Fishing forecast for Chesil Beach, Weymouth, Portland & Kimmeridge Bay. March 28th 2012

It is all change on the beach now as the Spider and Hermit crabs have invaded the beaches, robbing worm baits within minutes. This will make daytime fishing a bit more challenging, but not impossible

Wind forecast: E 5mph. Current wind: Almost non existant.

Sea conditions: lovely and calm, with very clear water on all marks except Portland Harbour, where the water is slightly coloured, 9.4*c Weymouth HW 11.15pm  1.8m high.

Shore fish forecast: The crabs are going to play havoc with fish and worm baits on the beach for the next few weeks, so try using Mussels as a cheaper alternative to Peeler crab. Squid will last longer on the hooks than fish bait, but if you do intend to continue using worms, then be prepared to rebait every 5-10 minutes. Hermit Crab will do well for the Smoothounds thatnwill follow the invasion ofmcrabs. So,expect some good night time action with the Smoothounds if you can get through the packs of dogfish.

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 are around in decent enough numbers now to make it worth while having a go. The early Mackerel shoals often have Herring in amongust them. Use small Sabaki lures that you would use for Sandeels.

Portland will be a good bet for Pollock and Wrasse. In Portland harbour it is well worth a go on the lures for the first of the Bass. Try Sandsfoot Castle beach.

Kimmeridge Bay will now start to produce some nice Bass, Wrasse and Pollock. Lures are without a doubt the best method for those species on the rocky ledges, but Mackerel, squid and worms will also work.

Easy fishing can be had from Weymouth Stone Pier, with plenty of small species all the way along.

Boat forecast: Excellent chance of fish including Turbot and Plaice if you are out with the Weymouth charter fleet, although they have struggled a bit for the past couple of days to get the numbers they were having last week