing from 1100 until 1600. We are very sorry for any inconvenience this will cause especially to everyone who has made travel arrangements and booked accommodation. This decision has not been taken lightly but with the forcast showing 60 mph onshore winds, there really is no other option. We very much hope to see you on the 1st March."

If you fancy a paddle...( 02 Feb )
I saw this reminder posted by Terry Carpenter of the DAA...
"Dungeness Veterans next fishing is on.
Wed 5th Feb .start fishing at 18.30pm...Meet at Littlestone wall"

The forecast is a bit windy...( 02 Feb )
I saw this posted by Simon Newman who runs the DAA Dab World Championships due to be fished on Sunday...
"Tronixpro WDC UPDATE : We have received a number of calls and messages regarding the inclement long range weather forecast for next Sundays World Dab Fishing Championships. A decision will be made Thursday lunchtime based on the more accurate 3 day forecast. The decision will be based on primarily safety but also comfort. We would appreciate it if you could help by sharing this information to the fishing pages and forums you use. Many thanks, DAA."


Some like it wet and windy...( 27 Jan )

I had this report just in from Steve 'echo' Harvey

of last nights DAA match...the first of the year I believe...

"Well that was hard work and unpleasant in that driving rain and win ...lots of dogs ..not many whiting. A few good sized dabs and a few pout ... Well done Alex whittlesea on the win ...Darren Brookes 2nd and heaviest fish a 31 cm whiting ...Dave Knott was third and I'm sure he went home with ear ache after me going on about the mighty baggies beating the hammers yesterday ....Simon 'guvner' Newman was 4th...yours truly was 5th ...pipping cieron bully boy who was 6th ....10 fished"

A nice mixed bag for Joe...( 27 Jan )

I had this report in from Joe Collins last night...

"Hi Tony.

Fished dengemarsh at low tide on Saturday night till high tide Sunday morning (19th)

A clear still and nippy night, with great shooting stars and lots of bites...

Low tide bought dogfish of all sizes.. all to worm.

As the tide turned flounders and dabs began to show, biggest flattie was 31cm...

Was a strange night, as the tide climed the beach the bites slowed...

For a bit of fun I rigged up a pulley pennal rig with a whole sprat as bait... Only to catch a 24cm flattie.........

The only downer to the night which was disturbing was our eastern European friends....

Every fish they hooked was thrown up the beach to die... Clearly they was lobbing them In the wrong direction... Even doggies deserve a right to survive.. the beach was littered with dead fish! Appalling! Disturbing!

This is the second time I have had this reported...

I have to say my non British customers are pretty good as a whole...but we do have a continuous trickle of customers new to fishing...after my Kent & Essex IFCA meeting on Friday I will produce a A5 leaflet on how to 'handle' fish. I will then put one in every bag of bait sold...to see if it helps. 

It's a start Mike...( Jan 26)

I had this report just in from Mike Dew...

"I fished Langney Point for the first time on Saturday, 0730 to 1430. Very quiet with one small undersize Plaice. But at least I christened my new rod. Mike"

There's plenty of fish out there... ( Jan 26)

I had this report in from Neil Rodwell last night...

"Hi Tony. I thought I would try langney point today on the off chance of an early plaice. Conditions looked right but instead I had to settle for small dabs and rockling before the Whiting onslaught near high tide. Better than a blank I guess! Will speak soon. Regards. Neil"

The old saying...wind = fish ( Jan 26)

I had this report in from Johnny Boone yesterday...

"Paid hythe another visit last night fri/sat not as good as last time probably because of calmish sea and tide state but still had a few lots of smallish  whiting two on same hook on one occasion, 2 doggies, and rocking at least i had a few bites" 

A starry, starry night...( Jan 19)

I had this report in this morning from Joe Collins...

"Tony. Fished Dengemarsh at low tide on Saturday night till high tide Sunday morning (19th) A clear still and nippy night, with great shooting stars and lots of bites...

Low tide bought dogfish of all sizes.. all to worm.
As the tide turned flounders and dabs began to show, biggest flattie was 31cm...
Was a strange night, as the tide climbed the beach the bites slowed...
For a bit of fun I rigged up a pulley pennel rig with a whole sprat as bait... Only to catch a 24cm flattie.........The only downer to the night which was disturbing was our eastern European friends....Every fish they hooked was thrown up the beach to die... Clearly they was lobbing them In the wrong direction... Even doggies deserve a right to survive.. the beach was littered with dead fish! Appalling! Disturbing!

Thanks for the heads up Joe...I will remind my customers about how we treat fish!

Sun bathing at Dengemarsh...( Jan 19)

I had this report in last night from Neil Rodwell...

"Hi Tony. Busy day today down at denge marsh. I had 4 species after only 1.5 hours of fishing. Mainly dabs on the dropping tide with a lull at slack water then the rockling started. The day ended with double shots of whiting. 1 doggie in close in the morning. Nice sunny day on the beach with my coat off for some of it. Cheers for bait and will speak soon. Neil."

Nice to see more dabs being caught ( Jan 19)
I had this report in last night from Andrew Elsey...
"Had couple of dabs out and whiting from fishermen beach"

A good turnout...a bit breezy...( Jan 16)

Here are the results of last Sundays DAA match at Littlestone, The 'Vets' V The Seniors posted by Alex Veel of the DAA...

"Results for Final Championship Match 2019 attached...

x15 members from the seniors & veterans leagues slugged it out on a windswept Littlestone beach today.

Well done Gavin Smith on the win, with Colm Brennan 2nd & Steve Field 3rd.

Whiting, dogfish, dabs, flounder and rockling caught.

The heaviest fish pool was won by Terry Carpenter with a 33cm Whiting."

You either love them or not...( Jan 15)      I had this report in from Johnny Boone on Monday...

"Picture of one of my catch last night,do you think the colours are pronounced"

The lesser spotted dogfish comes in various shades and various degrees of spots...

yours looks a bit more like the  LSD's big brother the 'Bull Huss', but you can't go by spots 

alone you would have to check the shape of the 'nasel flaps'.

Showing Ashley how to do it...( Jan 12)

I had this report in from Terry Robins last night..."Hi tony,

Me and my nephew (ashley) went to fish at hes grandads place in pagham

All in all it wasn't a bad day, we arrived 3 hours before high tide it was overcast and blowing a gale and that's howit stayed for our session so the beach shelter i picked up for him from you came in really handy so thanks for that 👍🏻

Ashley had a new rod with him so he had new rod luck and caught more fish than me! In total we had 3 bass so nothing amazing but it was good to get and also spend some time with him.

Ps.    The flatty rigs did really well for the bass 😄

And all catches went back alive. All the best Terry."

Neil had a nice day...(12 Jan)

I had this report in from Neil Rodwell yesterday...
"Hi Tony. Went pevensey bay today. It was triple shots of whiting from the start. Managed a few dabs in between and one small flounder. It went dead at high tide and stayed that way till about 2 then the pin whiting made an appearance which was my signal to leave. Nice day day on the shore tho and will get back to dungy soon. Many thanks. Neil"

A true inspiration...  (11 Jan)

I saw this report from Ian Golds (in his day a great match angler). Sadly Ian has cancer and he is bravely battling on, it's not in his nature to give up. I saw his post this morning, to me he is a great inspiration...his enthusiasm is unbounded for our sport, it really comes through...see what you think...

"10th of JanuRareRay 2020……yep….the day I actually caught the rarest of fish….for me anyway!

Not been fish bothering since the end of November due to finger filleting, trip to France, illness, Christmas and the poxy weather, so I took the opportunity of a break in the wind and rain so toddled off to Eastney to see what was about. I didn’t really care what I caught…I just wanted to go fishing…

Set up two rods, one with three 2/0’s baited with a variety of fish baits for whatever liked bigger baits and the other with three size 2’s and ragworm. If the whiting were there in numbers I’d pack up the worm rod…..they weren’t..so I didn’t..

Anyway…..it came to pass that at 20:15 on this very day, I had what at first appeared to be a dog bite. Left it a while, and, after a few more pull downs and a fair bit of slack, began to drag in what I assumed was a double shot of roughback sharks as it was too heavy for one. OBVIOUSLY I don’t catch rays..so it OBVIOUSLY couldn’t be one of those…could it…. Anyway no.2….out of the building swell it only jolly well did come to pass that it was indeed a jolly old pretty patterned undulate ray! YEEFLIPPINHAH!! Anyway no.3…I obviously did a silly little fist pumping fish pumpy dance in the rather bright moonlight and took some pics for posterity as proof that I had actually managed to catch one when using biggish baits….at last. The only other undulate I’d caught was on a size 4 and a small mackerel bait when fishing for whiting…I am now almost a proper rayman!!
Strangely I had some scales in my box which I found a while ago. Bought them a few years back when I used to take people fishing in case they accidentally caught something worth weighing….so I actually had the chance to try them out! I estimated the fish to be 6-7lb, and was quite surprised to see the needle dragged down to exactly 9lb. Were a few stones still stuck to it’s slimy belly, so I’m taking to be about 8 1/2lb….not big by undulate standards but who cares..I actually caught one!!
Returned it to fight another day and carried on feeling rather chuffed.

The fishing was a tad slow, apart from one treble shot on the Big/O’s, with just single whiting, mostly small, or nothing, but I didn’t mind as I had caught a much sought after ray and was having a very enjoyable time in the dancing moonlight in what has been my salty playground for all of my life.

Anyway no.4…there’s another anyway….just before midnight my peace was disturbed when I had a butt lifter! Obviously to many outside of the fishing fraternity that may sound somewhat..pervy…but most of you know what I mean as an unseen frisky sea creature attempted to drag my now horizontal rod from the tripod! After a very frisky fight, out of the swell came a chunky shiny spiney bass. Used my scales again ( twice in the same session! ) which showed it be a tad over 3lb, so two decent fish to start the year….perfick.

Packed up earlier than I had planned as I felt knackered, but enjoyed every single second. I may well have to go ray fishing again soon…..easy peasy innit!!!"😊

Loads of fish for the 'Vets'...  (11 Jan)
I had this report in from Terry Carpenter...the first DAA Veterans match of the year took place last Wednesday in not very pleasant conditions...hence the turn out...

  
Dungeness won't be the same...  (6 Jan)
I had some sad news over the weekend...Anthony sent me a photo...after many years of leaning over the sixties wooden Diamond shaped trawler mark...just below the power stations so well known to Dungeness beach anglers, has fallen over 'giving up the fight' with the eroding beach...

1st match of 2020 for the 'Vets'...  (5 Jan)

I saw this reminder from Terry Carpenter of the DAA 'Vets' this morning...

"Reminder
Daa vets 1st match 2020 is Wed 8th jan at 19.30pm
Meet at Littlestone 18.45pm"

Great SCSAS match at Hythe...  (5 Jan)

I saw this report posted last night by Paul Jarrett of yesterdays match...

‎Southern Circuit Sea Angling Society

Result from match 1 at Hythe - 04/01/20

19 members and 3 guests fished catching Whiting, Dogfish, Pouting, Dabs, Dover Sole and Thornback Ray

Well done to Ashley Brown for winning the match

1. Ashley Brown - 17 fish, 14lb 3.5ozs
2. Dave Andrews - 18 fish, 11lb 5.5ozs
3. Lionel Watson - 14 fish, 10lb 12.5ozs
4. Martin Humphries - 20 fish, 10lb 9ozs
5. Stephen Crimmins - 12 fish, 10lb 2ozs
6. Martin Jenkins - 14 fish, 10lb 0ozs
7. Philip Underdown - 10 fish, 10lb 0ozs
8. Jay Hill - 6 fish, 9lb 12ozs
9. Neil Creed - 9 fish, 9lb 6ozs
10. Stephen Foster - 12 fish, 9lb 2ozs
11. Paul Cox - 13 fish, 7lb 4ozs
12. Les Bates - 12 fish, 7lb 11ozs
13. David Hough - 9 fish, 7lb 10.5ozs
14. David Simon Bullock - 9 fish, 7lb 9ozs
15. Steve Richards - 10 fish, 6lb 13ozs
16. Becky Lee - 13 fish, 4lb 14.5ozs
17. Alan Jarrett - 6 fish, 3lb 10ozs
18. Lewis Clarke - 10 fish, 3lb 7.5ozs
19. Jonathan Creed - 5 fish, 2lb 13ozs
20. Keith Neame - 4 fish, 2lb 10ozs
21. Paul Jarrett - 7 fish, 1lb 13ozs
22. Sean Brown - 0 fish

Heaviest fish - 5lb 0oz Thornback Ray, Jay Hill

Lovely starry night, to start the year (4 Jan)
I had this report in this afternoon from Phil Mahoney...
"Fished Imperial Hotel end of Hythe Friday 3rd January from 3.30 p.m till around 9 p.m. plenty of bites Whiting and some good size Dogs . Was a clear evening plenty of stars with no rain thankfully . Very pleasurable evening just never know when to pack up there's always one more fish to be caught.

    First trip of the year was good to get out and catch , enclosed some pics . Phil"

Happy New Year to you all...(31 Dec)
Welcome to the start of 2020...will the fishing be better or worse...with the changing climate only time will tell...but I'm looking forward to the 'roaring twenties'.
  DAA 'Vets' 2019...a great year (31 Dec)
Here are the results of the last DAA 'Vets' match of 2019 and the final league positions...well done John Smith on a great comeback to win the league...

Beautiful Day...great turnout...(30 Dec)
Yesterday we held the 2nd Nick Burton's Memorial match at Galloways. Nick was a popular local angler who was taken before his time...he loved Galloways and yesterday was tremendous weather and turnout, 34 anglers, Nicks friends competed for Nick's memorial trophy. Superbly run and organised by my mate Steve Harvey for the second year. Here are the results posted by Steve last night...
"Results for today's match at galloways ....
1st...Alex Veel 1.46 dogfish
2nd Dorian Partridge..1.42 dogfish
3rd Roy Godden ...1.32 dogfish
4th Trevor Froud ...1.16 dogfish
33 anglers and 1 donation ...means we raised £340 for the RNLI ...Thankyou to all who fished and donated ....hope to do this again next year"

A 'battered' Dengemarsh...(29 Dec)
I had this report in last night from Steve Latham...

"Hi Tony i fished Dengemarsh today the beach looks like its had a good battering all the shingle has gone but still had fish small dab's and whiting it was good to get out fishing not been down since the summer cos of work and things

well i hope to be down soon.  Regards Steven. pps happy new year  to you and your family." Thanks for for that Steve, best wishes to you for a great 2020. 

I do love a 'fishy' mystery...(28 Dec)
I had this report in from Kevin Warden last night...no photos so far...but I'm intrigued...long shot but it could be a couches bream...the sea is still quite warm...

"We fished the Boards from 11am until 4pm today. Plenty of whiting,2

large dabs and a pouting. The guys next to us caught 2 strange fish

that nobody could identify One was silver with very large head and

eyes. They have photos on their phones. I told them to send them to

you."

...and a dreaded rockling...(28 Dec)

I had this report in from Neil Rodwell last night...
"Hi Tony. Was back at langney point today after being gifted a day off between the festivities! Had whiting all day long. Most were pins but had a few sizeable ones in between. When the tide started retreating the onslaught wained enough for the dabs to start coming through with a few nice ones included. Very calm day down there and quite warm considering the time of year. Will speak soon and if I don't see you before, happy new year! All the best. Neil."

It was a beautiful morning...(26 Dec)
I had this report in this morning from Ian Milligan, who fished Christmas day...I think Ian that's a flounder...

"Fished from 8:00am to 2:30pm at the back of the boats. The sea was fairly calm with a bit of colour in it. It was a good day with Dabs, Dogs, Whiting and a Pouting. Only had frozen lug but it worked well with squid, but The big whiting were all caught on strips of Bluey. The seal was in the area but it didn’t seem to put the fish off."

A Merry Christmas to you all...(24 Dec)
Wishing you all a nice day tomorrow, enjoy yourselves! I will be open 'Boxing Day' for a couple of hours in the morning then back in on Friday as usual...open Saturday but closed Sunday to fish the 'Nick Burton Memorial Match'.

A nice Xmas present for Craig...(22 Dec)
I had this great report in from Craig last night...well done for going...the fish are there...

"Evening Tony,  braved the wind last night with a friend down by the boats at Hythe. Fished quite well over high water plenty of colour in the water, wasn't harassed too much with the Whiting, managed a few nice size pouting and dogs. Tide dropped off along with the wind so the ray baits went out. Bluey and prawn on pulley droppers. We managed a few out but nothing big. Happy Christmas. Craig Wright "

Deal pier...Friday the 13th...(14 Dec)

I had this report in from Allen Lane lunchtime...
"We decided that we would make a trip to deal and fish the pier. The first time back to deal in 2 years. With a 11.30 high tide we arrived at 9.00 am no other anglers in sight was this a bad sign. No we pleased to say, it started a little slow as the tide was rising just a few small pout and pin Whiting. Hit high tide and the larger Whiting and some very nice dogs turned up. Fishing black lug and squid cocktails doing the job, they didn't seem to be to interested in any fish bait strange. Between the two of us we had 30 whiting 7 of them were keepers and 10 dogs and 6 pout well worth the drive from the city. The lads running the pier now supply you with a bivvy table so you don't mess up the new bench planking return them at the end of your session. There are still areas out there that are snaggy we lost 5 rigs between the pair of us and £6 for two cups of coke from the now restaurant at the end of the pier. You wont get a bacon butty to take away cos they don't do take away, lar de dah.

The london lads. No pics, left the phones in the car."

November DAA Vets match results (5 Dec)
Here are the results from the last Vets match...better late than never...special thanks to Terry Carpenter who keeps the show on the road...

Yes it was cold...but enjoyable... (1 Dec)
I had this report in last night from Neil Rodwell fishing Langley Point...famous as a big fish venue from the seventies...
"Hi Tony. Gave langney point a go today. Managed a handful of whiting also caught pout, school bass and dab as the sun went down. Very cold and a choppy sea but enjoyable to get out. Will speak soon. Neil"

It's just nice to get a report... (30 Nov)
I had this report in from Kevin Warden on Thursday night...

"Fished the end of the boards over high tide today. Plenty of whiting

including 5 keepers which we battered.They fed the whole family this evening."

Nice to see the kids having fun... (18 Nov)
I had this report in last night from Terry Carpenter of the DAA Juniors...

"DAA juniors had their nov meet today on a lovely morning at Littlestone , ten young fishers tried hard to catch and pleased to say they all caught loads of whiting and doggies. Young george won the competition and took home a turkey with another george taking home a large xmas pud...Next meet is dec 15th meet at the pilot car park at 10.15am"

Wayne had a good day at Hythe... (17 Nov)

I had this report in from Del this morning...
"Morning Tony,  we held our annual pub fishing comp at Hythe yesterday,  a very enjoyable day.
Mainly whiting, but good sport.
One 10 Oz plaice, one doggy of good size.
The comp was won by Wayne Evans with a lovely thornback of 5lb 8oz.  Sorry no pic's. Cheers.  Del Phipp."

Just had this update from Jonathan Masters...
Wayne’s Thornback from yesterday.

Plenty of fish for Neil... (17 Nov)
I had this report in from Neil Rodwell last night... 
"Hi Tony. Cheers for the bait. Went behind the station today. Had a total whiting fest from the start with double shots every cast. At high water it all went dead then on the drop it all started up again with the whiting thinning out enough to let a few dabs through. Some of the Whiting were big and fell to everything including 2 whole squid pennel hooked! The live bait rig didn't yield anything big but will try again. Thanks again and will speak soon. Neil."

DAA Vets match next week... (14 Nov)
I saw a reminder from Terry Carpenter...
"DAA Veterans next match is on Wed 20th November
Start fishing at 3.30pm at Littlestone"

Dab World Champs 2020... (6 Nov)
I had this update in from Simon Newman...

Bass catch & release... (2 Nov)
Just a reminder for those going fishing tomorrow after the 'blow' bass is back to catch & release...
"Recreational fisheries, including from shore, in ICES divisions 4b, 4c, 6a, 7a to 7k are limited to catch-and-release only during 01 February to 31 March and 1 November to 31 December 2019. From 1 April to 31 October 2019, not more than one seabass may be retained per fisherman per day." Quote from Sussex IFCA.

A perfect ten for Colin... (29 Oct)
I had this report this morning from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony,

I fished near the station on Saturday/Sunday, it was a bit gusty but calmed down later on. I set up two rods both with pulley rigs loaded with lug, I was kept busy all day with whiting, doggies and a few pouting, some of the whiting were a good size and just after dawn on Sunday I reeled in a codling just under 2lb and that was my lot for this season.  Thanks for the great lug as usual and see you soon. Colin"

A whiting Christmas... (29 Oct)
I had this report in last night from Mafia Muziq... 
"Fished dungeness last night wow it was so calm and relaxing not a breeze in sight was hoping for a bass or two ended up with 47 whitings felt like Xmas all I had was just white stuff it snowed whitings ha ha it's better than having a blank session thanks they even took whole mackerels. Didn't take any photo we all know what they look like smerk"

Nick's match...second year... (27 Oct)
We are looking forward to the 'Nick Burton Memorial Match' this December to honor Nicks memory...

A lovely 'plump' bass for Andy... (26 Oct)
I had this in Andrew Elsey at the beginning of the week...
"Hi Tony had two bass and some nice whiting yesterday fished near the boats"

DAA 'Vets' match on results... (26 Oct)
Here are the results from last Wednesdays 'Vets' match, also current league placings...

DAA 'Vets' match on Wednesday (20 Oct)
Don't forget the next 'Vets' match is this Wednesday ( 23 October) kick off 6.15pm. tides are short so it could be a 'frozen' lug match...or get your 'pump' out.

Plenty of fish about at Dungeness (20 Oct)
I had this report in from John this afternoon...
"Hi.  Thanks for the bait yesterday.  Worked really well. 27 whiting and this cod between the two of us.  John."

Langney Point...round two (20 Oct)
I had this report in last night from Neil Rodwell having another go at Langney Point...back in the day this was a favorite cod spot...I used to fish it...err forty years ago!...
"Hi Tony. Thought I would try langney point in eastbourne again to see if I could winkle out another cod. Not this time but SAS kept busy throughout the day with whiting again. Also had dab, school bass and pouting including a bug grand daddy pout. Was another fun day on the beach. Will speak soon. Neil."

Just for a change...Neil tried... (16 Oct)
I had this report in from Neil Rodwell yesterday...
"Hi Tony. Got a week off so decided to make the most of the weather window and fished langney point in eastbourne today up through high tide and an couple of hours down. Total whiting fest throughout the day with double shots every cast. Also managed a brace of plaice and a small unicorn! Great day in all. Will speak soon. Many thanks. Neil."

Non stop for Philip... (15 Oct)
I had this report yesterday from Philip Lammin...
"Just to say weather was great after the blow on Friday so decided to fish the morning high on Saturday straight blacks all day resulting in some nice sized whiting and some nice bass biggest just being under 4lb, all in all a good day and non stop action"

Three weeks = 9 codling... (14 Oct)
I had this report in today from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony,

Thanks for the great lug at the weekend, I put them to use at dengemarsh, weather was a bit wet but at least the wind wasn’t too bad. Tactics were simple, two pulley pennel rigs, 3/0 hooks and straight lug cast out as far as I could manage. I was straight into whiting and dogfish and this continued throughout the day. Sunday morning, target was achieved with a 2lb codling and that was it on the cod front but I’ll be back for his big brother soon! Thanks again for the bait. Colin" 

Just watch your fingers... (12 Oct)

I had this report in from Mafia Muziq on Friday...

"Hi I think I must have been one of the crazy ones I went out last night in that horrible weather was the only one on the beach smh ha ha I was fishing two rods blacks on one and whole mackerel on the other I caught several dinner size whitings was hoping for a bass got a dog fish on the mackerel fillet so I decided to try a whole mackerel for a big bass had a slack line so pulled it in felt heavy got excited thought it was a bass but nope it was a eel my first took me a while to build the Confidence up just to touch the thing ha ha where I'm from it's snapper and jack all day so eels are a new thing to me thanks"...looks like a strap conger to me?

And another one hits the shingle... (10 Oct)

This came in today from Andrew Cook...
"Afternoon Tony, caught off the boards two hours after HW today"

Plenty of bass about... (10 Oct)

I had this report in from Mole a couple of days ago...

"Nice bass caught on the 5th October at Dungeness just right of the boat’s 43cm"

Eight in two weeks... (7 Oct)

I had this exciting report in from Colin Hemsworth this morning...

"Hi Tony,

I fished near the station Saturday morning through to Sunday afternoon, set up two rods loaded with lug on pulley rigs. With the gentle winds casting was fairly easy going and could manage to get some large baits out a bit further. Saturday was very quiet, I had a few whiting in the daylight and dogfish as it got dark..after a kip started fishing again Sunday morning and 2nd cast produced a 4lb codling on straight lug, I had three more up to 2lb over the  next 2 hours then it all went quiet. Nothing for the rest of the day until the last cast, I felt a bit of weight pulling in and as the fish was in the surf...ping!! and the hook came loose, I swear I saw the outline of a rather plump cod rolling back into the sea but I’m just telling myself it was just a dogfish and trying to make myself feel better! Thanks for the great lug and will be down soon. Colin"

Blankety blank for Neil... (6 Oct)
I had this report in from Neil Rodwell last night...
"Hi Tony. Thanks for the bait today and the tripod. I like the extending legs which works well for the long continental rod. Speaking of which I'm still to christen it as today was another blank. The baits were stripped back to bare hooks the moment they hit the sea bed by the crabs. I know it was easterly winds again but I was hoping the persistent south westerlys over the last week would have kept the fish in but it would appear not to be! Thanks again and will speak soon. Many thanks. Neil"

Yesterday was looking good... (6 Oct)

I had this report in from Martin Frankling last night...

"Caught today half hour after high tide from the boards"

It has been great year for bass... (3 Oct)

I had another report in from Mole...

"Nice bass caught at Dungeness on Saturday the 21 st September 38cm safely"

  I'm told they are very good to eat... (2 Oct)

I had this report in from Mole...

"Nice herring caught at Dungeness on Saturday the 21st September 39.5 cm"

Right family but its a shad...I expect an Allis Shad, beautiful fish, but protected.

Lots more fish for the DAA Vets... (1 Oct)

I had the results in from Terry Carpenter of last Wednesday's DAA Veterans match here is his report and results...

"DAA Vets had their meet last night wed 25th on a rather blowy evening but we missed the rain. Fish caught was whiting & dogfish . Result as follows..."

Look what turned up... (30 Sept)

I saw Steve Savage in the shop yesterday morning, we were just chatting and he showed me a photo on his phone...he took of Bert down the beach on the 1st of September...a very nice bass...and... a codling!...I'm not sure who caught what...but it is a nice photo.

I bet Colin was by himself... (30 Sept)

I had this report in yesterday from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony,

I fished dengemarsh Friday and Saturday, arrived to very windy, borderline fishable conditions. I set up two rods with pully pennel rigs loaded with lug and pendulum cast as far as I could through the wind. Had to keep my eye on the lines constantly to stop them getting tangled and avoid getting buried. First fish out was a whiting and then next cast a 2.5 lb codling. Totals for the end of the session were 3 bass all around 30-40cm, 6 whiting, 3 dogfish and 4 codling all around the 2-2.5lb range. Looks like the mountain of bait I ordered did the trick, thanks for the lug and will be down soon. Colin"

As the sun went down... (23 Sept)

I had this report just in from Grant...

"Fished left of power station Sat night , whiting galore with the odd dogfish to whole squid nothing to write home about but caught fish , regard ...Grant Pratten"

Tough going for Neil... (22 Sept)

I had this report in from Neil Rodwell last Night...

"Hi Tony. It was a big fat blank for me today behind the station. The crabs were stripping baits the instant they hit the water. Tried everything from casting short to tying the baits with cotton to make them last longer. Didn't have any floating beads which would have helped I guess but never mind. On a positive note the new rod you sold me is a cracker! Casts well and I'm looking forward to trying it out in the winter. Thanks for the bait as usual as well. Will speak soon. Many thanks. Neil"

Beautiful day yesterday...full sun, with neap tides makes it tough fishing in daylight...but next week we have strong south westerly winds for four days with a rising tides sequence...plenty of 'colour' in the water will we see some unicorns?

Hard work for Steve... (21 Sept)

I had this report in from Steve this morning...

"Thanks for the bait and advice yesterday. My son and I battled through the traffic on the M20 it was good to find you were still open. 

We headed off to behind the power-station ( on your advice) with a car full of  gear. Immediately set up two rods ( of a stack we had brought) both using pennel pulley rigs and then proceeded to set up 'camp'. 

Whilst Jon got the camping stove going with bacon, eggs and sausages I checked the rods. Both baits stripped - was it fish or crabs?

Re-baited both and sent then out again -then the fun started.  The sun was going down and the baits were attracting fish as soon as they were in the water. Both rods were on the go all the time. Every cast on both rods was coming back with fish. All whiting of various sizes, but still fish. There was little point setting up further rods as the two were keeping us both busy.

All baits seemed to work as well, a large whiting was taken on squid out of the freezer. Great evening session. 

We had planned to stay till early hours but by 10.30 it was time to head off. Both tired and a facing 1 1/2 hour drive home. We saw the moon rise behind the lighthouse. 

I have fished into the dark before, but this was the first time I had headed down for a full session in the dark - very worth while. 

Dungeness is a great place to fish, bait is easy to come by and I started off with a cheap rod and reel, some weights (not grip leads and no where near heavy enough but hey) and headed in to Seagull Tackle asking for 'worms'.  Not looked back since.

Be back soon. SH"

Another good turnout DAA Vets (17 Sept)
Thanks to Terry Carpenter of the DAA or the results of our last match (4 Sept)
I have at last posted the results of our last DAA Veterans match with the current league positions... 

 DAA vets next match is on wed 25th at Littlestone. Start fishing at 7.45 pm


A lovely bass for Jack... (16 Sept)
I had this report in from Terry Carpenter of the DAA last night...
"Dungeness Juniors had their September meet today .it was lovely and sunny with a light breeze blowing .The juniors fished Littlestone and had a few whiting & a flounder with the biggest fish going to jack who caught a lovely bass well done to all that fished"


A bit of fun in the sun... (15 Sept)
I had this report in last night from Neil Rodwell...
"Hi Tony. I went back to samphire hoe today for some fun on the light gear. Didn't have anything big but was kept entertained all day with ballan and corkwing wrasse, blennies and pout. Used float, beach casting methods and straight down the wall. All of which worked. No fish on the lures this time. Bait was simply big ragworm which done the trick. Will speak soon. Many thanks. Neil"

You first have to go fishing... (06 Sept)
I saw this report from Simon Newman posted on facebook last night...for all those on social media saying there is no point in going fishing because there is no fish out there...think again...
"Dear Diary. Is this the end of my sole searching season? A session tonight at Hastings with mssrs Tim Knight and Vince Brooks. Tim won the biggest sole sweep with the only sole of the night at 29 cm. It was however a whiting fest... At all ranges within seconds of the bait hitting the water. In reality, any sole there didn't have a chance of getting anywhere near the bait. What was most interesting is that Mr Brooks caught 3....yes THREE codling. Two were very small but one would have been legally a keeper at about 2 lb. Hastings... The new cod mecca on the South Coast. Who'd have thought it aye? (all cod were safely and carefully returned to the sea..... To be caught in nets when slightly bigger)."

Sorry for the late posting... (04 Sept)
I had the results in from Alex Veel of the DAA...sorry for the late posting...

How to catch a nice bass... (01 Sept)
I had this report in this morning from Colin Hemsworth...welcome back Colin nice to see you haven't lost your touch... 

"Hi Tony, I haven’t been fishing for few weeks so was I itching to get out to dengemarsh yesterday. Arrived to slightly choppy conditions and a bit of a breeze, a few other anglers around the car park area. Walked to the spot and set up, two rods one with lug on a sliding ledger rig 3/0 hooks and the other a whole mackerel on a 6/0 pulley pennel rig, the target was bass and then once dark maybe try for a sole. Around HT the big bait rod tip starting nodding and pulled in a nice 55 cm bass which had swallowed the whole mackerel. As night fell I had a few whiting and then on the last cast another 55 cm bass on a whole mackerel, packed up after that and headed home. Thanks for the great bait and will be down soon. Colin"

Seagull open Thursday... (27 Aug)
I have decided as the tides are getting better (and so is the fishing)...and we should have some fresh bait!...to open the shop on Thursday (from 9am till 2pm).

Just fill your boots... (26 Aug)
I saw this posted last night by Alex Veel of the DAA...
"Just back from the match, few Whiting & a single dog carded for those that fished the boards (consolation prize was the Mackerel).
Point, and East off, had better luck with good bags of dogs & Whiting.
Got a few meals & the freezer stocked up 😊 🎣 
Full match results tomorrow." I had a phone call late last night from Anthony out on Peganina as he came back in to Rye harbour he told me the mouth of the river was heaving with mackerel...more than he has ever seen before!

This is a marvelous report... (25 Aug)
I had this report in tonight from Alan...

"Hi Tony 

My first venture down to the beach this year –thought I’d have a go at Galloways for a sole Friday night into Saturday in the settled weather. 

it was a lovely night to be on the beach and once a few fluff chucker left, I seemed to have the place to myself. Although I didn’t catch a sole, it was amazing to see so many stars and I was treated to a superb orange moon rise and later by an awesome red sunrise behind the power station. 

In the evening there had been plenty of mackerel about and it only took seconds to catch a couple to supplement my bait for the night. In the morning I wanted to get half a dozen to take home, so hoped there would still be some about – needn’t have worried.  A large shoal came through making the sea boil as they chased sprats right up onto the beach. The bait ball was so thick that the first couple of casts towards it came back with sprats on each hook – a first for me. As the frenzy came closer there was no need to even cast, just swing the feathers out underarm. Had my quota in no time at all – wish I had brought the fly rod! As I was packing away I witnessed the event again, I took a photo this time, the quality is poor, but you can see how close they were to the beach. 

These days I struggle to fit in trips to the coast, so I really enjoy reading your forecasts and the reports on your website – keep up the good work!! 

Happy days Alan"

What a cracking pair... (25 Aug)
I had this report in from Andy this afternoon...
"43cm & 44cm Sole on consecutive casts, top bait - thanks. Andy"

Fun in the sun...nice bass (24 Aug)
I had this report in from John yesterday...

"Hi.  Caught this bass today at samphire hoe.  I used some mackerel and dropped it over the edge.  Not a long cast.  Really pleased. John."  

DAA match this Sunday...(21 Aug)
I saw this reminder from Alex Veel of the DAA this morning...cracking weather forecast...

"Reminder time....

Our next DAA league match is this coming Sunday(25th).

Sign in is at the gate 3:30pm - 4pm.
Fishing is 5pm - 9pm.
Rover."
🎣🎣🎣

Andrew went fishing...surprize (21 Aug)
I had this report in this morning from Andrew Griffith...
"Hythe Codling last night ‘Kentish Unicorn’ just before HW on black lug. Thanks"

New minimum fish sizes (19 Aug)
The Kent & Essex IFCA have adopted last week new bylaws on fish & shellfish sizes...here is the link to the site...
https://www.kentandessex-ifca.gov.uk/im-interested-in/angling/minimum-sizes/ 

DAA Juniors on the beach today (18 Aug)
I had this report from Terry Carpenter of the Dungeness Angling Association Juniors who had their monthly outing today at Littlestone beach...
"Juniors had their August meet today and they caught eels , whiting, poulting, starry smooth hound, on a lovely breezy morning"

Terry had a 'dangle' himself...nice thornback...should have saved that one for next months 'Veterans' competition...

A good bass day for Neil...(18 August)
I had this report in last night from Neil Rodwell...
"Hi Tony. Had a good day behind the station today. Caught throughout most of the day except for a lull at slack water high tide. Mostly it was school bass throughout the day up to about 40cm. Also had quite a few large dab, a couple of whiting and an eel. Maybe it's a sign of the impending season change what with dab in August who knows. Very enjoyable. Will speak soon. Neil."
This raises some interesting points, the erratic weather, climate change increasing over the last few years has changed the species we catch. All I can say is nobody knows what's round the corner...I will say is the fishing has been brilliant, and all those 'stay at homers' saying there's no fish out there, don't know what they have been missing...sad.

There's plenty about...be lucky (16 August)

I had this report in today from Mick Lewis...

"Hi Tony

15th august. Fished behind the power station @high tide last night. Whiting and half a dozen smallish dabs all taken on worm. thanks for the bait

Mick lewis"

Great sole fishing...and bass (16 August)

I had this report in from Simon Newman this morning...

"Another late night with Tim Knight at Galloways last night. I fished from 9 till 0200 for 4 sole (3 keepers nothing huge), a few bass.... Kept one for tea, dogfish, eels, flounder and a few whiting. I left Tim still fishing with 3 sole and this stonking 7 lb 4 oz shore pb bass which was safely returned after a quick weigh and photo. Well angled Tim, top dangling on a size 4 hook and a heavy surf to contend with."

Seagull open Tomorrow (14 August)

I thought seeing its holiday time I would open the shop tomorrow (Thursday)...better weather forecast and yes I will have Fresh Bait...Cheers Tony.

Nice bag for Richard... (14 August)

I had this report in from Richard Smith in the early hours...

"Thought I would give it a go targeting soles again this evening and glad I did! Arrived at Hythe about 8pm and set up between two other anglers with ample space between them. There was colour in the water but not as good as a few days ago.The tide was coming in and conditions looked good. fished with two rods, both rigged with 2 hook booms and small pieces of fresh lug. Second cast about 40 mins into the session i hooked a decent sole. Kept for a nice meal tomorrow evening.....looking forward to that!
Hooked another about an hour into the session once it had got dark, similar size. That was all for the sole. All other fish consisted of whiting, smoothound pup and an eel. Finished up about 11pm."

Just like Autumn... (14 August)

I had this report in from Terry Barber yesterday...Autumn weather = autumn fish...

"Hi Tony it's Terry here with down on Dungeness beach with my wife tracy barber and you'll never guess what she's just caught a cod can't believe it time was 18.10 and it weighs in 1 and half pound and it was all on dead bait worm speak to you soon terry"

Very nice sole... (09 August)

I had this report in from Simon Newman on Wednesday...

"Nice 45 cm (2lb 2 oz) sole from East Bay last night. Also saw eels, dogfish and only 3 whiting making targeting sole viable!"

Well done young Lady... (09 August)

I had this report in from Terry Barber earlier in the week...

My 13 year old daughter caught this today just now behind the boats it was about 3 or 4 pound is it a smoothhound not sure if it is can u please let me no and that was caught on dead bait Terry...Yes Terry a lovely smoothound...I can't tell if its a 'starry' ( small white stars on the body) we get more of those than 'commons' around here.

My favorite fish...smoothy (08 August)

I had this report in from Ryan at the beginning of the week...

"Good afternoon,

Thought I would send you my fishing report for friday night, first time fishing dungeness and first time fishing solo with my first smoothie the target... Started with a couple of doggies and then the rod started tapping... In it came and made me a happy angler first smoothhound and target fish achieved only a little one but makes no odds to me.. had another but it came off just as I got it shore as well.. will definitely be back again! Ryan Dixon"

Great 'happy snaps' from Tim (07 August)

I had this in from Tim Knight the other day...

Hi Tony, Just thought I’d send over picture of some reasonable fish I had while on holiday in Brittany last week. Mainly black bream, few conger, one sand sole (very similar to our native Dover sole but a different species) and loads of pouting (conger bait!) on one mark. I had three very enjoyable 3 hour sessions topped by a cracking PB black bream of 3lb 7oz.

Some great sole being caught (04 August)

I had this report in this morning from Steve Howkins...

"Good morning Tony, I had these 2 sole on Saturday night from the middle of hythe ranges , biggest one 38cms. Thanks as always for the great bait"

A real sight of summer...(04 August)

I had this report in last night from Neil Rodwell...

"Hi Tony. Apologies for the lack of reports recently as I've been doing a lot of freshwater fishing. I had a few hours this morning at Brighton marina. Managed 5 black bream and 1 pouting. Two were a nice size. Hopefully see you soon as my thoughts will soon turn to autumn and Dungeness. Speak soon. Neil."

Some great fishing for Andrej...(03 August)

I had this report sent in today by Andrej...

"Hi Tony, Hope you are well!
Been fishing by the boats on Thursday with my brother(his first trip in 11 years time lol) High to low tide
Plenty of fish about! Caught 10+ Dog fish , Whiting and a couple of Dover Sole with the biggest of 37cm. It was a great and busy afternoon to be out! Andrej"

Well done Jamie for going...(03 August)

Well done Jamie Pantrey not only did you catch some cracking sole last night, you the first beach report for 12 days...I was beginning to lose faith in beach anglers...

"Hi Tony been a year or so since fishing at Galloways, brilliant last night down there."

DAA Juniors...well done George...(21 July)
I had this report in tonight from Terry Carpenter who runs the Dungeness Angling Association (DAA) Juniors, who had their meet today...
"Daa juniors had their july meet today sun 21st at duneness. It was a bright sunny morning with a nice breeze blowing. Fishing was slow but most caught whitting, with george catching a nice dog fish on his last cast. Well done to the ten who fished."

Tough going for Colin...next time (21 July)
I had this report just in from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony, 

Thanks for the lug yesterday, I headed to Dengemarsh with hopes of a bass with the SW winds.. it was a very quiet day with the crabs out in full force, the hooks were coming back bare even after a few minutes. Luckily had a few whiting as it got dark to save a blank! Will be down soon for another go. Colin"

Best reported this year...so far (21 July)
I had this report in from Paul Joy this morning...
"Hi Tony,had this beast last night,10min before I was leaving, just over 11lb. took me for a 50 yard walk,to land it . Taken less than 15ft from the low Mark,on half mackerel,pulley pennel,and 8/0, sakuma,a new pb for me, I'm over the moon,"

Well done Ben on putting it back (19 July)
I had this report come in last night from Ben...what great fun to end the day...
"I took my friend fishing for the first time, we had absolutely no bites at all for 6 hours then on the last cast... we hooked this beauty on a whole squid! What was more spectacular is that I had set up an 8ft spinning rod with 10lb line and a small j hook for flatties. Put a squid on for a laugh, and got the shock of my life! It took a good while to land it, and it spat the hook on the pebbles! We let it go, after some photos. Lucky last cast aye!"

Hard going for the DAA 'Vets'...(14 July)
Here are the results from last Wednesdays DAA 'Vets' Match...Well done Steve (Foss) Foster...tough going...next match September after the summer break...

A big summer high tide at Dungy...(7 July)
This report came in this afternoon from Ben Webb...

"Hi Tony,

Caught lots of mackerel behind the power station on Saturday. We kept these for dinner and the rest got thrown back to live another day.

Looking up and down the beach, we could see everyone catching. 

Lovely day for it. Thanks for the rigs and bait as usual. Ben"

The DAA Vets...catching well (4 July)
Here are the lasted DAA 'Vets' match results (sorry for the delay) from the 12th of June....next match July 10th 4.30pm. start...

I'm going to need bigger hooks...(1 July)
I saw this posted on social media the other day...from John Bunting of 'Kent Birding Group'...

"UPDATED to include full sequence of images

Not exactly birds, but we were out birding, and there is a birding related story.

Was down at the hides at Dungeness just to see what might be about and get a lay of the land when I saw a distant splash out near the buoy. My first thought was maybe a cormorant or gull making a hash of a landing, or something else diving in. So I kept the camera pointed on the general vicinity to try and capture it coming back up out of the water. And what a surprise... Well it could be classed as flying... Bet it doesn't count as a tick. :)

Thresher Shark.

The moral is,

if you see a splash, don't take it for granted!

Tuesday 25th June 2019 0649GMT"

A lovely summer sole...(28 June)
I had this report in late last night from Kenneth England...
"Off the Scale"...just the picture...nothing else, venue etc...but it is a beautiful fish.

A great June trip for Mike...(24 June)
I had this report in from Mike Shine on Sunday after his trip down on Friday...don't believe the 'keyboard' fishermen, the fishing has been great...you could be in for a surprise...

"Hello Tony

Thanks for the bait at short notice on Friday - as usual this was of top quality. I did not really expect from a spur of the moment trip however had a very successful day. I had the beach much to myself and from the first cast to the last landed over 12 fully grown doggies as well as a number of good size whiting. High tide brought the weed but also the Bass (all returned) so all in all a great day out. See you soon. Mike"

Beautiful day at the 'Hoe'...(24 June)
I had this report in from Neil Rodwell Saturday night...
"Hi Tony. Went back to samphire hoe today as the weather was just right for this venue. Had the usual small wrasse and pout and 1 dogfish. Used a mixture of rag, feathers and lures catching on all. Nice day to be down by the sea. Will speak soon. Many thanks. Neil."

A cracking sole for Kris...(21 June)
I had this report from Kris Hatton a couple of days ago (almost missed it)...

"Had ago at dymchurch on the 14th in the day time did not think I would get much but had PB sole for me and a ray with loads of doggies and whiting.

Then went fishing today same mark only the one ray but really happy!!!"

Sunday is for enjoying yourself...(18 June)
Another photo from Luke Jeffery from last Sundays session..."And this was the pic of the other flatty caught on Sunday 16 June"

Big waves...strong winds = fish...(18 June)
I had this report in yesterday from Luke Jeffery...

"Hi there got some great bait off of you in the morning and though out the day after some pretty strong winds and big waves managed to pull out a lovely dogfish and a small flatly, thank you once again. Many thanks Luke"

Loads of fish for the Juniors...(17 June)

I had this report in from Shirley Codling (AKA Alex Whittlesea) of the DAA Junior meeting at the weekend...

"Hi Tony,

Had a great day with the juniors at Dungeness. Over 20 dogfish, a plaice, a flounder, a rockling, a starry smooth hound and a few whiting was the catch. 

Many thanks Shirl"

A cracking sole for Colin...(16 June)
I had great report in from Colin Hemsworth this morning who had a nice session in the west bay on Saturday...

"Hi Tony,

I fished Dengemarsh yesterday, conditions were good with light SW winds which stirred up the water a bit and gave it a bit of colour. Arrived for HT and set up two rods loaded with lug, first cast produced a dogfish and had loads more throughout the session. Also had a few bass and whiting. Sent out a running ledger rig loaded with lug for a bass and noticed the rod tip nodding away, reeled in and was very happy to find a 45 cm, 2lb sole hooked on a 2/0 top pennel hook. After this I tied some sole rigs with smaller hooks but that was it for the day apart from more dogfish and whiting. Thanks for the lovely lug and will be down soon. Colin"

Well done Gavin...more fish...(15 June)
I saw these results of last weekends DAA match...posted by Alex Veel...

As long as you enjoy yourself... (11 June)
I had this report in today from Johnny Boone...
"Paid dungeness a visit Sunday only six fish caught enjoyed the day none the less two dogfish, two whiting one flounder and a first for me at dungeness a small smoothhound"

Then the bass turned up... (11 June)
I had this report come in yesterday from Jamie Mitchell...

"Fished Dungeness right in front of that big wooden box thingy, started at 1:30 just before high tide and got first 2 hours nothing not even a bite, then the bass started biting was using lug and sandeels combo. Jamie" 

Colin...doing it the hard way (10 June)

I had this report in Sunday from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony,

I fished near the station yesterday and with the weather bass was the target, I parked up and arrived to an empty beach. The wind was really blowing and after getting the shelter up and weighing down the tripod sent out a pulley rig loaded with lug, I decided against setting up two rods, even one was ambitious for a while. First fish was a schoolie just before ht when it got a bit tougher to hold ground. The action picked up again late afternoon with two more bass and by this time the wind had calmed down a bit. As It got dark I had a flounder which was in very good condition and then the best bass of the day at 44 cm before packing up and heading home. Many thanks for the lug and will see you soon. Colin"

When it goes wrong, really wrong (10 June)
I had this report in from Neil Rodwell Saturday night...
"Hi Tony. Thanks for the bait today. We all have bad days and today's was mine. My only fishing window was Saturday during the day so looked for somewhere out of the wind. Started fishing behind the boats to get out of the strong south westerly even though the wind on my back was difficult to deal with. Started with the rods on the tripod up high to avoid the waves but this caused problems with the seagulls diving on the food items washed up by the sea so had to have the lines down low. Managed to cut the skin off my knuckle with a pair of scissors when I was blown off balance by a sudden gust of wind and then later on broke a rod while casting out. I finally gave up when the lead was being beached by the tide around 2:30. Managed a handful of school bass throughout so at least I saved a blanked! I'll be in soon to buy a new rod as the old one literally splintered beyond repair. Thanks again for the bait and will speak soon. Many thanks. Neil."

Reminder, 'Vets' match next week (8 June)
Here are the results from the last 'Vets' match ( 29th May)...the next round is next Wednesday June 12th start 6.15pm. Well done Cliff Furr in tough conditions.

A change can make a difference... (2 June)
I had this report in tonight from Alex Whittlesea (AKA Shirley Codling)...
"Hi Tony 

Stayed local Friday evening in search of a Bass or two.

No Bass, so switched tactics for a ray and 30 minutes later found one of 7Lbs 2ozs 

All the best, Shirl."

The 'silver' sea (full of bass)... (2 June)

I had this report in from Colin Hemsworth this morning...

"Hi Tony,

I fished dengemarsh yesterday and arrived mid afternoon to lovely conditions. As I walked to the spot passed a few anglers who kindly donated some rag and lug told me they’d had a few bass around 4lb. Set up quickly and got the baits out but which came back bare, I could see lots of small bait fish jumping and wondered if they were stripping the baits but reeled in a crab leg attached to the hook so tried something different and put out a float rig to get the bait off the floor which worked well with the tide going out and flat sea. The first fish was a bass about 30cm which came on the blow lug you gave me and that was it in the daylight. As soon as the sun started to go down the whiting came out and had 6 of various sizes until packing up at 11. A very nice day on the beach and many thanks for the great lug as well. Will be down soon, Colin."

Samphire Hoe with the sun out... (2 June)
I had this report in from Neil Rodwell who was out yesterday...
"Hi Tony. Went back to samphire hoe to look for more pollack today. Only found one on the lure but had 30 odd fish again mainly including ballan and corkwing wrasse, pout and blennies. The action didn't stop all day. Bait was just rag again. Will speak soon. Many thanks. Neil."

Don't forget DAA Vets Wednesday (27 May)
I saw this the other day from Terry Carpenter...
"Dungeness Veterans fishing wed 29th at 7pm at littlestone wall"...Arsenal are playing Chelsea, the final of the 'Europa' cup...kick off 8pm...for me Arsenal won!

Clear water, rising tide...= crabs (26 May)
I had this report in from Colin Hemsworth this morning...

"Hi Tony,

I fished dengemarsh yesterday, all in all a quiet day for me. I arrived at low tide to calm conditions, clear water and light winds, at first the crabs weren’t too bad but as the tide turned the baits were getting stripped and had a few snipped/damaged snoods, I’ll have to start using floating beads until the crabs clear off. The only fish of the day was a bass caught fairly far out on lug, the wind direction switched after midday to a light SW breeze but not enough to give the water a good stir to bring in more bass. Also had a dogfish as night fell and after that packed up. Thanks for the good lug and will be down soon. Colin"

Neil having fun in the sun... (26 May)
I had this report in last night from Neil Rodwell...
"Hi Tony. Had a fun day down samphire hoe today. Armed with just ragworm and a couple of lure rods I lost count of the amount of fish I had including Ballan wrasse, corkwings, goldsinney, pouting, blenny, and Pollack right at the end of about a pound. Was also treated to an aerial display by a spitfire all day to add to the enjoyment. May have got a bit burnt but walked away happy. Will speak soon. Regards. Neil."

Great to see the juniors having fun (19 May)
I had this report in this afternoon from Terry Carpenter of the DAA...
"DAA juniors had there may meet today at Littlestone on rather grey & breezy sunday morning.
Eight young fisherfolk caught dogfish and smoothhounds no whitting turned up
but the juniors enjoyed a nice mornings fishing."

Neil's battling with the crabs... (19 May)
I had this report in last night from Neil Rodwell...spider crabs give me the 'willies'...
"Hi Tony. I had an away day at Brighton today. Used lug, squid and bluey looking for Ray's and bream. Managed two plaice the size of my hand and a dab. The good news is the may rot looks like it is subsiding however the crabs are out in force. I saw a few mackerel coming to feathers as well. Will speak soon. Many thanks. Neil" 

Best bass reported to date... (19 May)
I had a customer pop in this morning (James Ellis) to pick up some bait and he told me last Sunday he had a good day at Dungeness, best fish a bass of 8lb 12oz, he showed me a photo on his phone I asked James to copy it to me...here it is...beautiful fish best I have had reported this year...so far! 

It didn't put the fish off... (13 May)

I had this report in last night from Neil Rodwell...

"Hi Tony. I fished behind the station today just to the right of the boil. Had a small flounder in close to begin with then it went quiet. Had to deal with may rot most of the day but it didn't put the fish off. In the afternoon it came alive with bass up to 2lb coming in along with more flounder up to a pound and an eel. Packed up around 4. All fish came on black lug. Cheers for the bait and will speak soon. Regards. Neil."

Tough going for Neil... (07 May)

I had this report in this morning from Neil Rodwell...

"Hi Tony. Got a double report for you from this weekend. Went Norman's Bay in east sussex on Saturday. Conditions were tough with the sea an orangy yellow colour from all the may rot. Managed to scratch out dogfish and a rockling. Today I went samphire hoe with a bit of lure fishing in mind. Again it was tough with just the one wrasse to show for my efforts. I don't know what it is but I'm really struggling this year so far. Hopefully it picks up later in the year. Its not through lack of trying! Lol. Will speak soon. Regards. Neil."

Disappointing turnout for match... (06 May)
I had this report in last night from Alex Veel of the DAA...

"Hi Tony, Please find attached todays results and updated league table....

Cheers Alex"

Cracking early bass session... (05 May)

I had this report in this evening from Arkam Belhouchet...

"Hi Tony

Plenty of bass showing up yesterday.squid sorted the good ones out( 6 sizable)"

Plenty of fish and May rot... (05 May)

I had this report in this morning from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony,

I fished Dengemarsh yesterday, arrived a few hours before HT and set up two rods loaded with fresh lug. Conditions were wet and windy at times, but casting was fine with the NE winds, the sea on the other hand was like soup with all the rot in the water which stuck to the line in globules and caused a lot of drag. Fishing was a bit quiet to start but picked up, first catch was a whiting and a bass, followed by dogfish, flounder, plaice, another bass a dab and more whiting. All fish were close in on lug. Thanks for the great lug and will be down soon. Colin" 

DAA match this Sunday... (02 May)

I saw this post from Alex Veel of the DAA...

Reminder time....

Our next DAA league match is this coming Sunday (5th). This is the replacement fixture for the cancelled match on 21st April.

Sign in is at the gate 9:30am - 10am. We will then drive round in convoy to the overspill carpark & fish behind the Powerstation. This will be a pegged match.
Fishing is 11am - 3pm.

Vets results & standings... (26 April)

Last Wednesdays Vets match (round 4) fished at Littlestone wall...the 4th round of the DAA Veterans Series great turnout with 13 fishing. Weather, a bit more breezy than the forecast ...at least the rain held off...well done Mr Wells showing the way...

Spring bass are back...(23 April) 

I had this report in last night from Shaun Brough...

"Hi Tony:

I hope you are well. A couple of catch reports for you and your readers from over the bank holiday weekend. 

We fished up to the midday high tide on Good Friday. Caught a nice bass first cast 1.5lbs (returned) and then nothing for the rest of the session.

Returned on Saturday night and had two bass (the best 2lb) and four whiting. Pic of the biggest bass attached.

Plenty of bass about over the past year and it seems those EU rules are improving stocks. Please can you remind us what the rules are at the moment (it’s one per session and has to be 42 cm I think?).

All fish fell to lug. The tide ran strong and it was hard to hold the bottom (even with 200 grm/7oz grapple leads). Any tips on how to keep the bait out there in strong tides would be greatly received. Best Shaun B"

Yes Shaun, you are right from the first of April till the thirty first of October you are allowed to retain one bass over 42 centimetre per day. 

Holding bottom can be a challenge, try walking 'uptide' a bit before you cast (if you have space), don't over tighten your line, allow a bigger 'belly' of line just above the waves to stop you being dragged in. If you still have a big problem try shortening your cast to reduce tidal pressure on your line...some day's on a big spring tide with heavy surf the sea wins.

Look at your tackle, what line do you use? a lighter thinner main line, say 15lb will reduce tidal pressure, then a twenty foot shock leader will act like a 'chain on a anchor' this will help you hold bottom, I hope this helps.   

Reminder for the DAA 'Vets' (22 April)

This Wednesday 24th April...the 4th round of the DAA Veterans Series. Fishing 1.30pm to 4.30pm meet at 1pm at Littlestone Wall, high tide 15.07, weather forecast, a bit more breezy southerly wind and light cloud cover.

Great weather for the Juniors (22 April)

I had this report in last night from Terry Carpenter of the DAA with his report of the Juniors match...

"The Daa Juniors had their april meet today.

We had 11young fisher folk. fishing behind fairchance on a lovely sunny morning .
All caught fish mainly doggies with a couple of whitting and rockling.
Well done to all that fished"

Good fishing in spite of 'may water' (21 April)

I had this report from Becky Lee Hodges fishing yesterday...

"So at it again today this time at Dengemarsh. Lots of tide and quite a bit of may weed. Still had 7 bass three sizeable and two flounder. Nice tan, a warm day and a few fish."

You just don't know what's next...(21 April)

I had this report in this morning from Alan Mills...

"Fished Pevensey Bay last night, not seen this before, 2 thornies on the same bait"

Beautiful mackerel weather...(20 April)

I had this report in this morning from Neil Rodwell...

"Hi Tony. Thanks for the bait today. I fished denge marsh from 10am to 5:30pm. Fished with 3 rods using lug, sandeels and herring. No bites for most of the day but managed a solitary flounder at 4:30 and that was it. Someone next to me had a string of mackerel so they must be about! The may weed and bright conditions didn't make it easy but saved a blank anyway. Also got the tan going for this year as well! Will speak soon. Many thanks. Neil" 

What a beautiful baby...(20 April)

I had this report in this evening from Robert Broad...I had this report in this evening from Robert Broad...fishing Friday on the 'wooden walkway'...

"Was a nice sunny day. Me and Lee had 6 or so whiting a small plaice and the smallest thornback Ive ever seen."

More flatties in the sun...(20 April)

I had this report in from Tony Holland this afternoon...

"Good afternoon Tony,

Well we hit that Southeast beach again,a bit slower today with 6 plaice between us all,the best of the day this cracking 1lb 2oz plaice caught on lug which fell to Brian Huggins."

In front of the power station...(14 April)

I had this report in from today from Simon Drury...

"Late report fished Thursday near station 2 nice bass plus flounders, whiting, ling, plaice"

Plenty of fun in the sun...(13 April)

I had this report in this evening from Tony Holland...

"Hello again

Following on from last weeks catch of plaice on a beach near Eastbourne,we thought we try again in the same plaice(ooh that's corny)

This time 8 plaice up to 1lb 5oz and a few small whiting,a few plaice for my angling friends and a descent flounder as well. All the best Tony"

Open all Easter...(13 April)

Not many anglers about, but it is a bank holiday next week so I will be in taking deliveries on Thursday for the weekend. Opening times, we will be open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday Monday. I have had my first delivery of 'new season' sand eels from 'AMMO'...lets hope we see a few anglers on the beach looking for a early bass!!

A nice mixed bag for Mick...(13 April)

I had this report in today from Mick Reynolds...

"Hi tony fished dengemarsh Thursday only 4 anglers, John Brian and myself caught rockling whiting dogfish flounder to 33cms and plaice to 37cms not a bad day, cheers mick"...4 anglers...that's busy! 

DAA match posponed...(12 April)

I had this in from Alex Veel of the DAA this morning...

*** Sunday 21st April match cancelled ***

Please be aware that our next league match scheduled for 21st April has now been cancelled.

This match has now been re-scheduled for Sunday 5th May.
High tide: 12:01pm (7.37m)
Fishing: 11am - 3pm, pegged at Powerstation.

Hope to see as many of you there as possible 

Tony went south on Saturday...(08 April)

I had this report in this morning from Tony Holland...

"Hi Tony
We had a brilliant trip today(sat)near Eastbourne,between the two of us we had 12 plaice from small up to 2lb 3oz,3 doggies and a very summery starry smoothound or two and even a couple of schoolie bass."

Good Turnout Sundays match (08 April)

I had this in last night from Alex Veel of the DAA...yesterdays match result...

"Hi Tony, Todays match results & updated league table attached...Cheers Al"

Darryl out on manoeuvres...(08 April)

I had this report in from Darryl last night...

"Hi Tony, fished low tide by Hythe ranges Saturday morning had 2 nice bass couple of Rays and a few dog fish. Thanks Darryl Nicholas."

The 'Diamond' points the way...(07 April)

I had this report in from Colin Hemsworth this morning...

"Hi Tony,

I fished dengemarsh yesterday and arrived to fairly calm conditions with NE winds. Set up a few hours before HT with two rods both with lug and alternating one rod with bluey wraps in the hopes of a Ray. First fish was a plaice about 30cm, followed by another and a few flounder, in the daylight most of the fish came at distance. As the light was fading I saw a familiar tap on the rod tip and was happy to reel in my first bass of the year, after that I went all in for another and fished two rods with lug close in but that was my lot apart from a rockling. Thanks for the great lug and will be down soon, Colin." 

Clear seas at Galloways...(07 April)

I had this report in from Wayne Beale last night...

"Hi Tony...hope you are well.

An early start for me today.....got to Galloways about 7am,hoping to pump a few worms on LW.

The sand bank was cut off by a wide gully about 15yds across, and too deep to wade through. So a detour round to Dunge and pumped 100 good worm in just over an hour. Then bak to galloways. I knew it was going to be a tough day from the start....what with the NE breeze. Took my time setting up....started fishing about 10.30am.

Two rods...2 hook flappers baited and cast over the sand bank.about 60yds...first fish an hour before HW....a nice little Bass...result,

Then all quiet till after HW, when i a had single Whiting.I was expecting maybe a fish or two on the ebb...and wasnt disappointed.....first a Flounder.....this followed by another Flounder half hour later.

3 hours into the ebb...and a nice pull down....resulting in a decent Plaice.....packed up about just after 4pm.

I was happy with the outcome.....considering the NE and clear water conditions.....however it was warm enough to take my shirt off and start on this years tan.

Another chap just up from me went biteless...as did a couple of others further along.

Plenty of bait left for another session on Monday.

Re-newed my DAA membership ready for the DAA vets league.....i become eligable in May. LOL

Thoroughly enjoyable. Take care  Wayne Beale 

PS...A Mackerel washed up on the beach....are they starting to show???"

Yes Wayne we are getting mackerel on the boats in the bay...it won't be long till they hit the beach...

Plenty of fresh air for Paul...(05 April)

I had this report in this evening from Paul Banyard...

"Hi Tony had 5 hrs at jury’s gap today from 9:30 on wards very quiet on the catching front only got 1 small plaice had more action moving from shore line to half way up the slip way. But still it’s always good to when you’ve got your line out. 

Thanks Paul"

Great turnout for the 'Vets'...(28 March)

Here are the results from yesterdays DAA 'Vets' match...great turnout...hard going, but good fun. Well done everybody.

Tough going in the sun...(26 March)

I had Sunday's DAA match report sent in by Alex Veel...

"Hi Tony,

Please find attached a copy of todays results & the updated league table...

Half a dozen Plaice & a couple of Flounders caught.

Cheers Al"

The sun shines on Steve...(25 March)

I saw this posted by Steve Harvey...

"Tough day on the parade ...managed to Weedle on out ...some will say it was a fluke" ...no Steve...pure skill in choosing the right bait when the going is tough! 

The result...

Hythe SAC results after a very tough day.
1st Stephen Echo Harvey 1 fish 100pts
2nd Dorian Partridge 1 fish 38pts
3rd Paul Mortlock 1 fish 12pts 

Heaviest fish. Stephen Harvey Plaice 43cm 100pts.

Cracking three days for Becky...(24 March)

A great three day report from Becky Lee came in yesterday...

"3 x 12 = 41 Well I know the maths is off but the fishing certainly hasn’t been. My target has been Thornback Rays these last three evenings. I have only fished for 12 odd hours in three nights but the fishing has been immense. Wednesday evening Arrived 1.5 hours before low and fished until 2.5 hours after. Baits were Bluey provided as always by Eazybait - Tim Knight. First two casts produced two fish and then it went quite for an hour until low and on the first of the flood 9 fish in the last 2 hours. Only one smaller one of about 4lb, all the rest were over 5lb most between 6-7lb and three around 9lb. Thursday evening Well all I can say here is in 21 casts I had 20 fish and dropped one on the way in. An unbelievable session again all on Bluey. The rays were ravenous and were smashing baits and pulling the rods right over and on a few occasions out of the tripods. Best ray of the night went to David Harrington of 10lb 11oz amongst his 8. Friday evening Well expectations were high again however the ebb tide did not produce the fish as the previous night and the ray bites were a lot more tentative and not as fierce. Managed one Ray of 7lb ish before low and dropped two others. The tide was huge and went off miles and as soon as low hit so did the fish. As the tide began to turn I managed 10 rays and dropped another 3. Some good fish but no monsters most again 6-7lb with a few around the 5lb bracket. Tonight was the only night I took some for the table (6) the rest from the previous sessions went back alive. Overall an amazing 3 sessions with great company and my personal photographer Dave Harrington. 41 Rays in 3 sessions has completely knackered me out. Time for a rest now. Hope you all enjoy the pictures." (So many cracking photos, I chose this one...one of the best!)

DAA reminder, Vets match...(22 March)

Another reminder from the DAA, this time from Terry Carpenter, next Vets match is...

"Next DAA Vets match is on Wed 27th march at 2pm"

If I remember...I will Turn up!

DAA reminder, League match...(22 March)

Looking good for the weekend...here is a reminder from Alex Veel...

"Our next DAA league match is this coming Sunday (24th).

Sign in is at the gate 9:30am - 10am. We will then drive round in convoy to the overspill carpark & fish behind the Powerstation.
Fishing is 11am - 3pm.
Hopefully this settled weather will gave brought the Plaice back into the bay"

DAA Juniors...brave it out...(12 March)
I had this report in Sunday night from Terry Carpenter...well done Terry tough conditions for the youngsters... 
"Dungeness Juniors had their meet today Sun 10 march on a very windy morning .
9 brave juniors fished Littlestone for not a great reward only rockling caught but every one managed to catch.
Good to see 2 new faces at this meet, thanks to all that fished
Next meet is Sun 21st April (yes Easter Sunday so you can bring your Easter eggs ) meet at pilot pub car park at 10.4am"

Tough conditions...big bags...(10 March)
Just had these results in from Paul Jarrett of last nights Southern Circuit Sea Angling Society match at Dungeness...

"Result from match 3 at Dungeness - 09/03/19

15 members fished, Whiting, Dogfish, Dabs, Rockling and Thornback Rays     weighed in

Well done to Becky Lee Hodges for winning the match

1. Becky Lee Hodges - 20 fish, 27lb 8.5ozs
2. Michael Ferrier - 23 fish, 24lb 8.5ozs
3. Keith Neame - 15 fish, 23lb 13.5ozs
4. Sam Collier - 22 fish, 22lb 7.5ozs
5. Steve Richards - 18 fish, 19lb 10ozs
6. Dave Sales - 15 fish, 15lb 10ozs
7. Les Bates - 14 fish, 14lb 15.5ozs
8. Stephen Foster - 12 fish, 14lb 11ozs
9. Wesley Cheeseman - 12 fish, 13lb 14ozs
10. Paul Jarrett - 14 fish, 13lb 2.5ozs
11. Ashley Brown - 15 fish, 12lb 4.5ozs
12. Philip Underdown - 9 fish, 9lb 3ozs
13. Alan Jarrett - 9 fish, 5lb 8.5ozs
14. Tony Taylor - 4 fish, 2lb 1ozs
15. Jay Hill - 0 fish

Heaviest fish - 8lb 15.5oz Thornback Ray, Becky Lee Hodges"

The new 'flat' cod in rough seas (10 March)

I had this report in this morning from Becky Lee on messenger...breezy...but cracking fishing...

"Well happy with last night fishing Dungeness in first southern circuit match from 7pm to midnight. 5 rays landed there with lots of dogfish and a few decent Whiting too. Fozz has the first ray of 5lb +, then Michael Ferrier landed one of 6-7lb, then an hour later I managed to get one on worm of all baits at 8lb 15 (biggest fish) and next cast one of 5lb +, the. Keith managed one half hour later of about 7-8lb. A very good match with some nice fish rather than just dogfish. Oh a and free bait too. Was a nice evening except for the last hour where it chucked it down. Ended up with 29lb so well chuffed. Loads of ebb tide and even fixed wires were struggling to hold at one point."

A nice away day for Neil... (10 March)

I had this report in last night from Neil Rodwell...

"Hi Tony. I decided on pevensey bay today to take advantage of the mid day tide. Quite windy but not too bad and stayed dry. Had flounder, plaice, whiting and bass. The plaice had somehow deep throated both of the size 1 hooks so getting them out was a challenge. All the fish came on the flood with 1 decent flounder at slack water and the bites dried up on the ebb with baits coming back in tact so called it quits around 3. Looking forward to getting back to dungy. Will speak soon. Regards. Neil."

Summers coming... (08 March)

I had this report in from Simon Drury today... 

"Friday afternoon on the isle of Grain. Caught by Dave he also had two smaller one"

Some like it hot... (08 March)

I had this photo in from Andrew Elsey...from some where nice and hot...

"Hi Tony just thought send u this pic of a puffer fish. In marsa alam Egypt last week" 

DAA Juniors match, Sunday (04 March)

I had this delayed report from Terry Carpenter of the DAA Juniors of the Juniors match on the 23rd Feb...and a reminder that the next Juniors 'get together' is this Sunday 10th March at the 'Pilot' (meet from 10.45)...

"Just back from Juniors fishing.12 young anglers fished behind jerrys boat on a lovely sunny morning. Nathaniel caught his 1st fish a lovely 39cm bass on his 1st try at sea fishing others caught dogfish whiting dabs, well done all that fished"

Mixed bag for Neil...( 03 March)

I had this report in this morning from Neil Rodwell...

"Hi Tony. Cheers for the bait today. I fished the wooden walkway from 10 to 3. Had 2 dabs, a rockling a whiting and a dogfish. The porpoises were close in today within casting distance which may have hampered the fishing a bit but I still managed to find a few. Most fish came to lug tipped with squid. Will speak soon. Many thanks. Neil."

Colin doing the 'hard yards'...( 28 Feb)

I had this report in from Colin Hemsworth Tuesday night...very tough conditions at the weekend, 'flat calm' and 'gin clear' but I would have thought it would have got better after dark...but that's fishing.. 

"Hi Tony,

I fished Dengemarsh on Saturday, it was all lining up- fairly big tides, great fresh lug and lovely weather but unfortunately on the day the fish didn’t really show up. I arrived about 10am and set up hoping for a plaice or even a early bass, tried close in to far out, different rigs, beads, fish baits but nothing was biting. I hoped as night fell it would liven up, I was waiting a good while till I had my first fish, a tiny whiting, followed by a few more and a rockling, never been so happy to see a slug! I packed up around 10pm and headed home, at least it wasn’t a blank though! Thanks for the great lug and will be down soon for another go. Colin"

Thanks for the memory...( 26 Feb)

I had this in from Alex Veel...It brought back a nice memory of that DAA match...I can remember Alex and Gavin 'jumping around' in excitement, they are too young to remember a good beach cod. I think it went 9.5 lb, three were caught in the match but that was the biggest weighed in.

"Hi Tony,

Been looking over old pictures & stumbled across these...thought you might like to see them.

Doesn't feel like 5yrs ago! 

Went over 9lb & won heaviest fish if my memory serves me correctly :)

Speak soon. Cheers Alex" 

Plenty of rays moving in...( 22 Feb)

I had this great report in from Dave Harrington this morning...

"Hi Tony. 
Had a little session with Becky Lee at Dymchurch last night.
We got there just before dark & set up 2 rods each & with no wind & a nice calm sea everything look spot on. I was using a Pulley Rig on 1 rod & an up & over rig on the other rod. Becky was using up & over rigs on both her rods. I had Bluey & Launce with me & Becky had both as well as Herring.
Becky was the first to have a bite on her first cast, but missed it. Then it was quite until just after low when the tide just started to move & I had a nice slack line bite which resulted in a nice plump Ray of between 8-9lb (second photo). Becky then followed that up with a couple of Rays around the 5lb mark & I had the usual Dogfish. After about an hour I had another slack line bite which resulted in another small Ray around the 4-5lb mark. Becky had another Ray around the same weight & after that it went quiet again. 
We ended up with 5 Rays, 5 Dogs & only 1 solitary Whiting. 
A good night with a good friend."

Old bait...its all down to the smell ( 20 Feb)

I had this report in this morning from James Webster...

"Hi Tony. Fished back of the boats from midday Tuesday with really old lug and squid - been in and out of the freezer over a two year period.

Only one small dab until it started getting darker, which coincided with low tide. Then it was fish every cast on three hook flappers with lug tipped squid. Double or triple shots of small dabs on the smaller size 2's and dogfish on the 1/0's. Nothing sizeable worth keeping so all returned except this 5lb thornback.

A very busy and enjoyable evening under a beautifully moonlit, starry sky, with a seal cruising the surf a few feet out for good measure.

Got home and scrubbed my hands with bleach - still smelling in the morning, but happy memories."

Well done Terry...a right pirate( 19 Feb)

Here are the results from last Wednesday's 'Veterans' match moved to 'Pirate Springs' due to sea defence work at Littlestone...with the standings after round two thanks to Terry Carpenter...

Phil...shows them the way...( 19 Feb)

I had this report of Sundays DAA match in from Alex Veel...

"Hi Tony,

Today's results & league table attached...Cheers Alex"

A bit of a flat day for Colin...( 18 Feb)

I had this cracking report in today from Colin Hemsworth...around the point totally packed...Dengemarsh deserted...

"Hi Tony,
I fished Dengemarsh on Saturday and after a bit of a break it was good to be out on the beach. Bait was frozen lug and squid which have been in my freezer for about a year. I arrived to a deserted beach with no one in sight and walked to the spot, really calm conditions with very light Sw winds. It was slow going at first with baits coming back untouched until the first fish in the afternoon, a nice flounder. With the tide on the rise more fish started to bite, I noticed the rod tip twitching and reeled in to feel a bit of weight and even a good tug from the other end on the fairly stiff zippy so I hoped for something sizeable. A good sized plaice appeared out of the surf, after that a few more flounder then as it got dark it was dab after dab and and not a single whiting caught all session! A really enjoyable day on the beach and looking forward to spring, will be down for another go soon. Colin"

Beautiful weather...well done...( 18 Feb)

I had this great report from Natassja yesterday...

"Hi Tony,

I fished with my dad between the lighthouses on Friday until 5pm. We caught 4 dabs and 1 plaice. We returned 3 of the dabs because they were too small. At lunch time we fell asleep and the man next to us had to wake my dad up because the tide was coming in. Before we left I took this photo of the sunset. 

Natassja, aged 10"

DAA latest newsletter...( 17 Feb)

I have had people asking about the latest Dungeness Angling Association news letter, I saw that Alex Veel of the DAA had posted the newsletter on facebook...here it is...

"Afternoon all,

Please find attached the latest DAA newsletter for Winter '18/'19...."

DAAnewsletter2019.pdf

Great weights for February...( 17 Feb)

I had this report in from Paul Jarratt of yesterdays Southern Sea Angling Society match yesterday at Dungen I had this report in from Paul Jarratt of yesterdays Southern Sea Angling Society match yesterday at Dungeness...

"Result from match 2 at Dungeness - 16/02/19

18 members fished, Whiting, Dogfish, Pouting, Dabs and Rockling weighed in

Well done to Robert Bates for winning the match

1. Robert Bates - 31 fish, 23lb 2ozs
2. Keith Neame - 29 fish, 18lb 5.5ozs
3. Michael Ferrier - 22 fish, 17lb 14ozs
4. Les Bates - 24 fish, 17lb 11.5ozs
5. Neil Creed - 28 fish, 15lb 5ozs
6. Dave Sales - 27 fish, 14lb 8ozs
7. Paul Jarrett - 37 fish, 13lb 12.5ozs
8. Wesley Cheeseman - 36 fish, 13lb 9ozs
9. Ashley Brown - 28 fish, 13lb 1ozs
10. Philip Underdown - 54 fish, 12lb 12ozs
11. Stephen Foster - 15 fish, 10lb 12ozs
12. Steve Richards - 22 fish, 10lb 7ozs
13. Lewis Clarke - 21 fish, 10lb 0.5ozs
14. Tony Taylor - 25 fish, 8lb 4ozs
15. David Simon Bullock - 26 fish, 7lb 12ozs
16. Alan Jarrett - 22 fish, 7lb 5ozs
17. Jay Hill - 14 fish, 3lb 2.5ozs
18. Louis Clarke - 10 fish, 2lb 12.5ozs

Heaviest fish - 1lb 15.5oz Dogfish, Michael Ferrier"

Behind the station with Neil...( 17 Feb)

I had this in from Neil Rodwell last night...

"Hi Tony. Fished from 10 till 4:30 today. Managed 5 dabs. It was quite hard going with all the fish coming as the ebb tide started to deteriorate at low water. All the fish came to frozen lug tipped with mackerel strips at range. They seemed to be taking baits from longer hook snoods instead of the usual flapper rigs. Quite a mild day on the shore with not much wind and some sunshine peeking through the mist. I even spent the afternoon with my jacket off! Thanks for the bait today. See you again soon. Many thanks. Neil"

Hooked for life?...( 16 Feb)

I had this report in from Sam Jarvis this morning...

"Hi mate sorry its late, report from last weekend.
Took Devan beach fishing for the first time and he pulled in a lovely big dab i think, which we took home and he cooked and enjoyed himself. Not Bad for only 9 years old. Think ive got him hooked!"

Flattie fest for Dave...( 15 Feb)

I had this report in from Dave Kingsman tonight...

"Hi Tony,

Lovely weather this week and Flattie fishing at Dungy was calling.

No chance of fresh worms this week so I ventured down the Walkway with frozen blacks, squid, Blueys and spratts. 

Started off fairly slow but started picking up decent sized Dabs as the tide turned.

Great bite then landed 37cm Flounder along with a 28cm Dab double shot.

Steady stream of good size Dabs followed. Only 1 x Whiting as well.

A very enjoyable day."

Today on Greatstone beach...(15 Feb)

I had this photo reported by Terry Carpenter today...

We have had a lot of fresh water last week pouring out of the river Rother last week...look what's washed around the 'point'...sorry Terry its not a cod...its a pike!

Valentines at Dungeness...(15 Feb)

I had this report in from Wayne Beale...

"Hi Tony,

Well, what a difference a few days make in the sea angling world!

Fished the tide up at Dungeness on a beautiful sunny Valentine's day. Fished half way between the two sets of boats...with the new rod i won at the WDC on Sunday....a 15' Daiwa Seahunter Z... Bait was fresh blow Lug, Sprat,and cockles....bites from the off.......double shots of  plump Dab!

Not many Whiting at first, but had a few in the bright conditions, plus a couple of Rockling.

Fished until 8pm...ended with 16 Dab, 20 Whiting and 4 Rockling...a beautiful day and evening...and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Nothing of any size....but size doest matter (does it? LOL)...a great days fishing.

Plaice should start to show soon.....cant wait.

Regards Wayne"

As night follows day...(12 Feb)

I had this report in from Mafia Muziq yesterday...its a funny old fishing world...hard to find a dab in the WDC match (well done Becky-Lee finding six) and later the same day they come on the feed...

"We fished Hythe me and my boy and mate lanzo and his boy it was a beautiful night to be dabbling around bait used sticky week old blacks had about 4 pin whitings all returned it was dabs all night"

Becky Lee...a real dab hand...(12 Feb)

World Dab Championship

I saw this from Simon Newman on Sunday night. Simon posted the results on facebook. What a great turnout for the 'Dungeness World Dab Championship'...I was told 154 anglers took part...a great turnout for these days. Well done Simon...as usual a great event...

"We are delighted to announce that today's Tronixpro World Dab Fishing Championships has raised an incredible £4000 for the RNLI. 154 anglers including 14 juniors took part in chilly, damp and blustery conditions. Following storm Erik, the sea was very weedy and absolutely full of shell fish leading to difficult fishing conditions. "I'm reeling in with more bait on than I cast out"! Was heard more than once! Junior winner was Aiden Bull with one dab of 200g, senior winner and now 3 time champion is Becky Lee Hodges with 6 dabs for 1.14kg. DAA would like to thank everyone who helped on the day and our sponsors.... way too many people to mention, and especially thank the anglers who braved a cold February day who raised so much money for the RNLI. Ladies and gentlemen, we salute you."

After the storm... (10 Feb)
I had this report in from Neil Rodwell out today...
"Hi Tony. Thanks for the bait today. Didn't have a very good day in all. Found a spot behind the station and managed to fish it for about an hour before admitting defeat due to the conditions. The weed was mainly made up of smashed up shellfish which led me to believe the fish were preoccupied with chasing this rather than anglers baits hence my baits coming back untouched everytime. Also found it difficult holding bottom due to the big swells. Decided to salvage the last of my day at Littlestone wall which was sheltered from the wind and much calmer. Managed to scratch out a dogfish and a whiting before it all went dead at high tide. I guess it was just one of those days (for me at least). Will speak soon. Many thanks. Neil"
Fishing is a funny old game Neil...last week loads of dabs reported...come the day of the 'World Dab Championship'...and you couldn't buy one!

Wind makes fish... (07 Feb)

I was responding last night to Marcin Siemek 'messenger' enquiry about the weather...

"Thx Tony, was on the shingle when I got your reply, next time will ring you.Was fishing 4h from 16:00 to about 20:00 very misty but plenty off fish, had 3rocks, 3 dogs, and mix about 40 dabs/ flounder. "

Shop is closed during the week (open Fri, Sat and Sun) best to email me.

Looking good for the weekend (06 Feb)

I had this report in tonight from Keith Mower...

"Hello Me and a mate fished Dungeness to day behind the boats? We had a selection of dabs, pin whiting, dogfish, rockling, school bass and the biggest flounder I have caught for a long time! The flounder had gouged itself on Sprats/Anchovies! We fished assorted baits, blow lug. herring, squid , mackerel and frozen blacks. There did not seem much interest in fish baits though! I do disagree with your description of Ant, I enjoy fishing on his boat, he knows how to find the fish."

Yes Keith Ant is a very good fisherman...but don't tell him I said it!

Nice to have 9 keepers on Sunday (06 Feb)

I had this report in today from David Hadley...

"Hi Ant,

Also fished Dungie yesterday but off the walkway everyone else out of the wind back of the boats. In two hours caught 16 dabs, (9 keepers) 4 small whiting , a slug and a reasonable dogfish. All caught on a score of frozen lug. It was windy but a 5oz grip held bottom so fishing very pleasant. Sorry no pic!

Regards David

Just for the record David my 'reprobate' son is know as Ant...you can call me Tony.

Some nice dabs, and dogs...(05 Feb)

I had this report in this evening from Paul Yates...

"Hi Tony,

Fished at back of boats his morning, had a good session with 11 in total comprising of dabs and dogfish. Paul" 

Plenty of fish at Hythe...(04 Feb)

I had this report in from Mark Rodgers...

Next Sunday...the big one...(04 Feb)

I has this reminder in from Simon Newman of the DAA for next Sunday...

A blast from the past...(03 Feb)

I was clearing out some paper work...and I found this written report...I don't know what year it was written but it brought a smile to my face...

"Hi Tony

Thought I'd drop you a line, and tell you about me and my mate Dave's best ever trip to Dungeness. (Knee Deep in Bass) We fished by the boats (the Rebecca) on Friday 10th October, during daytime rising spring tide very breezy S/W. We caught  between us 27 bass most between 37cm and 44cm which we returned. But my mate caught 3 'nines' 9lb.1oz, and 9lb.6oz and 9lb.12oz all on lugworms. He also had a 4lb.8oz, 6lb.8oz. I took a 7lb.6oz beauty plus others I returned. We also had several large dabs, 4 decent flounders, whiting/pouting. 3 eels (returned) and I had a solitary one pound black bream which took sandeel, head and tail removed. A species I'd never caught before. Sorry, no photos , our phones only make phone calls! All the best Kenny Mc Barrow."

What a great days fishing.

What a nice bag of dabs... (01 Feb)

I had this report in today from Simon Drury...

"Wednesday afternoon...right of the 'point'"

Dogfish are off the menu (31 Jan)

I had this report in from Johnny Boone last night...
"Hi fished near the boats again saturday another enjoyable day 27 whiting some knocking 1LB,8 dabs again 3 nearing the 1LB mark and 1 rockling ,no dogfish this time round"

Great day for Steve (29 Jan)
I saw this report yesterday from Steve Field..."Some proper fishing at a deserted Dungie today , didn’t have one blank cast . Loads of double shots of dogs and plenty of over 25cm Dabs so looking bang on for WDC"

Dungeness...you never know (29 Jan)

Here is the winning fish from the weekends DAA match on the 'road'...well done Becky Lee...and they said you don't catch thornbacks at Dungeness...

DAA match...good turnout (28.01.19)

I had this report in from Alex Veel of the DAA, the results from yesterday......tough conditions...but plenty of fish...

Set a sprat to catch a...( 27 Jan)
I had this report in yesterday from Neil Rodwell...
"Hi Tony. I went for langney point in eastbourne today seing as the M20 was shut and couldn't be bothered with yet more traffic. Started just after the flood tide with the baits coming back in tact then about 2 hours in had a small plaice and it all came to life after that with a mixture of dabs and whiting one of which had a still live sprat in its mouth! Some of the whiting were big along with a couple of the dabs. The bites started to tail off at high water so I packed up around 3. Nice mild day down on the sea front in all with not too much wind. Will speak soon. Regards. Neil"

Don't forget your 'thermals'...( 24 Jan) I saw this on the DAA page, from Alex Veel of the DAA...** Match Reminder ** Morning all, just a reminder our next match is this Sunday (27th). Sign in at the gate 12pm - 12:30pm. Fish 1:30pm - 5:30pm. Rover. Hope to see you all there 🎣😊🎣

Out foxed behind the station...( 21 Jan)

I had this report in from Jeff Turner-Gould this afternoon...

"Hi Tony. Having driven for 2½hrs, 3 of us mad men Fished behind the Station Saturday from just after low and into the night.  A few whiting but surprisingly not that many given recent reports.  Biggest one 38cm and a single flounder at 34cm.  Decided to stay overnight and catch the morning tide hoping for more flatties but the tally for the morning was one small Dab.  The local “Reynard” paid us a visit, about 3am, and legged it with our breakfast sandwiches – someone left the bag half open - but it was kind enough to leave the tinned soup.  Live Bait was great as usual but despite trying mackerel, squid, cuttle and crab and various combos, every catch went to Rag!  No pics unfortunately – didn’t want to take my gloves off.  Cheers Jeff "

DAA Vets...great result...( 19 Jan)
I had this report in from Terry Carpenter of the DAA...
"Daa vets had their 1st match last night (wed 16th) on a windy & wet evening.
11 fished and usual fish caught i.e whiting& dog fish.
Well done all that fished."

All alone on the beach...( 18 Jan)
I had this report in Today from (childloose20) ...

"Hi Tony

4 hr session last night /evening  (Thursday) very very cold but worthwhile large dogfish in very good numbers most whiting good size. Beach deserted. All fish on mackerel and squid only 50 yds out lots of bites two rods was just about manageable with fish most casts fully satisfied with my catch !"

At least Adam had a good time...( 14 Jan)
I had this report in this afternoon from Adam Smith...

"33 Whiting (and a rockling!) on whole lug tipped with squid, a few others on mackerel strips.

7 Dogfish on  bundles of squid tentacles on pulley pennel rigs.

2 of us with 3 rods fishing near the wooden walkway. Flood tide was almost unfishable for us as even our biggest leads (8oz) wouldn't hold bottom and were being dragged along in the current. Nevertheless we stuck it out and still managed to bag a few whiting. 

At high water the current started to ease and on the ebb it became even easier. There were still quite large waves though which made bit indication more difficult to look out for. As the tide turned the whiting really picked up and the first Dogfish came at around 14.30.

Into darkness the fish kept coming and we stopped fishing at 19.30 but the fish were still biting. I was surprised not to have seen any dab as when I used to fish here some years ago, I was inundated with them! But we were very happy with our first trip to the beach this year, hopefully there'll be many more like it!"

First match of the DAA year...( 13 Jan)

I had the results in tonight from Alex Veel...

"Hi Tony, Results from today's match attached...Cheers Alex"

Plenty of fish behind the boats...( 13 Jan)
It has been quiet this week for reports...just a 'trickle' of anglers...more going yesterday, so thanks to Johnny Boone for this report...
"Fished near the boats today enjoyable day plenty of fish in a mixed bag 36 whiting 8 dabs 6 dogfish(one about 2LB),1 rockling. fishersway"

The DAA new 'Veterans' season...( 7 Jan)
Here's another reminder from the DAA...
The New Veterans season kicks off on Wednesday the 16 Jan...The matches are 3 hour sprints, held at Littlestone Wall...easy parking, close to the beach...if your over sixty its great fun here is the full match list for more details contact Veterans Match Secretary: Terry Carpenter - 07866514138

The DAA new season starts...( 7 Jan)
I had this reminder on facebook last night from Alex Veel of the DAA...
"Evening all. Just a reminder that next Sunday (13th), we have our first match of the DAA league 2019.
Sign in is 11:30am - 12pm at the DAA gate. Fishing 1pm - 5..."

"Please also note, that as there are only a couple of months left in the current membership year, the first few matches will be open to non-members as well....a sort of, 'try before you buy' 🙂 See below for info. All welcome.

I've pasted below a copy of this years fixtures & format for anyone who might be looking for it:

Hi Folks. Here are the match dates for the 2019 members league. There are a couple of new features for next year. When you fish your first match, there will be a one off £5 league entry fee on top of the normal match fee. These £5 league entry fees will be accrued throughout the year to form a prize pool paid out to the league winner, 2nd and 3rd. Pay out will be 50%, 30% and 20% respectively.

EXCITING NEWS!!!!

The top 10 place anglers will be eligible to fish the grand final club championship match which will be pegged at Littlestone on Sunday 15th December 2019, fishing 1030-1430 (HW 1.29pm 7.6m). Also eligible will be the top 10 anglers from the Veterans league so there will be a maximum of 20 anglers participating. This match will be free to enter and the club will fund the prizemoney 1st £100, 2nd £60, 3rd £40. The winner will also be named DAA club Champion and will receive the new Champions trophy which they may retain for 1 year.

Date Fishing times Tide Format

Sunday 13th Jan. 1pm – 5pm HW 3pm 6.3m Rover

Sunday 27th Jan. 130pm – 530pm HW 330pm 6.9m Rover

Sunday 10th Feb: WDC 11am-4pm Rover

Sunday Feb 17th 2pm-6pm LW 4pm Rover

Sunday March 24th 11am-3pm HW 1pm 7.8m Power Station

Sunday April 7th 11am-3pm HW 1pm 7.4m Power Station

Sunday 21st April 11am-3pm HW 1pm 7.9m Power Station

Saturday May 18th 7pm-11pm LW 7pm Rover

Sunday 9th June 2pm-6pm HW 420pm 7m Rover

Sat 20th July 7pm-11pm LW 915pm 1.5m Boards to Power station

Sun 25th August 5pm-9pm HW 652pm 6m Rover

Sun 29th September 10am-2pm HW 1200 8.3m Littlestone

Sunday 6th Oct 4pm-8pm HW 530pm 6.2m Rover

Sunday 20th Oct 1pm-5pm HW 315pm 6.9m Rover

Sun Nov 10th 2pm-6pm LW430pm 1.6m Rover

Sun 24th Nov 2pm-6pm LW 4pm Rover

Sunday 1st December 12 lunchtime -4pm HW 150pm Boats to Boards

Club Final Sun 15th Dec 1030am-230pm hw 1230 7.6m Littlestone Pegged SAMF chart measure and release

Rover boundrys will be confirmed a week before each match. All matches are catch, measure and release."

Calm warm seas = crabs?...( 6 Jan)
I had this report in from Neil Rodwell last night...
"Hi Tony. It was tough going behind the station today. Had a small pin whiting first cast then a dogfish in close as the tide started to drop. After that it was quiet. Had a lot of nuisance crabs to deal with up then packed around 4. The sea was like a sheet of glass and not a puff of wind all day. The northerly wind must gave pushed the fish out i guess. Cheers for the bait. Will speak soon. Neil"
I was chatting to my bait digger and he told me that morning he had spotted a crab 'peeling'...the seas are still warm...strange weather?

Galloways on target...( 3 Jan)
This report came in last night from Wayne Beale...

"Hello again Tony,

Today saw me heading for one of my favourite venues in search of probably my favourite species....the humble Flounder.

Galloways was the venue.....a perfect neap tide, fishing the Ebb down to LW. It couldn't have been more perfect....calm sea, sunshine, a very light NW.

Rigs were my fav size 2 flappers....Bait was 'ancient'  frozen Blacks that had been given my special treatment....blasted in the microwave for 30secs. This bait was proper 'liquorice sticks'....and has been proven time and again for me.

Casting about 60-80yds....i was there for an hour before my first fish.....a small Flounder that was put straight back...getting a wet foot in the process.

30mins later i reeled in another Flounder....this one quite decent at 29-30cm. Note i havent mentioned Whiting ...yet.

Well i fished right down to LW and an hour into the flood....and you guessed it....the Whiting started biting. But hey...a fish is a fish....and what a lovely day to be out.

The beach either way was empty as far as the eye could see.

My second trip in 3 days and not plagued by Whiting.....and again my target species caught. Regards Wayne"

Well hello 2019...( 31 Dec)

Here's wishing you all a tremendous 2019, we all have our dreams of a great catch in 2019, that the fun of fishing...you just don't know whats out there...keep dreaming.

Great way to finish the year ( 30 Dec)
I had this report in from Wayne Beale this evening...

Hi Tony,

Iv'e not been fishing much these last 6-8 months...however, having got two weeks off work from today....a trip to Dungeness had to be done. A lovely calm. warm day....i pitched up by the boats nearest the point. A score of  'out of date'  frozen blacks and two fillets of Mackerel were the order of the day.....hoping for a Dab or two...and a few Whiting. Two rods...size 2 flapper rigs....casting 20-60 yds. Well i wasn't disappointed.....getting some very good sized Whiting up to 34cm....and doubles of small Dab.

Adding to my tally with every cast.....i also had a couple of Pouting and a few Dogfish.

Packed up at 6pm....filleted 8 nice Whiting for a fish curry!! All other fish were put back (gently)...with no fatalities (apart from the filleted ones. LOL).

A great day to be back at Dungeness.

Happy New Year to you Tony....have a good one . Regards Wayne Beale"

Very rare...no wind @ Dungeness ( 28 Dec)
I had this report in from Harry Newbury this morning...

"Hi Tony. 

Thank  you for the bait it was fantastic! I fished with my dad behind the power stations from 2PM yesterday until the early hours of this morning. Incredibly calm conditions plenty of fish and the whiting were the largest I've ever seen. Caught bass, whiting and plenty of dogfish. We used whiting strips and caught dogfish; we also used fresh Lug worm and squid. All fish were of a decent size and were returned safely. Have a Happy New Year.

Thank you once again for the bait Harry Newbury"

Going fishing...always worth it ( 27 Dec)
I had this report in Alex Hansen this morning...
"Hello
First time at Dungeness yesterday, staying in Camber with family for Christmas. Couldn’t get any bait sorted in time so resorted to metals and feathers at The Boils.
Result -this feisty little bass on a beautiful Boxing Day with the tide half way up."

It was a lovely day... ( 26 Dec)
I had this report in this morning...well part of it concerning Ian Milligan's report of his Christmas day fishing...if the report shows up I will publish it...
"Dear Seagull fishing. Forgot to add a few of pictures to my report sent earlier this morning." Here is the missing report...
"Here is the report that my iPad failed to send.
Fished from 07:30 to 14:30 on Xmas day to fish from low to high tide, decided to go by the boats due to the SW wind. Started catching Whiting from the start on all baits. The Whiting were of a good size and gave big knocks on the rod tip which happened as soon as the rod was put back in the rod rest after casting out. Fish were caught on lug, squid and Bluey both close in and far out. Their were diving birds all day and I heard that some sprays had been washed up on the point. Ended up with 44 Whiting 3 Dabs and 1 Dogfish"

Silent night...peaceful night... ( 24 Dec)
Well I have just got back from Dungeness (walking the dogs on the shingle) spotted two anglers fishing...lets hope with the calm moonlight they get lucky...I will be open boxing day and the rest of the week...just in case somebody wants to fishing...Have a merry Christmas and a 'fishy' New Year. Tony

Nick's memorial match day... ( 24 Dec)

We held the Nick (No Fear) Burton memorial match yesterday, in tough conditions starting in heavy rain and high winds...loads of fish, mostly whiting and the odd dogfish in the 'crumping' surf, surprising no bass showed, but a couple of 'slack liners' were missed!

It was nice to see so many people making the effort in Nicks memory.

The competition was won by Becky Lee Birtwhistle Hodges, second Tim Knight, joint third Steve Field & Michael Wigston.

We raised a £150.00 for the Dungeness RNLI presented to Mark Richardson (Deputy Coxswain), by myself and Steve Harvey who run the match on the day, so a great success. We hope to make this an annual event.

Ideal Christmas present... ( 22 Dec)

I had this in from Colin Hemsworth last night...

"Fresh off the beach, 7.3lb on fresh lug. Christmas came early!  Regards, Colin" 

Well done Colin you deserve it...you do the 'hard yards' so nice to see it pay off.

At least Dave is giving it a go... ( 21 Dec)

I had this report in last night from Dave Kingsman...

"Hi Tony,

Had a go Behind the Boats today. Fished low up.

Started off having a look at Galloways but the wind was too strong.

Set up near the boats as it was quite pleasant. Whiting and Dogfish en mass. Started getting the odd Pouting as well.

Weed started around HT and with a downpour that done for me.

Very enjoyable days fishing anyway. 

Regards Dave."

Could it be more confusing...what a 'cock up' (19 Dec)

Following in my opinion, the best bass season ever locally...but with fewer recreational anglers fishing locally...I had this in from the 'Angling Trust' this lunchtime...

2019 Bass Bag Limit Agreed

                                

"Recreational anglers fishing for bass are to be allowed to retain up to one bass per day from April 1st-31st October 2019 after EU fisheries ministers thrashed out an agreement in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

It’s a disappointing result for anglers who were campaigning for the bag limit to be increased to three or two bass per day based on scientific estimates indicating this was sustainable.

The UK government agreed such an increase would be proportionate and pushed hard for an increase in the bag limit but received no support from other EU countries as well as opposition from the EU Commission which, contrary to the scientific estimates, argued that two fish per day would lead to a doubling in the amount of bass removed by recreational fishing.

Bass is beginning to recover after reaching critically low levels in 2014 and although the shoots of recovery are starting to be seen last year’s measures were not as effective as hoped and the EU Commission was very robust this year in making sure the recovery is built on with limited additional targeted fishing in 2019."

DAA results...scores on the doors (18 Dec)

I had this information in from Alex Veel from the DAA after their match on Sunday... 

In Nick's memory...( 16 Dec)

Here is a reminder for next Sunday morning's match in aid of Dungeness Lifeboat... 

Nice winters day on the beach...( 15 Dec)
I had this report in last night from Neil Rodwell...
"Hi Tony. Fished behind the station today with the easterly wind off to the side. To be honest it wasn't too bad and the wind died down as the day went on. I had bass from the offset until low water when it went dead. When the tide started moving again the bass reappeared with most fish being around the pound mark. After that it suddenly stopped again and that's how it stayed until I packed up. Used the fresh rag and frozen lug you supplied me, with the rag doing the trick most of the time. Called it quits around 3. No weed and not a whiting in site. Nice winters day on the beach in all. Cheers for the bait and will speak soon. Many thanks. Neil"

The World Dab Championship ( 11 Dec)
Here is the poster from Simon Newman for the 2019 World Dab Championships...

A great day for the DAA juniors ( 11 Dec)
I had this report in from Terry Carpenter of the DAA Juniors of their Sunday Christmas match...

"DAA Juniors had their xmas meet today on a nice slightly windy east bay at dungeness .Ten juniors fished all caught fish with the main fish being whiting and a few dogfish with over 100 fish landed they then went to the Pilot pub for dinner and prizes .Young Aiden won the Pilot trophy and his big brother won the biggest bass trophy
Many thanks to the Pilot pub for the meal and a special thanks to John Smith for his donation of £110 the juniors prize fund. Thanks to all that fished have a very merry Xmas"

Plenty of fish for Dave & Co. ( 8 Dec)

I had this report in from Dave Kingsman this morning...

"Hi Tony,

Friday 7th December. Night HT Behind the boats.

Big winds and seas. 4 x very keen anglers hoping a Cod would grace the beach.

Becky Lee, Michael and Ash Whibley and myself.

Fished low up and action began first cast with a decent sized Pouting.

Becky was using two rods and hanmering through the fish. Saw her have a Dab, Whiting and Pouting in one shot so plenty of species out there.

I opted for one rod. Reason being I wanted to concentrate and use squid/ lug wraps.

Thought about where I put them and took the opportunity to relax a bit rather than just keep baiting and casting when using two.

The tide was harsh but we got through it. Weed got 

bad but again we sucked it up until sea started to ebb.

No Cod this time but the expectation was there and it wasn't a Whiting fest. Think we all enjoyed it. Ended up with plenty in the bag for the wife to eat so shes happy.

Back for another go soon. Regards Dave.

Great weights for SCSAS ( 3 Dec)
I had this report in from Paul Jarett of the latest Southern Circuit Sea Angling Society match...

"Result from our last league match of 2018, fished at Hythe, 01/12/18

11 members fished weighing in Whiting, Dogfish, and Dabs

Well done to Alan Jarrett for winning the match and securing the Championship after count-back

1. Alan Jarrett - 67 fish, 27lb 5.5ozs
2. Ashley Brown - 47 fish, 23lb 8ozs
3. Philip Underdown - 49 fish, 22lb 1ozs
4. Sam Collier - 36 fish, 19lb 13.5ozs
5. Dave Andrews - 45 fish, 19lb 5.5ozs
6. Paul Jarrett - 39 fish, 18lb 11ozs
7. Michael Ferrier - 33 fish, 16lb 7ozs
8. Wesley Cheeseman - 22 fish, 11lb 14ozs
9. Jay Hill - 15 fish, 10lb 5.5ozs
10. Keith Neame - 18 fish, 9lb 6ozs
11. Les Bates - 15 fish, 7lb 10.5ozs

Heaviest fish - 1lb 13.5oz Dogfish, Ashley Brown

Well done Colin...hard work pays ( 2 Dec)
I had this 'heartening' report in from Colin Hemsworth this afternoon...

"Hi Tony,  

I fished near the station yesterday, arrived a bit later then planned and got set up, two rods with pulley rigs. I had some lug still from the last session that had been in the fridge all week, a bit past their best but still stiffened up a bit to go on the hook. I also had some crab cart which I’d made into sausages and first tried casting this with a single lug on top, but with the wind my distance wasn’t that great so swapped to straight lug baits and got a few extra yards. Through the day there was a steady stream of whiting, late afternoon I reeled in and felt something on and was very happy to pull out a 2lb codling, got very excited and got the baits out again but that was it until it got dark and had another 2lb codling. I stayed out late in the hope of hooking a biggun but that was my lot apart from more whiting and a dogfish. Hopefully they’ll be more to come this season! Will be down soon for another try. Colin."

An old 'salt' returns...( 1 December)

Welcome back Dave Kingsman to the real world...staring across that beautiful ocean...so full of promise, so good for your soul...it beats 'puddle' fishing...even with the 'Piranhas'.

"Hi Tony,

Went Behind the Boats to start with but never set up.

Guy fishing told me the weed was bad

Wind wasn't terrible so I opted for the Power Station.

Still weed about but it was fishable. Nice sunny day anyway.

Only Whiting for me. Lots of them.

Yes, I forgot to post the key back ( sorry ). Will pop it though the box soon. 

Best regards, Dave"

The 'Piranhas' are out there...( 1 Dec)
had this report in last night from Neil Rodwell...'Piranhas' ideal for fish cakes...
"Hi Tony. Thanks for the bait today. Thought I'd take the opportunity of using the weather window and had a go behind the station. Fished from 10:30 till 2. Cut the day short as the start of the rising tide bought the weed in and it became almost unfishable. Also pulled in a lot of rubbish from plastic bags filled with water to tangled balls of fishing line which added to the headache. On the bright side caught whiting all day with triple shots being bought in every cast, some of which were big. Even the live bait rig came in with a double shot which is strange as the top hook didn't have bait on it! They must be hungry! The weather was nice and the rain seemed to stay out in the channel so still got my fishing fix! Will speak soon. Regards. Neil"

'Vets'...great year so far...( 30 Nov)
Here are the results and places after the November DAA 'Vets' match (14 Nov)...
Sorry for the delay. Next match 19 December.

Early Xmas for the Juniors...( 29 Nov)
I saw this reminder from Terry Carpenter of the DAA...
"Daa Juniors next meet Dec 9th at 9.15 meet at Pilot pub car park"

And I nearly missed it...( 27 Nov)
I missed this report last Wednesday (bloody facebook) from Michael Wibley...can anybody tell me what it is...
"Saturday night at Dengemarsh 1 hour before high tide"

Colin gets bonus points for trying ( 27 Nov)
I had this report in Sunday night from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony, I fished dengemarsh yesterday, I thought I would try for a cod and was casting out a fair distance with cocktail baits, squid and lug, mackerel squid etc..had a few whiting in the daylight and one bass on lug as it got dark also an eel caught on squid. As night fell the whiting were on the baits in seconds, not many sizeable ones but definitely kept me entertained, busy and warm feeling in. I packed up around 1 and headed home but all in all a good day, thanks for the great lug and see you soon. Colin"

Ragworm back on the menu...  ( 22 Nov)
Due to the success of the ragworm last weekend I have restocked for this weekend...please call and order in case we sell out.

Don't be left in the dark...  ( 20 Nov)
I had this reminder in from Gavin Smith of the DAA...
"Hi Tony
Just a quick reminder about this weekends match, fishing 24th (Saturday) meet at the gate booking from 16:30 fish 18:00-22:00
Don’t forget head lamps"

A trip to whiting heaven  ( 18 Nov)
I had this report in from Kristian Walker...

"Hi Tony,

Fished Dungeness late afternoon / early evening yesterday from 3pm until 8.30 pm after a nice lunch in the pilot.

Using the fresh rag and frozen lug and squid you provided we had plenty of fish which were all Whiting and Dogfish with no bass showing.

After it went dark the Whiting went crazy and were taking the bait as soon as hit the water but it was nice to catch lots of fish. Kristian"

Still summer species at the 'hoe'  ( 18 Nov)

This report came in from Neil Rodwell yesterday...
"Hi Tony.  I had a few hours on the lures today down samphire hoe. I was the only one there in a cold easterly wind. Caught wrasse and pouting then on the way home decided to stop in at dungy and have a chuck for a bass. Didn't catch any but was worth a cast and was a nice end to the day as the sun was going down. Will speak soon. Regards. Neil."

Nick (No Fear) Burton's memory  ( 18 Nov)
We have decided to hold a 'Memorial Match at Galloways in the memory of Nick (No Fear) Burton. We hope all Nick's friends who can will take part...come along and celebrate Nick's memory...Steve Harvey has kindly agreed to run the match, if you need more info just give me a shout...

Nick (No Fear) you will be missed ( 14 Nov)
We said good bye to Nick (No Fear) Burton today, Nick was one of the good guys, fishing was his passion beach and boat...he never moaned about the lack of fish, there was always tomorrow...he worked hard played hard. He had a great send off thanks to Beth (his partner and soul mate)...the crematorium and church were packed...standing room only...

First come first served...so book ( 12 Nov)
I decided to order some live ragworm for Thursday as fresh lugworm will be in very short supply...I haven't stocked live rag for a couple of years...but with my old supplier back in business...I'm giving it a go again. 

Colin is going it...the hard way...( 12 Nov)
I had this report in yesterday from Colin Hemsworth...
"Hi Tony, With the SW winds and large tide on Saturday I thought I’d give Dengemarsh a good go. Only saw two other anglers all day and saw a few cars pull up take one look at the conditions and sensibly retreat. I arrived stocked up with some good lug, squid, Bluey and mackerel and soon realised my plan for having three rods on the go was not to be, in fact with the sea so rough two was pushing it. Kept the lines spaced out but had to be on alert especially at dark because there was so much weed and debris in the water it was easy to become dislodged and tangled. Lost one rig because of shingle cutting the line. Tough getting the lead out there and even with pendulum casts I was barely passing the breakers. But the fish were definitely out, whiting almost every cast and 5 bass in total, largest about 40cm. The Fox was an absolute menace last night and took a whiting as I reeled in, it ran off down the beach with my fish, rig and leader line while another one was sneaking around my shelter looking for bait. I stuck around till just after midnight when the wind picked up and the surf was almost reaching the look out tower. Thanks for the bait and the Spiderman accessory,  it came in very handy to wrap the bait in the wind! Will be down soon for another go. Colin" 

South west wind, makes fish ...( 12 Nov)
I had this report in yesterday from Mafia...
"Hi we did the craziest thing last night we fished dungeness 6 of us with that mean SW wind we were thinking of deal but said what the heck let's do it ha ha my first cast a bass over the legal limit and my friend had another one later in the night but boy o boy the whitings were out in full force some good size ones were kept we love em deep fried whitings we had one dog fish also the tide was mean but great night we packed up at about 4am ran out of bait and the whitings were still at it at 4am my phone was left in my van on charge so no photos sorry o and that fox is hard work
Raja. Lanzo. Steve. Sean. Mafia Muziq"

A pair of staring yellow eyes ...( 9 Nov)
I had this report in lunchtime from Keith Mower...
"Fished the flood last night in front of Lighthouse with mate, lots of pin Whiting, a dab, dogs and as tide rose the Whiting the size increased. A fox persisted in trying to,steal bait and food, didn't get ours ,another Angler lost his food , drinks and cigarettes to the four legged thief!"

Plenty of whiting + bass...( 9 Nov)
I had this report in yesterday from Mafia...
"Hi I fished the other night caught 14 nice whitings and a bass it's nice to see the whitings back its better than dog fish I used mackerel and squid as bait. 
Raja.lanzo.steve.sean...Mafia Muziq"

Should be good after the blow...( 9 Nov)
I had this reminder from Gavin Smith of the DAA...
"Hi Tony 
Just a quick reminder Sunday 11th fishing 10.00 till 14.00
Meet at the gate at 08.30"
  Keep the faith Don...( 7 November)
I had this report in yesterday from Denise McMurdo...
"Hi Tony,
Fished just west of the boardwalk on Monday 5th Nov, from low water up to high (hw 2120), 3 of us fished, using fish baits, squid, and blow lugworm, non stop whiting, a whiting feast!!!
Most were undersized, although when darkness came, seemed to be takable.
Sorry no pics, this was our first outing to Dunge, usually go to Walmer castle or Hythe, we will be back, hopefully to catch a cod, although these seem to be like hens teeth! Regards Don"
Loads of nice sized fish...( 6 November)
I had this report in last night from a well known local beach match angler...I love fish pie...
"Mr Hills sir
I fished the point this afternoon and evening. Loads of really nice sized whiting and a dogfish . No photos but a lovely day to be out . Fish pie time"
Wind makes fish...( 4 November)
I had this report in from Anthony Hills fishing last night at Greatstone...
"Couldn’t get out on boat yesterday so went down beach instead first time in over 10 years nice little schoolie."

Dengemarsh at dawn...( 3 November)
I had this photo sent in from Andrew Sk...
!I took these pics yesterday at Dengemarsh Tony"

At least....some fish...( 3 November)
I had this update from Alex Veel of the Dungeness Angling Association...
"Results & updated league table from Sundays (Oct 28th) match attached."

Beautiful Dungeness...( 3 November)
Terry Carpenter of the DAA posted this photo of Dungeness yesterday morning...dawn patrol...lovely crisp morning...

Sun came out for Juniors...( 2 November)
I had this report in From Terry Carpenter concerning last weeks DAA Juniors fishing meet...
"Juniors had their October meet today.
Started off on a very cold wind at the Pilot Inn so after a quick chat we made our way to behind the power station where we set up and it turned out to be a wise choice because the sun came out and it was a lovely morning 10 juniors fished but alas on one bass was caught by 1st time fisher Tremaine .Thanks to all that fished see you all next month.

Juniors fishing...next date is Sat 10th November at 9.45   All juniors welcome.

Distance is not always best...( 29 October)
I had this report in yesterday from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony,

Fished near the station yesterday, arrived a few  hours before HT and set up, two rods with lug/squid and a third with a large Mackerel bait. It was very quiet in the daylight, I had one whiting but as it got darker the fish came out, lots of whiting at every distance and a small bass caught far out. I was fishing one rod very close in, noticed a slack liner and reeled in a 3.1lb bass. Packed up just as it stated to rain. Thanks for the lug and will be down soon. Colin."

  
At least it was sunny...( 29 October)
I had this is from Neil Rodwell Saturday night...
"Hi Tony. Thanks for the bait today. I fished behind the station today for a bit of shelter from the biting northerly wind. All the fish came in the morning on the rising tide. Once the tide slackened it went dead with baits either coming back intact or stripped hooks for the rest of the day. Still managed a couple of whiting, school bass, weaver and a plaice around the size of a post it note. The sun was out all day to warm things up which was nice. Also noticed a bit of splashing from small fish in the surf but no bites from it but was worth a chuck.Will speak soon. Many thanks. Neil." 

Oy DAA...wakey...wakey...( 24 October)
I had this this in this morning from Gavin Smith of the DAA...Don't forget the 'clocks' go forward...don't forget your headlamps...
"Morning Tony
Just a quick reminder that we have a match coming up this Sunday 09.00 till 1pm.
Meet at the gate from 07.30 - 08.00"

Some great quality photos...( 24 October)
I had this report in from Neil Rodwell last Sunday...you were right about the bait Neil...
"Hi Tony. What with the prospect of bait being scarce due to the small tides, not much wind and me only having a few hours to fish i decided to have a small session at samphire hoe on the lures. Managed a handful of pollack and a corkwing wrasse, nothing big but good fun on the light gear and gave me my fix for the weekend! Will speak soon. Neil."

Another big bass...( 24 October)
I had this brilliant report in from Brian Rees sent in Sunday night of the week...
"Hi Tony, 

I got fed up of reeling in small whiting so stuck a whole joey mackerel on an 8/0, chucked it out about 20 yards, and hey presto.   

At 81 cms, the longest bass I’ve ever caught.  If it was a fat spring fish it would be into double figures I should think, but it was pretty slim and around the 9lb mark, I’d guess.  The hook came out easily so I put it back, as I believe these bigger fish tend to be females. This was just after daybreak on Friday, so around high tide, a few hundred yards past the power stations.  

Very best, Brian.

And a quick shout out to the staff at the Pilot: they were tremendously busy the other day when I went in to renew my club membership.  I offered to come back later but they wouldn’t hear of it.  Super helpful, as always, much appreciated." 

Flat calm, fun in the sun...( 21 October)
Another great report in from Colin Hemsworth...
"I fished near the station yesterday and arrived to flat calm conditions with hardly any wind. Saw another angler catching Mackerel as I walked to the spot and got out the feathers before anything else and had about 10 of varying sizes. Put a small joey out as live bait but no bites. It was quiet all day and the first bite was as the sun went down, noticed the rod tip banging and pulled in 47cm bass. After that it was a whiting fest. Thanks for the bait as I know it was in short supply and will be down soon for another go. Colin"

Calling all Juniors...( 19 October)

I saw this reminder from Terry Carpenter of the DAA Juniors...
"Next junior fishing is Sat 27 at 10.15am" Meet at the Pilot Pub...all youngsters welcome.

Colin fighting the 'piranhas'...( 16 October)
I had this report in from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony,

I fished near the station on Saturday, the conditions looked promising on arrival with a good bit of movement in the water and holding bottom not a problem. The whiting were out in force all day and I had one bass toward the start of the session, I was hoping for more but that was it. The whiting were on the baits in seconds and at all distances, I did get a few cod baits out just in case but unfortunately on the day bigger baits meant bigger whiting, also had a pouting on a whole squid. Thanks for the bait and will be down soon for another go. Colin"

First bass for Heath...( 16 October)
I had this report in from Simon Newman last night...
"A delighted Heath with his first ever bass, caught 45 mins after high behind the boats. Very legal at 47 cm.... Getting on for 4 lb."

A nice mixed bag for Mike...( 14 October)
"Hi Tony
Thanks for the bait yesterday, these must be the best quality ‘Blacks’ and ‘ Yellowtails’ I have seen in many years and the fish thought so too! A busy daytime session with a mix of whiting, doggies, one small plaice and a bonus brace of silver bullets both around the 2 lb mark and both safely returned. You were right that the Bass are still around and feeding. Dungeness was busy but not crowded with a turnover arriving for the evening session. See you soon. Mike."

Beware the 'piranhas'...( 11 October)
I had this report in this afternoon from Carl Maidment...
"Hi, My son and I fished behind the boats for a 12hr session on Monday. The tide down during the day produced not even a bite but at dusk my son pulled a 2lb bass up. All was quiet then for another hour until nightfall at which point the rod tips went crazy and whiting started literally throwing themselves at the hooks. Between 2 rods we reeled in 54 of them (twice landing 2 fish on one hook - which I had never seen before!). A great evening in the end! Carl"
One of my customers this afternoon mentioned he had heard a couple of cod being caught at the 'ness'...if anybody has any evidence of this I would like to know...
'secret squirrels'...
Great result for Janet...( 11 October)
Here are the results from last weeks DAA 'Vets' match 3rd October...talk about a whiting blitz!

Some explosive fishing...( 10 October)
I had this report in from Charles Moss...
"Fished Dengemarsh yesterday, poor fishing sadly. and moved along the beach after the flags had been taken down & stepped over this tank shell. Measuring about 18 inches long ! I reported it to lydd ranges. They are going to move it ! Regards Charles."

The lure of beautiful bass...( 4 October)
I had this brilliant report in today from Andrejs Melniks...
"Hi Tony. 

Just a quick report after today's quick session. Fished Dengemarsh on ebbing tide, caught 5 bass in total with size range 38 - 52cm biggest was 4.3lb all caught on lures. Had few bonus mackerel on the feathers as well. Andrejs"

A couple of DAA reminders ( 2 October)
I had this reminder in today from Gavin Smith of the DAA...
"Hi Tony 
Just a quick reminder this weekends match is on Saturday 18:00-22:00 it’s a rover 
Booking at the gate from 16:30"
...should also say we have a 'Vets' match tomorrow at Littlestone Wall start time 4.30pm

Just in case you weren't sure ( 1 October)
I had a conformation email from the Kent & Essex IFCA telling me that this statement is now on their website...

"The European Union has announced an amendment to Council Regulation (EU) 2018/120 as regards fishing opportunities for European seabass.

From 1 October to 31 December 2018 in recreational fisheries in ICES divisions 4b, 4c, 6a, 7a to 7k, one specimen of European seabass may be retained per fisherman per day. This applies if you are fishing from a boat or from the shore.

For more information go to https://www.gov.uk/government/news/changes-to-recreational-bass-restrictions-from-1-October"

Its autumn...didn't tell the ( 30 September)
 I had this report in (about 3pm) from Simon Newman...out mackie spotting...
"Lots and lots between power station and boards from 30 mins before high and still there now... At range and quite deep"

Bass, bass and more... ( 30 September)
I had this report in from Colin Hemsworth today...

"Hi Tony, 

I fished near the station yesterday, good weather all day and the sea was very calm and clear. I set up three rods, two with lug the other a large mackerel bait. First cast of the day pulled out a bass about 35cm then a few whiting and more bass, overall I had 8. One of the rods starting going and the bite looked different to a bass, I was hoping for a plaice so was pleasantly surprised with 38cm fish. Saw mackerel being caught down the beach as well. When it turned dark and the whiting came out, I cast a fair distance and within seconds the baits were attacked, thought it was whiting as usual but reeled in two good sized bass, there must have been a big shoal out there because I couldn’t move for bass for a while. Thanks for the bait and see you soon. Colin"

At least it was sunny... ( 30 September)

I have had this report in from Neil Rodwell yesterday...
"Hi Tony, I gave langney point in eastbourne a go today. Very tough going. Had a small plaice at the start of the day then around 2 had an even smaller gurnard. Packed up around 5 when the baits were coming back untouched. It was a nice sunny day on the beach.
It was so warm I was down to my t shirt! Will be in soon. Regards. Neil."

Plenty of sole... ( 29 September)
I had this report in today from Tony Holland...
"Hi there
I thought I'd send you a couple of pics of my fishing mate Brian and me Tony Holland with a good catch of soles from half a pound up to 1lb 14oz along with bass,dogs,dabs and even a small plaice caught last night 28 sept at a lovely beach in Pevensey bay,once again great bait cheers Tony"

Bass back 'off' the menu... ( 28 September)
I just had a phone call from my local IFCA telling me that the new rule on bass was not signed into the European Journal yesterday...so this means that we are still prohibited from taking a bass...I'm awaiting more clarification (hopefully today) I will post it up as soon as it comes through.

Bass back on the 'menu'... ( 25 September)
I had a phone call from the Kent & Essex IFCA this afternoon that it is looking good that bass will be back on the 'menu' from October 1st for three months (till the end of the year). So what does that mean, we will be allowed one sizeable fish a day. The K&E IFCA have been talking to the Cornish IFCA and it looks like the change to the regulations is about to be 'written in' to the European Journal and becomes European law three days later...in time for Saturday. Nothing 'offical' from Defra...they must be a bit busy on Brexit?

Colin's 'wet' bass fest...( 23 September)
I had this brilliant report in from Colin Hemsworth...is this the best bass year ever...
"Hi Tony,
I fished near the station yesterday, arrived for just after high tide. After the weather earlier in the week there was a bit of colour and movement in the water and lots of weed around which eased towards low tide. First cast produced a whiting and I was hoping it wasn’t going to be a whiting fest all day but pulled in a bass next cast, conditions were perfect for them. Overall I had 15 bass, lots of whiting in the evening and a dogfish. It was bit of a wet day and packed up around 11, thanks for the bait and will be down soon. Colin"

Bass and more bass...( 23 September)
I had this report in last night from Neil Rodwell...
"Hi Tony. Thanks for the bait today. Fished behind the station from 10 till 4 today. The weather was pretty damp as the forecast predicted but the fishing was continuous throughout. Had a bass and a small flounder on the 1st cast then after that it was bass throughout the day. Most were round the 1lb mark and also had a few whiting thrown in. My rod with a mackerel flapper got a massive pull down which disappointingly resulted in a large log on the other end. The weed was a bit of a problem but was to be expected after the blow but it seemed to disappear in the afternoon.  Had a good day in all and will speak soon. Cheers. Neil."

Now that was better...( 22 September)
Here are the results from last Sundays DAA match thanks to Alex Veel.

Bad weather stops play...( 20 September)
I had this 'sad' report in from Terry Carpenter of the DAA...

"Tony can you put on your website Sunday's meet is cancelled due to weather. Cheers Terry"

Is this the best bass year...( 18 September)
I had this report in yesterday from Colin Hemsworth...
Hi Tony,
I fished Dengemarsh on Saturday, arrived for low tide and set up, three rods on the go, two with lug and the other a large mackerel bait. Before long I had the first bass and at for a few hours it was Bass almost every cast, I tried close in, medium and long range and all fish were caught quite far out and used a clipped running ledger rig to get some distance. As night fell the whiting came and were relentless, a few of the big ones ended up in thai fish cakes, very nice.
For some reason my catch report from last week didn't send but I had 6 bass in the daytime, a few weever fish and lots of whiting. Thanks for the bait and see you soon. Colin"

Cracking photos Neil...( 16 September)
I had this report in last night from Neil Rodwell...
"Hi Tony just thought I'd give you a report of my trip to Brighton. Seeing as the M20 was shut I opted to fish the east arm in the marina. Managed to find a space after a long walk. Had plaice, school bass, wrasse, black bream and a gilthead on the last cast. Used lug and ragworm with the lug producing most fish. I have a week off this week so will look to get to dungy at some point. Will speak soon. Neil."

Keep it clean...please help ( 12 September)
I had this in today from Peter...

"Tony, We are organising our annual beach clean and survey on Sat 22^nd Sept.

Poster attached if any of your customers might be interested.

Best Regards. Pete Neale. Marine Conservation Society."

DAA match reminder...( 11 September)
I had this reminder in from Gavin Smith...
"Tony , Just a quick reminder Sunday’s match booking at 12:30 at the gate fish 14:00 - 19:00 its a rover"...with the improvement in catches we could see some good weights.

Now don't get excited...( 11 September)
I had this report in this afternoon from Nino...
"Hi Tony,
Fished Dungeness behind lifeboats targeting bass but this beauty came along.
(10 September) Nino"

It can only get better...( 11 September)
Here are the results from last Wednesday thanks to Terry Carpenter...
"Daa veterans had their Sept meet tonight . On a mild evening 9 anglers fished hard for little reward the winner was Wesley Shrubsole who before tonight had blanked the 4 previous meets . 2nd was mick lewis and janet luck was third
Well done Wesley told you you'd catch. Thanks to all that fished."

Great weights yesterday...( 9 September)
I saw this posted by Paul Jarratt this morning of the Southern Circuit Sea Angling Society...

Result from match 9 at Dengemarsh, 08/09/18

7 members fished, Whiting, and Dogfish weighed in

1. Paul Jarrett - 46 fish, 16lb 10.5ozs
2. Sam Collier - 44 fish, 15lb 13.5ozs
3. Thomas Wells - 31 fish, 13lb 10ozs
4. Michael Ferrier - 31 fish, 12lb 12.5ozs
5. Alan Jarrett - 34 fish, 12lb 3.5ozs
6. Philip Underdown - 20 fish, 7lb 7.5ozs
7. Dan Hadley - 13 fish, 4lb 10.5ozs

Heaviest fish - 1lb 4oz Dogfish, Thomas Wells

Darren cracks new venue...( 7 September)
I saw this from Darren Brooks on facebook some cracking beach fishing for our local lad in the Isle of Man...
"Good couple of days fishing on the IoM with Kelly N Jay Carter, tope to 32lb and two bullhuss 12lb8oz and this one 13lb4oz!"

The scores on the doors...( 5 September)
I had this update in yesterday from Paul Jarratt...

Better after dark... ( 2 September)
I had this report in this morning from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony,
I fished Dengemarsh yesterday, on arrival conditions were quite calm and the water very clear. I figured I would target bass in the daylight and have a go for a sole as it got dark..three rods on the go, two with lug worm and one with a large mackerel bait left out. I had one small bass a few hours after ht and that was it for a while. The whiting came out as it got dark and baits were in the water for literally seconds before the rod tips were twitching. Best fish of the day was a 3lb 1oz bass that took a whiting. Thanks for letting me try out the rods, very impressed with the piranha and got a good distance with only a slight flick. Will be down soon for another go, Colin"

 Goes to show... ( 1 September)

I saw this posted from a keen DAA 'hero' Alex Veel yesterday...well done Alex...
"A friend & I just fished the tide up at the back of the island....slow start with just a few jumbo pout to start and then a surprise August (just!) codling at 2lb 8.
Last cast resulted in a typical (from what I’m told 🙂 ) conger bite....which turned out to be a new pb underlate at 12lb 1. Happy days 🙂 🎣"

Force 8 for Colin...+ a weever ( 27 August)
I had this report in this morning from Colin Hemsworth...
"Hi Tony,
I fished dengemarsh Saturday, it was fairly slow going with only whiting in the daylight and a weever fish. I fished into the night but couldn’t tempt anything but whiting. Decided to stick it out and with the strong winds forecast on Sunday I hoped this would bring in some bass, overall I had 8 the biggest about 40cms all on lug. Packed up when the wind got a bit too strong. Thanks for the bait and will be down soon for another go. Colin"

A golden moment for Neil...( 25 August)
I had this report in tonight from Neil Rodwell...
"Hi Tony. I think today is a good example of why the high street tackle shop is still essential to us anglers. After pulling a classic 'Rodney' and reaching Dungeness to find I had left my tackle bag at home which included my reels, I can't thank you enough for the two reels and bits of end tackle I had to buy at the last minute! Online shops wouldn't have been able to help me out in this situation! I could have turned round and gone home to retrieve my gear and got stuck in the three sets of road works on the M20 or do what i did and buy my way out of trouble! Got to the beach behind the station and was met with a subtle south westerly breeze and a very bright sunny clear day. In fact I could see the south downs in the distance it was that clear. The reels performed well considering the price. I wouldn't recommend power casting with them but they did the job just fine so thanks again. As far as the fishing goes I had a few small school bass throughout the day and around 1:45 as the tide was dropping, my in close rod went beserk. After playing what I thought was a school bass on steroids I was surprised to land a golden grey mullet! I know these fish are rare so i made sure it was kept hydrated in a bucket of water while I fumbled about for my scales. (1lb 12oz). The fish was returned afterwards. Was very pleased with such a catch so all good at the end of the day. Thanks for the bait and will speak soon. Regards. Neil."

Fishermen's beach, nice flat ( 22 August)
I had this report in from Craig Wright this morning...

"Morning Tony, fished fisherman's beach by the boats at Hythe last night. Really tough going but had a nice flounder on the flood followed by a few pin whiting after dark. No sign of the sole. Regards Craig"

But I must say Craig, I could be wrong, but looks like a very nice dab to me...

 Tough going down the 'wall' ( 21 August)

I had this reminder from Terry Carpenter...
"Next Daa vets match is on Wed 5th Sept at 6.30 pm at Littlestone
See you all there"
Here are the latest results from last week and the current league positions...

Much better turnout this time ( 21 August)
Here are the match results from Alex Veel of the DAA...well done Shane, great result...

Colin does the the 'hard yards'( 19 August)
I had this report in from Colin Hemsworth this morning...
"Hi Tony,
I fished dengemarsh yesterday, it was very quiet all day but the conditions were good with a sw wind and a bit of movement in the water. I had one small bass in the daylight. As it got dark the whiting came out and one last bass a bit bigger but that was my lot. Thanks for the bait and see you soon. Colin"

Generous donation to the Juniors ( 17 August)
Thanks to Barry Reed of the 'Freshwater Informer' for the generous donation of beach rods & reels for the DAA juniors...Terry Carpenter (DAA Juniors organiser) came along to collect.

Come on in...the waters lovely ( 16 August)
I just this reminder in from Gavin Smith about the next DAA match...

"DAA match date changed..

DAA comp scheduled for Aug 25th will now be held on Sunday 19th. Sign in at the gate as normal at 2:30pm - 3pm. Fishing 4pm - 8pm."

DAA Juniors...success at last ( 13 August)
I saw this posted by Terry Carpenter of the DAA yesterday...
"The juniors had their August meet today
11 fished on a lovely sunny morning with george catching 2 small bass and a micro flounder and max had 1 bass of about a 1lb both hadn't caught a fish the last three meetings so well done to you both and got to say well done to all that fished"

Five of the best for Steve ( 13 August)

I had this report in from Steve yesterday...

"Good morning Tony , Thanks for the great bait as always , ended up at Hythe fisherman’s beach and had 5 sole and a flounder. Biggest sole 41cms . See you soon , Steve Howkins"

Colin...doing the hard yards ( 13 August)

I had this report in yesterday from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony, I fished near the power station yesterday, really nice conditions with light SW winds. At first it was slow going with baits coming back untouched, at least the crabs seem to have backed off a bit and giving the fish a chance to find the bait. First out was a good sized eel and throughout the day I saw a few being caught by other fishermen down the beach. Next came a few bass all on lug and then a plaice which was in really good condition and had some more weight on it now it’s later in the season. Carried on till around midnight but only had whiting for the rest of the evening. Thanks for the lug and see you soon. Colin"

Reminder for next Wednesday ( 10 August)

I had this reminder last week from Terry Carpenter of the DAA...great tides...great weather...should be a great day...so if you are over 60 years young come along and you can join the DAA on the day...don't be shy...see you there...

"Next Vets match is wed Aug 15th at 1pm at littlestone"

The right place - the right time...( 8 August)

I had this report in on 'facebook' this morning from Sam Stone...

"Galloways- Dungeness, sea bubbling, 29lrg mackerel taken Home, lots returned as too small. 7/8/18"
When your "hunch" pays off...( 7 August)

I had this report in from Kevin Long this morning...

"Hi Tony,

My daughter and I fished Dengemarsh beach on Sunday night (05/08) and I caught this 8.5lb bass approx. 3 hours on the tide drop. Caught it on a small whole mackerel cast 30 yards out. I figured with so many mackerel getting caught during the day, many of them small and being returned, the bass would be running the beach in the dark hours mopping them up. I was right! I returned it safely back to the sea afterwards. Cheers – Kevin"

Brighton rocks in the sun...( 5 August)

I had this report in from Neil Rodwell...

"Hi Tony. I though I'd fill you in in my trip to Brighton marina today. Seeing as i only had a day sesh to squeeze in I went for somewhere that I know can produce a fish in bright, hot and sunny conditions. I got down there around 10 as the last of the tide was dropping away. The seaweed was as bad as ive ever seen it with clumps being pulled in by the kilo. It seemed to disappear around mid day but returned for the remainder of the flood tide. Used black lug and rag and had a steady trickle of fish throughout the day. Managed to get plaice, flounder, wrasse, tompot blenny and black bream. All in all had a nice day and avoided sunburn but drank my own body weight in water as there's no where to escape the sun there! Will speak soon. Regards. Neil."

Loads of fish for Robert...( 4 August)

I had this report in last night from Robert Gibson...

"Hi Tony
Thanks for the superb lug on Thursday, fished most of day just past boats at Dungeness, cracking start with big whiting and plenty of dogs, then the better half catches a nice bass all returned safely apart from some whiting that the seagulls swooped down at"

DAA match date changed...( 2 August)

This just came in from Alex Veel of the DAA...

"Gavin’s asked me to let you all know the DAA comp scheduled for Aug 25th will now be held on Sunday 19th. Sign in at the gate as normal at 2:30pm - 3pm. Fishing 4pm - 8pm. Full rover, high tide at 5:48pm (6.4m)"

The 'Point' has two sides...( 29 July)

I had this report texted in this evening from Becky Lee Birtwhistle Hodges...

"Hi Tony

So two desperate anglers who missed their trip to the hallowed shingle at Chesil and Boat trip due to the weather. So this morning we swapped one set of shingle for another and headed to Dungeness.

We arrived at 07.15 after I overslept (oops). Wasn’t too bad as I packed last night. Arrived at venue and pumped some fresh outs whilst waiting for the tide.

As the tide hit he shingle we were expecting a few Bass as conditions were spot on. However 2 hours in Dave Kingsman and I sat fish less. It wasn’t until 1 hour and 40 minutes before high we had a Bass each at the same time. Then I quickly had another, then a third small one when Dave and I got tangled up. Dave then managed to beach his second and shortly after the tangle I noticed my rod thumping away and as the trace approached the beach I could feel the tell of a good bass. Once it was beached the Bass had taken a small whiting. 

Dave had a third then that was it for Bass. After that it was Dogfish after Dogfish with the odd Whiting. I beached 20 is dogfish some a very good size. All fish were taken on Black Lug on two hook flapper rigs. 

At least it wasn’t a blank and we hit our target species."

Fortune favours the brave...( 29 July)

Here is another great report from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony,
I fished Galloways Friday night, conditions were a little extreme at first but got better. I didn’t have a single bite all night and the baits were coming back untouched. In the morning I was thinking of moving location and gave it a few last casts, within a few mins I had a slack liner and reeled in a nice bass of 53cm. Stuck around for a little while longer then moved to near the station. At the height of the tide fishing was a bit difficult and there was a lot of debris and weed in the water. Things got easier towards low water and the bass were definitely out, for a few hours I was having bass every cast, overall 8 bass all on lug worm. Thanks for the bait and will be down for another try soon. Colin"

Colin was in the doghouse ( 22 July)

I had this report in today from Colin Hemsworth...Colin was fishing Saturday...

"Hi Tony,

Headed for near the station yesterday, when I got there I saw two good size bass leap clear of the water so got some baits out and a lure in the water but had no fish in the daylight. The water was very clear and a light SW breeze. As it got dark I had lots of dogfish and a few whiting, the crab situation was a but better then last week, thanks for the lug and will be back down again soon. Colin"

The latest DAA match results...( 22 July)

I had these match reports in from Alex Veel...

Here are the 'Vets' Match result from the 18th July...thanks to Terry Carpenter...

Tough going for Dave...( 22 July)

I had this report in from Dave Kingsman today...

"Hi Tony,

I fished low water last night in the hope of finding a Sole.

No luck I'm afraid. Eels, Whiting and Spider Crabs only.

Pretty slow going to be honest. Be back for another try soon.

Regards Dave.

After dark...it came alive...( 21 July)

I had this report in this morning from David Radley...

"Hi Tony fished the in front of the power station tonight fishing the water down from high tide and nothing for the first 2 hours and then when it got dark I topped up with this smoothound , bass about 4lb whiting and about 40 dogfish which become relentless so packed up at low tide 12am, the smoothound went 6lb."

How to put a smile on your face...( 16 July)

I had this report in today from from Darryl...just love the smile...

"Hi Tony. Took my grandson fishing Friday evening at Hythe firing ranges and he caught his first bass and I also caught a couple rays!!!
Thanks Darryl Nicholas"

DAA Juniors...fun in the sun ( 16 July)

I saw this posted by Terry Carpenter yesterday...

"Just back from the DAA Juniors July meet at Dungeness on a lovely sunny morning 13 juniors fished on a very hot morning. With only 2 fish caught it was a struggle but jack bell had a small bass and harry had a dog fish all the juniors tried hard to catch fish but the fish didn't want to play.Well done jack & harry"...well done Terry you are getting better results than the seniors...see you Wednesday for a good Veterans turnout...

Trying to beat the clawed bandits ( 16 July)

I had this report in yesterday from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony, I headed for near the back of the station yesterday, arrived just before high tide and set up, really nice conditions all day. Overall I had three bass, two in the daylight and one as it got dark and all on lug. The crabs were out in force and were really attaching the baits, that tailed off around ht but as the water receded the game nearer the shore. Packed up around 1, no sole yet but happy I could pick a few bass out among the clawed bandits. Thanks for the lug and see you soon. Colin"

Nice weather for Wednesday ( 14 July)

I had a reminder from Terry Carpenter...

"DAA veterans next meet is Wed 18th at 2.30 at Littlestone wall"

Here are the latest positions...

Friday 13 = Sole...not... ( 14 July)

I had this report in this morning from David Kinsman...

"Morning Tony,

Sole hunting campaign started last night.

Pitched up at Galloways 3 hours before HT.

Had a few Whiting on the up.

Tried peeler crab and was rewarded with a small Hound on HT.

Very mixed bad. 2 x Strap Congers plus a Silver eel along with more Whiting over HT.

Once the tide started ebbing I managed 2 x Bass to 37cm.

Didnt catch a Sole but you cant grumble.

Lovely night to be fishing and plenty of bites.

Regards Dave.

Last Minute DAA reminder ( 13 July)

I had this in from Gavin Smith yesterday...

"Hi Tony
Just a quick reminder this Saturday’s match 19:00 to 00:00 booking at the DAA gate and drive around to Dengmarsh booking at 17:30-18:00
Tight lines"

'Spiderman' gets 'crabbed' out... ( 8 July)

I had this report in tonight from Colin Hemsworth...Hi Tony, I fished near the station yesterday, not a single bite in the daylight. The crabs were a real nuisance and were stripping the hooks and snipping the snoods all day....I lost count of how many I hooked and pulled in. Lots of the spider crabs were very soft as well and I used a particularly soft backed one for bait which attracted... you guessed it, more spider crabs. A few fish came out after dark, I had the usual whiting and one bass, but the crabs were unstoppable and called it a night around 2. The lingering weed seems to have gone now as well. Thanks for the bait and see you soon. Colin.

What a beautiful 'starry'... ( 6 July)

I had this report in from Skott fishing Hythe...

"Good Afternoon, 

Thought would share a couple of photos of fish that my friend Toby and I caught on 1/7/18 at fishermans beach in Hythe. Other than the pictured smoothhound and skate we had plenty of bass, dogfish and a few whiting. All fish were returned and the trip added another nice thing to Toby's trip from Finland"

Hounds out and about... ( 6 July)

I had this in last night from Andrew Elsey...

"Had another smoothhound today, bass whiting and dogfish behind the boats, fished tide up and down"

  Beware the spider crabs... ( 4 July)

I had this report come in Monday from Steve Latham...

"Hi tony I know its been a long time since I have sent you something well I went to Denge marsh from 11 to 4.30 i only had 1 bass of 33cms it went back safe and sound .

the rest was a bit of may weed and 2 big spider crabs.

am back Wednesday night-Thursday day I will let you know and get a photo or two

regards Steven"

Yes It's that time of year again...some of those 'spiders' can be a fair size so make sure you use a heavier snood line...before you get 'snipped'.

DAA latest results plus standings ( 4 July)

I had this email from Alex Veel from the DAA...with the latest results of the DAA match...

"Hi Tony, I hope this finds you well...

I've attached the results for the DAA comp on 17th June. Regards Alex"

DAA 'Vet' Steve in the top ten...( 4 July)

I had this from Andy Jarratt...Steve Foster is doing well...

"Latest league table after match 6 at Samphire Hoe"

Andrew seeing stars in the sun...( 1 July)

I had this report in from Andrew Elsey this afternoon who was fish 'behind the boats' this morning on a rising tide...and had a decent mixed bag,and this cracking starry smoothound...

"Had bass dogfish and smoothhound 6lb2oz had a good day" 

Sole & bass were the target...( 1 July)

This report came in today from Colin...thanks for the reports...nobody tries harder...

"Hi Tony,

I fished near the station yesterday, weather was lovely with a welcome breeze. Not many fish in the daylight, I had a few whiting few and far between, I was trying for a sole or bass, one rod a running ledger rig with 3/0 hooks and the other a sole rig with smaller hooks. I had one bass in the late afternoon, not very big about 25 cm and then last cast had a bigger one about 45 cm. Had some good sized whiting as well as night fell. Thanks for the great lug worm as well. Will be down soon. Colin"

A stroll in the sun for Neil ( 1 July)

I had this report in from Neil Rodwell last night...

"Hi Tony. Cheers for the bait today. Had a walk from the car park down between the boils and the diamond today for a bit of room. Fished from 10 till 5:30 up till high water then down. There was a lot of May rot to content with up till the tide started ebbing. Had a couple of school bass, a couple of whiting and a small eel. In the afternoon the fish made way for crabs which started snipping through my hook snoods to decided to call it a day. All fish returned safely as usual. Will speak soon. Many thanks. Neil"

Seal 1...Andrew 0...( 27 June)

I had this report in Monday from Andrew Elsey...

"Hi tony had one eel and dog fish Saturday night down sandgate. Today i went to dungeness had half a bass as seal had it and a baby smooth hound"

The night of the piranas...( 24 June)

I had this report in from Colin Hemsworth this morning...

"Hi Tony.  Not much to report from yesterday’s outing at Dengemarsh, very little movement in the water and still a bit of may weed around. I had one eel in the afternoon and then whiting after whiting which continued till I packed up around midnight. Thanks for the lug and will be down soon for another go. Colin"

Plenty of bass for Arkam...( 23 June)

I had this report in from Arkam Belouchet a couple of days ago...

"Hi Tony,

My friend and I tried our luck again on Saturday, looking for bigger bass at dungeness. We used bigger hooks and bait, again there were plenty of schoolies but managed to catch good number of sizable ones.

Im hoping that there is a double figure out there with my name on it .I will keep trying :) Arkam."

DAA 'Vets'...well done John...( 21 June)

I had this report in last night from Terry Carpenter of the DAA Vets (sorry Terry mix up in the dates I was out in the boat) but another good turnout...

DAA veterans had their june meet today with 10 fishing littlestone beach .
The main fish caught was smoothhounds a small bass and a pout, weather was sunny with a light wind result...
1st. John smith with 104cm
2nd mike. lewis with 45cm
3rd alan.  rudkin With. 42cm
4th john. barnes With. 33cm
5th pete brown.  With. 28cm
Others didn't catch
Terry carpenter,mick renyolds.wesley shrubsole.cliff furr.janet luck

You never know what turns up... ( 21 June)

I had this report in Tuesday from Lee Williams...I think Lee that codling could be a pouting...but 'hey' it wouldn't surprise me...

Hi just thought I'd let you know that my other half and I were fishing Dengemarsh on Monday,afternoon. Not much luck with the strong wind found it hard to hold bottom, but my other half managed to catch a small codling and a small conger both amazed at these for this time of year.

Fun in the sun...DAA Juniors... ( 21 June)

I had this report in from Terry Carpenter on Sunday...

"Daa juniors had their june meet yesterday sat 15th on a sunny Littlestone beach ,water had a nice chocolate colour and tide wasn't to bad
Harry who won the biggest bass comp. last year caught a lovely condition bass of 1.3lbs. Which is the 1st bass of the year for him 2 other bass were caught and all were returned unharmed"

Neil's Brighton travels... ( 21 June)

I had this report in from Neil Rodwell last weekend...its interesting to see the summer species coming out to play...

"Hi Tony. I thought I'd share with you my recent outings to Brighton marina over the last month. In total over several sessions I've had plaice, flounders, school bass, spider crabs, blennies, wrasse, sole and gurnard. I'm looking at getting back down to dungy soon to target soles and bass. Will speak to you soon. Regards. Neil."

No sole for Colin...but... ( 18 June)

I had this report in last night from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony,

I headed for Dengemarsh yesterday and set up for HT, a bit quiet in the day, I had 3 bass the biggest about 40 cm and then as night came 1 more a bit bigger around 50 cm. Also had a few whiting. Hoping for a sole but no luck. I was fishing running ledger rigs 3/0, 1/0 hooks baited with lug, Thanks for the bait and will be down soon. Colin"

Good match at the 'Hoe'... ( 18 June)

I had this report in yesterday from Paul Jarrett of the Southern Circuit Sea Angling Society...

"Result from match 6 at Samphire Hoe, 16/06/18 

17 members fished, Dogfish, Pouting, Wrasse and Pollock weighed in 

Well done to Dave Andrews for winning the match 

Also well done to Jay Hill for catching a new club record Wrasse of 2lb 3ozs, and Dave Andrews 2lb 1oz Wrasse, cracking fish 

1. Dave Andrews - 13 fish, 8lb 4ozs 
2. Paul Jarrett - 15 fish, 6lb 2ozs 
3. Thomas Wells - 13 fish, 5lb 0.5ozs 
4. Michael Ferrier - 11 fish, 4lb 15.5ozs 
5. Robert Bates - 7 fish, 4lb 8.5ozs 
6. Les Bates - 9 fish, 3lb 11ozs 
7. Ashley Brown - 9 fish, 3lb 10ozs 
8. Paul Cox - 5 fish, 3lb 9.5ozs 
9. Jay Hill - 2 fish, 3lb 9ozs 
10. Stephen Foster - 6 fish, 3lb 3ozs 
11. Alan Jarrett - 6 fish, 2lb 2.5ozs 
12. Keith Neame - 6 fish, 1lb 14ozs 
13. Michael Watt - 3 fish, 1lb 13ozs 
14. Philip Underdown - 2 fish, 1lb 
=17. Lewis Clarke - 0 fish 
=17. Kirk Eldridge - 0 fish 
=17. Dan Hadley - 0 fish 

Heaviest fish - 2lb 3oz Wrasse, Jay Hill"

Well done Janet... ( 17 June)

Just had a phone call from John Smith on the beach that in the DAA match at Galloways today...Janet Luck caught a bass of 76cm...estimated weight 6-7lb...would have had a photo but somebody dropped their phone in the sea!

Then this photo appeared on the net...

The DAA 'Vets' next match... ( 17 June)

Yes we have a 'Vets' match next Wednesday (20th) at Littlestone wall fishing 3.30 to 6.30...here are the last match results and the current standings...

It's a DAA weekend coming up... ( 14 June)

I saw this post from Terry Carpenter...

"DAA. Juniors next fishing is on Sat 16th @1045. Meet at pilot pub car park.
If your under 16yrs and would like to come and fish just turn up your get a warm welcome"

And this from Gavin Smith of the DAA main league...

"Match time Sunday the 17th...Just a quick reminder we have a match at Galloways fishing 10am-3pm meet at the gate at 08.30 then drive around to Galloway’s"

It's good for the sole... ( 13 June)

I had this in from Richard Smith on Sunday...almost missed it on messenger..."Hi Tony. Fished Hythe on Thursday evening. Caught all on old ragworm. 2 sole and 2 bass. Bass returned to fight another day. Regards. Richard Smith"...great to see so many early sole being reported!

Don't give up...enjoy fishing ( 12 June)

I had this report in yesterday from Mafia Murziq...

"Fished Dungeness yesterday with a few friends we had no luck only 3 small whiting

But it was hurtful to see all the seabass caught next to me being stuffed in bags 

I am talking well under sized fish very sad don't think I will be returning there for a 

while me and my boys a new to this fishing thing but we know the rule and obey

Them. Thanks"

Don't give up Mafia...if you see bass being taken and it upsets you...contact the Kent & Essex Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority and advise them...we have a ban on taking bass at the moment...is it fair, in my opinion no...but it is the law! You can email the IFCA at info@kentandessex-ifca.gov.uk 

Another great report from Colin ( 10 June)

I had this report in this morning from Colin Hemsworth...nice to see a few early sole being caught (I have had three reported this week)...

"Hi Tony,

I fished near the power station yesterday, the morning was fairly quiet until midday when reeled in and felt a bit of weight and found a 2lb, 40cm sole which had taken a lug bait on 3/0 hooks, after this I swapped to size 1 hooks and smaller baits to find another one but that was it for Sole. Next came a 47 cm bass, followed by 3 more a bit smaller. All caught on lug and running ledger rig. The whiting came out as it got darker and called it a night around one.  Thanks for the lug and see you soon. Colin"

You little beauty... ( 9 June)

I had this report in tonight from Craig Wright...smoothound is my favourite fish, so elegant...

"Had this lovely little hound weighing 3lb 5oz at Sandgate this morning taking a crab bait. Regards Craig"

 DAA Vet...has a good day at point ( 7 June)

I had this report in last night from Mick...yes we still have a 'ban' on taking bass, if anybody wants to report a transgression please email the Kent & Essex Inshore Fisheries Conservation Committee (IFCA) at...info@kentandessex-ifca.gov.uk

"Hi Tony, fished just off the point today with my mate Brian we caught pout, whiting, bass ( from 15cm to 50cm about 12 in total) Brian also had a smooth hound of 78cm .All fish were returned, unfortunately other anglers nearby kept their bass !!!  Mick Reynolds"

Now that's a good cast...( 5 June)

I had this report in from Mike Richardson last night...

"Hi Tony,
Fished 700 miles south of the power station last Friday off the sea defence rocks at Vias southern France. Gilthead about 25 cm.
Regards, Mike Richardson."

Bass every cast for Arkam...( 5 June)

I had this report in last night from Arkam Belhouchet...

"Hi Tony,

Last Saturday was my first Dungeness session of the year. In my attempt to avoid the crowd, I ended up on a different, deserted beach. The session was crazy, I was catching Bass continuously, almost after every cast.  Among the plague of schoolies, I managed to land 4 sizeable ones. It looks like I've started my Dungeness season in style :)  Arkam"

At least it was a hot sunny day...( 4 June)

I had this report in today from Kristian Walker...

"Hi Tony,

We fished Dungeness yesterday afternoon with the worms and the squid that we got off yourself.

it was hard going as there was lots of may weed on the water on the water in front of us where we were fishing by the boil which resulted in no fish. Thanks Kristian"

Bass, bass more bass...( 3 June)

I had this report in this afternoon from Ian Allward...

"Hi Tony, fished in front of the lifeboat station on Saturday, 1hr before High tide and 2hrs after it turned. Sea was calm but water was pretty coloured. Had 6 Bass in total all went back safely, thanks for the great bait!" 
Steady catching from Colin...( 3 June)

I had this great report in today in from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony,

I fished near the power station yesterday, conditions were fairly calm with light winds but quite a strong current at the height of the tide, holding bottom was fine with the 175g leads and casting at an angle. Arrived a few hrs before HT and first cast resulted in a bass. This continued through the day and had 9 bass in total, the largest about 45cm, a few flatties and as darkness came 4 fair sized whiting. All caught on fresh lug with running ledger rig and 3/0 hooks. Thanks for the bait and see you soon. Colin.

Plenty of bass about...( 3 June)

I had this in last night from Andrew Elsey...

"Hi tony had 4 nice bass 2/3lb put them back, so didn't get any pick. Bait was good"

Now that's my kind of girl...( 29 May)

I had this report in from Ashleigh & Joe Donnelly...I great report considering the day before Ash & Joe was afloat in challenging weather with Ant...

"Hi Tony, What an eventful day/evening fishing yesterday! It was non stop, me and the husband managed 7 bass , 6 dogfish, 5 whiting and a dab , I can honestly say that was my best days fishing ever , caught my personal best bass and put the men to shame GIRL POWER!!! Thanks for the bait and will see you again soon!"

Bank holiday...fun in the sun...( 29 May)

I had this report in late last night from Terry Barber...

"Hi Tony thanks for the great bait, we had today off of you it's just a quick one to let you know as all we had really was bass and one dog fish"

Double report in from Neil... ( 27 May)

I had this report in from Neil...

"Hi Tony. Thought I'd send you a double report from last two days. Went samphire hoe Friday fishing in flat calm seas and the mist. Caught wrasse and pouting all day on ragworm down the side of the wall. Lost loads of have but a fun day in all. No mackerel for me but they were coming out for others.

Went back to Brighton marina today and tried for some bream. None to speak of but managed 1 flounder 2 plaice 2 bass and a wrasse. All fish came in the morning then it went dead after lunch. Had a fun couple of days and I'll be in touch soon. Regards. Neil"

A taste of early summer at Deal ( 26 May)

I had this report in from Danny who was fishing at Deal on Tuesday...nice to see the young smoothounds about...a very pretty fish...

"Hi had a good day at Deal fishing the beach east of the pier pouting dogfish a small smooth hound and a eel all to squid and lug"

Good company...good evening... ( 25 May)

I had this report in Wednesday night from Terry Carpenter of the DAA Veterans...

Just back from vets match at Littlestone nice evening at least the rain held off ,wind was bit chilly
Ten fished results 1st terry carpenter 58cm, 2nd alan rudkin 57cm, 3rd john barnes 42cm, 4th mick lewis. 35cm, 5th mick reynolds 20cm. Thanks to all that fished.

Neil...away day at Brighton... ( 22 May)

I had this report in from Neil Rodwell yesterday...

"Hi Tony. Had an away day at Brighton marina today. After battling through the m25 traffic to get to the east arm I arrived around 9:30. Had a flounder 1st cast at low water. Good start. As the tide began I managed a school bass and a spider crab in one hit. Had another flounder around 12 straight down the side of the wall on squid strips and that was it for the day. Saw a small smoothhound pup just cruising around on the surface and a pipe fish in between the buttresses. Decided to call it a day when the tide got so strong it was pulling everyone's lines across each other. Nice day on the wall. Will be in touch soon. Regards. Neil."

DAA Juniors...it was a nice day ( 20 May)

I had this in yesterday from Terry Carpenter of the DAA...cracking weather...

Just back from juniors fishing at Galloways. .
Was a good turnout 14 youngsters fished along with 4 new members 2 boys & 2 girls. Everybody had a good time but alas no fish turned up. Till June 16 next meet"

After dark...plenty of bass...( 20 May)

I had this report in this afternoon from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony,

Thanks for the bait yesterday, I headed for the power station and got there a bit after high tide. Light easterly winds and the sea looked fairly calm on the surface but a fair bit of current running through. The day was fairly slow going, I had a small bass and a plaice but things really picked up as it got dark. I expected the usual whiting assault and saw the  rod tip nodding slightly but when reeled in a nice 50cm bass. Had another 5 over the next hour all reasonable sizes and not a single whiting all evening! Sorry I didn’t manage any photos as I left the bloody phone at home! Will be down soon. Cheers, Colin."

Ooops DAA match result...( 20 May)

I had these results in from Alex Veel earlier in the week...it got buried in the emails...

DAA AGM...comes once a year...( 17 May)

Don't forget tomorrow...it's your club...if you can be there...

"DAA AGM 
Friday 18th May
At 7.30 pm at
Lifeboat station Dungeness
All members welcome"

Veterans...May match...( 17 May)

Another reminder from Terry Carpender

"DAA veterans next match on Wed 23rd at 5.15pm Littlestone wall"

Calling all Juniors...all welcome...( 17 May)

I had this reminder for the Juniors from Terry Carpenter...meet at the Pilot Pub.

"DAA Junior fishing SAT 19th at 11.45"

At least the weed wasn't to bad...( 13 May)

I had this report in this morning from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony, I fished near the power station yesterday, conditions were fairly good and the water was a bit more choppy than last week with light SW winds. In the daylight it was quite slow going, a bit of weed around but not too bad. I had the first bass 40cm, a few hours after HT. Then a flounder and another bass. A bit more action as it got dark with some dogfish and whiting and then called it a day. Thanks for the bait and see you soon, Colin."

The flatfish were not there... ( 13 May)

I had this report in last night from Neil Rodwell...

"Hi Tony. Tried denge again today. The weather looked good for some flatties what with barely a puff of wind from the SW so was optimistic. Had a school bass 1st cast then nothing right up till 2 and had a small whiting. Managed one more school bass around 3 this time a bit bigger but the flatfish were elsewhere. There was a bit of May water but it was so decayed it was just brown sludge that fell off at the tip ring so it wasn't a real problem. Cheers for the bait and will speak soon. Regards. Neil."

Cracking bass trip... ( 12 May)

I had this report in yesterday from Steve...the old saying 'wind makes fish'...

"Hi Tony, fished the end of the wooden walkway yesterday. Quite a cold, strong western wind. Low tide. Had 8 Bass, up to around 2.5 pound. All returned unharmed, as to the rules. 3 large Doggies and normal Whiting. Small no2 hooks worked best on a flattie rig. But no flat fish caught this trip!
All in all and very good day out. Thank you for the weights, rigs & bait.

Stephen Granville" 

Colin was cooking...but lots ( 9 May)
I had this report in Monday from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony,

I fished near the power station yesterday and definitely needed the sun cream! The sea was quite coloured and there was a a fair amount of movement in the water. Not much action in the day, I had a flounder around high tide, that was it for a while. As it got darker it started to pick up a bit. Had a bass about 35 cm, a few dogfish and a lot of pin whiting. Really nice day to be on the beach. Thanks for the bait and see you soon. Colin"

Only one...but it was fun... ( 7 May)
I had this in yesterday from Neil Rodwell...
"Hi Tony. Cheers for the bait today. As mentioned I gave Denge marsh a go. I wasn't really expecting anything other than being pestered by crabs all day what with the North East wind and the bright sunny conditions.as predicted it was tough going with the baits sometimes coming back in tact and sometimes bare hooks. Didn't get a bite right up till 1:15 when I managed a decent plaice. That was it all day. Still enjoyed myself slathered in sunny lotion so no burns to report! Will speak soon. Cheers. Neil"

Rays in the moonlight... ( 6 May)
I had this report in from Becky Lee yesterday...

"Hi Tony a report from last Wednesday So with the forecast giving improving weather I called David Harrington to see if he was interested in a spontaneous Ray trip. So a plan was laid to head to a local mark to try for a ray or two. We arrived at our mark about an hour and a half before low water and our baits were out shortly afterwards. Our baits were Bluey, Herring, Mackerel and Peeler Crab. We didn’t have a sniff of a bite until low water when I dragged in a Pin Whiting. The an hour after low water we started to get more action with me landing a dogfish followed by another whiting and Dave also landing a dogfish. Then swiftly followed by another dogfish a piece and a large Pouting for me. I was beginning to think we wouldn’t see a ray. Then Dave shouted over and said he is on. At last a Ray after a few moments a nice Male hit the beach of 3-4lb. I still hadn’t had a ray bite all night and was beginning to give up hope. I had unclipped one of my traces and said when I have brought this one in we will call it a day. Well talk about last chance saloon as Dave came over for a chat he noticed my rod bouncing around. At last a ray and a good one at that. It certainly gave a good account of itself and led Dave a merry dance in the water. A good chunky female between 8-9lb hit the beach. I was well pleased target achieved. We decided to give it another 30 minutes so out went both rods loaded with fish baits as the peeler only attracted the dogfish and whiting. About 15 minutes in my rod went again and this time a lovely fat Male ray of about 4-5lb was on the beach. Both Male rays really smashed the Bait and gave a good scrap. So all in all a successful evening. Looking forward to the next trip. We were also treated to a gorgeous sunset and blood moon tonight. Regards Becky"

DAA...AGM...coming soon... ( 5 May)
I saw this posted by Simon Newman chairman of the DAA on Thursday...note the change of venue...

DAA AGM
7-30pm
Friday 18th May
Dungeness Lifeboat Station

Agenda

1. Apologies

2. Approval of minutes of last AGM

3. Officers reports: Treasurer/Secretary, Match Captain, Juniors

4. Election of Officers

5. Agree/set membership fee's 2019/20. It is proposed that seniors be increased from £5 to £10 as £5 per member does not cover the costs of membership packs, newsletter, beach cleaner and lock costs per member.

6. Any Other Business

Lots of fun in the sun... ( 5 May)
I had this in from Simon Newman last night...
"2 plaice, 6 small bass, 7 dogfish and one whiting. A LOT of tide and quite coloured. Should fish better for the plaice as the weekend progresses and the colour drops out."

Dungeness first timers... ( 30 April)
I had this emailed report in last night...
"Hi me and a few friends fished Dungeness for the first time last night from 10:30-4am we caught two dog fish and a few bass and loads of whiting it was a good experience we are still new to the fishing thanks. Lanzo.Stv.and Raj. 

Tough going for the Juniors... ( 30 April)

I had this report in last night from Terry Carpenter of the DAA Juniors...
"DAA Juniors had their April meet today on a chilly North Easterly wind. They fished to the left of power station. We had a good turn out with 14 youngsters fishing but sadly the fish didn't come out to play, only James caught with a small whiting but a couple of little crabs were caught ."

Plenty of bass for Colin... ( 29 April) 

I had this report in this morning from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony, I fished Dungeness yesterday, on arrival there were nice conditions with light SW winds and a bit of movement in the water. A fair bit of weed around which dropped off as the tide went down. Started the day with whiting every cast with some of good size. 2 hrs after HT had the first bass on lug, followed by a few dogfish. In the evening had a few more bass and more whiting. Was using a running ledger style rig with pennel hook set up which caught all bass and a one hook flapper rig. Thanks for the bait and will be down soon. Colin."

DAA match tomorrow... ( 28 April)

I just saw this email from Gavin Smith...

"Hi Tony
Sorry for the late reminder tomorrow’s match booking from 08.30 at the gate fish 10-2pm. New members welcome"

What a turn out... ( 27 April)

Here are the results of last Wednesday 'Vets' match superbly run by Terry Carpenter...what a brilliant turnout with 14 'Vets' taking part. Hard going...but 'hey' that's fishing for you...well done to Alan Rudkin...showing us the way.

Talk about a near miss...not bad ( 26 April)

I had this report in tonight from Ben Clayson...

"Hi Tony
Got some bait from you this afternoon and you asked if we could catch you a 20 lb cod couldn’t manage that but hope this 8lb 11oz bass will do caught near the power station...Ps forgot to say was returned safely. Regards Ben"

Dengemarsh for a bit of calm... ( 23 April)

I had this in early this morning from Colin Hemsworth...

"Hi Tony, With the good weather this weekend I headed for Dengemarsh on Saturday with an idea of an early bass with the sea temps rising or a plaice. It was very calm and casting was a doddle so started far out and gradually came closer in to find the fish. First bite was a bass around 30cm and that was it for a while. Later on in the afternoon began to reel in and thought it felt a bit heavy, there was a nice plaice which took a lug worm tipped with a sandeel. After that tried out some beaded rigs but no more plaice for the rest of the session. Night fell and had the usual whiting and some big dogfish. Great bait as always and will be back down soon. Colin"

Plenty of fun in the sun... ( 22 April)

I had this report in last night from Neil Rodwell...

"Hi Tony. Seeing as it was flat warm and sunny I opted for samphire hoe today. Had the usual mix of species for this place including ballan and corkwing wrasse, pout and blennies. Was kept company by a succession of friendly joggers from a running club throughout the day, one of which wanted a photo of themselves with a fish I'd just caught! Had a marvellous day in the sunshine. Bait was rag on a size 2 hook attached to a three way swivel and a weak link to the lead on the bottom fished straight down into a hole between the rocks that I located at low tide. Certainly makes a change to fish in shorts and t-shirt! Will speak soon. Regards. Neil"

DAA 'Vets' match reminder... ( 21 April)

I had a reminder from Terry Carpenter that we have a 'Veterans' match on Wednesday fishing from 7-10pm at Littlestone Wall all DAA members over 60 are welcome (including Steve Field) book in half an hour before the start...hope to see you there.

At least John had fish... ( 17 April)

I had this report in this morning from John...

 " Hi Tony, John hodgkinson back for the summer, fished behind the boats yesterday not a bite up till high tide. Then on the ebb the whiting started 8 in total and a good sized doggie then called it a day 1 and a half ours after high water"
The latest DAA match result... ( 17 April)

I had these results in last night from Alex Veel of the DAA from Sundays match...

"Evening gents,

Results of Saturdays match attached...

(Dogs, Dabs, Whiting & Flounders caught Tony)

Cheers Alex"