It would seem that the invasion of the Spider crabs has abated, at least for the time being, they will certainly be back with a vengeance in the next few weeks, so make the most of a good fishing period.
Wind forecast: NE 10 – 15mph. Current wind: NE 5mph
Sea conditions: lovely and calm, with very clear water on all marks , 9.4*c Weymouth HW 12.45pm 1.3m high.
Shore fish forecast: Plenty of Plaice and Dabs from Abbotsbury through to Cogden. Be aware that Weymouth Angling Centre are holding their flatfish open competition tomorrow from 11am until 5pm. It takes place from Abbotsbury to Hive Beach. Large numbers of anglers are expected for this competition, so if you want a place on the beach then head down very early. The usual baits of Ragworm, Peeler Crab and Mussels will do well for the flat fish, but frequent changes of bait will be essential because of the crabs.
If you head towards the Weymouth end of Chesil Beach Hermit Crab will do well for the Smoothounds that will follow the invasion of crabs. So,expect some good night time action with the Smoothounds if you can get through the packs of dogfish. Still some Whiting coming during darkness.
Lots of Herring and Mackerel all along the beach.
Ray fishing should be good from the Western end of Chesil all the way to Charmouth. Use fresh Mackerel or Sandeel, and you will also have a chance of a Bass now.
Mackerel, Herring and Sandeels will be all along the beach. It is a good time to try and catch the Herring and Sandeel and freeze them for bait.
Portland is really starting to fish well for Wrasse and Pollock, with a few Bass coming on night tides. Still some nice Rockling around and Chesil Cove has been very productive. If you are willing to lose some gear then fishing the Cove or some of the other Western marks on the Island could produce some nice size Bull Huss on fish baits.
Kimmeridge Bay is unlikely to fish very well this weekend due to the smaller tides, but it is always worth a try if you want to avoid Chesil Beach and like some solitary time.
Weymouth Stone and pleasure pier are going to be a better bet for Plaice than the beach, as the crabs do not seem to have got in to the bay in as large numbers. Plenty of Wrasse will show along the stone pier. Float fish with Ragworm to avoid the snaggy bottom. Plenty of chance for an early Garfish.
Boat forecast: Excellent chance of fish including Turbot and Plaice if you are out with the Weymouth charter fleet. Smaller tides and excellent weather are a great combination for smaller boats to get to marks that are normally out of there reach. Some nice Smoothound and Spurdog should come from the Adamant shoal.
Hi Sean
Ive been looking at braid for my spinning rod and wondered what would be the best braid to use.
How about a blog on braid and lures to use so that we can stock up for when the bass hit weymouth.
Peter