Fishing forecast for Chesil Beach, Portland & Weymouth. 27th July 2012

Not much change today, so I wont really be updating the forecast much from yesterday. I have noticed that people seem to be staying away from fishing the Portland end of Chesil and Portland Harbour. I am sure this is due to the concern that the area is closed down for the Olympics. So far the effect has been pretty limited with the exception of the parking being slightly restricted as50% of the car parks space has been taken over for park and ride and Checkpoint has been cordoned off. Access to Chesil Beach and Ferrybridge is unrestricted. The tackle shops are all open and the charter boats have places on them. Come to Weymouth and fish.

Water Temperature: 15.7*c             Weymouth High Tide: 1.09pm, 1.63m

Wind: NW10mph increasing to 17mph this evening

Sea Conditions:

Chesil Beach: Calm with a slight ripple and barely any swell. Water is clear

Portland: Calm with a slight ripple the water is  very clear.

Portland Harbour: Calm. Water is clear

Weymouth Bay: Calm with the water clear.

Chesil Beach forecast: I am hoping that the bit of wind today will make for slightly easier fishing conditions. Mackerel are around in abundance and caught be caught at any state of the tide and anywhere along the beach. Having said that dusk and dawn are always better times. If you are fed up with throwing 5oz of lead out on a big beachcaster, why not try a float set up. All the tackle shops sell them in kit form and catching a Mackerel or Garfish on light float tackle or lures is really exciting. Other species showing along the beach at the moment are Gurnard, Smoothound and Plaice. Plenty of Dabs from both ends of the beach, but Cogden gives the opportunity of a Sole as a bonus fish. Small Ragworm and lugworm baits work best for these tasty little flat fish. Reports have been coming in of regular catches of Rays from Charmouth on Peeler Crab or Sandeel.

Portland: Gill nets have kiiled most of the fishing with the exception of Wrasse and Garfish. Unfortunately they have not been removed yet.

Portland Harbour: Bright sunshine has made for difficult fishing, but Wrasse and small Pollock are being caught around Ferrybridge.

Weymouth Bay: I went past Stone Pier yesterday on a boat and I have to say I would not fancy competing with the crowds at that mark. It was wall to wall anglers.

Boats and Kayaks: I went out on a dive club boat called Fearless 2 yesterday. These guys are offering short duration trips of around 5 hours for £25 a trip, which I think is great value for money. We had a very pleasant trip with everyone catching fish. It was made all the more pleasant because they only take 6 anglers which gives everyone plenty of space on the boat. If anyone is interested in a trip email me [email protected] and I will help to organise a trip. Just let me know what dates you are available. I can also help place individuals on some of the Weymouth Charter Fleet. The skippers are telling me that for those not involved in the Olympics it is business as usual. Unfortunately many of them are struggling for customers, which is unheard of at this time of year.