Plenty of rays, but don't expect a bite

SOUTHEND PIER IS THRIVING

SPORT on Southend Pier is good at the moment with some decent fish to be caught.

Rory Coase, from Southend Angling Centre, tells me that there is also an abundance of small rays off the pier but they are not biting.

The large number is probably as a result of all the warm weather we have been having.

Among the fish that are biting are mullet of between 3-4lb at low water, bass to 5lb and plenty of eels.

Flounders, bass and eels are also showing on inside marks.

TYRONE HARMSWORTH - BIG HAUL

l Thamesmead: Eddie Sharp reports that there are still a lot of flounders and eels to be had, along with the occasional sole.

l Erith: Bass and flounders are showing at Morrison’s Jetty.

l Belvedere: Bass to 3lb, flounders and one or two smelt have provided sport.

l Gravesend: Graham, from Dolphin Angling, reports flounders, soles, bass and eels being caught.

l Greenhithe: Bass, soles and flounders have been landed.

l Medway Industrial Estate: Anglers have caught bass to 1.5lb and good numbers of flounders.

l Dagenham: Flounders are being landed along with eels of 2lb-plus.

l River Crouch: Bass to 6lb have been tempted on lures, with fish of around 3lb being caught on live bait at North and South Fambridge.

l River Roach: Eels and a few bass of around 1-2lb have been taken.

l Walton Pier: Soles and bass have been caught from the pier and close in to the structure.

l Naze beaches: Lots of flounders and soles are being caught at Hipkins Beach, Frinton town beach and Holland on Sea.

l Clacton Pier: Anglers are catching bass, soles and eels.

l Harwich: Bass to 1.5lb are being tempted on small rag worm bat at Halfpenny Pier.

l Boats: Anglers aboard Misty Lady out of Walton had 24 skate and lots of smoothhound to double figures during a charter trip.

CARPING HARD FOR ANGLERS

The carp fishing continues to be hard for anglers at Doggetts.

But the fish are showing well at the Rochford water and will take floaters and zigs as Anthony Gull proved.

A couple of stalking trips saw the Doggett’s bailiff land four carp to eighteen pounds, lose four more fish plus have his dog biscuits taken about 20 times.

The float and feeder fishing is going very well, but an assortment of baits are essential.

Those looking for some tench action must look for the deeper corners and not the open water.

The usual baits all seem to be very productive but do take an assortment and always have a good loaf handy.

Tyrone Harmsworth enjoyed sport from the long arm during a blazing hot day when you would expect bites to be scarce.

Fishing a feeder and strawberry mini boilies, Harmsworth landed 80lb of bream, tench and roach.

KENT ANGLERS ENJOY SPORT

KENT anglers came out on top as the first round of the SAMS Essex Summer League was fished at Grays on Sunday.

Peter Josh won the competition with 13 fish for 359cm, while fellow Kentishman Jim Fagg caught the largest fish, a 59cm bass of around the 5lb mark.

Rochford’s Lewis Clark was second in A Section, with Canvey’s Jason Speller third in B Section.

A total of 21 anglers fished the match and they caught more than 200 fish between them, comprising eels, bass and flounders.

The next match is at Rainham this Sunday, starting at 10.45am and finishing at 3.45pm. Pre-book with Ian Reynolds on 07791 234318.

RESULTS: A Section: Jim Fagg (Kent), 13 fish, 306cm; 2 Lewis Clark, 12 fish, 303cm; 3 Saul Page (Kent), 11 fish, 302cm. B Section: Peter Josh, 13 fish, 359cm; 2 Lee Collins (Kent), 11 fish, 312 cm; 3 Jason Speller, 7 fish, 185cm.