The Cod are coming.

It is not too often that I welcome a spell of bad weather, but I have been waiting ages for a big blow to come through and really stir up Chesil beach. Finally it arrived yesterday and looking at the beach this morning it is exactly what I had hoped for. I would be quite happy if it continued to blow for another day, to really stir things up, but I am happy to try and get out for a session today.

The Cod season hasn’t exactly been great so far, but I think it could all change this weekend. Conditions are near perfect this morning, with a he water carrying a good bit of colour. With 2m waves it won’t be easy fishing, but if you are a reasonable caster, you will be able get clear of the surf line.

Your going to need some good bait. Live Peeler crab if you can get, otherwise fresh black lug and blow lug. Don’t forget your Squid either. Make sure you give the tackle shops a call to reserve your bait, there will be a lot of people out this weekend.

Sea Conditions: Water temperature 13.7°c

Chesil Beach:  2m waves with coloured water. 

Portland: large swell with coloured  water

Portland Harbour: Calm with clear water

Weymouth Bay: Calm with lightly coloured  water

Chesil Beach forecast: apart from Cod, you can expect to see plenty of Whiting, dogfish and Pout. Don’t be surprised if a few decent Bass turn up. I think it is more important to be on the beach rather than worrying about which part of Chesil to fish. Abbotsbury is normally very busy, so I will be keeping clear of there. 

It is a good idea to check the wind forecast on Sunday, as it is looking borderline in the afternoon.

Portland: the coloured water always has an impact on Pollock and Wrasse fishing. However it improves the Conger and Bull Huss fishing. Big fish and Squid baits are your best option. 

Portland Harbour: There is still lots of baitfish in the harbour, with the baitfish you can expect late Mackerel, Bass and Garfish. I always opt to lure fish in the harbour and my lure of choice at the moment is the Xorus Patchinko.

Weymouth Bay: the piers and Preston beach will offer shelter and reasonable fishing over the weekend. As usual there are plenty of species that can be caught from both marks. Rays seem to be featuring much more regularly from the beach.

Guiding: The new guiding season is underway once again. Although we can only keep one Bass, we can certainly catch more. I am hoping that the winter fishing ban and the new commercial quotas, combined with an increase in the minimum landing size, will make for some great Bass fishing. I specialize in lure fishing and I am offering Fly fishing this year as well. I am still more than happy to go after the multitude of species in this area with bait, whether that is big Wrasse, explosive Smoothound fishing or targeting the tastier fish such as Plaice and Bream. If you want to book a session or find out more information drop me an email at [email protected]