Deal Pier and Beach Catch Reports

Sunday, 27th December 2015

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Due to the unseasonable mild weather the sea temperature is two centigrade higher than this time last year. In the latest Deal and Walmer Angling Association's Christmas match and presentation the 27 members got up a sweat, with a fish a cast throughout the hectic comp - although undersized whiting were a pain. A nice selection of dogs, whiting and pout were brought to the weigh-in, along with a solitary codling. Top weights came from the Sandown Castle end of the venue with Dave Andrews putting 6.680 kg of mixed onto the scales. Luke Hutton seems to be thriving on the whiting and his 6.180 kg brought him into second place, beating Saul Page's 5.870 kg into third spot. Fourth and fifth places were Mark Wilkie (5.370 kg) and myself (5.200 kg).The heaviest fish went to Mark Wilkie, who caught a plump 1.820 kg codling and the best flatfish was John Green's 0.240 kg dab.

After the match there was a presentation at the Deal and Walmer Rowing Club, where 24 of the successful competitors received meat vouchers for their efforts. The Club's annual champions were awarded their medals along with a special medal for the top junior, Henry Thomas, and a 10 kg Club medal for Tim Fagg's catch in the August Pier comp.

According to scientific research the bass stocks seem to be in danger of collapsing. There is a new EU directive and government legislation from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for their protection and, for the first six months of 2016, no bass can be retained by anglers. If caught they should be returned to the sea immediately. From July 2016, until the end of the year only one bass per session per angler can be kept.

Don't forget Club subscriptions are due on the 1st of January for renewal. Those who want to join a club will find benefits of organised fishing competitions in which the members are insured; or even use the facilities of the Pier cabin where they can have a brew and keep out of the weather.

I would like to wish all anglers a Happy New Year and keep on catching!

Average sea temp 11.8°C

Sunday, 20th December 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Although business has been slow this week due to Christmas shopping and work parties, the few anglers who have fished the pier and local beaches have been rewarded with good catches of Channel whiting, dogfish, pouting and sprat dabs. However, codling remain elusive with just the occasional one being caught. The inshore sea temperature is 12.2°C which is still very warm for this time of year and it will have to get colder if the codling are to arrive in numbers.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) preferably 4 to 5 days before your visit - just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment. Fresh bait will be in short supply over the holiday period - diggers also have family commitments.

Please carefully return any fish which is not sizeable and continue to send me photos of the fish you catch in and around Deal for the website, together with brief details of where, how and when you were fishing.

Have a great Christmas and new year.

Saturday, 19th December 2015

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

For anybody who fancies a spot of beach and pier fishing, now is the time to try. With the winter shoals of fish predominate alongshore there is almost a guarantee of catching something without having to cast too far. Try over the high water period using a not too large hook or bait and success should be forthcoming. Lugworms can be in short supply this time of year, therefore, it is sometimes wise to order them from the local tackle shops to avoid disappointment. However, if you cannot purchase any live bait, squid and fish baits are usually available and produce plenty of fish. Those who want to try sea fishing, rod and reel combos can be bought from as little as £35 and make great Christmas presents for all ages. It is always best to seek the tackle dealers' advice on what size rod is suitable for the individual. For the angler who has everything it is a good idea to stick to tackle vouchers, unless asked for something specific. As a stocking filler, my book "Deal and Walmer's Piscatorial Past" is still available from the shops.

A quick round up of last week's matches started with an evening comp at Sandwich Bay held by the Southeast Sea Fishing group won by Darren Mills with 24 lb of fish, which included two thornback rays. Another ray in Tim Fagg's bag saw him take second place with a total of 15 lb 9 oz beating Richard Yates' 12 lb 9 oz into third spot. The successful juniors were Charlie Cloke (12 lb 2 oz), Luke Martine (8 lb 9 oz) and Ben Clarke with 7 lb 4 oz. If you fancy trying for something a little larger, then Sandwich Bay is the place for rays.

Birchington held their daytime Christmas beach match from the Chequers along the golf course area. It was a neck and neck battle between me and Dave Andrews; however, Dave pipped me to first place with one extra fish for 4.970 kg to my 4.330 kg. His bag also produced the heaviest fish, a dog of 0.840 kg. Close behind in third spot was Melvin Jarman with 4.250 kg who also shared the heaviest flatfish prize with Fred Leach with two fine dabs of 0.225 kg.

On the same day, Deal AC 1919 held their Christmas turkey comp along the promenade from Walmer Castle to Sandown Castle with the pier included. In top place was Folkestone match angler Martin Reid with 6 kg of mixed sizables from Walmer beach. Second place went to local Louie Smith with 5.550 kg and third was on-form Luke Hutton with 5.310 kg. A total of 30 turkeys were awarded as prizes.

Congratulations to two of Deal's young anglers, Miss Geogie Withington and Joe Smith, who came top in the Dover Sea Angling Association's junior league of 2015.

I would like to wish all anglers and friends a Happy Christmas.

The average Deal sea temperature this week was 11.8°C.

Sunday, 13th December 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Deal Pier and the local beaches are seeing lots of whiting, pouting, dogfish and sprat dabs being caught but codling are few and far between although a 5 lb codling was caught from the lower deck after dark yesterday. Lugworm and squid cocktails are the favoured baits and you could try a live bait rig as well on a spare rod fished close in for bass or cod and perhaps have a go for a thornback ray which can still be caught on bluey.

The average local sea temperature for December is 11.1°C (52°F) with the current temperature slightly higher at 11.7°C, which is pushing the upper limit for cod.

Sunday, 13th December 2015

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Channel Angling's Fred Leach showed fine form in the mid-week Birchington S.A evening beach match. Starting the comp with a couple of double shots of dogfish, local tackle dealer Leach then carried on catching eight more dogs and some pouting and whiting. His total bag weighed in at 8.320 kg beating Thanet angler Tony Wraight's 7.620 kg. Fishing from the Chequers area, Brian Nicholson came third with a bag of dogfish and whiting for 7.400 kg.

With Deal Pier closing at 6pm weekdays at the moment, Deal AC 1919 had to fish their Pier and beach match on the beach. The whiting hoards showed up again and 'speed' angler Luke Hutton totalled an incredible 50 plus catch for 10.460 kg in the three hour match. Amongst his catch of whiting, pouts and dogfish was also the heaviest flatfish, a dab of 0.270 kg. Broadstairs angler Dave Andrews chased Hutton for second spot with 8.920 kg and Sam Collier was third with 6.220 kg, which also included the heaviest fish, a dog of 0.720 kg. As this was the last of this year's 1919 pier and beach competition points league, Sam Collier has amassed enough points to be the champion.

The following night, they had to do it all over again in the last monthly Deal AC 1919 beach match series which happened to be back to back. It was obvious that Luke Hutton had been thinning out the whiting and dogfish population (or was getting tired) as his win was slightly down from the night before with 7.180 kg. Martin Jenkins came second with 6.400 kg narrowly beating Louie Smith's 6.340 kg. No cod showed and Andy Manning scooped the heaviest fish pool with a large dog of 0.990 kg. The sizes of dabs are improving and Paul Jarrett's 0.240 kg fish was the heaviest in the match. Again, as this was the last in the points series, it was Martin Jenkins who is the club's beach champion.

Deal herrings are still in season and are plentiful, being a sustainable catch. At the moment they are large and full of hard and soft roe making them doubly delicious. Herrings can be purchased from the fishing boats on Deal beach at a reasonable price - so make the most of them while they are still available.

Sunday, 6th December 2015

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

The prospects that this year would be a good cod season are fast fading for many anglers. The majority are running out of excuses and reasons as to why the expected larger fish have not arrived. November, which should be the prime time to catch cod, has been a great disappointment and the pier fish of the month only produced one of 1.350 kg caught by Bryan Rolfe. The next couple of months will be the telling point, and we all live in hope.

However, whiting, pouting, dogfish and dabs are showing in large numbers with the match anglers taking advantage of the shoals. The Birchington AC recently held their annual beach festival at Sandwich Bay. The action was hectic, with the club president Terry Marsh catching 9.430 kg of mixed sizable fish which totalled to over 50. Close behind and in second place was Brian Nicholson who managed 9.120 kg beating Andy Hurcombe's 8.950 kg into third spot. Again, no cod showed and heaviest fish was a dogfish of 0.710 kg landed by Andy Hurcombe. Andy also shared the heaviest flatfish prize with Julian Attwood who both caught dabs of 0.230 kg.

On the same day, the Deal Marines A.C held their early Christmas comp on Deal Pier. It was left up to Bob Morrison to lead the way with 4.400 kg, beating lady member Jacky Bartholomew's 3.560 kg. Third place went to veteran angler Tony Libby, who landed a total weight of 3.220 kg. Heaviest fish - a dog of 0.550 kg - was caught by Ken Buxey, and best Junior was Anthony Eurburiamsher.

So there you have it - plenty of action along the beaches and pier and loads of fish to be caught.

I would like to give my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of fellow local angler, Nick Warren, who was tragically drowned whilst trying to save his dog. Please stay safe out there.

The average sea temperature this week was 11.5°C

Sunday, 6th December 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

It has been a week of very strong winds which have kept some lovely colour in the water. On Saturday night a good size codling of 3 lb was caught from the Pier and is currently the fish of the month. Plenty of good size Channel whiting, dabs, pouting and dogfish continue to be caught from the Pier and local beaches. A group of us ("Tuesday Club") fished the beach at the north end of Deal and we caught "loadsa of fish" including some big pouting, huge Channel whiting and dogs. However, it's still difficult getting through the whiting, even with live bait rigs.

The local inshore sea temperature is much the same as last week (12.5°C - 55°F).

Sunday, 29th November 2015

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Luke Hutton is on top form at the moment with his match angling skills winning him the last two local club matches. The Deal plumber out fished the other 21 anglers in the latest Deal and Walmer Angling Association's beach comp held at Walmer. He amassed a 45 whiting and pouts lead for 6.650 kg in the four hour match. Second place on the night went to Brian Smith with 4.750 kg and in third spot was Ken Withington with a 4.260 kg bag. Although there were expectations of cod, none showed and the heaviest fish was a dog of 0.650 kg caught by John Green. The only flatfish in the competition was landed by Deal tackle dealer Fred Leach, with a dab of 0.170 kg. Luke's triumph did not end there, as this was the last match in the clubs point's league and he was a clear leader and club champion with 501 points. Well done Luke.

The Deal 1919 club held their rover beach comp three days later. The beach was illuminated with a full moon; although conditions were slightly difficult with a nasty swell breaking alongshore. Luke Hutton yet again showed his prowess … but only just. Ken Withington almost caught him up with a sizeable fish bag of 4.980 kg against Luke's 5.120 kg. Third place went to Josh Hackett with 3.790 kg. Josh also shared the heaviest fish pool with Sam Collier who both weighed-in identical dogs of 0.650 kg.

For those planning a future fishing session, the match angling reports will give a true record of what is being caught without any exaggerations - as the fish are weighed on certified club scales. Nevertheless, the whole enjoyment of angling is not knowing what will be caught … and when.

With the week's northerly wind, the sea temperature has cooled down a couple of degrees. However, there have not been many reports of cod in any numbers, although a few five pounders have been caught by some lucky anglers. Average local sea temperature this week was 11.5°C.

Saturday, 28th November 2015

Catch report by Bryan Rolfe

Cod (1.350 kg - 2 lb 15 oz) caught on lug and squid bait at 23:45 on Saturday 28th November by Bryan Rolfe fishing from the Pier's lower deck

Saturday, 28th November 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

The Pier and local beaches are fishing very well - big granddaddy pouting, good size channel whiting, dogfish, dabs and the occasional thornback ray - but codling are few and far between, although I weighed one for a customer at mid-day on Wednesday (5 lb 11 oz) caught on lug and squid cocktail from the beach in front of the coastguard station (between Horsa Road and Manor Road). It's tough getting through the whiting - try livebait.

Local sea temperature much the same as last week (12.8°C - 55°F) which is a tad too toasty for cod which prefers a range of between 0-12°C.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Monday if at all possible. The weather and tides are unfavourable for worm digging resulting in demand for bait outstripping supply and disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Sunday, 22nd November 2015

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Although the Americans have been naming their hurricanes for a long time, we seem to have adopted their terminology by giving our storms a name. Storm Abigail was just subsiding leaving the door open for Storm Barney to hit our coasts. Up to then, we have had a very warm, but wet, November. Fortunately, the Deal Marines Angling Club held their Beach and Pier Open between storms and with clement weather. Fish were being caught from the start in this five hour match, and winter clothing was being shed as the action heated up. Fishing from north Deal beach, my lucky streak continued and I put 40 sizable whiting and pouting onto my score card for a total weight of 7.780 kg. Second and third place, on the Pier, went to Father and son, Tony Libby and John Libby. 72 year old Tony had a similar catch for 6.600 kg and his son, 5.460 kg. One codling was caught; however, Fred Leach and Ken Buxely shared the largest fish prize with dogfishes of 0.720 kg. Heaviest flat, a dab of 0.180 kg, was caught by Mac MacDonald.

Birchington AC held their evening competition with twelve gallant anglers, plus Storm Barney, again, on the north Deal beach. With the rain holding off it made life bearable … just. All of the anglers' equipment had to be well secured, or it would have been blown out to sea. The weather did not put the fish off and Brian Nicholson found some dogs for a winning weight of 3.510 kg, beating myself into second place for 3.190 kg. Ramsgate builder, Paul Cox was third with 2.550 kg. Heaviest fish, this time, was a codling of 1.090 kg.

Fifteen members of the Southern Circuit AC fished their Deal beach rover in atrocious conditions with the wind gusting up to 50 miles per hour from the north-west. For the first three hours they had difficulty keeping their fishing shelters and gear from being blown away - in fact, there were some losses of equipment. However, as the wind dropped a little the winner, Cieron Bull, managed to bag-up on dogs and whiting to bring 13 lb to the scales. Ashley Brown was second with 10 lb 5 oz and Robert Bates third, for 9 lb 14 oz. The heaviest fish was a nice codling of 3 lb 12 oz, caught by Graham King. Now that's extreme fishing … you have my admiration.

The wind direction has changed to the north and the sea should be stirred-up enough to bring the cod closer inshore. At the time of writing a few codling are being caught from the Pier, nevertheless, no large fish have been landed, and the fish of the month board on Deal Pier is still blank. Hopefully I will be able to report more individual catches and better size fish in next week's edition.

Average local sea temperature this week was 13.5°C.

Sunday, 22nd November 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Lots of wind this week kept the colour in the water resulting in plenty of fish being caught - codling from the Pier along with whiting, dogfish, dabs and pouting. In addition to these species, bass are also still being landed from the beach in Sandwich Bay. The water temperature remains at 14°C and the fishing can only get better folks.

Demand continues to outstrip supply so please book your bait four to five days in advance of your visit from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104).

Tight lines all and please remember to return any fish which is not sizeable and continue to send me photos of the fish you catch in and around Deal for the website, together with brief details of where, how and when you were fishing.

Sunday, 15th November 2015

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

The productive beaches of Deal and Walmer are always a popular venue for away and local clubs to fish their competitions. Here is a round-up of the recent night comps.

Margate Angling Club held their latest match at Walmer with Dave Andrews dominating with a winning weight of 9 lb 13 oz (4.451 kg). His 19 fish catch contained mainly whiting with some dogfish. Paul Davies was second with 5 lb 13 oz (2.637 kg) just beating Kevin Hadlow by three ounces (2.551 kg).

I fished the first two hours of the Birchington Sea Angling Club match at Sandwich Bay without a bite - let alone a fish. Just as I was getting despondent the fish went on a feeding frenzy in the last hour and a half and I managed to catch 25 sizeable dogfish and whiting - enough to win the match with 6.940 kg. Second place went to Gordon Morris (5.140 kg) with the club's chairman, Terry Marsh, in third spot for 4.660 kg. Heaviest fish was a plump codling of 1.940 kg caught by 75 year old Ramsgate angler Chris Pierce. Best flatfish from the 15 anglers was a dab of 0.220 kg caught by Deal tackle dealer Fred Leach.

It has been speculated that it would be cheaper for Broadstairs match angler Dave Andrews to move to Deal as he triumphed yet again three days after his last event. Fishing in the Deal 1919 Pier and Beach comp, he caught a total of 30 fish for 6.530 kg and won. Steve Hackett, who fished north Deal beach, managed a close 6.340 kg for second place and in his catch was the heaviest flat fish of 0.230 kg. Luke Hutton was third with 5.400 kg and Sam Collier had the heaviest fish, a dog of 0.650 kg.

Daylight hours have seen poor catches from the pier and beach, although one or two bass and thornback rays have been landed; however, the fish are more abundant on the night tides. The cod returns have tapered off at the moment, even though the remnants of 'Storm Abigail' has put a bit of colour in the water. We still need a northerly blow to bring them closer in to feed … fingers crossed.

Average local sea temperature this week was 14°C.

Sunday, 15th November 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Strong south-west and west-southwesterly winds arrived last week putting colour into the sea after a few days. These winds will continue all this week which is good news for anglers fishing from the Pier and local beaches which continue to produce codling, channel whiting, big pouting and a lot of sprat dabs (which were scarce last year). Key baits are commons\squid cocktails. You will have a great chance of a landing a good fish or three this week as the water should keep its colour.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait four (4) days in advance from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) as it's the time of year when strong demand for bait outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Friday, 6th November 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Lots of clear water this week has made daytime fishing challenging but, after dusk, lots of whiting, dogfish and some lovely plump sprat dabs are being landed to shore anglers fishing in Sandwich Bay. A fair few bass and, of course, a thornback ray or two is always possible in these sea and weather conditions. A few codling have also been caught but, to increase catches, we need some north-easterly winds to colour up the water.

Fresh bait will be in short supply in the next 7 to 10 days or so as the tides are not favourable for worm digging so book early from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) as it's going to be a challenge for us to meet demand, particularly if this rain continues.

Sunday, 1st November 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Well folks, it has been a week of big tides here in Deal and most of the codling caught from the Pier - along with thornies, whiting, pouting and dogfish - have fallen to anglers fishing after dark as the water has lost much of its colour. Like the Pier, the local beaches continue to produce lots of whiting, dogfish, the occasional schoolie bass and a few codling after dark.

Today sees the British Open (a sell-out) which is a credit to the organisers Saul Page and Richard Yates.

Sunday, 25th October 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Both the Pier and local beaches in Deal are fishing very well at the moment with good catches of whiting, pouting and some lovely plump codling weighing between 4 - 6 lb. Thornback rays are still being caught from the Pier on bluey and fresh herring bait best presented on a pulley rig with a 30 lb snood line.

Matthew Knapp, fishing on Saturday night from the fourth shelter on the upper deck of the Pier, caught this fine codling on cuttlefish bait on the out-going tide at 23.45.

The British Open is being hosted here in Deal on the local beaches at the weekend (Sunday, 1st November) so, if you need bait for the weekend, please book very early in the week as bait will be in short supply. Just call me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) to avoid disappointment.

Thursday, 22nd October 2015

Catch report by Warren Hayes

With plenty of colour still in the water, we took advantage of a midweek session. There were plenty of fish from the first cast - thornbacks, codling, whiting, pouting and the arrival of the herrings - with yellowtails being very effective, as was the fresh herring. Fish showed right along the Pier and the local beaches with some lovely codling to 6 lb falling to big worm baits. So, if you're looking for a venue for the weekend and maybe a cod supper, Dean and Fred will be happy to help with some top quality bait, but please be sure to order asap. See you down there …

Sunday, 18th October 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

This past week we have seen a fair few codling (around the 4 lb mark) along with good bags of whiting, dogfish and pouting being caught from the Pier and local beaches. A good size cod was landed from the beach at Walmer - not surprising as the water colour has been perfect and, with no wind forecast for the coming week, the colour should hold.

The heavy rain this week has caused the bait diggers problems - as you know, lugworm cannot be dug when it rains hard so the local bait and tackle suppliers have been unable to meet demand. We anticipate strong demand for bait towards the end of the week as the eleventh Deal & Walmer members-only competition takes place at Walmer Castle (top car park) (51.202032, 1.402374) on Sunday, 25th October (5pm to 9pm). So, to avoid disappointment book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104).

Friday, 16th October 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Fishing from the upper deck of the Pier this morning Guy Langston caught this fine 4 lb codling.

Sunday, 11th October 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Last week, during daylight hours, the fishing was fairly slow on the Pier with just the occasional schoolie bass and whiting being caught. After dark the Pier came alive with good numbers of large channel whiting, pouting and a few good codling being landed. The beach at the north end of Deal and in Sandwich Bay fished very well with codling, whiting, pouting and a fair few dabs - which we haven't seen a great deal of in the past few years - being caught, along with some good size bass, with lug and squid cocktail as the main bait.

This week should fish very well as north east winds are forecast throughout the week and into the weekend.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Monday if at all possible. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Don't forget the British Open 2015 is being hosted in Deal on Sunday, 1st November 2015 (11am to 4pm) so, whether or not you are competing in the British Open, please order your bait for that weekend as soon as possible.

Sunday, 4th October 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

The past few days have fished very well and on Saturday night three thornback rays were landed from the Pier, the biggest of which weighed 3.2 kg (7lb ⅞ oz) and is the current "Fish of the Month". Whiting and codling up to 2 lb are showing in good numbers, with the whiting falling to lugworm and squid cocktail bait and the thornies to bluey. Also, a good sized smooth-hound was caught from the Pier.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Monday if at all possible. The lugworm has "milked out" and will soon "go deep" which will restrict supplies. Plus, it's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Saturday, 3rd October 2015

British Sea Fishing Newsletter, August & September 2015

August has been a reasonably good month for mackerel numbers around most of the UK, with many areas seeing decent numbers of mackerel showing. Indeed, the Indian summer which many parts of the UK has been enjoying means that mackerel have been caught in many areas until the end of September and maybe into October in some places. The same is true for other summer species such as pollock and wrasse. September into October can be one of the most interesting times for shore anglers as many of the summer species remain, while winter species, such as cod, begin to increase in number … cod are already beginning to increase in number, with rougher weather which stirs up the seabed bringing the larger specimens within range of the shore angler. Flatfish such as flounder and dab are two other species which will provide sport to bait rods, while whiting can increase in numbers around most of the UK at this time of year.

While many anglers will be putting away the summer spinning and float gear for pollock and mackerel, bass fishing is still very good around many parts of the UK at this time of year, with spinners, jelly lures and baits such as ragworm and peeler crab all proving effective for this species. Please bear in mind that there is a new minimum retention size of 42 cm for bass, and anglers are limited to keeping a maximum of three bass per day.

Friday, 2nd October 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

The strong easterlies during the past week put plenty of colour into the water which improved the fishing from the Pier and local beaches. On Thursday, the rump of the "Thursday Club" - Matt MacDonald and Lord Douglas of Blenheim - fishing from the upper and lower decks of the Pier caught, respectively, a 3 lb codling and a 2½ bass on clip down traces baited with lug and squid cocktail. Also caught were good numbers of whiting, pouting and dogfish. Similar catches were also reported by anglers fishing from the local beaches.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Monday if at all possible. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

The British Open 2015 is being hosted in Deal on Sunday, 1st November 2015 (11am to 4pm) so, whether or not you are competing in the British Open, please order your bait for that weekend as soon as possible.

Alan Yates' monthly sea fishing diary

Fishing Magic, 7th September 2015

With a change in the weather looming, writes Alan Yates, shore fishing is set for a major change to autumn and winter mode and a return of crowded and snaggy venues. Losing terminal tackle is one of shore angling's major problem areas and nothing is worse than finding your gear in a snag just when the fish are starting to bite. A major cause around the UK shore, especially in the popular sea angling piers and beaches, is that anglers use heavy (60+ lb) leaders to help them cast long with thin mainline (15 lb). Obviously once the lead or terminal tackle is snagged the main line will always break, usually at the leader knot leaving leader, rig and lead to increase the snag. This over four decades or more has created lots of huge snags around many parts of the coast and because mono degrades very slowly these snags stay in place. On some venues regular dredging clears them, whilst on the most volatile storm beaches the weather breaks them up or buries them, but they remain a big problem.

No matter what tackle you chose to use for fishing over snags of any kind, and that includes rocks and weed as well as line snag, the first essential is choosing where to fish to avoid the snag and that vital speedy tackle retrieve.

Watch an experienced rock angler and he will make the fishing look easy, but this is because he will first select his fishing spot based on his experience of the venue's snags. Have you even looked at low water to see what you are fishing over? A few yards along the venue can make a difference to hitting the worse snags or missing them completely, plus your location in terms of closeness to the water's edge creates a different line angle to the snag and a high position will give you a steeper angle of retrieve which often does the trick. Add to that that there will be a difference between fishing the flood and ebb tide and either can increase or decrease a snag's ferocity.

A failure to grip the rod and reel firmly so that the reel can be cranked at maximum speed is a major failing of many anglers, especially novices. Too many believe that all they have to do is clip on some gimmicky snag-avoiding accessory and all the problems will be solved. But far more effective is to pick the rod up and slowly wind the rod down to point at the lead and then with one lifting movement lift and reel as fast as you can, keeping the rod tip as high as possible. Fixed spools which have faster initial retrieve speed than the empty spooled multiplier, are gaining popularity on snaggy venues.

If your sea fishing tackle is snagged then there are several things you can do to try to escape. First change the angle of the line to the snag, walk down or uptide and try a gradual pull, or get higher up so that the angle to the snag is more acute, this often works. If that fails then try letting the line slack or pulling sharply on the rod tip. Take care with the latter because if you get over violent with the rod tip you may break it.

When you are badly snagged there is no alternative but to pull for a break by pointing the rod at the snag and making sure the spool of the reel is not being pressured by wrapping the line around the rod butt. Straining the spool of the reel can result in the spindle bending and the spool jamming. Walk backwards slowly tensioning the line to its limit gradually. This can sometimes move a stop knot on the rig causing it to slip and jump free. Finally, fishing amongst snags is about losing tackle, it's an inevitability of this type of sea angling that you will lose a rig sooner than later. So always have plenty of rigs and a spare reel available and if you are consistently snagged "MOVE" - it's amazing how many anglers ignore this way to avoid snags!

Sunday, 13th September 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

We have had some lovely colour in the water all week which has produced lots of good size pouting and whiting on the Pier along with seven codling the biggest of which was 3 lb which is a good start to the season. The local beaches have produced some big channel whiting (in the 34 cm range), codling, pouting and dogfish and there is still a good chance of bagging a smooth-hound on fresh peeler bait next week. The weather forecast gives fresh, squally winds next week which will keep colour in the water.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Monday if at all possible. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Sunday, 6th September 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

With the weather now on the change, we are seeing the summer species move offshore and the winter species move inshore. This week has seen the occasional good-sized whiting, pouting, dogfish and smooth-hound (on crab bait) being caught from the Pier and local beaches and kayakers are catching a fair few codling offshore. Brian Smith, fishing from the lower deck on Saturday evening, caught a 3½ lb codling on lug. The water temperature continues to fall and so we can expect more codling falling to anglers on the Pier.

Tight lines all and please remember that live bait in the autumn months is more difficult to come by and supplies of lug and rag will decline as we get closer to year end. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment. So, book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Monday if at all possible.

Wednesday, 2nd September 2015

Snatch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Nigel Woodcock spotted this bait thief (Mus dolapila) on the promenade deck today … he goes by the name of "fingers" and prefers mackerel to cheese. Be warned - that's his knife.

Monday, 31st August 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Ivan Rubins with a 10 lb smooth-hound caught at 7pm today on crab fished from the lower deck of the Pier. With heavy rain for most of Bank Holiday Monday, fortune has clearly favoured the brave …

Sunday, 30th August 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

The fishing last week started off slowly with warm, clear water, lots of rain and a slight drop in the water temperature but the week ended on a high when the big bass showed up at the Pier on Saturday - Ben Wood landed a 9 lb specimen and Craig Gregory landed a 6 pounder. Both were taken on mackerel bait fished on a pulley rig. Catches from the Pier included dogfish, whiting, pouting and pollack.

The local beaches are showing the occasional good size whiting (30 cm) along with schoolie bass and Dover sole after dark, four of which were caught at last night's Deal & Walmer Angling Association "sole only" competition the largest of which measured 34 cm and weighed 0.390g. John Green landed a 3 lb codling in last night's competition, with dogfish and pouting also showing - a very enjoyable night. Our thanks go to Brian Smith and Andy Manning for pegging out.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Angling … Deal Pier

East Kent Mercury, Thursday 27th August 2015

… Deal Pier remains best (as a summer sea angling venue) when it's calm and the water clear with mackerel, gars, pout, pollack, wrasse and even bass possible writes Alan Yates. Ragworm and fish baits on booms, floats and freelined are the best tactics. In murky water there is still a good chance of smooth-hound and ray with peeler crab the top bait.

Monday, 24th August 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

With the water clear last week and over 18°C inshore, the fishing slowed down a tad but the unfavourable sea and weather conditions still managed to produce two good size thornback rays, a few small smooth-hound pups, pouting and pollack "down the side" from the Pier and a few schoolie bass and sizeable whiting from the local beaches.

The weather is "on the turn" again folks and the summer species are getting ready to move offshore to be replaced by the winter species coming inshore and you now have a good chance of landing an early codling or two, particularly on the spring tides.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible. We anticipate strong demand for bait towards the end of the week as the ninth of the Deal & Walmer members-only matches will take place on Saturday, 29th August at Cambridge Road (gardens - sole only) - 51.210211, 1.402760 - book in by no later than 7:30pm for an 8pm start (measure-in at 00:15). So, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Thursday, 20th August 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

When fishing the lower deck yesterday, Joe Smith, England junior gold medalist and D&WAA member, cast out and caught this lovely lobster on rod and line with mackerel bait which the lobster refused to let go … Joe also caught plenty of dogfish and pouting. The lobster was returned to the sea unharmed.

Sunday, 16th August 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Last week's light north-easterlies put colour back in the water encouraging the smooth-hounds to return inshore. Ivan Rubins caught a small thornback ray early in the week and on Tuesday, fishing from the promenade deck, two good size surmullets were caught by Richard Borgust.

On Thursday the "Thursday Club" (Doug Pettit et al) caught several smooth-hounds weighing between 7 and 9 lbs on single hook clip-down traces baited with lug and tipped off with squid.

On Friday, while fishing from the upper deck of the Pier, Joseph Smith, England junior gold medalist and D&WAA member, caught this nice 3+ lb bass which he returned unharmed to the water after taking this photo.

On Friday evening when fishing from the beach at Cambridge Road (locally known as "Walmer Gardens") Matt Somerfield caught these two good size soles (31 and 35 cm), a few pouting, bootlace eels, schoolie bass and another "may wing" (immature thornback ray).

Sizeable numbers of pouting, wrasse and pollack continue to be caught from the Pier with dogfish, whiting and the occasional bass falling to anglers fishing from the local beaches. Thornback rays are still showing on the Pier and in Sandwich Bay so, on the whole, a good week for the anglers for this time of the year.

It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Thursday, 13th August 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Richard Borgust tells me that when fishing the Pier on Tuesday he caught two striped red mullet (surmullet - Mullus surmuletus) both about 30 cm (12 inches) in length. This very unusual catch was witnessed by "24John" and others. Both fish were returned to the water unharmed by the experience. Richard has been fishing for the best part of 55 years and this is the first time he has caught a surmullet, which is not surprising because the surmullet is a warm-water species found in the Mediterranean Sea but rarely encountered around the UK coast. The surmullet can reach a length of 40 cm (16 inches) but most are 25 cm (10 inches) so Richard's brace are above average in size. Well done Richard.

Striped red mullet (surmullet - Mullus surmuletus)

Monday, 10th August 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

A few Dover soles were caught from the beach and Pier last week in the clear water leading up to Sunday along with gurnard and the occasional thornback ray from the beach opposite the 10th green at the north end of Deal. Good size smooth-hounds are turning up at the Pier along with pollack "down the side" and some good size wrasse. Mackerel are a tad scarce at the moment due to "greeny water" but lots of pouting are being caught in the "well" on the lower deck which is the go-to fishing hot spot for children.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Monday, 3rd August 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

On Saturday evening Matthew Summerfield and his friend Mike Burke, fishing from the beach at Cambridge Road (gardens), caught plenty of pouting and dogfish, a nice size flounder, a "may wing" (immature thornback ray) and this sole (31 cm) to ragworm and bass (3 lb 14 ½ oz) to whole squid.

Sunday, 2nd August 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

On Sunday morning John Halpin, of Northbourne, fishing from the upper deck of the Pier with whole mackerel, caught a bass weighing 4.15 kg (9 lb 2⅔ oz). He tells me that the bass he had before which got away was even bigger …

Saturday, 1st August 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

We saw some nice colour return to the water this week. The mackerel moved offshore for a few days in the northerly winds but are now slowly returning inshore. When they weren't busy chucking down jammy doughnuts, the "Thursday Club" [1] caught a few dogfish from the lower deck. Along with the occasional thornback, schoolie bass and some lovely pollack are also being caught from the Pier "down the side". After eight long months the whole of the lower deck has now reopened (north and south sides) so the fishing should improve. The water will clear again this week when the winds turn south-south-west encouraging the mackerel to return inshore in good numbers.

[1] "Thursday Club" … the answer to the question "what has 12 legs, no hair and three teeth".

Alan Yates' monthly sea fishing diary

Fishing Magic, 15th July 2015

"Midsummer and the weather can be tough for fishing in all disciplines and the sea angling tends to get hardest from the shore with the calm, clear water deterring all except mackerel and a few others from coming into the inshore shallows. The angler's best bet is to take to the deeper rock marks, piers or the boat …", writes Alan Yates. "Currently the smoothhound population is at its best ever with the hounds growing in size and numbers every year. This year Kent is amongst the many UK coasts experiencing a hound invasion."

"Back to the sea and its coming up to that time of year I always label the doldrums - Here in Kent we have had such a fantastic winter, spring and early summer that the doldrums are going to be hard to take. What happens usually is that all the fish swim past us north and for a short period in August the fishing is poor. Eventually when the fish return it's a bonanza in October and November, I suppose you cant have it all, but the most sea anglers in my region are hoping that enough of those codling from last year survive to return this autumn. They should be four to five pounds, well big enough to pull the string and some fun fishing ahead.".

"It's mackerel time and I have the light gear ready for a few evening trips on the rocks or beach after mackerel - well bass too, but the mackerel are more reliable especially as darkness falls. Any lead headed rubber eel sort of fish shape works, not too big. The savage gear sandeels just are perfect. Fish them on a spinning rod and braid for some really enjoyable sport all be it short lived at dusk.

"I'm a bit piddled off with the LRF scene - it's getting silly now guys, grown men chasing scorpion fish, etc. It's just not that bad in the UK. There are plenty of quality sized fish to catch and there is no need to target tiddlers. I am more inclined to think that the LRF style is a great way of fishing for some species with better presentation the key; it beats 6 oz sinkers and 70 lb leader line. But not to catch the mini species like bullheads and rock cook wrasses - I leave them to the small boys. Get out with your LRF style gear, beef it up a bit too and catch some good sized fish. Wrasse, pollack, bass, mackerel etc - the best angling fun on the planet. Oh, and before I go off the subject, bait is far better than lures for some species so don't get obsessed with lures!

Check out Alan Yates' excellent diary offering for July …

Sunday, 26th July 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Last week we had lots of clear, warm water again which is expected at this time of the year, giving a mixed week for fish on the beach and Pier. Gurnard and pollack were being caught down the side of the Pier on boom rigs baited with ragworm or a thin strip of squid. Lots of mackerel still being caught from Pier and local beaches, but mainly over the high tide. Also on Tuesday just gone lots of big bass under the mackerel chasing them to the surface - they are hard to catch when chasing mackerel but try a small Sabiki rig or a mackerel lure on a spining rod with light line. In Sandwich Bay we are still seeing the rays, but not in such prolific numbers - but they are there if you try for them using bluey as bait. Dogfish are still showing, but no smooth-hounds this week.

Hope the kids are having a fab summer holiday.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Monday if at all possible. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Sunday, 19th July 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Last week saw the thornback rays return to the Pier and local beaches at the north end of Deal along with small smooth-hounds which were taken on frozen crab. We have had tub gurnards (also called yellow gurnard or tubfish) caught from the Pier and beach at Sandown Castle. The clear water is keeping plenty of mackerel close inshore, particularly during the flood tide.

Now is a good time to try for Dover sole at high tide - use ragworm and fish close range from the beach at the coast guard station (Horsa Road) or Cambridge Road (gardens). Try and pick a tide that has a bit of dark (dusk) with it as sole were once thought to be nocturnal feeders and are known to prefer dark conditions.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want crab or ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Monday if at all possible. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Wednesday, 15th July 2015

Catch report by Warren and Michael Hayes

Warren: Yesterday saw myself, Michael, Kev and "24 John" hit the Pier early doors to see if we could find a fish or two. Well, it didn't take long. First casts were made and within minutes my rod signalled a fish on and I landed a thornback ray on a Pennell rig with size 3/0 Sakuma hooks baited with mackerel. She weighed 10 lb and was released after weighing and quickly taking this photo to carry on laying her purses. After this Michael also had a bite and after a short fight landed a 6 lb thornback. The tide then really started to flood through which signalled the arrival of the mackerel and every one was soon into them. After the main push of the tide it started to ease off and, just before the ebb tide, the dogfish came along and so did another thornback, this one falling to Kev and weighing in at 5 lb. This good sized male was also released unharmed. We carried on fishing and the dogfish kept us busy for the rest of the evening. Just before the Pier closed I made my last cast and within minutes another classic slack line bite resulted in another thornback, this time weighing 10.8 lb. All fish were caught at range on fish baits. There is some good fishing to be had still on Deal Pier which remains one of the best venues in the south-east. So make your plans and book your baits with Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) and Dean at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191), both offering superb bait and tackle deals. Book baits early to avoid disappointment.

Michael: Arriving early and taking up position on the lower deck, the tide had just turned and was on the rise. A selection of baits provided by Fred at Channel Angling had us among the fish from the start. Within ten minutes, Warren Hayes put a 10 lb thornback on the deck and this was quickly followed by another thornback of 5+ lb by yours truly. With the tide almost on us a change to feathers saw mackerel taken straight away. The mackerel are here in large numbers and provide great sport on light spinning tackle. As the tide eased local Kevin Gisby soon had another thornback on the deck followed by another thornback of 10+ lb by Warren again. Lots of fish coming from the Pier - rays, bass, dogfish, mackerel, pollack etc, falling to most baits and techniques. Check with Dean or Fred for good advice on the action and keep an eye open for tackle deals. My advice as always is to get down to Deal and enjoy the fishing and this beautiful venue.

Saturday, 11th July 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

On Friday 10th July, fishing Deal beach alongside the Pier, Charlie Greenhead caught this magnificent turbot (defo NOT a brill) on herring bait. Lionel Ball tells me it was "gently returned" alive to the sea.

Saturday, 11th July 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Lots of clear water again this week folks but the sea fishing still stays fairly good for this time of year. On the pier we have seen mackerel arrive mainly on the flood tides along with two nice thornback rays caught by "24 John" and Joe Smith, our local England junior international, along with dogfish, a nice tub gurnard and a few small smooth-hounds (to peeler crab). Joe Smith reports:

"I caught a 9 lb skate using a pulley rig and "24 John" caught a 7 lb skate on sandeel also using a pulley rig. Lots of dogs being caught at distance and loads of mackerel."

If you want live crab you must ring me by Sunday to book as I order them on Monday mornings. The beach is also showing mackerel at the Walmer end on the tide but not so many are showing from the beaches at the north end of Deal. The occasional good size thornback ray and lots of schoolie bass are showing in the surf in Sandwich Bay.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Friday, 3rd July 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Very warm weather and clear water all this week. The latest (sixth) Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only competition held on Sunday on the stretch of Walmer beach opposite Walmer Castle proved to be very hard going but enjoyable nonetheless. Deal Pier has fished very well considering the weather and sea conditions with schoolie bass, pollack and a big bream being caught as well as the occasional small smooth-hound on peeler crab and, of course, the ubiquitous dogfish.

The beach at the north end of Deal has seen two nice smooth-hounds caught - one at Godwyn Road and the other in Sandwich Bay along with doggies, the odd bass and a few small plaice. Bring a drop net with you to the Pier as the lobsters are now showing. For a bit of fun catching lobsters, crabs, hermits, whelks and prawns, bait the drop net with any fish bait - mackerel, herring and bluey - and drop the net down "the well" from the lower deck of the Pier. The statutory minimum sizes for shellfish in force locally are set out in the following table:

The carapace is the hard shell (excluding the tail).

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Please carefully return any fish (and shellfish) which is not sizeable and continue to send me photos of the fish you catch in and around Deal for the website, together with brief details of where, how and when you were fishing.

Thursday, 2nd July 2015

Catch report by Michael Hayes

After the heat a trip to the Pier seemed the best way to keeping cool. Shortly after arriving the fish began to show interest - mainly small stuff, lots of dogfish and pouting close in and some nice pollack taking baited-feather "down the side".

The tide arrived and half time was called. As the tide eased Warren Hayes hooked a female thornback ray which took the scales to just over 7 lb. As she was dropping her purses (immature eggs) she was quickly released. Soon after, my good friend and local Kevin Gisby had a strong bite which turned out to be another, slightly larger, thornback, this one weighing a little over 7½ lb. This fish is currently the fish of the month (July).

As the evening settled in James Hayes hooked an unusual visitor - a cuttlefish which took his fish bait and gave a very good account of itself.

Be sure to book your bait with Fred or Dean as the school holidays are upon us.

Monday, 29th June 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Peter Van Lierde and his two friends, visiting from Belgium at the weekend, fished for 20 hours at Sandwich Bay and caught two lovely thornback rays and 41 dogfish between them on ragworm, live crab and sandeel baits. Well done Peter - hope to see you soon.

Saturday, 27th June 2015

Catch report by Warren Hayes

Fishing from the lower deck of the Pier yesterday from gates-open until 6.30 pm, I managed a good day's fishing using Pennell rigs with size 3/0 hooks baited with bluey and crab. I managed to catch a few species - the best being two rays of 10 lb and 8 lb and a (Norwegian) topknot (Phrynorhombus norvegicus) - my first since Tuesday, 16th July 2013. Plenty of bites and fish throughout the day. All fish were released soon after being photographed.

Saturday, 27th June 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

With the warm weather, light winds and very clear sea conditions we have seen plenty of thornback rays, bass and pollack being caught by anglers fishing "over the side" from the lower deck of the Pier. From the beach at the north end of Deal anglers have reported catching some lovely big granddaddy pouting and thornbacks on bluey bait, small smooth-hounds to fresh peeler crab and the odd schoolie bass. Try fishing after dusk on a calm evening and go for a Dover sole with ragworm at the gardens opposite Cambridge Road.

Catch update to follow tomorrow after the latest Deal & Walmer Angling Association members-only competition at Walmer Castle (top car park) (51.202032, 1.402374) on Sunday, 28th June (5pm to 9pm). Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Walmer Castle (top car park) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.

Wednesday, 24th June 2015

Catch update by Stephen Rubins

Warren Hayes caught these two lovely bass today on crab bait when fishing with light tackle down the side of the Pier (no casting). Both fish were returned to the water unharmed.

Sunday, 21st June 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Summer solstice greetings to all my fellow pagans and Druids !

The past week has seen excellent fishing from the beaches and Pier. As the photos in this week's reports and updates show, we have had tope caught from the Pier and smooth-hounds, dogfish, thornback rays, bass and wrasse from the beaches. We are seeing lots of dogfish and I mean LOTS, plus thornbacks and smooth-hounds in the Bay and beaches at the north end of Deal. On the whole, Deal is fishing very well at the moment due in part to some nice colour in the water.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays so book by Monday to make sure we can meet your requirements - just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Friday, 19th June 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Fishing Deal Pier last night, Ivan Rubins caught this 5.660 kg thornback ray on herring bait presented on a size 4/0 hook and pulley rig. The ray was returned to the water live and kicking … It's shaping up to be a fishtastic weekend here in Deal so don't forget to call me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) to book your bait

Thursday, 18th June 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Fishing Deal Pier on Thursday, Joe Smith, junior England International and D&WAA member, caught this 9 lb thornback ray on herring bait presented on a size 4/0 hook and pulley rig. The ray was returned to the water unharmed …

Thursday, 18th June 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Fishing the Pier on Wednesday, Nigel Woodcock caught this 6 lb bass and a thornback ray weighing 11¼ lb. Other fish caught from the Pier on Wednesday include a tope, loads of doggies and a smooth-hound.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Tuesday, 16th June 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Damian and the 7 lb smooth-hound he caught on peeler crab when fishing from the beach at the north end of Deal.

Sunday, 14th June 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Strong north-easterly winds put some lovely colour back in the water and along came the fish. Last Thursday we saw lots of dogfish, a 5 lb smooth-hound and a thornback ray turn up for the Thursday Club. Then, at the weekend, Ivan Rubins caught two lovely thornbacks - 4 lb and 6 lb. Well done Ivan. Both rays were taken on bluey and were gently returned alive to the water. Also, a fair few small schoolie bass have been taken this week.

North-easterly winds continue to be forecast for the next few days so the colour will stay in the water for the week so book your bait now and don't leave it too late - call me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays and book by Tuesday if at all possible. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Friday, 12th June 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Yesterday the "Thursday Club" - the old boys who meet on the Pier every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday - again broke with tradition to fish the Pier on a Thursday. This decision by the old farts was rewarded with an average catch of nine sizeable dogfish falling to sandeel and squid baits. Steve caught two monster pouting, "Big Bruce" had a lovely 5 lb smooth-hound and Brian caught a nice thornback ray - all these fish being caught on sandeel. It seems that the colour in the water played a big part and the frozen baits fished better than live bait on the day.

It looks set to be a very good weekend for fishing here in Deal.

Sunday, 7th June 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Nathan Harper (age 10) caught this 4.1 kg (9 lb ½ oz) thornback ray from the Pier on Sunday with help from his uncle Mike who only caught a small dogfish. The ray was weighed and returned to catch another day …

Monday, 8th June 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

This week we have enjoyed some lovely summer weather here on the coast, but the fishing has not been as good as it has been of late although the catches have included a few small smooth-hounds, schoolie bass and lots of dogfish. We had a very busy weekend with bait flying out the door and lots of anglers were trying float fishing from the Pier which was nice to see. This week we have a few days of north-easterly winds which will put some colour back in the water so the weekend should fish a bit better than last week.

Brian Smith, Deal & Walmer Angling Association committee member, won the May 2015 fish of the month competition with a 5.275 kg (11 lb 10 oz) thornie - 0.725 kg (1 lbd 9½ oz) smaller than the thornie which won him the May 2014 FOTM.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Sunday, 31st May 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

This week smooth-hounds, pouting, dogfish and a few good thornbacks were being caught from the Pier and local beaches, with pollack falling to anglers who were fishing "down the sides" of the Pier. Try for garfish from the Pier or beach if the water is clear - they are great fun on a light rod baited with a strip of fish bait presented on a small hook and a 1 oz bullet with swivel and hook length. Also, if fishing from the beach try for a good size bass with a float rig.

Last week was very busy with the children off school and live bait (lug and rag) was flying out the door. Unfortunately, there are still anglers who ignore our advice and do not bother to call me or Fred to book bait in advance. I cannot emphasise too strongly - to avoid disappointment please book your bait early in the week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104). Strong demand for bait always outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers. So, before you set off please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred.

Tight lines and please carefully return any fish which is not sizeable and continue to send me photos of the fish you catch in and around Deal for the website, together with brief details of where, how and when you were fishing.

Tuesday, 26th May 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Joe Smith, England junior international and member of the Deal & Walmer Angling Association, caught this 7 lb male thornback ray (a personal best for the species) today from the Pier. The ray was weighed and returned to catch another day …

Monday, 25th May 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

It's been a fairly good Spring Bank Holiday this year with the weather behaving itself (albeit with a spot of rain). We have had reports of two thornback rays being caught with herring bait from Deal Pier over the weekend (see image of the 10 lb ¼ oz thornback caught by Alan Wilson from the Pier), along with a fair few small schoolie bass and dogfish falling to lugworm baits tipped with squid.

The local beaches are seeing a lot more dogfish and Sandwich Bay is producing lots of small bass with a few good size thornbacks as well. If you fish for them from the beach you need to bait up with bluey and, now that the water is starting to warm up and clear, try a float rig with a live ragworm and trot it down tide of the Pier or beach. It's great fun for bass and wrasse, particularly if you use a light rod which provides better sport.

Have a lovely week folks and see you next weekend.

Please remember to book your bait early in the week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible.

Sunday, 17th May 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

This week has seen the first good size smooth-hound being landed from the Pier, weighing just over 8 lb. A few smoothies have also been taken from the beach in Sandwich Bay on crab. However, the most commonly caught species continues to be the thornback rays with two weighing 7 lb and 9 lb being caught in Sandwich Bay. This weekend two of my Belgian customers caught thornies, three schoolie bass and 19 dogfish, going home happy bunnies. Pouting and dabs are still showing as well from the Pier and local beaches.

Please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) as the Spring Bank Holiday falls on Monday, 25th May. To avoid disappointment just pick up the phone and call me or Fred.

Alan Yates' monthly sea fishing diary

Fishing Magic, 16th May 2015

"It's time to get the float fishing gear out and put some fun back into your summer sea fishing, writes Alan Yates."Most sea anglers fish hard on the sea bed, or occasionally with lures cast and retrieved, and come summer many neglect a very effective way of sea fishing that is not only very productive, but great fun - that's fishing with a float or even free lining a bait in the current."

Check out Alan Yates' excellent diary offering for May in which Alan explains everything you wanted to know about float fishing, but were afraid to ask …

Saturday, 9th May 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

As I reported on 6th May, the strong south-westerly winds we had in the early part of the week put some good colour in the water producing some excellent fishing from the Pier and local beaches and good numbers of thornbacks, bass, dogfish, dabs and smooth-hounds (Sandwich Bay on crab) continue to be caught.

So, get your tackle out, give your rod a polish, call me (01304 239191) or Fred (01304 373104) to book some bait and come and try your hand at catching a thorny or a bass.


DWAA committee member Brian Smith and his thornback ray weighing 11 lb 10 oz (5.275 kg) caught from the Pier (lower deck) at 12:19 pm on Friday.

Friday, 8th May 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Yesterday the "Thursday Club" - the old boys who meet on the Pier every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday - broke with tradition to fish the Pier on a Thursday. This brave decision by the old codgers was rewarded when every cast - from the upper and lower decks - resulted in a catch. Dogfish of every size dominated the catches, with good size dabs, grand-daddy pouting and whiting also featuring in large numbers. Thornback rays of 3 lb, 5 lb, 9 lb and 10 lb were also caught and Fred Leach matched his Wednesday catch with rays and a bass of between 3 and 4 lb. All the usual fresh and frozen baits proved successful - peeler crab, squid, lugworm, mackerel and bluey. The effort was not even thwarted by the appearance of a bull seal or two swans (it being too warm for penguins).

As predicted in my last catch update, it looks set to be a very good weekend for fishing here in Deal.

Wednesday, 6th May 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

The very strong south-westerly winds we are having have put some lovely colour in the water which is producing some good fishing again. On Tuesday, fishing the Pier, Fred Leach caught a thornback ray to 7 lb and a good bass just over 3 lb on bluey and a small smooth-hound on crab. All fish were weighed and returned alive. Looks set to be a very good weekend for fishing here in Deal.

Monday, 4th May 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Dave Springate and his 9 year old son Jack enjoyed a good afternoon fishing the dropping tide from the north Deal beach opposite Harold Road. Using his new rod and reel, Jack caught a small whiting, a couple of small pouting and then a lovely flounder of 1 lb on lugworm presented on a 1-up, 1-down rig. Dave also had a nice dogfish using bluey bait.

Sunday, 3rd May 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

This week has seen a few small smooth-hound pups being caught from the Pier on peeler crab along with dogfish, the occasional good size dab and a small number of thornback rays falling to anglers fishing from the upper deck. The water temperature is slowly getting warmer and is now above 10°C.

Schoolie bass have appeared in Sandown Bay but the rays are patchy at the moment. The strong south-west winds forecast for the coming week should push the smooth-hounds inshore to feed. On the whole we are still seeing some good fishing here in Deal. Enjoy your week and tight lines.

Please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible. To avoid disappointment just pick up the phone and call me or Fred.

Sunday, 26th April 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Last week we saw a few lovely sunny days and clear water bringing back lots of dogfish to the Pier which featured in the catches of the "Ugly Bunch" - fishing the lower deck on Thursday - along with bass, pouting and thornback rays. A small smooth-hound was also caught. As regards the rays, good numbers have been caught at Sandwich Bay this week with the occasional schoolie bass falling to worm. It's noteworthy that, as soon as the water clears, the beach seems to produce more fish than the Pier, so colour appears to play a big part in fishing the Pier.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) as the Early May bank holiday falls on Monday, 4th May so just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Tuesday, 21st April 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Fishing fron Sandwich Bay last night, Dan Townsend caught this lovely codling on worm bait and thornback ray on bluey. Both fish were returned to the water unharmed.

Monday, 20th April 2015

Catch report by Michael Hayes

Anyone who fished Deal Pier last week saw the water clearing fast and catches were hard for a few days, but then the winds changed to the north-east and we saw a rush of cracking fish - bass and thornback - to double figures as reported. So today saw a good turn out including Warren and familiar faces aka "The Ugly Bunch" and, once again, with some good colour in the water the fish responded.

Warren added another six rays to his tally (9 lb, 5 lb, 4 lb, 5 lb, 11.9 lb and 6.4 lb) and a further six rays were taken by others along the Pier up to the time we left - fish baits finding the rays again. Plenty of action from other species and, with the tides falling over the coming weeks, bumper catches could be on the cards.

So once again, if you are in two minds as to a venue to fish, Deal Pier has again proved itself. And remember both Dean (Pleasure Angling) and Fred (Channel Angling) are there with all the top bait and tackle you could need.

Fishing for black bream: Alan Yates' monthly sea fishing diary

Fishing Magic, 20th April 2015

One of the most powerful, wily and iconic of the summer species has arrived, writes Alan Yates, it's time to go bream fishing! Check out Alan Yates' excellent diary offering for late April in which Alan explains everything you wanted to know about black bream fishing, but were afraid to ask …

Click here to see the last black bream caught from Deal Pier.

Monday, 20th April 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

First cast of the morning - a lovely 9 lb thorny for go get'em Warren Hayes.

Sunday, 19th April 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Last week got off to a slow start when, on Monday and Tuesday, we had very warm weather and clear water. Then, on Wednesday, two thornback rays were caught from the slipway at Sandwich Bay, along with dabs and a good size plaice. On Thursday the north winds arrived turning the sea choppy but putting colour back in the water and along came the fish again. On Friday an 8½ lb bass, thornback ray and a few good size codling were caught from the Pier and, down at Sandwich Bay, Barry Wilmshurst caught a monster 10 lb bass on blacks. On the same evening, about two hours after low tide, Andrew Seamen caught a 10 lb 9 oz thornback ray on black lug presented on a clip-up Pennell rig from the same beach location. Both fish were returned to the sea unharmed. Fishing at low water from the beach at Walmer on Friday with whole squid on a Pennell rig, Tony Marconi caught a 2½ lb codling and a 10½ lb bass. And, fishing from Deal Pier on Saturday night Martin Fouler (Beltinge) caught a thornback ray weighing 6.4 kg (14 lb 1¾ oz) on a pulley rig with a 30 lb hook length baited with herring-bluey cocktail. Martin, you may recall, won the Deal Pier fish of the month competition in December 2011 with a codling weighing 1 kg (2 lb 3¼ oz). It just goes to show that, no matter what the sea and weather conditions, fish can still be caught.

Key baits at the moment are:

ragworm for plaice
bluey or herring for thornies
blacks for bass
fresh or frozen crab and lugworm-squid cocktail for codling

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible. We anticipate strong demand for bait towards the end of the week as there are a number of fishing competitions taking place at the weekend including the fourth of the Deal & Walmer members-only matches on Sunday, 26th April at Cambridge Road (gardens) - 51.210211, 1.402760 - book in from 4pm for a 5pm start (weigh-in at 9pm). So, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.


Barry Wilmshurst and his 10 lb bass (Sandwich Bay)	Martin Fouler and his 14 lb 1¾ oz thornback ray (Deal Pier)	Andrew Seamen and his 10 lb 9 oz thornback ray (Sandwich Bay)

Tuesday, 13th April 2014

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Fishing at Sandwich Bay yesterday, Andy Gibbons caught two male thornback rays weighing 6 lb and 4 lb 5oz and his daughter, Izzy, caught lots of whiting, dab and a plaice.

Saturday, 11th April 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Warm weather is on the way which, as the weeks go by, should bring the summer species along with it. As you can see from the photos on this page, thornback rays are the main stamp of fish being caught from the Pier again this week. As for last week, use bluey, herring or mackerel baits to catch them. The odd good-size codling, bass, pouting, dab and dogfish are still being being caught from the Pier and local beaches but I hear that the thornbacks are patchy down at Sandwich Bay. For those who want to try for plaice in this calm, clear water use baited spoons or beads up the hook length with green and yellow the favorite colours.

When you visit the Pier please bring a drop net with you for two reasons:

to land your fish, and
to catch live hermit crabs which are great baits for smooth-hounds and bass.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early in the week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible - so just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Alan Yates' monthly sea fishing diary: April 2015

Fishing Magic, 7th April 2015

Check out Alan Yates' excellent diary offering for April.

With summer coming, writes Alan Yates, lots of excitement for sea anglers with the arrival of the mackerel, smooth-hounds and the bass which will all get anglers out for different reasons. Last year the mackerel season through the English Channel was poor and from other reports it was as bad elsewhere - overfishing and the ability of the commercials to scoop up huge shoals of fish in one go has decimated stocks and a bad sign last year was that those that did show were tiny or huge - a sign of a species decline because it's the middle size fish that do the spawning. The major mackerel venues will still produce fish and the main shoals move up into the North Sea from May onwards and in recent years this has meant they have bypassed the south as they move further north and this may have contributed to the shortage - the summer season being poor, but the fish return late in the autumn. The good news is that mackerel lures have become so deadly that the latest are really effective so don't just stick to feathers and tinsel, look at the latest mini fishing lures, the Sabikis and Shrimpers which also catch herrings and launce as a bonus.

The smooth-hounds too are subject to a longer summer migration route nowadays and it's noticeable how they are moving further north each year. Whilst the Solent was the hot spot for years the species now invade Lincolnshire and even further north and some of the southern venues are not as productive as they were. That is a key to catching big smooth-hounds - fish where they are and not where they used to be.

Bass. Well, lots of anglers will be out with spinning gear and fishing the latest plastics for bass is all the rage and no wonder - it's a clean and instant way to fish. No messing with smelly worms or bait, you can grab a rod and go fishing in an instant and wander where you like. No standing in the rain waiting for a bite for hours. OK, lure fishing is not always successful and there are lots of skills and local knowledge attached to success but its fun fishing and getting a bass to take your lure is addictive. If you haven't already try braid line on your spinning outfit, its lack of stretch increases the "feel" of the set up and if anything touches the lure you will know about it and that goes for sea bed snags as well. Most anglers use a short mono leader to help cushion the abruptness of the braid with around 4 metres plenty. As for lures, there are so many new plastics available we are spoilt for choice although the sandeel shape does seem to rule with the lead head with a paddle tail design best for casting and lifelike action. Look out for the Black minnow and the Savage gear sandeels.

The latest from the European Union is a bass limit imposed on sea anglers of three fish a day. The Angling Trust are urging anglers to make this an election issue and to contact their local candidates for support for a balanced set of measures that include the commercial sector as well as anglers. These to include monthly vessel limits, a higher minimum legal size and seasonal closures. Personally, I have rarely landed three sizeable fish in a day and so am in total favour of the limit, although if I know the EU they will not restrict the commercial sector at all.

Thursday, 9th April 2015

Catch report by Michael Hayes

After last week's successful trip and continuing reports of good fish, myself, Warren and 24 John retuned to the Pier for another try at the thornbacks. We were soon among the dogfish and some very large pouting which kept us occupied until the tide began to rise. Soon after, Warren had a great pull-down which, after a hard fight, saw a beautiful thornback of 12 lb come to the net. This ray took a fish bait.

Sadly, with the big tide fish soon became hard to come by so a coffee break was welcome. Shortly after fishing resumed I managed another thornback - a fine female taking the scales to 11 lb. Again taken on a fish bait. Both of these fish were returned alive after recovering.

A cautionary note - had Warren not been close by I would have lost a lot of expensive tackle as I had not clipped down my rod. These big female rays are powerful fish and can soon take a rod over the side so please keep this in mind.

The Pier is fishing gangbusters at the moment, giving a mix of fish from herrings in the well to the sought-after rays. First bass are showing and, as the water clears, it will not be long before the mackerel arrive as they are already on the Varne Bank.

Enjoy your trip to the Pier and show a little respect for this beautiful venue. See you down there …


Mike and his 11 lb Thornback Ray	Warren and his 12 lb Thornback Ray

Wednesday, 8th April 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Warren Hayes - wearing his lucky Arsenal shirt - fishing from the lower deck (Deal & Walmer south side) of the Pier today, caught this lovely 12 lb thornback ray on a pulley rig with 30 lb hook length and a 4/0 Kamasan hook baited with bluey. The ray was weighed and carefully returned to the water by drop net. Well done Warren - up the Arsenal!

Tight lines and please carefully return any fish which is not sizeable and send me photos of the fish you catch in and around Deal for the website, together with brief details of where, how and when you were fishing.

Sunday, 4th April 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Last week saw the Pier's lower deck, south side, re-open attracting lots of anglers to Deal. Consequently, the Pier was packed and the fish turned up too. As you can see from the many recent catch reports, lots of thornback rays have been showing on bluey and herring bait, and codling, dogfish and dabs have been falling to squid-tipped lugworm. The local beaches are reporting similar catches, but are not quite so prolific as the Pier.

The weather is improving and the sea is warming up with the current offshore sea temperature reading 8.2°C and inshore 7.8°C.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

(very) Good Friday, 3rd April 2015

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

A codling and thornback ray caught today on the first two casts from the lower deck of Deal Pier !

The Pier and local beaches are currently registering "bonkers" on the fishometer, so come on down to Deal - it's like rabbit season for Elmer Fudd !

Thursday, 2nd April 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Yesterday, fishing the south side of the lower deck, Ivan Rubins caught this lovely thornback ray weighing 5.560 kg which is the current fish of the month for April. After weighing the ray, Ivan carefully returned it alive (and flapping) to the sea.

Wednesday, 1st April 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Yesterday saw the south side of the Pier's lower deck reopen and I can confirm that it was not an April Fools Day trick. Lots of the local Deal & Walmer Angling Association members turned up and they had a great day's fishing with over 15 thornback rays being caught on fish baits (bluey and herring) along with codling and dogfish on squid-tipped worm baits. So, get your blueys and have a go …

Wednesday, 1st April 2015

Catch report by Michael Hayes

After many weeks of closure, I got the news that the lower deck was open again thanks to the efforts of Fred and Doug, both of whom put there own time and effort into making fishing possible. On my way across to Deal it dawned on me that it was April Fools Day and I was concerned that we might fall victim to a light-hearted joke. But our fears were ungrounded …

On arrival we were greeted with the opening of the lower gate and soon after the "Ugly Bunch" arrived and assembled. Casting fish baits long and short range the much anticipated thornbacks responded and the first fish was a good size male which fell to "24 John". This was to be the start of some of the best ray fishing we have had.

Another fish soon followed and fell to Warren Hayes fishing with herring. What followed was ray after ray - myself, Warren, 24 John, Ivan Rubins and a host of other anglers all taking rays on herring, bluey and sandeel baits and winning every time.

Lugworm gave us a constant flow of large whiting, pouting and dogfish. The rays fed at every point of the tide. When we began to think of going home we had taken over twenty thornbacks, the best of which fell to Ivan Rubins - a beautiful female fish of 12 lb 6 oz.

When driving home we reflected on the day's fishing and realized that the only April fools were those who had missed the reopening of the lower deck - so, a massive thanks to Fred and Doug.

And our advice to anyone who wants to try for a thornback ? They have arrived at what has to be one of the top fishing venues set in the beautiful coastal town of Deal. The fish will improve daily and the first smooth-hounds have also arrived. Make the most of the Easter bank holiday and order you bait now from Fred and Dean and I'll see you down on the Pier …

So, the final thornback tally was: Warren (4), Henry Thomas (2), Roo (3), Ivan Rubins (3) and 24 John (2):

Monday, 30th March 2015

Catch report by Warren Hayes

Headed down to the Pier on Monday after hearing that there had been some work carried out to the south side of the lower deck. I wanted to check this out to see if the rumours were true, which they were. I spoke with the D&WAA club secretary, Doug, who confirmed that there was a possibility that part of the lower deck would soon reopen.

Whilst walking back down the promenade deck of the Pier I got talking to an angler (Matthew Peas) who is the owner of a tackle shop in Lewisham. He was down for the day with his dad in search of their first thornback of the year. Fishing from the fourth shelter with large fish baits Matthew had a bite which signalled a thornback - a classic slack line bite. He struck and found a good weight on the end of his line and, after a short battle on light carp gear (for better sport fighting the fish), the ray was soon in the net and it weighed in at 2.800 kg, just shy of beating the March fish of the month. Shortly after this Matthew also landed a codling on fish bait intended for the rays.

So, get yourselves down to Deal Pier where the fish are showing and don't forget to call and book your baits with Dean (Pleasure Angling: 01304 239191) and Fred (Channel Angling: 01304 373104). They try to fill all bait orders but, if you can't order in advance, they may not have sufficient stock to meet your fresh bait requirements. Tight lines all.

Sea fishing catches

Britishseafishing.co.uk, Wednesday, 1st April 2015

We are now well into spring which can be a transitional time for sea anglers, with the winter species such as the majority of big cod moving away from the British Isles and summer species yet to arrive. While some decent sized cod are still being caught around parts of the UK such as the coast of north east England and parts of Scotland many anglers are turning their attention to spring species - especially plaice. This highly sought-after flatfish species migrates into UK waters at this time of year and can be caught on ragworm, lugworm, shellfish and peeler crab baits, mostly from sandy and shingle beaches. Two and three hook flapping rigs with size 1-2 hooks are the most commonly used rigs to target this species, although anglers targeting plaice at range may prefer a single hook clipped down rig.

While summer species are yet to appear around most of the UK there have been reports of mackerel being caught in the English Channel from boats and some shore marks. Many anglers will be hoping that this coming summer is a good year for this species, as well as others such as pollack and wrasse.

Sunday, 29th March 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

As you know, last week we had very big tides producing pouting, a few good whiting and some good size codling around the 3 lb mark from the promenade (upper) deck of the Pier falling to lug and squid-tip cocktail baits. Anglers fishing the beach at Sandown Bay report a few thornbacks and codling being caught, along with dabs and dogfish so, on the whole, we are doing well.

With Easter this weekend you need to book your bait now folks as it is going to be a very busy four days and with two bait shops here in Deal there is only so much fresh bait to go round. So, if you want ragworm for the weekend you need to call me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) by Tuesday if at all possible.

Please carefully return any fish which is not sizeable and remember:

the EU has just introduced a three bass limit for recreational anglers, and
the Angling Trust has proposed that a new minimum legal size for bass of at least 42 cm (ideally 48 cm) for bass should apply to recreational anglers and commercial inshore trawling.

Please also continue to send me photos of the fish you catch in and around Deal for the website, together with brief details of where, how and when you were fishing.

Sunday, 22nd March 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

A week of cold, north winds here in Deal put colour back in the water. Thursday saw codling up to 4 lb being caught from the Pier and Walmer beaches and on Friday a small thornback ray weighing 1.9 kg was caught from the second shelter of the Pier by Ian Forrester of Deal. Then, on Saturday, that ray was knocked off the fish of the month board by Nigel Woodcock with a lovely 3 kg thornie (see image right). Can it be beaten before the end of the month ? Dogfish are still being caught along with dabs and a few good whiting.

The weather for next week is showing less wind and more sunshine - ideal for the thornies. For the Deal & Walmer members, don't forget the competition on Sunday, 29th March at Cambridge Road (gardens) - 51.210211, 1.402760 - book in from 4pm for a 5pm start (weigh-in at 9pm).

Please carefully return any fish which is not sizeable.

Please also continue to send me photos of the fish you catch in and around Deal for the website, together with brief details of where, how and when you were fishing.

Friday, 20th March 2015

Catch report by Warren Hayes

I fished Sandwich Bay last night from 7pm until 3am with my mate Damian but, despite fishing large bluey baits for the rays, caught only dabs, whitting, dogfish and a single codling.

Alan Yates' monthly sea fishing diary: March 2015

Fishing Magic, 20th March 2015

Check out Alan Yates' excellent diary offering for March which contains an excellent and comprehensive review of summer fishing techniques.

Summer Fishing Tips

Make your hook baits look more realistic. Small, delicate head-hooked harbour or king ragworm can be deadly, as can small slivers of the silver underbelly of garfish or mackerel. Cut your fish slivers thin and long and hook them through just once so your bait resembles a small prey fish.
Live sandeel can be deadly too and a single head-hooked sand white ragworm, drifted and pulled can produce some amazing responses.
Don't be afraid to use very light hook lengths to fool the fish. Modern copolymer and fluorocarbon lines are very strong, but reel in slowly when a fish is hooked. Remember, modern fixed spool reels have an enormous retrieve rate. Similarly hooks don't have to be giant - small, sharp and strong (carp) patterns are available.
Movement can often be the key to midwater and surface fish taking a bait, so when float fishing lift the rod and drop back the line now and then, or move the lead slowly because this will often induce a take.
Don't cast too far in summer; species like bass hug the shoreline and the edge of the breakers or low tide lip. Accurate casting and searching the distances pays off, but the ability to cast long range can sometimes be vital for the rays, plaice and smooth-hound.

Friday, 20th March 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Yesterday the "Thursday Club" - the old boys who meet on the Pier every Monday, Tuesday and Friday - had a great day's fishing catching a few good size codling up to the 4 lb mark on worm tipped with squid. So, fishing prospects are looking good for the weekend particularly as the solunar chart for today and Saturday (see extract below) indicates "very high" fish activity … so get your tackle out, give your rod a polish and head down to Deal for some top fishing.

Tight lines all and wrap up warm. Please also continue to send me photos of the fish you catch in and around Deal for the website, together with brief details of where, how and when you were fishing.

Friday, 13th March 2015

Catch report by Warren Hayes

With the lower deck of Deal Pier shut awaiting repair, I have had to focus my thornback ray catching efforts on the local beaches so, on Friday at 7pm, Adam, Mark and I arrived at Sandwich Bay and set up for the night's fishing 100 yards from the slipway.

After a quick lesson in suitable baits and rigs for Mark (who hadn't caught a thornback before) the three of us were soon fishing two rods each with Pennell rigs baited with either bluey or herring. The low tide slowly produced whiting and dogfish but, as the tide turned and started to run a bit, Mark noticed a funny bite on his rod which he struck before reeling in his first ever thornback. Not large by any means at 3 lb 8 oz but still a first for him and a fine early season fish. This was quickly unhooked and photographed before being returned unharmed to the water.

Shortly after this I had a slack line bite which resulted in my first ray of this season weighing 10 lb 3 oz and caught on bluey. As the action slowed we took the opportunity to refuel before the tide started to ebb, whereupon Mark caught his second ray of the night weighing 4 lb 10 oz. With that fish came the end of the night's fishing as bites stopped so we packed up and left at 4:15am.

Mark fished bluey baits close for his rays and I fished bluey baits at distance which found the bigger rays and dogfish. Although Adam did not manage to catch a ray, he did land a 2 lb smooth-hound.

This is a good sign that spring is here and what could turn out to be a fantastic season for rays again. You can get your baits form Fred at channel angling and Dean at Pleasure Angling but, to avoid disappointment you should ring ahead to order your bait.

Thursday, 12th March 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Dan Townsend from Ramsgate caught this lovely male thornback ray - a smidge over 6 lb - last night at Sandwich Bay on herring bait on a pulley Pennell rig with a 4/0 Kamasan hook. It was returned to the water alive.

Sunday, 8th March 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Last week, right up to the weekend, saw anglers arriving for the thornback rays showing in Sandwich Bay. I have heard of a dozen or so that have been caught so far on bluey and jack herring baits. Also this week I hired some tackle to a couple who fished from the beach opposite the Forresters pub and they had a lovely day's fishing catching lots of small whiting and two sizeable codling. Mixed bags are being caught from the Pier - codling, whiting, dogfish and thornbacks - in calm, flat sea conditions and a few plaice are showing as well. David Turner and his father fished the beach at the tenth green on Friday, 6th March, and between them caught 38 fish in total - whiting, pouting and a couple of plaice.

Please carefully return any fish which is not sizeable and remember to send me photos of the fish you catch in and around Deal for the website, together with brief details of where, how and when you were fishing.

Sunday, 1st March 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Lots of rain and big tides last week saw a big improvement in catches from the Pier and local beaches with the first thornback ray of the year being caught from the Pier on Thursday (on bluey bait) and another being caught from Sandwich Bay.

The Pier-caught ray was fish of the month for February even though it weighed only 2 kg - but it's a good start. Saturday evening saw over 20 codling of a couple of pounds or so in weight falling to worm and squid-tipped bait on the Pier in rough, well-coloured seas (codling conditions):

"Five of us set out in the blustery conditions", writes Martin Frankling. "We were going to try Dungeness but it was totally unfishable, so we shot round to Deal and managed to get on the Pier. We had a bit of luck and got under the third shelter. Had a blinding night! We had lots of small whiting, pouting and dogfish (some nice sized ones at that) and we also caught 10 codling between us up to 3½ lb. I had two around 3 lb, Tony Dyer had five and the biggest! There were another two anglers next to us and they landed four codling, and a few other codling came out from the first shelter. A very wet and windy night but one of the best sessions we've had on the Pier for years."

Tight lines all and please:

return any fish which is not sizeable;
book your bait early in the week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible;
continue to send me photos of the fish you catch in and around Deal for the website, together with brief details of where, how and when you were fishing.

Saturday, 21st February 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

The large, strong tides at the back end of last week put colour in the water and encouraged lots of anglers to fish the upper deck of the Pier and local beaches. We have had reports of codling to 2 lb being caught, along with whiting amongst them (mostly small with the occasional Channel) and a few dabs and dogfish. With low inshore water temperatures the catches could not be described as prolific but that should soon change when the thornback rays arrive so, if you want to try for one down at Sandwich Bay, use a pulley rig with a short shank 4/0 Kamasan hook baited with bluey fillet cottoned down neat and compact and have a go. Rays are being caught a mile offshore so, had the Pier's lower deck been open to anglers in recent weeks, the local guys would have landed one by now. Let's hope that Dover District Coucil pull up their socks and get the lower deck repaired and reopened without further delay.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Please also continue to send me photos of the fish you catch in and around Deal for the website, together with brief details of where, how and when you were fishing.

Friday, 20th Debruary 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

David Harris reports a great day's fishing on the beach at the north end of Deal with a catch of about 40 whiting, four decent size dogfish, a dab, pouting and a nice codling of just over 2 lb caught by Mark Colechin from Epsom - his first time ever. They ran out of bait …

Shore fishing tactics

WSF 21st Jabuary 2006

February heralds the start of the most difficult period for shore anglers. The sea temperature drops to its minimum making fish semi-comatose and often disinterested in food. Also it marks the time when the winter species are leaving and the summer species are still not quite ready to start migrating inshore, plus any fish that are normally found locally inshore for most of the year will be far offshore spawning. In short, you're not exactly playing to a packed audience. February and March then, are the "scratching" months when bites are at a premium and you need to try anything and everything just to make a catch. But is it really that bad? No! Sure you need to lower your expectations a little, but there are still fish out there to be caught. Here's how I go about working through the scratch period.

…

Steep-to beaches

These have much deeper water and are more predictable. The fish are there most of the time, but not necessarily feeding. These beaches tend to have much more in the way of passing tidal currents and these have an effect on the times the fish feed just as much as low and high water will. I'd still choose to fish over low water, as once the new flood starts this can be the trigger to switch fish on to feed.

For continued feeding much depends on how fast that passing tide is. If the tide is running strong, expect fish to be fairly close in. These steep-to beaches tend to be backed by shingle that disappears below the low water line. Fish will push and work along the edge of the shingle and sand junction. This is where much of any in-borne food ends up. Bites may still be slow though. If the tide starts to ease, and this can be for just a short time and influenced by shore topography and other sea currents miles away, then fish will suddenly come on the feed en-masse. As the tide returns, then bites fall away again. These periods of slacker water are often short lived.

The species available on these deeper venues will also change a little. The dabs are still evident and will often produce the bulk of the catch. Also joining them will be pout, poor cod, dogfish and even a few late codling and whiting. The codling tend to be passing fish, but may follow a defined route. Try to locate any hidden underwater feature like a deeper hole or a small area of mixed ground. This again draws in water borne food and concentrates it, but also gives some respite for fish from the passing tide. This will be enough to interest them and hold them for a short period giving them enough time to locate your bait.

You can still do well with the three-hook rig for casting close for the dabs and pout. Stick to the size 2 Aberdeen hooks and only drop to a size 4 or 6 if bites are slow and you need to fish smaller baits. If you work at longer range, then switch to either a two-hook rig with bait clips or a two-hook wishbone rig and bait clip for maximum range and the chance of codling. I prefer the V-shaped wishbone as the two baits sit close together and give lots of scent to pull the fish in. I still stick to size 2 Aberdeen hooks on these rigs even though codling have much bigger mouths. With only a slim chance of codling, I prefer to retain the smaller hooks to give me a chance of connecting with the smaller fish that take an interest in the baits. That's why I like the wishbone rig. A codling has a mouth easily big enough to swallow both hooks should one happen along, so you've a decent chance of setting one of the hooks anyway.

Baits

This is critical. Having a good selection of different baits is often the key to making a catch at this time. You'll find that the each species will have a preference, and this preference can change on each venue almost day-by-day.

The key bait is lugworm. Black lug is useful, but due to its size needs cutting in to small sections and you lose the bulk of body juices in the process. I prefer small and juicy blow lug which you can use whole to maximise smell in the water and enable the fish to find the bait. You can do a lot with the reliable lug. Fished as individual bait it will take dabs, flounders, dogfish, codling, rockling and school bass, but not always. King ragworm is okay, but doesn't fish anywhere near as well as the lug will.

At this time of year fish can become very choosy in what they eat often ignoring their more traditional choices. This is where combination baits come in. A combination bait is exactly what is sounds like, two different baits fished on the same hook. A combination of lugworm tipped with a small sliver of mackerel or sprat is killer bait for dabs. You can also tip off with mussel, herring and crab to target dabs.

Flounders like razorfish, either as a tip on lug or as the main bait. Pouting will often eat a lug tipped off with a small section of white rag and ignore the lug on its own. Also try tipping off with cockle for flatfish and codling, tip lug off with frozen crab or mussel for coalfish, and if whiting are about tip off a worm bait with a strip of sandeel. A good flounder combo is a bunch of harbour rag tipped with mackerel when fishing around the mouths of estuaries.

If none of these combinations produce, don't give up. Start making up other combinations using the baits you have. I've had regular success with mussel and crab together for coalfish, mackerel tipped with sandeel for dabs, and rag tipped with cockle which seems to take the rockling with some consistency.

Fishing the three-hook rig means you can try three different combinations on the one rig, but swap the baits around and note what happens. If a particular combo catches a fish two or three times in a row, try baiting all three hooks with the same combo and try for three fish at once.

Also try swapping the successful combo baits from top hook to bottom hook and vice versa. Not all fish swim hard on the seabed and even dabs will swim up off the bottom to take a bait if the angle of the line is so steep that the top bait is off the seabed.

There is one other advantage to a combination bait. Once you've discovered what tip each species prefers on the day, if a fish is too small or shy to take a whole bait into their mouths in one go, by adding the tipped bait at the hook point, you can effectively force them to bite on the point itself. This dramatically increases your chances of a hook up. This is especially effective when bites are hard to notice and fish are just nibbling at the bait.

Tips

As stated, I prefer night fishing, but if you need to fish a daylight tide, try adding silver sequins or brightly coloured beads to the your hook traces just above the hook. In clear water this can attract dabs and flounders.

A rig made with two or three stand-off booms that hold the baits out from the rig body can often outfish a plain rig. It simply changes the way in which the bait behaves in the water and is enough to make a difference.

Don't keep your baits static on the seabed. Move them occasionally. This creates noise which can attract fish and also adds movement.

If you're fishing very close in, as you remove old bait from hooks, throw it in to the sea around you. This acts like groundbait and can draw fish closer to you and into your immediate fishing area.

If bites are slow, try casting further out or closer in. This effectively searches the water and will locate the fish as they travel with the tide.

Monday, 16th February

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Last week saw some lovely weather here in Deal, with sun and light winds. Lots of anglers are now coming to Deal which is great news for the town. Some have come early on the chance of landing a thornback ray from the beach at the 10th green (bluey bait) while others have come for a day's fishing on the Pier which is showing fair numbers of dogfish, whiting, pouting etc. With 3.2°C inshore water temperature it's always hard going at this time of year but with spring tides later this week it could fish very well for codling after dark with the deeper water - mix up your bait to improve your chances of catching different species with a score each of rag and lug plus a box of squid, giving you three baits and better catch prospects.

Check out the results here of the second Deal & Walmer match held on Sunday attended by 32 club members and see the updated leaderboard here. Lots of different species were caught - dogfish, dabs, ling, whiting and my son landed a large, live squid - unusual for this time of the year in cold water.

Please carefully return any fish which is not sizeable.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Please also continue to send me photos of the fish you catch in and around Deal for the website, together with brief details of where, how and when you were fishing.

Alan Yates' monthly sea fishing diary: February 2015

Fishing Magic, 10th February 2015

Check out Alan Yates' excellent diary offering for February - "Starting Sea Fishing" - which contains key advice for novice sea anglers as winter turns slowly to spring.

"Winter turns to spring - eventually", writes Alan Yates, "but expect a few false dawns in the weeks to come as the sunshine pretends it is all happening, whilst the realities are low night temperatures and a lack of daylight."

"It's the time of year when a thornback turns up and we all ask, "late winter or early spring?". Of course the truth is that rays in general are fast becoming all year around. If there is a clue to the impending change of season it's codling; this year's crop, too small to head for deep water or spawn, will hang around and head inshore when the sea is heavy, or as soon as the crabs start to peel - and that can happen from anytime now in the warmer south. The spring cod season is, or was, an annual event but in recent years the low stock of cod has not managed to produce a spring run - until this year."

"There is lots to look forward too as well because the cod currently around the 3 lb mark and upwards will grow rapidly in many regions, especially where there are not hoards of greedy pin whiting and there is a good head of shrimps and crabs, those early peelers will quickly raise the weight of the fish and for some the heavy rock and kelp will produce codling all summer. Cod quotas and commercial over-fishing apart, let's hope enough codling survive and return in October as proper string pullers!"

Sunday, 8th February 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Plenty of strong east winds and very rough seas this week in Deal and not many braved the conditions to fish the Pier or local beaches but the few that did reported lots of big sprat dabs being caught from the Pier and beaches on lugworm tipped with fish bait - mackerel fillet, herring or bluey - which are, as you know, very oily. Four codling were caught from the Pier yesterday, along with a handful of dabs, dogfish and lots of pin and good size whiting.

The water temperature is very low at this time of year and is currently around 2.5° inshore (5.3° offshore) but don't let that put you off. Try for an early thornback ray - they are there folks - with a good size bluey or herring bait, neat and compact, cottoned down on size 4/0 Kamasan hook with a pulley rig. Wrap up warm when you go and take a hat, gloves and a flask of something warm to drink.

Please carefully return any fish which is not sizeable.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible. It's the time of year when strong demand for bait often outstrips supply and our stocks of live lug and rag soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Please also continue to send me photos of the fish you catch in and around Deal for the website, together with brief details of where, how and when you were fishing.

Sunday, 1st February 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

This week has seen some very cold, unsettled weather and a drop in water temperature to 7°. Despite these conditions we are still seeing a fair few fish being caught from the Pier and local beaches with a codling winning the Pier's fish of the month competition for January and we already have one on the board for February so they are still here along with lots of whiting - pin and Channel - and dogfish to keep the rods busy. On the beach at the north end of Deal (the groynes and Sandown Castle) lots of nice sprat dabs are being caught on lug and fish bait so give it a go as the sport is good at this time of year.

Please remember that dabs are fattening up to spawn in early spring so, to give them a chance to breed, respect the Angling Trust's recommended retention size for dabs which is 23 cm (9 inches) and return all undersize fish.

Tight lines all and please remember to book your bait early this week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) as the cold weather is hampering the diggers with the threat of snow later in the week not helping matters.

Please also continue to send me photos of the fish you catch in and around Deal for the website, together with brief details of where, how and when you were fishing.

Sunday, 25th January 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

The cold winds of last week forced local lugworm to burrow deep and often beyond the digger's spade but we are now slowly starting to rebuild our stocks so please continue to be patient and help us by calling in your order early in the week so that we can try and match supply to demand - from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) particularly if you want ragworm which now arrives on Fridays - book by Tuesday if at all possible.

We are still seeing lots of good size dogfish, whiting, dabs and codling (around the 1 kg mark) being caught from the Pier and local beaches so, on balance, the fishing is still very good for the time of year. The best bait for dabs is worm tipped with either fish bait or squid on a flapper rig with small hooks.

Please carefully return any fish which is not sizeable.

A greater weever (Trachinus draco) and sea scorpion (Myoxocephalus scorpius) were caught from the south-east corner of the Pier's upper deck on Thursday. I would remind all anglers that:

although the sea scorpion is not venomous, it has two spiky dorsal fins, spines on its gill covers and head and small spikes running down its lateral line which can cause minor injury to an unwary angler;
the greater weever is venomous - on its first dorsal fin, both of the spines and those of the gill covers have venom glands attached to them. The spines are grooved, and when pressed, toxin is driven up the grooves. The pain caused by the venom is described as 'excruciating';
both fish should be handled with extreme care;
fishing is not permitted from the south-east corner of the upper deck and elsewhere on the upper deck where the railings are painted yellow.


Sea Scorpion (Myoxocephalus scorpius)	Greater Weever (Trachinus draco)

Tight lines all and please continue to send me photos of the fish you catch in and around Deal for the website, together with brief details of where, how and when you were fishing.

Monday, 19th January 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

The lower deck of the Pier is still closed but the catches from the upper deck continue to be very good, with mixed species of codling, whiting, pouting, dogfish and some very good sprat dabs. Catches from the beach are very much the same. The first Deal & Walmer Angling Association beach match saw 30 anglers turn out with lots of fish being caught and returned, including some lovely codling. The results will be posted on the website on Tuesday.

Please book your bait early for the weekend from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) as we are still very busy at weekends and you may miss out on fresh lug and rag if you don't book early.

The two pictures have kindly been sent in by young Aaron Hare fishing Deal Pier on Sunday - all fish were unhooked and returned live to the water. Aaron caught the fish using two-hook, clip-down and pulley rigs and both were caught on lug and squid strip baits.

Tight lines all and please remember to carefully return any fish which is not sizeable and continue to send me photos of the fish you catch in and around Deal for the website, together with brief details of where, how and when you were fishing.

Thursday, 15th January 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Last Sunday saw the first Birchington Sea Angling Society beach match of 2015 which was held at the Chequers in Sandwich Bay. There was a good turn out with lots of big sprat dabs, dogfish, whiting and codling caught. The sea conditions were perfect - good colour in lumpy water. The winner was our very own Dave Chamberlain who is now the hot favourite to win the first D&WAA members-only match of the 2015 Campaign at Horsa Road (51.231428, 1.404148) on Sunday, 18th January (5pm to 9pm), although he can expect Saul Page to be breathing down his neck following his second place in Sunday's ASSO two-day sea angling open. Book in from 4pm at the white shelter opposite the Deal, Walmer & Kingsdown Amateur Rowing Club, The Marina, Deal CT14 6NG (51.231734,1.404147) adjacent to Horsa Road. Please remember that all competitors must be present at the Horsa Road venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm. With moderate, offshore westerlies forecast, the match should fish well.

Wednesday, 14th January 2015

Catch report by Mark Wilkins

Alan Salton and the 1.86 kg (4lb 1⅗ oz) codling he caught today from the upper deck of the Pier.

Sunday, 11th January 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

This week we have seen a few days of south-westerly winds which cleared the water. As a result, the "Thursday Club" only caught a few dogfish and a handful of whiting from the lower deck of the Pier. On Friday the wind picked up putting colour back in the water improving catches dramatically over night when the codling returned inshore (see photo of Henry and his 2 lb 4 oz Pier-caught codling).

On Saturday these strong south-westerlies forced a change of venue from Hythe to Deal for day one of the ASSO two-day beach competition, with the second leg being hosted at Hythe on Sunday in the calmer weather and sea conditions. The Saturday leg fished very well from Sandown Castle north to the Sandwich Bay slipway from where it was pegged. Catches included good numbers of codling, whiting, dogfish, dabs and pouting so the 2015 competitions have got off to a good start.

"The wind dropped on Sunday", writes Alan Yates in the East Kent Mercury, "and competitors returned to Princes Parade at Seabrook, although catches were not as good as at Deal with the Princess Parade mini whiting reaching plague proportions. They don't count until they are 27 cm and take baits aimed at their bigger brethren … Saul Page, of Deal, was second overall … with a first and second in zone. Third overall was Tommy Wells of Deal with two seconds. The biggest fish was a tie with codling of 49 cm landed by both Steve Lewis, of Deal, and Sam Collier, of Deal.

Other results around the region include the latest Birchington Sea Angling Club beach competition fished between Godwyn Road, Deal, and the slipway at Sandwich Bay. Winner was Deal angler Dave Chamberlain with 12 whiting and dabs for 1.92 kg … Dave Chamberlain also won the heaviest flat fish prize for his dab of 290 grams."

Now that a steady supply of lug has resumed, our stocks of fresh and frozen baits can match demand but, to avoid disappointment, please call to book your bait from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104).

dealpier.uk

Deal Pier & Beach Catch Reports 2015

This community website is regularly updated so click to refresh the page to see the latest content

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Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

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Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

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Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Fishing Magic, 16th May 2015

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

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Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling