Deal Pier and Beach Catch Reports 2016

Wednesday, 21st December 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

There is some good news and bad news for anglers. The good news is that the lower deck on Deal Pier is now open on the south side. This, along with the members-only D&WAA club cabin, should help with some larger fish and comfort for the Saturday all-night fishers. The bad news is that there is no change on last year's bass regulations and there is a no-take on the first six months of the year, with one a day from July onwards.

With Deal Pier closing at 6pm on weekdays until next spring, the last match in the Deal AC 1919 Pier series was fished on the beach. Dave Andrews decided that he might find better size fish from the Kingsdown area and was not disappointed. Along with two dogfish and whiting, he brought to the scales the winning bag of 3.800 kg. Chasing him for a close second, was Luke Hutton with 16 fish for 3.130 kg beating Brian Smith into third place with 2.140 kg. Andrews had the heaviest fish, a dog of 0.700 kg and Hutton the heaviest flat, a large dab of 0.320 kg. The overall winner in the Pier series was Dave Andrews who amassed 103 points.

The following night was the end of the 1919 beach series of competitions. Most of the anglers headed for the Walmer and Kingsdown beaches; however, the dogfish were thin on the sea bed and Andy Manning won the event with an all-whiting catch of 3.120 kg. Distance caster, Martin Jenkins, did find a couple of dogs to boost his bag up to 3.070 kg for second place. Luke Hutton came third with 2.510 kg, which left Brian Smith with the heaviest dogfish of 0.680 kg and heaviest flat of 0.170 kg. It was Graham King's constant placing performances throughout the year which won him the overall beach series with 87 points.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 11.1°C, offshore (Downs) 10.3°C.

Tuesday, 20th December 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

High pressure and a settled spell clears the sea very quickly. Normally those conditions put the inshore fish off the feed for the beach anglers. However, at this time of year it is ideal for catching dabs. These flatfish rarely reach a pound in weight, but are delicious eating as they belong to the sole family. Providing they are over 20cm in length they are of legal size to keep; and catching enough of them make a nice meal. To catch them, it is essential to use small hooks baited with lugworm, squid, herring or sprats. The larger dabs are locally known as sprat dabs because of their fondness for these baits and the time of year when both are caught.

In the Birchington AC Christmas beach festival the dabs did not disappoint. Fishing from Sandwich Bay Ricky Jarman found 26 dabs for 4.640 kg to win the event. Close behind Jarman was Thanet angler Andy Hurcombe with a bag of 22 dabs which weighed-in at 3.110 kg. Deal builder Andy Manning was third with 2.460 kg which, again, was mainly comprised dabs. The heaviest dab in the festival was caught by Derek Davis and went 0.350 kg. Andy Hurcombe had the heaviest round, a whiting of 0.190 kg.

On the same day the Marines AC, fishing from the Pier, had their Christmas fare festival at which they awarded turkeys to the winning competitors. The fishing did not match the beach with John Chidwick winning the event with 0.840 kg, which included the heaviest flat, a flounder of 0.420 kg. In second place was Bob Morris who found some pouting to make 0.700 kg beating Tony Libby's whiting and dab bag of 0.620 kg into third place. Heaviest round fish was a whiting of 0.160 kg caught by club junior, Jack Berkingsher.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 11.1°C, offshore (Downs) 8.9°C.

Saturday, 17th December 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

It's always a busy time of year for the match angler and clubs who put on the competitions. Normally, with plenty of fish around, it attracts good entries with satisfying end results. However, like most things with our sport, nothing is guaranteed. The weather was perfect for the Deal & Walmer Angling Association's Christmas members-only match which was held at north Deal. The 21 competitors found the fish shy in the sunny conditions with dabs being the prominent species caught. The occasional dogfish made the difference to the winners' bags and it was these that helped Andy Manning to win the event with 1.710 kg. Dave Eaglestone came second with 11 fish for 1.600 kg and Tim Fagg third at 1.560 kg. After the match there was a presentation for the year's points championship held at the Deal Rowing Club. Those winners were, Sam Collier, Graham King and Julian Attwood.

(left to right) Julian Attwood, Sam Collier and Graham King

Margate AC held their Sandwich Bay beach comp in darkness which produced a lot more fish. Again a few dogfish topped-up the anglers' bags of whiting which were needed to win the match. Kevin Hadlow's 18 fish was top bag at 9 lb 5 oz, although Tony Libby's 22 fish were smaller in size giving 8 lb 14 oz. Paul Beavis was third with 7 lb 10 oz against an entry of eight anglers.

I was fortunate enough to win the last monthly Birchington AC match of the year fishing from Sandown Castle. I accrued 3.680 kg of whiting and dogs to just beat Thanet roofer, Paul Cox, with a 3.480 kg bag and in third place was Tony Wraight with 2.440 kg. It was a miserable night with continuous drizzle and a cold southerly wind.

For those wives who are stuck on a Christmas present for their fishing mad husbands, I would suggest a voucher from the local tackle shops - and let them buy what they want.

The first D&WAA members-only competition of the 2017 campaign will be held at Horsa Road (groynes) (51.231428, 1.404148) on Sunday, 8th January (5pm to 9pm). Please remember that all competitors should be present at the Horsa Road (groynes) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 4:30pm.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 11.1°C, offshore (Downs) 9.6°C.

Saturday, 10th December 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Most of the sea anglers have given up on the expected cod season with hardly any fish being caught at all. This is being experienced around most of the south coast with only the occasional cod showing. Although the seasonal migration is only a past memory for many local anglers who speculate on the cod demise, they still live in anticipation. The only shred of hope is for the New Year and a run of spring codling to hit the beaches, however, the signs are not good.

Plenty of anglers braved the cold easterly winds in the Deal 1919 AC beach and Pier festival. Undersize fish were a problem for many of the competitors who fished from the beaches of Walmer, Sandown and Deal Pier with the easterly wind making the fish shy. Top weight of 4.920 kg went to Mark Rogers who was fishing from the Sandown end of the venue. The two anglers at Walmer beach, Robert Harwood-Brown and Luke Mooring, came second and third with a whiting and dogfish catch weighing in at 3.440 kg and 3.380 kg. There were also 27 turkeys awarded to the anglers who had the subsequent heaviest weights in the festival. Zone pools were awarded to Mark Rogers fishing Sandown, Tony Libby on Deal Pier, Ken Withington at Deal Castle and Robert Horwood-Brown who fished Walmer. Team Turkey, comprising Luke Hutton, Graham King, Robert Harwood-Brown and Martin Jenkins won, with a total weight of 10.500 kg against the other teams.

Again the easterlies seemed to put the fish off in the Margate AC night match held at Walmer beach. Weights were disappointing with Andy Godden only finding seven fish for 3 lb 15 oz which was enough to beat Paul Beavis' 3 lb 5 oz into second spot. Kevin Hadlow came third with 2 lb 1 oz.

The D&WAA members-only Xmas match will be held at Horsa Road (groynes) (51.231428, 1.404148) on Sunday, 11th December (1pm to 5pm). Please remember that all competitors should be present at the Horsa Road (groynes) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 12:30pm and you can book in from 12 noon at the shelter opposite. After this match there will be a presentation for the winners at the Deal, Walmer & Kingsdown Amateur Rowing Club, The Marina, Deal CT14 6NG (51.231734,1.404147). Prizes will include meat vouchers and hampers, together with golden peg prizes drawn from those competing in the match and attending the presentation at the Deal Rowing Club afterwards. There will also be the prize-giving for the overall points winners (first, second, third and largest flat and round fish) of the 2016 campaign. The bar will be open and we will also be holding a raffle. If you wish to make a donation for the raffle this will be greatly appreciated. Hope to see you there!

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 11.1°C, offshore (Downs) 9.6°C.

Sunday, 4th December 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Whiting are so abundant at this time of year making it difficult for most beach and Pier anglers to have a 'blank' day's fishing. The profusion of these fish is put down to the lack of cod, which normally feeds on the whiting. These fish come inshore chasing the sprats and herring, although they will take most baits that are offered. Sometimes they are known as Channel whiting or pin whiting, which merely describes the fish's size, large or small, as there are no variations on species. The minimum take size is 27 cm and the larger fish make tasty eating when filleted and fried or grilled. (Click "Cooking the Catch" and "Sustainable Catch and Cook" for traditional and local fish recipes - Ed).

Owing to the strong north east winds of late the Marines AC decided to change the venue of their late night competition from the beach to the Pier. The members managed to fish without the surf and weed to contend with and the bonus of catching plenty of fish. Kevin Hadlow's 28 whiting and dogs for 6.580 kg beat Tony Libby's 26 at 4.940 kg. In third place was John Libby with a weight of 4.500 kg who just missed out on heaviest fish of the match, a dogfish of 0.740 kg landed by John Chidwick, by a few grams.

Southern Circuit AC held their beach match in Sandwich Bay with similar results, although it was a close run match for the top three places. Out of a good entry of 18 anglers, Philip Underdown's 34 fish for 12 lb 11 oz put him into first position. With only ounces behind, was Alan Jarrett's 12 lb 6 oz followed by Tony Taylor with 12 lb 1 oz. The heaviest fish of the comp was won by Ashley Brown with a dogfish of 1 lb 6 oz.

On the freshwater scene, father and son, Simon and Conner Snoding, decided to have a break from sea fishing and tried a day on Lake Alder in the Cottington Fishery. They both had personal bests with carp of 21 lb and 12 lb.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 11.1°C, offshore (Downs) 8.6°C.

Sunday, 27th November 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

The latest Deal & Walmer Angling Association beach match was to be an important one for two of the members fighting for top angler in the club's points championship. The afternoon event was held in the groynes at north Deal with a heavy surf running due to the current weather conditions. Sam Collier maintained his nine point lead against Graham King's score in an almost fish for fish battle to win as the overall club champion with 511 points. However, the match was won by Luke Hutton whose 60 fish was a third more than Collier and King managed. Hutton bagged-up on whiting and dogs, three at a time, to win with 12.640 kg in the four hour match. In second place was Sam Collier's 10.070 kg, just beating Graham King's 9.520 kg. Tackle dealer, Fred Leach, caught the heaviest fish in the comp with a dogfish of 0.780 kg and Luke Hutton the heaviest flat, a dab of 0.100 kg.

Winter weather hit the anglers in the Deal 1919 AC evening beach match; however, there were no cod caught. Fresh cold north east winds hampered the competitors, along with clumps of weed getting entangled in the line. The eleven entrants managed to find the fish with dogs and whiting making up the bags. Winner, with 6.040 kg, was Robbie Taylor who edged Luke Hutton's 4.550 kg into second place. Graham King had the heaviest fish in the match, a dog of 0.750 kg along with third place for 4.0 kg of mixed. The only flatfish of the evening was a dab of 0.160 kg, caught by Louie Smith.

The recent strong winds have damaged the landing stage of Deal Pier and 24 deck boards have been lifted or broken. Until these have been repaired, the bottom deck is closed to the general public and anglers. The consolation is that there are still plenty of fish to be caught from the Pier stem which is open for fishing.

The Xmas match, for D&WAA members only, will be held at Horsa Road (groynes) (51.231428, 1.404148) on Sunday, 11th December (1pm to 5pm). Please remember that all competitors should be present at the Horsa Road (groynes) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 12:30pm and you can book in from 12 noon at the shelter opposite.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 12.6°C, offshore (Downs) 8.7°C.

Sunday, 20th November 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

The Marines AC late night beach competition, which was fished till midnight at Walmer Gardens (Cambridge Road), produced a battle between myself and another septuagenarian. In a close run match, my 29 fish were not as large as Tony Libby's, and he beat me by a mere 40 grams - with a weight of 5.640 kg. In third place was St Margret's Bay angler and stalwart D&WAA member Julian Attwood with a mixed bag, comprising dogs, whiting and pouting for 4.040 kg. John Libby caught the heaviest fish of the comp with a dog of 0.680 kg.

Storm Angus fizzled out on Sunday at the start of the Birchington AC beach festival which started just after midday. At the beginning of the match the wind had dropped to a breeze and decreased throughout the day. The storm had stirred up the sea and put plenty of colour into it which helped the competitors to catch fish. The event was held in Sandwich Bay with the whiting and dogs putting in a show big time. Keith Day set the pace with a great result bringing in 64 sizable fish for 12.670 kg. In second place was Melvin Jarman who put 52 fish onto the scales for 9.900 kg beating club chairman, Terry Marsh, weight of 7.830 kg. The heaviest fish in the festival was shared by Terry Marsh and Gordon Morris with dogfish of 0.650 kg. Heaviest flat was again shared with dabs of 0.170 kg caught by Keith Day and Melvin Jarman.

The recent strong winds have made the beach, in places, very sheer just above and below the high water mark. I have not known it this steep for many years and it is well worth considering, before descending the shingle, that it is possible and safe to get back up with fishing gear.

View the final leaderboard here.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 13.1°C, offshore (Downs) 12.1°C.

Wednesday, 16th November 2016

Catch report by Doug Pettit

Matt MacDonald and I enjoyed a productive day's fishing from the Pier today. Fishing at distance with yellow tail bait tipped with squid I caught 6 schoolie bass and 10 dogfish. All fish caught were promptly returned unharmed to the sea. The inshore sea temperature is still a tad too toasty for cod …

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 13.3°C, offshore (Downs) 12.7°C.

Sunday, 13th November 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Southern Circuit's Deal beach rover produced a 4 lb 12 oz bass for Darren Edwards, although it was not enough to win the match. That was left up to Sam Collier's 24 fish mixed bag at 10 lb 2 oz to score top place. Robert Bates came second with 9 lb 5 oz and in third place was Wesley Cheeseman's 7 lb 13 oz. The fishing was constant throughout the match with all 20 members catching fish and weighing in.

Deal 1919 AC held their monthly Pier and beach comp with seven of the ten competitors deciding to fish the Pier. However, Luke Hutton, who is on great form at the moment, won the event with 5.410 kg from Sandown Castle. His catch comprised of 30 whiting and a dogfish in a hectic three hours of fishing. The pier produced second and third places for Robbie Taylor (5.110 kg) and Louie Smith (4.990 kg). Taylor had the heaviest fish, a dog of 0.840 kg and Ben Hackett had the heaviest flat, a dab of 0.070 kg.

Last week's British Open championship produced the top junior angler, Oliver Saint, who caught 0.400 kg just beating Henry Thomas' 0.350 kg. In third place was Adam Malloy's 0.140 kg. 'Asso Anyfish', comprising Tim Fagg, George Smith, Saul Page and Richard Yates won the team event.

The strong north-west winds of late have damaged some of Deal Pier's wooden flooring on the lower deck. Over the spring tide some of the boards have been displaced and a small corner on the north side has been closed off. However, all of the south side and outer facing area has remained unaffected and is still fishable along with the Pier stem. There will be some restrictions on the Pier this week due to filming an ITV romantic thriller 'Liar'. Providing the completion of filming is on time, the last day of the disruption is Thursday.

The twelfth (and final - the Xmas match being 'pointless') D&WAA members-only competition of the 2016 campaign will be held at Walmer Castle (top car park) (51.202032, 1.402374) on Sunday, 20th November (1pm to 5pm). Please remember that all competitors should be present at the Walmer Castle (top car park) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 12:30pm.

View the penultimate leaderboard here.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 12.8°C, offshore (Downs) 11°C.

British Open: 6th November 2016

Report by Dave Chamberlain

This year's competition was held under a changed format as explained by one of the event's organiser Richard Yates:

"This year's British Open will be run a little differently. The pegs are in the same place as is the draw and presentation. There won't be a weigh in as we are changing over to 'measure and release' which is how most matches are now run. Every competitor will have a bag label as normal and will still get each fish signed in by the nearest other competitor but each fish will also be measured in centimetres and then returned to the sea in front of the witness, with the length being recorded on the card by the witness. These lengths will be converted to weight using the standard SAMF conversion chart which will be issued to every angler. Anglers can choose to work out their running total or they can leave it to the organisers to do if they don't feel confident. The cards must be signed off by the witness at the end of the match. Only sizeable fish will count as normal."

"There will be prizes for the top forty places however this year the overall positions are being calculated using what's known as a 'continental system', so there are 4 zones - two at Sandown, one in the groynes and one at Walmer. The top four places will be the four zone winners in weight order, 5th to 8th overall will be the four zone seconds, 9th to 12th will be the four zone thirds and so on down to the 10th places in each zone being 36th to 40th overall. This means that no matter where you draw it's possible to do well in the overall placings, unlike previous years where all of the top places have come from pegs 1 to 20. We hope this will make the match more interesting and allow everyone a chance at collecting from the extensive prize table wherever they draw. The biggest flat and biggest round are still as normal just the biggest caught from anywhere. Also the £50 golden peg prizes for each zone will be available again, these are drawn at the presentation and you must be there to win. Last year three were redrawn as the winners had gone home …"

The weather conditions for the 2016 Open were almost ideal with a fresh nor' west wind and cloudy sky. Although it was cold at least the rain held off. The entry was down this year with 170 anglers taking part. Some dogfish were found, along with a couple of rays, in the early part of the match on the ebb tide. The whiting showed up on the flood with double and triple shots common, although most were undersize. The cold weather also brought in more rockling on the feed than of late. Saul Page was the winner fishing from the Sandwich Bay zone with 25 fish for 4.110 kg with Tim Fagg in second place from the groynes zone with 2.900 kg. In third place Mark Sharman at 2.720 kg and fourth Nathan Elliot. Junior champion was Oliver Saint's catch of 0.400 kg just beating Deal & Walmer Angling Association junior, Henry Thomas' 0.350 kg. Adam Mallory was runner-up with 0.140 kg. Heaviest fish in the match was a thornback ray of 1.850 kg caught by Rex Palmer and heaviest flatfish, a fine flounder of 0.740 kg landed by Ramsgate builder, Paul Cox. Team 'Asso Anyfish', comprising Saul Page, Tim Fagg, George Smith and Richard Yates, won that event.

Junior winners Oliver Saint and Adam Mallory

Saul Page: 2016 winner

2016 competitor

We are very grateful to Shane Bradford for these photographs.

Sunday, 6th November 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

This year's British Open had a different format with all sizable fish being measured and returned. The measurements would then be converted into weights. Although the entries were slightly down, with 170 anglers participating in the daytime event, the fish showed up in numbers. The winner was Saul Page (peg 3) with 25 fish for 4.110 kg and in second place was Tim Fagg with 2.900 kg, whilst Mark Sharman finished third with 2.720 kg. Heaviest fish was a ray of 1.850 kg caught by Red Palmer and heaviest flatfish a fine 0.850 kg flounder from Paul Cox. Local bait and tackle dealer Fred Leach took the last prize when he finished 40th of 170. More on the comp in next week's report.

Whiting are still the predominant fish available at the moment. Over the night tides the sea seems to be alive with the fish and they are difficult not to catch! They featured in the latest Marines AC beach comp at north Deal. Although the majority of fish were undersize, Fred Leach managed to find enough sizable for a winning weight of 2.720 kg. Roy Pitcairn's 2.380 kg put him in second place with Paul Davies' 1.760 kg for third spot. As no dogfish were caught, Tony Libby had the largest fish, a pouting of 0.350 kg, and Kevin Hadlow the heaviest flat at 0.160 kg.

Margate AC held their beach match north of Sandown Castle. A few dogfish showed, although, yet again whiting made up the bags. Paul Beavis won the event with eight fish for 4 lb 10 oz, just beating Dave Andrews' twelve fish at 4 lb 7 oz. Runner-up was Russell Phillips with 3 lb 11 oz and heaviest fish, a dog of 1 lb 14 oz caught by Robert Phillips.

Deal Pier has seen a few small bass being caught and returned which is a good omen for future stocks. The night tides have produced more fish and D&WAA member Jason Horton has put his name on the fish-of-the month board with a fine thornback ray of 4.689 kg (see image). The fish was caught from the Pier's lower deck at around 9pm on Saturday.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 14.4°C, offshore (Downs) 11.3°C.

Thursday, 3rd November 2016

Catch report by Doug Pettit

The "Thursday Club" enjoyed a productive day's fishing from the Pier's lower deck today (it being Thursday), with three bass being caught - the best of which measured 36 cm - all of which were returned to the sea unharmed. In addition to the bass, doggies and whiting kept the Club members focused on the fishing - no mean feat when there's donuts. Baits popular with the fish were lug tipped with squid, while donuts kept the Club members on the feed.

Don't forget - Deal hosts the British Open this weekend. Book in at the 1919 clubhouse (CT14 6NF) either on Saturday between 7 pm and 9 pm or on Sunday from 7 am. The match kicks off at 11 am and ends at 4 pm.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 14.4°C, offshore (Downs) 13.5°C.

Sunday, 30th October 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

It has been a busy week for the competition angler. Deal 1919 AC held their monthly beach rover in light winds and calm conditions. Luke Hutton showed his prowess at speed fishing when he hit a shoal of whiting, bringing 30 sizable to the scales for 5.100 kg. A dogfish and 19 whiting put Dave Andrews into second spot with 3.760 kg just beating Steve Hackett's 3.550 kg for third place. Heaviest fish went to Andy Manning with a dog of 0.766 kg; and, as no flatfish were caught, Fred Leach took the pool for the second heaviest fish with a dog of 0.619 kg.

The following night saw the members of the Birchington SAC fish from the Deal beach. The sea had cleared, with light winds, and the whiting were in almost plague proportions, the problem being that only one in four was sizable and the quantity of fish were consuming a lot of bait. The club chairman, Terry Marsh, managed to beat my weight of 2.970 kg with a couple more fish for 3.150 kg. In third place was Gordon Morris' 1.690 kg and, as the comp was dogfish-free, Paul Cox had the heaviest fish with a pouting of 0.350 kg.

With the present unseasonably warm weather, many anglers are hoping for a winter gale to colour-up the sea and bring in some larger fish or even a cod or two. Saturday night on Deal Pier saw the fishermen catching mainly whiting with a few more dogfish than on the beach.

With some major competitions coming up, and more anglers taking advantage of the influx of fish, it would be advisable to order your bait at the tackle shops as the shorter daylight hours restrict the amount of lugworms that the diggers can find at this time of year. It will avoid disappointment after setting out on a fishing trip to find there are no worms available, especially at the weekends.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 15°C, offshore (Downs) 14.5°C.

Sunday, 23rd October 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Calamari, or Californian squid, is now available from the tackle shops and fish mongers - albeit with a price increase. This useful bait has been in short supply for almost a year owing to the weather phenomenon in the Pacific 'El Niño'. Even with the price hike, squid makes excellent economical bait and can be cut to size or used whole for most of the types of fish that the angler is likely to catch.

The beach and Pier is fishing better on the night tides and the northerly wind has put colour into the sea which has encouraged the fish to feed. A few codling are showing along with some bass and dogfish. The shoals of whiting are making an appearance with some decent size fish in amongst them. Baits to use are lugworm and squid along with herring, which should be available from the local fishing boats soon.

The late night anglers found plenty of sport from Deal Pier on Saturday night. Action was continuous with dogfish and good size whiting. The highlights were a bass of 4 lb caught by Shane Bradford and Henry Thomas with one of 42 cm. Jason Pullen's bass of 5 lb 11 oz is still the Pier's fish-of-the-month with only a few days to be beaten.

A keen easterly wind greeted 18 members as they fished the latest Deal & Walmer Angling Association's beach match on Sunday. The early evening competition venue was along the Marina at north Deal and was fished over the high tide. The wind direction may have put the fish off feeding as the weights were below what was expected and were a disappointment for some. Sam Collier managed nine fish, which included the heaviest fish a dog of 0.690 kg, for a total weight of 3.070 kg. In second place was Graham King with 2.0 kg and third was Tim Fagg's 1.750 kg. Heaviest flat went to Steve Swan with a dab of 0.160 kg.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 15°C, offshore (Downs) 13.6°C.

Sunday, 16th October 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

At last, the fish famine is over! Nine anglers brought a bountiful return to the scales in the latest Deal 1919 AC three hour beach and Pier match. With half of the competitors fishing the beach, Martin Jenkins found the fish from the Sandown end. In his winning 10.390 kg haul, he managed to catch the heaviest fish of the match, a 2.600 kg thornback ray. Also in his bag was a codling of 1.150 kg plus dogfish and whiting. Tim Fagg, who was on the Pier, chased Jenkins in weight to come second with 10.060 kg which included another ray and dogs. Making the most of the return of whiting was Luke Hutton, catching 30, to come third at 6.810 kg. Also on the Pier, John Green was a worthy contender for heaviest fish with a 2.550 kg thornback ray which was just beaten by Jenkins' fish. Dave Andrews won the heaviest flat, catching a dab of 0.060 kg.

Deal Pier stem was the venue for the Marines AC match last Friday night. The four hour comp ended at 11.30pm and all of the ten anglers had fish to weigh in. Local tackle dealer, Fred Leach, fishing from the 4th shelter, found the dogfish and whiting feeding and bagged-up with a 24 fish result of 7.140 kg. For a change, I managed to catch some fish to come second, with 3.920 kg just beating John Libby into third spot with his 3.880 kg; which included the heaviest fish of the comp, a 0.720 kg dog.

This year's British Open championships are being held at Deal and Walmer beaches on Sunday 6th November, from 11am till 4pm. The event is being run by England International anglers Saul Page and Richard Yates and will be on a measure and return format. Entries for this prestigious match can be pre-booked by phoning 01303 253881.

The eleventh (penultimate - the Xmas match being 'pointless') D&WAA members-only competition of the 2016 campaign will be held at Horsa Road (51.231428, 1.404148) on Sunday, 23rd October (4pm to 8pm).

With two matches to go, the heaviest round and flat fish caught in this year's competitions to date are, respectively:

a codling weighing 2.540 kg (5 lb 9½ oz) caught by Martin Jenkins on 3rd January; and
a sole weighing 0.640 kg (1 lb 6½ oz) caught by Joe Smith on 12th June.

View the detailed match results and updated leaderboard here.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 16.1°C, offshore (Downs) 15.6°C.

Sunday, 9th October 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

The autumn fishy changeover is starting to take shape after the recent fresh winds. In the last Deal 1919 AC evening beach match Dave Andrews brought in the first codling of the season to the scales at 0.750 kg. Nevertheless, the return of the dogfish dominated the final results. A ten dog bag was enough for Louie Smith to win with 5.700 kg trouncing Graham King's 4.560 kg dogfish haul. In third place was Luke Hutton, also with an all-dog weight of 4.100 kg. For the heaviest fish of the match, it was left up to Brian Smith to submit his 0.850 kg bass against his 0.910 kg dogfish, which just had the edge.

The daylight tides are not producing too many fish, as the Marines AC found out in their Open Charity match fished on the north Deal beach. The winner, John Green, only needed a single dogfish of 1.060 kg to triumph in the event. In second place was John Chidwick with a dab and gurnard for 0.340 kg just beating Brian Smith into third place with a gurnard of 0.300 kg. Heaviest fish went to John Green and heaviest flat to John Chidwick. The club successfully raised a donation of £105 for the Prostate Cancer charity.

With the fresh easterly wind, last week's beach fishing has been made difficult with a vast amount of weed clogging the line. However, with the tides slackening on the neaps this problem should be overcome and more fish showing to the anglers rods. Recent reports from the Pier have been slow, although local angler, Joe Smith, did land a bass of 5 lb 6 oz on fish bait. Apart from the dogs and a few whiting, numerous eels were caught. Remember these are endangered fish and should be returned to the sea as soon as possible ("Do Not Keep" according to the Kent & Essex IFCA website - Ed). [1] One of the Saturday night Pier anglers caught a thornback ray of around 6 lb, but declined to enter it into the fish-of-the-month competition.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 17.2°C, offshore (Downs) 16.1°C.

[1] The regulations banning the retention and killing of European eels have caused some confusion over whether eels can be retained for weighing and measuring in competitions. In order to clarify this, the Angling Trust has produced this recommended code of practice for anglers:

The Environment Agency byelaw states that anglers are allowed to retain eels to weigh or measure them before releasing them alive into the same water on completion of fishing.
The Angling Trust recommends the measuring or weighing and immediate release of any eels in order to minimise any distress to the fish and avoid falling foul of the law.
In circumstances where eels must be retained for weighing or measuring appropriate measures should be taken to keep the eels alive, such as the use of keepnets and keepsacks.
Remember, eels must be kept cool and wet, with minimum levels of water (almost none) OR have a good flow of oxygenated water.
Eels will produce lots of excess mucus when confined so change the water regularly or they will suffocate.
Don't try and remove the hook from deep-hooked eels. Cut the line as close to the hook as possible before releasing.
Anglers should be aware that it is their responsibility to keep any eels retained alive before releasing them and that any dead eel in their possession would be a criminal offence.
Before retaining any eels during a match check the rules with the organiser first.
The Angling Trust recommends all matches operate immediate release following measuring by a fellow competitor or steward.

Monday, 3rd October 2016

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Joe Smith, England junior and stalwart member of the Deal & Walmer Angling Association, fishing on Saturday night from the Pier's lower deck, caught a magnificent 5 lb 6 oz (2.438 kg) bass on sandeel presented on a pulley rig.

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 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, 2nd October 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Anglers are hoping for a good northerly blow to stir-up the seabed, put some colour into the water and bring in the autumn stocks of fish. The prolonged summer weather has kept the sea temperature higher than normal and the sea clearer. Exotic and rare fish such as red mullet, tub gurnard and golden grey mullet are turning up with surprising regularity in the anglers' catches.

Golden grey mullet
Chelon aurata

Tub gurnard
Trigla lucerna

Red mullet
Mullus surmuletus

The Deal and Walmer Angling Association match at the Chequers, Sandwich Bay, saw all these fish brought to the scales and released alive in the monthly beach match. Dave Andrews fished small, using a quivertip rod and 10 lb line to lure two golden grey mullet for a total of 1.230 kg. One of these rare fish went 0.750 kg which is over specimen weight for the species. However, the dogfish made a show and it was left up to Luke Hutton to win the event in the field of 16 competitors. His bag consisted of the heaviest fish, a smooth-hound of 1.510 kg, along with two other dogs for a combined weight of 2.720 kg. Big caster Louie Smith also found the dogs with three fish at 1.640 kg for second place, just beating Tim Fagg's slightly smaller dogs by a mere 0.040 kg. Heaviest flat was a flounder of 0.200 kg caught by Alan Fuller.

The previous evening, Margate FC fished their comp further north in the Bay next to the slipway. Again, the 12 anglers found sport slow with Paul Davies finding three fish for 4 lb 15 oz with his heaviest, a smooth-hound of 3 lb 9 oz. Second was Paul Beavis with a dog of 1 lb 5 oz and third, Andy Day, also with a dog of 1 lb 3 oz.

The weekend did see some late mackerel caught from Deal Pier, along with pollack, smooth-hound and bass, the largest at 5 lb caught by Isaac Pullen.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 17.8°C, offshore (Downs) 17.8°C.

Sunday, 2nd October 2016

Catch update by Isaac Pullen

My dad, Jason, fishing 'down the side' from the third shelter on the north side of the Pier's promenade deck on Saturday night, caught a 2.580 kg (5 lb 11 oz) bass on a whole mackerel head at about 8 pm.

Sunday, 25th September 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

The saga of the Deal Pier monster bass ("Bassgate") continues with two anglers claiming to be the captors. Young Isaac Pullen, of Bexhill East Sussex, was fishing a whole mackerel head when the bass pulled his rod over the rails on the Pier's stem. It was left to Robert Buchan, who was fishing next to him by the third shelter, to hook-up the rod, reel, tackle and bass shortly after. With the bass on the surface, Pier Attendant Chris Burrows netted the fish and landed it onto the Pier, although the rod and reel was lost in their effort. There was then a discussion to whose fish it was. The fish was officially weighed in at 4.300 kg (9 lb 7 oz) and it was decided that Isaac's name should be put on the board as the current Pier fish-of-the-month (September). The fish was then dispatched and cut in half to enable each angler to have their fair share. This fish is an exceptional size and has beaten the previous 2016 Pier-caught bass of 3.100 kg caught by Michael Allan earlier in the month. Now is definitely the time to target big bass using large baits. The heaviest Pier-caught bass weighed 4.400 kg (9 lb 11 oz) and was caught in July 2012 by Tim Jarrett of Littlestone, Kent.

Another behemoth landed from the Pier was a 3 kg (6 lb 10 oz) lobster caught on rod and line. Andrew Szeremeta was fishing from the south side of the lower deck when the large crustacean took his bait.

The Marines AC held their beach match in the groynes at north Deal recently. The fishing was not too hectic although a few school bass did put in an appearance. Winner, with a bass of 1.200 kg (2 lb 10⅓ oz), was Kevin Hadlow fishing yellow tail lugworm bait. In second spot was veteran angler Tony Libby with 0.280 kg (10 oz) of eels just beating a red mullet of 0.240 kg (8½ oz) caught by Paul Davies.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 18.9°C, offshore (Downs) 18.6°C.

Click here to view my report of today's D&WAA members-only match at Chequers …

Sunday, 18th September 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Deal Pier seems to be the most favoured venue for competition fishing at the moment. Last week the Marines AC tried Ramsgate Pier for a 'no fish' return after four hours fishing. The Birchington AC match on Walmer beach fared slightly better with three fish showing at the scales. Winner was Melvin Jarman with a pouting of 10 oz and in second place Andy Hurcombe with another pout for 6 oz. The only other fish landed was a dab of 4 oz, which put Andy Godden into third spot.

It was left up to the match anglers to find some fish in the latest Deal 1919 pier and beach comp. Although the heaviest fish, a dog of 0.750 kg, came from the beach landed by Luke Hutton, the remainder of the weights were from the Pier's lower deck. Many varieties of fish were caught including pouting, scad, wrasse, pollock, bream, bass and blennies; although many were undersize. Fishing around the Pier piles, Steve Hackett produced 21 sizable pouting and scad for a winning weight of 4.480 kg. Graham King's 19 fish were of a smaller size and achieved 2.910 kg just beating Dave Andrews' 2.340 kg. As no flatfish were caught, Sam Collier's 0.370 kg pouting took second heaviest fish pool.

The fresh northerly wind over the weekend has stirred up a few fish at long last. Along with some small bass, mullet and dogfish a monster 4.300 kg bass was caught on the Deal Pier stem on Saturday night by Isaac Pullen. More details to follow (see below) …

For those needing a big-fish-fix, Cottington Lake Fisheries are producing the goods with a 32 lb 6 oz common carp for Aaron Gurney and a 40 lb 3 oz mirror carp for Lee Moulton.

The author with a tight grip on his rod …
'Deal and Walmer's Piscatorial Past' remaindered on eBay and Amazon.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 18.3°C, offshore (Downs) 18.9°C.

Bassgate: the saga of the Deal Pier monster bass continues with two anglers claiming to be the captors. Isaac Pullen, of Bexhill East Sussex, was fishing a whole mackerel head when the bass pulled his rod over the rails on the Pier's stem. It was left to Robert Buchan to hook the rod, reel, tackle and bass shortly after. With the bass on the surface, Pier Attendant Chris Burrows netted the fish and landed it onto the Pier, although the rod was lost in their effort. There was then a discussion as to whose fish it was. The fish was officially weighed in at 4.300 kg (9 lb 7⅔ oz) and it was decided, by Chris Borrows, that Isaac's name should be put on the board as the present Pier fish-of-the-month because it was his hook in the bass. I have not found out what happened to the bass though!

Editor's note: Chris and Robert subsequently agreed to share the bass.

Sunday, September 18th 2016

Catch update by Isaac Pullen and Robert Buchan

Isaac Pullen, fishing with Robert Buchan 'down the side' from the Pier's promenade deck on Saturday night, caught this magnificent 4.3 kg (9 lb 7⅔ oz) bass on a whole mackerel head bait.


Isaac Pullen	Robert Buchan

Sunday, 11th September 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

With the sea temperatures bordering on 20°C some unusual fish have been caught from the Pier and beaches. Several red mullet, a favoured fish eaten by the ancient Romans, have been landed from the lower deck of Deal Pier. Also reported are a few black bream caught from around the Pier piles that are home to small crustaceans and molluscs which attract the fish to feed on. From the beaches, tub gurnard are making an appearance, as was seen in the Margate AC club match fished at Walmer Flats. Top weight was a single gurnard of 10 oz, caught by Dan Burton, just beating Russell Phillips' 8 oz gurnard. Third place was Robert Phillips with a 7 oz flounder.

Fishing along the local shoreline has not improved in the last month and many anglers are speculating that they have had the worst sport for many years. Fortunately, anglers are always full of optimism and anticipation, knowing that things will improve with the coming of autumn.

Thanet angler, Adrian Chapman, did find a few fish in Sandwich Bay during a night session - he caught a couple of school bass and dogfish along with a fine 36 cm plaice.

Deal Pier all-night rodsters had their fishing cut short when the Pier closed at midnight on Saturday. The reason being, that the Dover District Council are short of Pier attendants; however, they are advertising for new job applicants.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 18.3°C, offshore (Downs) 19.3°C.

Friday, 9th September 2016

Catch update by Lord Douglas of Blenheim

The Pier Attendant informs me that two sizeable red mullets were caught yesterday by an angler fishing "down the side" … bass, rays and smooth-hounds also continue to make an appearance.

If you are planning a fishing trip to Deal this weekend please remember to:

call Dean at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) to book your bait;
carefully return any fish which is not sizeable; and
send me (david@dealpier.uk) 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 September 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Deal & Walmer Angling Association held their annual sole-only match in near perfect conditions on Walmer beach recently. On a moonless night, with a calm sea and humid weather, the twelve intrepid rodsters were full of expectations. However, as usual with angling, things did not go according to plan. At the cessation of the comp at midnight, word had got back that only two soles had been caught. Julian Attwood had landed both, to win the event with no other challengers. His best sole went 38 cm and weighed in at 0.490 kg. This latest win puts Attwood a gnat's todger in the lead in the Club's annual league table with 369 points, just ahead of Sam Collier (367) and Graham King (362) and, with three matches to go (the Xmas match carrying no points), it's shaping up to be an exciting finish.

Deal Pier saw a few mackerel, pollock, smooth-hounds and school bass being caught throughout the week days. Nevertheless, Saturday night anglers on the Pier fared much better. Kevin Gisby and his angling buddy, Martin Foulcer, landed and returned seven smooth-hounds up to 5 lb. The successful bait was peeler crab fished from the Pier's lower deck.

Fish-of-the-month for August was won by Guston angler Jamie Mathews, with a thornback ray of 2.450 kg which he caught on the first day of the month. This month's contender is a magnificent 3.100 kg bass caught from the third shelter on the Pier's promenade deck at 1.30 am on Sunday morning. Michael Allan, from South Ockendon, Essex, was fishing the flood tide from the north side of the stem at long distance when he hooked into the bass using herring as bait presented on a pulley rig. This is now the current fish to beat in September.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 18.3°C, offshore (Downs) 18.7°C.

Sunday, 28th August 2016

Catch update from Rabih Malaki

I live in London and came down to Deal for the Bank Holiday weekend. This was my first time fishing from Deal Pier and I loved everything about it - restaurant food was amazing, toilets were clean, Pier attendants amazingly helpful - and what I loved as well is that everyone has been so friendly and this is definitely one of my favourite places to fish.

On Friday I caught a nice lobster which weighed about 2-3 lb but there were no mackerel as the water was slightly coloured. I hooked a sizeable bass but nearly lost my rod and reel as I forgot to put the clutch on - fortunately the reel got caught on the metal guard rails for about 3 seconds, just long enough for me to grab the rod and reel in the 47 cm bass.

Editor's note: from the first of July 2016 it is legal for anglers to retain one bass in size (42 cm or over) per day for their consumption, following expiry of the no-take ban introduced by the EU in January.

Sunday, 28th August 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Twelve members of the Marines AC held their club match on Deal Pier with a different format from normal. The idea was to catch as many different sizable species of fish in a period of time and the winner being the one with the most. The sea conditions had put some colour in the water and the mackerel and scad did not show; although the pouting down and around the Pier legs did. With most competitors on one species the others tried for their second. The fishing was hard with a strong tide running and just before the end of the comp there were three members with two species apiece. As the competition was drawing to an end, Julian Attwood produced a dogfish to improve on his catch of pouting and pollack, finishing as the clear winner with three different types of fish. Other species caught was a bass of 1.160 kg landed by Roy Pitcairn.

Yet again it has been a slow week for anglers fishing the Pier, with only a few mackerel and dogfish showing, although Kevin Gisby did land a couple of 4 lb smooth-hounds from the lower deck on Saturday night. The beaches have been faring a little bit better with a few bass up to 3 lb have been caught. Favoured marks are in the shallow water from the slipway and further north in Sandwich Bay. Worm baits cast a short distance have been finding them; although the larger specimens will be tempted to outsized baits such as bluey or half a mackerel. When using mackerel and bluey, don't forget to up-the-size of your hook or the bait will mask the hook leading to missed strikes and a possible fish-of-a-life-time. Night tides will prove the best time to hunt these large bass as there are fewer disturbances from swimmers and holiday makers to scare the fish away.

The tenth D&WAA members-only competition of the 2016 campaign will be held at Chequers (51.251010, 1.39189) on Sunday, 25th September (5pm to 9pm).

If you need an incentive, view the updated leaderboard here.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 18.9°C, offshore (Downs) 18.9°C.

Sunday, 21st August 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Dover angler Graham King conjured up three dogfish to win the latest Deal & Walmer Angling Association's beach match held at Cambridge Road (gardens). King has an uncanny knack of finding these fish when others cannot. Known as a 'dogfish desperado' he weighed in a total of 1.820 kg to beat Sam Collier into second place. Brian Smith and Sam located a shoal of scad and both managed to catch five apiece before the fish moved on. However, an extra dogfish boosted Collier's weight up to 1.160 kg against Smith's 1 kg. The only other fish landed were a pouting apiece for Andy Manning and Fred Leach.

Birchington AC did not fare so well in their night match held at Sandwich Bay. A solitary eel of 0.110 kg was hooked which put Julian Attwood into pole position as no other fish were caught. Two days later the Deal 1919 AC held their rover beach competition. It was left up to Dave Andrews to use his many years of experience to winkle out a few fish when the conditions are difficult. He brought four eels and three pouting to the scales to win with 1.660 kg. Steve Hackett came second with a 0.450 kg flounder which was the only other fish caught in the comp. Andrews beat Hackett for heaviest fish with an eel of 0.510 kg.

Although the present shore fishing is in the doldrums it will not be long before some large bass and whiting shoals arrive, especially if there are more gales as we had last weekend. In fact the gales did stir up a few bass and dogfish for the all-night Pier anglers fishing on Saturday.

Lake Pepper, from the Cottington Fisheries, is still producing some large carp. They are affectionately known as 'pond pigs' and Lewis Pearce banked a 27 lb common and 34 lb 9 oz mirror carp in a recent session.

The ninth D&WAA members-only competition of the 2016 campaign will be held at Cambridge Road (gardens) (51.202032, 1.402374) on Saturday, 27th August (8pm to midnight). This match is "flatfish-only (sole)" the rules for which can be viewed here. Please remember that all competitors should be present at the Cambridge Road (gardens) venue no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 7:30pm.

If you need an incentive, view the updated leaderboard here.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 17.8°C, offshore (Downs) 18.1°C.

Thursday, 18th August 2016

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

This 2 lb bass was caught on squid bait today from the beach at the north end of Deal by Alex Hayward. The bass was returned to the water unharmed immediately after this photo was taken.

Sunday, 14th August 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

The Marines Angling Club recently held their open charity fishing competition on the beach at the north end of Deal. Sixteen (16) anglers enjoyed the bright conditions and calm sea although the fish did not want to cooperate with their efforts. Throughout the four hour match the rod tips stayed motionless and apart from crabs, all the competitors caught was the sun. At the end of the match a small pouting, of 0.100 kg, was enough for Dover angler Alan Cain to win. As no other fish were caught the rest of the competitors drew for the remaining prizes. However, from the competition and raffle, the event raised £126.50 which was presented by the Marines club chairman, Dave Alldis, to Graham Edwards who represented the Prostate Cancer Support Association (Kent).

This time of year it is important to keep bait in the freshest condition as fish baits and worms soon dry out and lose their appeal in direct sunlight. At the moment it is hard enough to catch fish without reducing your chances by not taking a few minutes to care for your bait. Therefore, "cool bags" are a must in the summer to keep everything as fresh as possible. These are normally quite inexpensive in the smaller sizes and can be purchased at most camping, sport, bait & tackle shops. As much of the worms sold from the tackle shops have been refrigerated, it is best to put them into the cool bag immediately until use. A few ice cubes in a plastic bag should keep the temperature low enough in the containers for a few hours or the whole fishing trip.

Mackerel are still showing on Deal Pier, but have been a bit patchy at times. Apart from that, the fishing is still a bit slow.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 17.8°C, offshore (Downs) 18.6°C.

Sunday, 14th August 2016

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

This good size bass was caught from the upper deck of the Pier at dusk on Saturday evening. Unfortunately, I don't have any other details about either the angler or the anglee …

Saturday, 13th August 2016

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Blake Murray from Deal, fishing with ragworm from the beach at the north end of the town on Friday evening, caught this lovely bass weighing 6 lb 1 oz (2.75 kg).

Sunday, 7th August 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Taking advantage of every opportunity makes a good match angler. In the recent Deal 1919 Pier competition, the competitors realised the fishing was going to be difficult with the clear sea. However, Dave Andrews had the experience to know that pouting would be found around the Pier piles. While Fred Leach decided his tactics would be to fish a single hook baited with peeler crab for smooth-hounds and dogfish, Steve Hackett tried for scad and pouting. All three were successful and avoided a blank. Dave Andrews' 25 pouting and a smooth-hound accounted for a weight of 4.440 kg and tackle dealer Fred Leach succeeded in the capture of two smooth-hounds and two dogs for 2.560 kg. Half a dozen scad (horse mackerel) [1] with his pouting was enough to put Steve Hackett into third place with 2.060 kg. Heaviest fish was a smooth-hound weighed and returned at 0.960 kg caught by Fred Leach.

It did not take long for Jamie Mathews, from the village of Guston, to put his 2.450 kg thornback ray onto the Deal Pier August fish-of-the-month board. This was the largest of three that have been reported caught so far this month.

Keeping many anglers happy, the mackerel have been showing most days on the Pier from the lower deck and stem. Since their arrival - albeit not in vast numbers - the breezy conditions have put a bit of colour in the sea and there were plenty of small scad in amongst the shoals. Please remember it is illegal to retain mackerel under the legal size of 30cm.

There are reports of school bass up to 4 lb being caught from the north Deal beaches and Sandwich Bay with top baits being lugworm and squid.

Cottington Lakes Fishery produced a personal best for Dean Martin ("when you swim in the sea and an eel bites your knee, it's a moray") with a magnificent 39 lb mirror carp from Lake Pepper during a 48 hour session last week.

The eighth D&WAA members-only competition of the 2016 campaign will be held at Cambridge Road (gardens) (51.202032, 1.402374) on Saturday, 13th August (8pm to midnight). Please remember that all competitors should be present at Cambridge Road (gardens) no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. by 7:30pm.

If you need an incentive, view the updated leaderboard here.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 17.8°C, offshore (Downs) 17.7°C.

[1] The Atlantic horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) is a species of jack mackerel in the family Carangidae. It gets its common name from the legend that other smaller species of fish could ride on its back over great distances. Other common names include common scad, scad, and saurel.

Sunday, 31st July 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

With the current summer time blues that the beach and Pier anglers are experiencing it is often worthwhile trying to specialise on catching a certain species, as opposed to the 'chuck-it-and-chance-it' method. Now is the time of year when soles are there to be caught. However, a different approach will be more successful than the normal technique of fishing. As the sole have a small mouth, hook sizes need to be adjusted for their capture. Size 4 and size 6 hooks are preferred along with ragworm and lugworm baits, which do not need to be cast out too far. Soles are more active in darkness and a late night expedition might be useful. When caught in numbers, their locations are closely guarded secrets; nevertheless, it is fair to say that the beaches at Walmer and north Deal are the places to look for them.

For the 'fluff chuckers', the mackerel have been showing in better numbers from the Pier and local beaches, although they are still a bit sporadic at times. The mackerel seem to be caught more through the flood tide than over the ebb. The tackle shops are reporting good sales of feathers which are used for the capture of these fish, but it is worth checking the breaking strain that the feathers are mounted on. Some of the smaller sizes of sabiki rigs are not up to power casting and caution should be applied for the safety of all.

Michael Allen's 3.800 kg thornback ray has won Deal Pier's July fish-of-the-month £20 voucher which is donated by Deal's two local tackle shops, Pleasure Angling (Dean) and Channel Angling (Fred). The Essex angler caught his fish earlier in July and this month's empty board is now open to new contenders. A Saturday night session in Sandwich Bay produced a 6 lb 13 oz smooth-hound for Craig Hood from Thanet. His successful bait was lugworm.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 17.8°C, offshore (Downs) 18.1°C.

Saturday, 30th July 2016

Catch update by Phillip Holmes

Fishing from the Pier's lower deck today, Phil caught this 3.1 kg skate.

Monday, 26th July 2016

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Very early this morning I saw a group of anglers fishing alongside the Pier bagging up big shoals of mackerel which were moving along the shore with the tide - so get your feathers out folks and head off to Deal Pier and our local beaches. Please bear in mind that the minimum landing size for mackerel is 30 cm (12 inches) and that it is a criminal offence (liable to prosecution by IFCA) for any angler to take a mackerel that is shorter than 30 cm.

Sunday, 23rd July 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

The recent heat wave has warmed the sea temperature above 19°C which has had an adverse effect on the sport from both beach and Pier. Clear sea and warm water have made the fish very shy and reluctant to take the angler's bait as demonstrated in the latest Birchington AC beach match held at Walmer. Although the comp ended in darkness the fish did not show and only two sizable were brought to the scales. A solitary pouting of 0.023 kg was enough to win the match for Dave Andrews and in second place was Gordon Morris with a smaller pouting of 0.021 kg.

Deal and Walmer Angling Association's late night beach match did not fare much better, although local tackle dealer Fred Leach managed to bring three fish to the scales, against the other anlers' single fish contributions. Fishing 'small', Fred caught a 1.600 kg bass before dusk in the 8pm till midnight competition which was fished opposite Walmer Castle. This was the heaviest fish of the match and, together with his two pouting, gave him the winning weight of 2 kg. The expected dogfish packs did not show through the darkness and only two were caught, giving their captors second and third places - Luke Hutton took second place with a 0.610 kg dog and Dave Andrews followed in third with a dog weighing 0.460 kg. A flounder of 0.250 kg was the only flatfish landed and Julian Attwood walked away with that award.

Deal Pier has had a slow week with a few smooth-hounds and dogfish being found from the lower deck. For some unknown reason mackerel are still in short numbers although the conditions seem to be perfect for them. Wrasse and pouting are providing amusement to those fishing 'down the side' of the Pier piles with small hooks and light tackle. Hopefully the fishing will improve before long; however, it might need some strong winds to make the necessary improvements. Until then, enjoy the sunshine.

View the detailed match results and updated leaderboard here.

The eighth D&WAA members-only competition of the 2016 campaign will be held at Cambridge Road (gardens) (51.202032, 1.402374) on Sunday, 13th August (8pm to midnight).

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 16.7°C, offshore (Downs) 17.6°C.

Sunday, 17th July 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Anglers fishing in the recent Birchington AC beach match in Sandwich Bay had a very poor return in their five hour match. Top matchman was Dave Andrews with five dogfish at 2.830 kg, who showed the rest of the field how to catch fish when the going gets tough. For second place, and with the only other fish caught, was club chairman Terry Marsh with a bass of 1.590 kg. Terry caught his bass only yards off the shore and when he gutted the fish he found remnants of Dave Andrews' sandeels in its stomach. Dave, who was fishing down tide to him, had inadvertedly encouraged the bass to feed with his discarded old bait when he was re-baiting with fresh.

The Deal 1919 beach comp had a better return of fish; with dogfish supremo Graham King finding 11 for a winning total of 6.640 kg. Close on his tail with one dog less at 5.370 kg was Martin Jenkins and in third place was Ken Withington with 4.000 kg. In Ken's bag was also the heaviest fish in the match, a dog of 0.810 kg. In addition to this he managed to catch the heaviest flat which was a large flounder weighing 0.630 kg and an uncommon sizable plaice.

Deal Pier has been producing some fish with a 6 lb thornback ray, dogfish and a few mackerel and herrings on feathers. The sea is clearing and there should be some large shoals of mackerel showing before long. These fish make excellent eating and are also useful for future trips when frozen down as bait. Saturday all-night Pier anglers had some mixed bags and a couple of bass to 3 lbs.

The Deal 1919 AC are holding a children's (up to the age of 16) Pier competition on Sunday, 24th July from 11 am till 3 pm. The entry fee is a £1 and all the kids win a prize.

The seventh D&WAA members-only competition of the 2016 campaign will be held at Walmer Castle (top car park) (51.202032, 1.402374) on Saturday, 23rd July (8 pm to midnight).

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 16.7°C, offshore (Downs) 17.5°C.

Saturday, 16th July 2016

Catch report by John Newey

Young George with his first wrasse, caught by him from the lower deck of Deal Pier on Saturday, 16th July.

Sunday, 10th July 2016

Catch report by Martin and Sunny Rabone

Sunny and I fished the Pier's lower deck on Sunday in windy conditions with some fine rain. The results were mixed …

We baited up with lug tipped with squid and caught two dogfish, two pollack, a few small pouting and nice sized lobster (Sunny's first). We changed bait to bluey but not a nibble. There was talk of mackerel showing but we didn't see any landed. The Pier attendant advised using a Pennell pulley rig to reduce/avoid end tackle loss. We are still looking for that elusive bass and smooth-hound …

Sunday, 10th July 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

A mid-week fishing session on Deal Pier turned-up trumps for local angler Ken Withington. Ken was tiring of catching dogfish every cast and changed his methods and tactics for another species of fish. His strategy paid off as he found a shoal of bass feeding and caught nine of them before he ran out of bait. He duly released eight of the fish, only retaining one for dinner. Essex fisherman Michael Allen has put his name on Deal Pier's fish-of-the-month board with a thornback ray of 3.800 kg, beating the previous contender - a bass caught by Luke Pestell.

Many anglers complain about catching dogfish in numbers; however, if it was not for this versatile fish, competition results would be very poor. The Deal 1919 Pier and beach (optional) evening match saw all the competitors fish from the beach venue. Over the low water mark dogfish yet again dominated the top weights. Martin Jenkins showed that long distance casting counts and managed to bag-up 15 of the spotted mini sharks for 9.640 kg along with the heaviest fish, a dog of 0.850 kg. In second place was on form Graham King with 7.280 kg beating Dave Andrews into third with his 4.700 kg. The heaviest flat fish pool was won by Josh Hackett's 0.280 kg flounder. Weed and crabs are hampering the beach anglers at the moment.

Congratulations to Deal's Joe Smith for winning his zone over the two days of the Home National Shore Championship at Norfolk. His efforts helped the England Junior Team achieve a Bronze medal in the event.

Still plenty of carp coming from the Cottington Fisheries eight lakes with some fine commons out of Lake Christine with Chris Wiles landing one at 29 lb. Tyler Clarkson captured a 35 lb 7 oz mirror carp from Lake Pepper and Robert Langstead's 25 lb 8 oz grass carp was also a lovely specimen.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 16.1°C, offshore (Downs) 15.9°C.

Friday, 8th July 2016

Catch update by Stephen Rubins

Today, fishing from the lower deck of Deal Pier (south side opposite the steps), Ken Withington caught nine good sized school bass using a 3-way swivel rig positioned 3ft above the sinker on a 3ft trace with keeper hook and two live prawns as bait.

Sunday, 3rd July 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

It is regrettable that the unseasonal weather continues with wind and rain. However, the elements have kept the match anglers happy with plenty of sport from the dogfish in the coloured sea conditions. On a windy evening last week Deal 1919 held their roving beach match - fortunately it did not put the fish off as the end results illustrate. Graham King yet again showed his merit as a 'dogfish desperado' by bringing 27 to the scales for a winning total of 15.430 kg. Also fishing the Kingsdown area was Steve Hackett who managed a creditable 12.200 kg for second place beating Luke Hutton's 9.550 kg into third. Heaviest fish was a 0.830 kg dogfish caught by Ken Withington and, as no flatfish were landed, Graham King took second heaviest fish pool with another dogfish of 0.750 kg.

From the first of July, it is now legal for anglers to retain one bass in size (42 cm or over) per day for their consumption, following expiry of the no-take ban introduced by the EU in January. This legislation has been reluctantly adhered to by many anglers for conservation reasons. Nevertheless, there are some reports going around that the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) want a total ban on catching bass from commercial fishermen and anglers in 2017. Let's hope common sense prevails but, since hope is not a strategy, we anglers may have to get organised …

As expected, Deal Pier's June 'fish-of-the-month' was the 5 kg ray that Darrel Love had caught earlier in the month. This month's starter on the board is a 1.200 kg bass caught by Dover angler Luke Pestell - but I think it will soon be replaced by a larger bass, smooth-hound or a late thornback.

It's that carp again. Cottington Lakes legendary fish has been caught once more by Bradley Purssey and the carp has put on weight and is now a plump 52 lb 6 oz. Also on the freshwater monsters was Dave Alford's 35lb 8oz and Chester Sykes' 33 lb 8 oz carp.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 15.6°C, offshore (Downs) 15.4°C.

Sunday, 26th June 2016

Catch report by Martin and Sunny Rabone

Last Sunday my 10 year old daughter, Sunny, and I fished the Pier lower deck on the flood tide between 11am and 2pm.

The sky was overcast and the heavens opened. The fishing was poor for the first hour producing only one dogfish. Then, fishing "down the side" with feathers and lug Sunny hit a shoal of pouting catching 20 plus within 45 minutes. The last good size fish was a lovely pollack (another new species for us) which took off and put up a good fight. We are still in search of two new species - the elusive bass and smooth-hound.

Please remember that, with effect from Friday, 1st July until the end of the year, anglers will be permitted to retain one bass per day providing they are of a minimum legal length of 42 cm.

Sunday, 26th June 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Anglers are finding it difficult to source 1 lb boxes of Californian squid from fishmongers and tackle shops throughout the country. These have been a popular all-round bait for many and there have been numerous rumours to the reason for its scarcity. Some have speculated that the container ship that supplies Britain from America has sunk or there is a squid war going on with the fishermen who catch them. The truth is, it is all down to the weather off the Pacific coast and excessive warming of the southern hemisphere. El Nino, as it is called, has disrupted the squid's breeding cycle in the areas from which the fishermen catch them. However, there are substitutes anglers can use and buy from the tackle shops, such as Indian, Chinese and Falkland squid.

It has been a slow week for a lot of beach and Pier anglers with dogfish still being the predominant species available. A ray of 7 lb and some smooth-hounds have been landed from Deal Pier. One unlucky fisherman managed to catch a ray on a hand line from the bottom deck, but lost it before it could be netted. Saturday night produced a superb 12 lb plus smooth-hound for Thanet angler Neil Potter fishing from the beach at Sandwich Bay. Neil was fishing with his son-in-law Dan Todd who helped him land the fish. The large 'hound was caught on a hard-backed crab an hour before high tide. The rest of their catch was made up with dogfish.

Cottington Fisheries have been producing some good fish from their lakes. Lake Pepper still seems to be a favourite, with a 45 lb carp being the largest for Ray Collins after a 48 hour session. Dean Palliser managed a mirror from the same lake at 35 lb 11 oz on his boilie bait.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 14.4°C, offshore (Downs) 15.1°C.

Sunday, 19th June 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Dogfish have been in epidemic numbers over the past week and the sea bed must be almost carpeted with them. Dave Andrews, fishing in the latest Deal 1919 beach and pier comp, brought 45 to the scales for an astronomical 24.670 kg. This is one of the heaviest catches I can remember in a local three hour match. With him at Kingsdown, were Graham King and Steve Hackett who came second and third, also with impressive catches of 22.250 kg and 21.120 kg. The heaviest fish prize was shared by Graham King and Martin Jenkins with dogs of 0.870 kg. Tackle dealer Fred Leach thought he was in with a chance fishing from the Pier with his 16.150 kg, but had to admit defeat to the beach anglers.

The Marines AC have held two matches from the north and south ends of the Deal beaches. The first comp, in the north Deal groynes, produced sufficient dogs for Bob Morris to win with 5.640 kg. Roy Pitcairn's 3.320 kg was enough for second spot and John Chidwick came third with 2.560 kg. The club's second comp was in the new groynes at Boundary Road, Kingsdown. Again the dogfish obliged in numbers, with Tony Libby bagging-up an adequate amount for an easy win with 14.740 kg. Second place was John Chidwick for 10.800 kg closely followed by myself with 10.700 kg. All dogfish caught in the competitions were returned back to the sea.

There have been no thornback rays landed from Deal Pier in the past week. It seems they are feeding offshore at the moment as the beaches are producing very few as well. Up to recently the ray catches have been excellent, perhaps due to the help of the prolonged northerlies which have kept some colour in the water. A wind change to the south should clear the sea enough for the long awaited mackerel to make an appearance and summer to arrive.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 14.4°C, offshore (Downs) 15.5°C.

Monday, 13th June 2016

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

On Sunday Krzysztof Czepiec fished from the north Deal beach opposite the Cinque Ports golf course and caught 17 dogfish in 6 hours including this double shot …

Double Shot

Sunday, 12th June 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Over the past few weeks numerous school bass have been caught, along with the occasional decent size fish. Obviously these have been returned as required by the current EU conservation regulations. However, from the beginning of July, anglers will be permitted to retain one bass per day providing they are of a minimum legal length of 42 cm. With the amount being caught it looks like a good year for them.

Thornback rays are still being taken from the local beaches and Pier along with plenty of dogfish. The pouting, which have been scarce in the past, are also making a comeback with sensible size fish amongst them. Although pouts were deemed to be a nuisance in the past, the match anglers have missed their presence and are enjoying their revival. The present 5 kg ray which is the June fish-of-the-month on Deal Pier will be hard to beat, but this did not stop John Green from trying, and his 4.650 kg thornback almost got there.

Deal and Walmer Angling Association held its sixth members-only match at the Chequers end of Sandwich Bay. The 19 participating anglers targeted the dogfish and they (the anglers) were not disappointed. The new club rule of weighing-in the three heaviest dogfish and then allowing 0.500 kg for each of the other doggies which were promptly returned was applied. The clear winner, with 9.030 kg, was Martin Jenkins. Also "on the dogs" was Graham King with 8.080 kg and in third place was Luke Hutton with 6.860 kg. The heaviest round fish was a dog of 0.860 kg caught by Sam Collier and the heaviest flattie, a fine sole of 0.640 kg, had been lured to Joe Smith's rod.

View the detailed match results and updated leaderboard here.

The seventh D&WAA members-only competition of the 2016 campaign will be held at Walmer Castle (top car park) (51.202032, 1.402374) on Sunday, 23rd July (8pm to midnight).

Just a reminder - the close season for catching freshwater fish from the rivers ends on June 15th, but don't forget, you need an Environment Agency rod licence to fish. This licence also covers coarse fishing in stillwater venues as well.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 13.3°C, offshore (Downs) 14.2°C.

Monday, 6th June 2016

Catch update by Ian Teall

I fished the incoming tide in front of Deal Rowing Club on Sunday and caught seven dogfish, two decent-size pouting and my first thornback ray all on bluey cutlet and squid cocktail. I later lost a bigger thornback when May weed wrapped around the line choking the top eye of my rod - the line went slack and the ray fell off …

Sunday, 5th June 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Throughout the week a few thornback rays were being landed from Deal Pier's lower deck. Sidcup angler, Rosemary Crescent, caught two with the largest going 3.850 kg. This fish was enough to make it onto the June fish-of-the-month empty Pier board. However, a couple of days later it was beaten with a ray of 5 kg, which was one of two tempted by Darrel Love. Saturday saw a drop in the wind, with the all-nighters catching well over 10 rays along with some smooth-hounds.

Last weekend was Dover's Festival of Sport angling comp, fished from the north Deal beach. This annual event takes place with teams from Calais and Dover. The English team had a clear win with Brett Cotter's 18 fish bringing in maximum points making him star of the match.

On Sunday, Birchington AC held their beach rover from Deal Castle to Boundary Road. The anglers took advantage of the change in the weather and managed to catch plenty of fish. The abundant dogfish did not disappoint and made up the top weights as usual. Dave Andrews showed his fish catching skills by amassing a 31 mixed fish bag for an incredible 15.120 kg. Although Graham King tried, he could not catch him up with his 11.250 kg haul. In third place was Fred Leach's 10.130 kg. Heaviest flat was a flounder of 0.250 kg caught by Julian Attwood and heaviest round was a 0.940 kg dog landed by Dave Andrews.

May weed has been the main topic of conversation for a few weeks now. The plankton bloom has died leaving grey foam on top of the water. Its remains are clogging up the reel line with a fine cotton-like substance that needs time to pick off on recovery. This is very annoying, as it can clump-up every few yards and jam in the rod's top ring. The general consensus with the regular anglers is that this year has seen it at its worse for as long as can be remembered. Perhaps the slightly higher sea temperature is to blame.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 12.2°C, offshore (Downs) 13.8°C.

Monday, 30th May 2016

Catch report by Peter Smith

This is my 10-year-old grandson, Tommy Smith, a Deal & Walmer Angling Association member, with his first ever thornback ray which he caught from the lower deck of Deal Pier on Sunday 29th May 2016. He was fishing with mackerel bait presented on a 3/0 Pennell pulley rig with a 30 lb snood and a 5 oz grip lead. The ray was safely returned to the water after this picture was taken.

Sunday, 29th May 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Two beach competitions held last week on the same day did not come up with any surprises - they were dogfish dominated with a few pouting to make up the weights. The Birchington AC held their rover on the beaches north and south of the Pier. Dave Andrews decided to move after the first hour from Sandown Castle to Walmer, even though he had put three dogs in his bag. This move paid off, as he upped his total to ten dogs on the flood tide and won the event with 5.150 kg. Second and third places were very close with Terry Marsh's 3.940 kg and Gordon Morris' 3.680 kg. I was fortunate enough to have the heaviest fish, a dog of 0.840 kg.

The Marines AC also held their match on Walmer beach. It was left up to John Chidwick to win with a dogfish haul of 4.600 kg just pipping Robert Morris' 4.360 kg and Dave Ashdown's total of 3.480 kg. The heaviest fish brought to the scales was a dog of 0.940 kg caught by Kevin Hadlow.

The May weed has evolved from globules to an annoying thread-like substance which adheres to the line and needs to be picked off. Hopefully we will be seeing the last of this nuisance until next year.

Mid week angler Roger Hickmott, from Sittingbourne, landed three rays from the Pier weighing 4 lb, 8 lb and 8 lb 8 oz. Successful baits were herring and squid.

As predicted last week, the smooth-hounds are showing and large fish are being caught. The best one from the lower deck of the Pier at 8 lb was landed by Ken Withington on Saturday. There have been some much larger hounds caught from the north Kent beaches, but the exact locations are being kept secret.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 12.2°C, offshore (Downs) 13.8°C.

Saturday, 21st May 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

From the beginning of last week, Deal Pier was alive with thornback rays. Over 20 were landed in two days and many of the local anglers had multiple catches. John Green managed to get his name on the Pier's fish-of-the-month board with a ray of 3.850 kg; only to be beaten a couple of hours later by his son Patrick, who caught a larger one at 4.150 kg. The thornbacks were so thick on the ground that Brian Smith had five casts which produced a ray each time.

The beach anglers were also seeing these fish coming within casting distance at Sandwich Bay. In an evening session Julian Attwood landed, and returned, his personal best specimen thornback ray of 12 lb (see image).

A party of anglers from Belgium fishing aboard Deal boat Gary Anne, skippered by Dave Lawrence, boated 11 rays and plenty of dogs. Apparently they do not see this species of fish from their home waters and were delighted with their catch.

Unfortunately the May weed has made a return in force on the flood tide and has been making anglers' lives difficult with the algae on their line. It certainly affected some of the eleven competitors who went to the slipway in Sandwich Bay in the latest Deal 1919 beach rover. Expecting to bag-up on the skate, they found they had arrived a day too late and only one was caught. Graham King's 2.990 kg ray accounted for the heaviest fish of the competition; however, it was left up to John Green and Martin Jenkins to tie for first place, each weighing-in a bumper bag of dogs at 8.800 kg. Just missing out, and in third place was Steve Hackett, who also found the dogfish, for a total weight of 8.600 kg.

Smooth-hounds are now being caught along the Kent coast and are getting to be a better size.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 11.7°C, offshore (Downs) 12.8°C.

Tuesday, 17th May 2016

Catch report by Doug Pettit

On Monday, fishing some 80 yards out from the Pier's lower deck (and facing east), Patrick Green caught a 4.157 kg (9 lb 2⅔ oz) thornback ray on a Pennell pulley rig with a 6 oz weight baited with herring presented on a size 3/0 hook. This ray is currently leading the May fish of the month competition. In all, some 10 rays were caught during the session.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 11.1°C, offshore (Downs) 12.7°C.

Sunday, 15th May 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

The fresh northerly wind which set in for the last few days has put some movement on the sea and colour into it. The May weed is dispersing and some more fish are being caught from the beach and Pier. Although not in great numbers, there have been reports of several thornback rays coming from the beach at the Chequers and slipway, with some of these fish being large females of over 10 lb apiece. Rays are not noted for a good scrap, but they do take some effort landing them in the tide. With the annual moult of shore crabs underway many of the anglers are targeting smooth-hounds but without much success. A few small ones have been caught from the shore; however, the larger fish are just offshore where the boat anglers are seeing more and better-size fish.

Anglers on Deal Pier are benefitting from the stir-up and at least the dogfish are cooperating. In a midweek session Brian Smith managed to put his name on the Pier's (blank) fish-of-the-month board with a 2.740 kg thornback ray. Brian's fish came to a large slice of herring mounted on a 3/0 hook. Saturday's all-night opening of the Pier saw a couple of rays landed, with one knocking Brian's fish off the board. London angler Nathan White from Islington, fishing from the stem tempted his 3.800 kg thornback ray on a piece of bluey and is the current leader.

Before the chilly north wind, freshwater anglers were bagging up on the monster carp at the Cottington Fisheries lakes. Some of the notable catches are Dave Fairweather's 31 lb and 39 lb 4 oz, Nathan Doggrel with carp of 33 lb, 35 lb and 40 lb 6 oz, Frano Pavey's 35 lb 4 oz mirror and topping the bill, Alan Pinner with his 51 lb 1 oz carp. Lake Pepper seems to be the hot-spot; nevertheless, the bailiffs are there to give advice, directions and tips.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 11.1°C, offshore (Downs) 12.5°C.

Saturday, 14th May 2016

Catch report by Doug Pettit

On Wednesday last, fishing at distance from the Pier's lower deck (and facing east), Brian Smith caught a 2.75 kg thornback ray on a Pennell pulley rig baited with herring presented on a size 3/0 hook. This ray is currently leading the May fish of the month competition.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 11.1°C, offshore (Downs) 12.6°C.

Monday, 9th May 2016

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Steve Heath caught this 1.100 kg (2 lb 6¾ oz) squid while fishing from Deal Pier today and he's going home to cook it for his tea …

Sunday, 8th May 2016

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

With lovely weather in the past week Deal Pier has seen a few mackerel being caught over the flood tides along with dogfish and pouting after dark. The beach at the north end of Deal and the bay at Sandwich has fished the best - thornback rays, dogfish and a few schoolie bass. Remember folks the bass must go back straight away due to the EU imposed ban until 1st June 2016, from which date the catch is restricted to one bass per angler per day.

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, rag and peeler crab (£9 a dozen) soon go resulting in disappointed customers - so, please just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Saturday, 7th May 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Anglers are well known for using excuses why they have not caught fish. However, the most credible one is to blame 'May Weed'. This phenomenon occurs every year in various stages of severity. It is known by other names, such as 'May Rot', 'Tobacco Juice' and some that are unprintable. This is a plankton/algae bloom that arrives with the sea temperature warming and turns the sea an olive green. The smell is distinctive and alike to seaweed; it also comes up in slimy globules on the angler's line. Some days it is worse than others and it certainly puts the fish off the feed. When the plankton dies, it leaves scummy grey foam on the surface that many think is pollution. It is not, and is a natural and harmless annual cycle that disperses in a few weeks.

Deal 1919 AC recently held their evening beach and Pier match in calm conditions. The three anglers that opted for the Pier achieved the top places. They made the most of the clear sea and bagged-up on pouting alongside the Pier piles, plus some dogfish on the cast at sunset. Top man was Steve Hackett with 4.820 kg just beating Dave Andrews' 4.580 kg. In third place, with 3.600 kg of mixed, was John Green. The heaviest fish in the match went to Dave Andrews, a dog of 0.860 kg and, as there were no flatfish caught, Graham King qualified with a second heaviest dog of 0.780 kg. Andy Manning dipped out of gaining a place and largest fish in the competition when he caught a nice bass of 45 cm from the beach at Kingsdown, which he had to return to the sea under the new EU conservation law.

Although they have been catching some mackerel off the Admiralty Pier at Dover for a while, the first one of the year was caught from Deal Pier last Friday. With the sea temperature warming up a couple of degrees, this is a sure sign that summer is almost here.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 10.6°C, offshore (Downs) 10.8°C.

Thursday, 5th May 2016

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

A 10 lb 3 oz thornback ray and seven dogfish were caught last night from Sandwich Bay - May weed not yet a problem.

Sunday, 1st May 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Last week the chilly northerly winds stirred the sea up enough to put some colour into it. This brought the thornback rays inshore again and some good catches were made in Sandwich Bay and from Deal Pier. Most of the rays have been smaller males weighing around the 5-6 lb size, although there have been some females caught in double figures. Deal angler Jason Horton caught a 4.800 kg ray in an all night session on Deal Pier and has won the April fish-of-the-month award.

The Marines AC held their match on Kingsdown beach. The conditions were, to say the least, difficult. There was a cold north wind combined with rain and hailstones, plus a nasty surf alongshore. However, with the help of their beach shelters and tenacity the competitors managed to catch some dogs, pouting, whiting and rockling. The winner, Roy Pitcairn, also caught the heaviest fish in the comp, a dog of 0.720 kg to boost his total weight of 3.120 kg. In second spot was Bob Morris with 2.440 kg and in third place was Tony Libby with a 1.880 kg bag.

On Sunday evening, Deal Pier was the venue for the Deal and Walmer Angling Association's monthly competition. Eighteen (18) match anglers drew for positions on the Pier stem with a clear sea and a flooding tide. The four hour match lasted until darkness and the fishing was hard with over half the members not even catching a fish. However, the ever obliging dogfish did show up, although not in great numbers. In first place was Sam Collier with two dogs for 1.200 kg just beating Dave Eaglestone by 0.080 kg. In third spot was Julian Attwood who had the heaviest fish on his last cast, a dog of 0.840 kg and, with no flatfish being caught, Dave Eaglestone was awarded the second heaviest round fish prize for his 0.780 kg dogfish. View the detailed match results and updated leaderboard here.

The sixth D&WAA members-only competition of the 2016 campaign will be held at Chequers (51.251010, 1.39189) on Sunday, 12th June (3pm to 7pm).

The dreaded May bloom has arrived - more about that in next week's report.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 10°C, offshore (Downs) 10.2°C.

Tuesday, 26th April 2016

Catch report by Doug Pettit

On Sunday last, fishing at distance from the Pier's lower deck, Jason Horton caught a 4.800 kg thornback ray on a Pennell pulley rig baited with herring bait presented on a size 3/0 hook. This ray is currently leading the April fish of the month competition being 600 g heavier than the ray caught by Ken Withington earlier this month.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 10°C, offshore (Downs) 9.8°C.

Monday, 25th April 2016

Catch report by David Turner

Neil Turner (my dad) and I fished Sandwich Bay yesterday from 7pm to 3:30am low tide to high and over. We both caught doggies and whiting and then, at about 2:50am, I landed a thornback ray. Both doggies and ray were my first ever.

Saturday, 23rd April 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Tides and the weather are important factors for the beach angler to consider. The recent cold snap has not cooled the sea temperature, which at the moment is just over 10°C, and is warmer than the air temperature. However, the warmer water tends to clear the sea colour and makes the fish more wary. The coming summer months can be difficult to catch fish during the daylight hours; unless there has been a storm prior to the fishing trip which has coloured-up the sea. Night tides produce, although topping up your sun tan is out, at least there is more chance of catching. Another way to find those shy fish is distance casting or the Pier. Today's technology has produced rods and reels that are capable of attaining a casting distances of almost 300 yards (274.32 metres in 'Napoleon').

No amazing captures last week to report, with only the occasional ray and dogfish from Deal Pier. The latest beach comps results are Deal 1919 AC beach, which was won by Dave Andrews fishing the Deal Castle stretch with 4 dogs for 2.500 kg. In second place was Martin Jenkins with 1.300 kg and third was John Green with 0.980 kg. Dave Andrews and Martin Jenkins tied for the heaviest fish, a dog of 0.710 kg.

Broadstairs and St Peters AC held their evening match in Sandwich Bay for a slightly better result. Winner, in the measure-to-points comp, was 'dogfish desperado' Louie Smith with eight (8) dogs for 165 points. Narrowly missing first place, Simon Christie's seven (7) dogs gave him 145 points and Dave Andrews was third with three (3) dogs for 65 points. Apart from dogfish, there was no other sizable fish caught by the 14 competitors.

From the local Cottington Lakes Fisheries, Brad Elvin landed a 51 lb carp, which is a Lake Pepper record. I'm glad someone is catching the whoppers!

The fifth D&WAA members-only competition of the 2016 campaign will be held on Deal Pier (promenade deck) (51.223707, 1.404842) on Sunday, 1st May (5pm to 9pm). Please remember that all competitors should be present at Deal Pier Approach no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. 4:30pm.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 10°C, offshore (Downs) 10.3°C.

Saturday, 16th April 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

An unusual occurrence happened to Deal's England junior international angler Joe Smith on Deal Pier. After catching a thornback ray of 5 lb, he cast his Pennell pulley rig baited with herring out to sea at distance. Within half an hour he had a vicious pull-down bite which resulted in something heavy on his line. After much struggling he was amazed to see a double shot of rays on his tackle. These were carefully netted by fellow angler Ivan Rubins, and identified as a male and female. It was thought that the 9 lb female and 5 lb male thornbacks were caught in flagrante at the time of capture and, after being weighed, were released to swim away unharmed to continue their courtship.

This week Ivan Rubins has been among the rays on the Pier, and has also caught a bonus 3 lb 8 oz codling. At the time of writing, Dover angler Kieran Finn's 4.600 kg thornback ray is the current leader on the Pier's fish-of-the-month board.

Two of the local angling clubs decided to have an away competition along Hythe beach recently. It was up to Kevin Scott to win the Deal & Walmer Angling Association event with 14 flatfish for 1.820 kg whilst Roy Pitcairn won the Marines AC match with 1.960 kg.

On the freshwater scene, the carp are still being caught from Cottington Lake Fisheries with fish of 30 lb plus, and one at a magnificent 41 lb 14 oz. Liam McDonagh, fishing a floating 'dog biscuit' in Lake Alder, had a surprise 17 lb pike take his carp bait.

On Monday last a Deal fisherman spent the morning in his boat sweeping a grapnel along the seabed at the end of Deal Pier. This action removed some of the snags that have built up since the last dredge and should help reduce anglers' tackle losses.

Saturday, 16th April 2016

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Well folks, I have been out of town for a few days this week due to a family member being very ill so, for this report, I have had to rely on my spies who tell me that dogfish, pouting, pin and good size whiting and thornback rays are still being caught in good numbers from the Pier's lower deck, local beaches and Sandwich Bay.

Towards the end of the month we should see the peeler crabs turn up which will bring the smooth-hounds in on the feed.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 10°C, offshore (Downs) 10°C.

Saturday, 9th April 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

From 'feast to famine' is the way angling goes sometimes. The calmer weather and southerly winds have created a higher sea temperature and a lot less colour in the water. This combination has seen fewer thornback rays appearing in daylight hours; however, with Deal Pier now opening till 10pm every night, catches have improved. Proving the point, Ken Withington nailed two the first evening of the new opening hours with his best going 4.100 kg, which is the present pier fish of the month.

The latest Birchington AC roving beach match was fished in ideal conditions with a calm sea and little wind. The expected rays did not turn up from the north end of the Bay and I was fortunate enough to win the event with six dogfish and whiting for 3.810 kg. Fishing alongside me at Sandown Castle was local tackle dealer Fred Leach, who came second, also with dogs at 2.680 kg. In third spot was Melvin Jarman with 2.230kg which included the heaviest flat of the night, a fine dab of 0.230 kg. The heaviest fish was a 0.840 kg dogfish from my bag of fish.

Deal 1919 held their last comp with a choice of fishing the beach or pier. Graham King found the dogfish at Boundary Road and amassed a winning bag for 3.800 kg. On the pier, Louie Smith caught a 3 kg ray for second spot, beating Sam Collier's four dog and bits at 2.500 kg for third. Louie's ray was heaviest fish and Steve Hackett's 0.180 kg dab was heaviest flatfish.

It was well past April 1st when Deal Pier attendant Chris Burrows told me about the sighting of a beaver swimming past the lower deck of the pier. The animal was seen by other anglers heading on the ebb tide towards Dover. Just as well the pier piles are made from concrete and not wood!

The fourth D&WAA members-only competition of the 2016 campaign is to be held at Hythe (Imperial Hotel) on Sunday, 10th April (12:30pm to 4:30pm). Please remember that all competitors should be present at the Hythe venue (i.e. in the car park located at the junction of the Marine and Princes Parades opposite the Hythe Imperial 4-star hotel and Twiss Groyne - see Google Maps link above) no later than 30 minutes before the scheduled start time i.e. high noon.

This match:

is "flatfish only", and
will not be pegged but will be "book in and walk off" as two other clubs are hosting competitions on the Hythe beach on this date.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 9.4°C, offshore (Downs) 9.4°C.

Saturday, 2nd April 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

The Marines Angling Club made a substantial charitable donation to Prostate Cancer UK from their latest sea angling charity match. The competitors had a choice of fishing the beach or Deal Pier. The weather did not help, with gale force winds and squally showers; however, it was from the beach that Kevin Scott had his winning bag. With a mixture of mainly dogfish and bits, Kevin weighed in a total of 3.580 kg which included the heaviest fish of the comp, a dog of 0.880 kg. In second place, fishing from the Pier, was Ken Hadlow with 3.480 kg beating beach angler, Mark Wilkie, into third position with his 3.140 kg. The club chairman, Dave Alldis came fourth with a dog and pout catch of 2.900 kg. The heaviest flatfish in the match was caught by John Green, with a dab of 0.140 kg.

Thornback rays are still a main feature of the catches from Deal Pier with many anglers taking advantage of their numbers. Some notable catches have been recorded with Ken Withington landing four up to 13 lb. On the same day John Henderson had a double shot of rays on his trace, only to lose one at the net. England junior Joe Smith has also been catching, with his best going 8 lb 12 oz and Warren Hayes lured a 12 lb 8 oz ray to his rod. The beach at Sandwich Bay is also producing rays, with the best venue from the Chequers to the slipway. They are being caught at all stages of the tide, although just before high tide possibly having the advantage.

With the warmer weather, it should not be too long before the crabs start to moult, bringing in the first smooth-hounds alongshore. These 'gummy' sharks are sought-after by anglers for their sporting abilities and are very seldom retained after capture.

Saturday, 2nd April 2016

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Well folks, lots of anglers have turned up this weekend to fish the Pier and local beaches for thornback rays, which is good news for the town but bad news for the thornies … The anglers get the day's fishing off to a good start with a "full English" breakfast (it's traditional) at one of Deal's excellent cafés and they look forward to a celebratory pint later (drink responsibly) at one of our famous pubs. What's not to like …

Not surprisingly, thornback rays are dominating catches but also being caught in good numbers are dogfish and good-size pouting and whiting. And, with the weather rapidly improving and the water temperature rising, the fishing can only get better.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 8.9°C, offshore (Downs) 8.6°C - almost tropical !

Thursday, 31st March 2016

Catch report by Warren Hayes

We arrived at the Pier just before 8am and made our way to the lower deck, all of us focused on catching fish - and in particular, rays.

I was the first to kick start the effort and, after an hour, I landed a lovely female weighing 12 lb 8 oz (5.670 kg). This was quickly followed by England international junior Joe Smith who caught a male ray of about 4 lb (1.814 kg). There was a short pause in activity while the tide turned before I landed a second ray, this one a female weighing 8 lb 12¾ oz (3.990 kg). Joe was again close behind and caught his second male ray, which weighed 5 lb ½ oz (2.282 kg). I caught another ray on my next cast (7 lb - 3.175 kg) and, shortly after, Joe caught his third ray, this time a good size female also weighing 8 lb 12¾ oz (3.990 kg).

The fishing then went quiet right up to the time we started packing up to leave as the Pier would shortly be closing. But not to be beaten I managed a fourth ray - a small male around the 4 lb (1.814 kg) mark.

We had a fantastic day's fishing and can't wait to be back on the Pier again. All the rays were caught on Pennell rigs baited with either herring, bluey or sandeel.

We ended the day with five rays between us despite losing three others. Plenty of fish out there to be caught but please call Dean (01304 239191) or Fred (01304 373104) to book your baits and avoid disappointment.

Tuesday, 29th March 2016

Catch report by Joe Smith

Fishing yesterday from the lower deck of the Pier, I caught two thornback rays - a male weighing 8 lb 11 oz (3.946 kg) and a female weighing 9 lb 8 oz (4.309 kg) - both of which were returned unharmed to the sea after being weighed and photographed.

Sunday, 27th March 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

As predicted, Deal Pier is producing the thornback rays. Current leader of the March fish of the month competition, Warren Hayes, decided to take his partner on a ray hunt from the lower deck. Using herring baits and fishing throughout the day they landed five, the best going 10 lb 8 oz. Although Warren caught the largest it was up to Stevie to catch the most. Her three were the first rays that she had ever caught which has wetted her appetite to try and beat her partner's record of 26 rays that he caught last year from Deal Pier.

With the influx of these fish, the best baits for those who want to catch a thornback ray are herring, bluey, sandeels, mackerel and squid. When used in large portions they emit a scent trail that the rays home in on. However, use a sensible size hook so it is not masked by the bait.

The latest Deal 1919 AC beach match was fished on a low water tide. Of the 14 competitors it was Ken Withington who found some dogfish for a winning weight of 5.500 kg, which included the heaviest fish, a dog of 0.790 kg. Louie Smith's long casting skills located 3.450 kg of sizable fish in the shallow water for second place just beating Ben Hackett's 3.160 kg into third spot. Heaviest flat of the comp was shared by Josh Hackett and Martin Jenkins with a dab of 0.070 kg.

Dover Sea Angling Association juniors fished their Saturday two tier competition in chilly conditions from the Cruise Terminal in Dover Harbour. Joe Smith, with 12 fish for a length of 226 cm, won in the measure and realise match. In second place was Adam Howard's 190 cm of sizable fish with Oliver Hampton-Saint landing 187 cm and coming third. In the division two part of the competition it was Georgie Withington who, yet again, won with 123 points beating Lilly Farnworth's 66 points.

Current local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 7.8°C, offshore (Downs) 8.0°C.

Wednesday, 23rd March 2016

Catch report by Warren Hayes

This morning we set off early to arrive at the Pier by opening time (8am) to try and catch the last of the ebb tide in a quest for a ray or two. My partner in crime was my other (better) half, Stevie, who was trying for her first ever ray. First casts were made around 8am with fish baits mounted on Pennell rigs with 4/0 Sakuma hooks. We tried various distances from the lower deck but nothing showed on the ebb tide apart from dogfish, whiting and pouting. As the tide turned to flood the smaller fish went off the feed which I thought might also prove to be an end to our chances of catching rays.

However, this wasn't the case as, just as the tide really started to push, my line shot off towards Ramsgate signalling something big had moved my lead and, after carefully manoeuvring my line from around a Pier stanchion, I freed my line and netted a lovely female ray going on 10 lb 8 oz. After photos and weighing she was released.

Stevie was fishing the south-facing corner (towards Dover) when her rod tip registered a gentle nod and, after getting her fish off the sea bed, she landed her first ever ray weighing 6 lb. Again, after weighing and photos, the ray was released back to spawn and grow bigger.

After this Stevie then went on to land two more rays - one of 5 lb and one of 4 lb. A couple of hours before the Pier closed (6pm) I had a slight pull on my rod tip which felt suspiciously like a dogfish bite. I wound in to feel a good weight and landed my second ray of the day, a 7 lb male.

Monday, 21st March 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Although last week's high pressure has brought sunshine and dry weather, it has done no favours to the sea temperature with the cold north-east wind. Margate Angling Club struggled to find fish in a daylight match from the beach at north Deal. At least they managed to find a small dog or two to boost their catch bag amongst the undersize whiting. Top weights were low with the winner, Martin Cooper, landing 1 lb 14 oz and beating Dan Burton's 1 lb 9 oz. Third place with a single dog of 1 lb 7oz was Robert Phillips.

Nevertheless, the night tides yet again have produced the fish. Father and son team, Tony and John Libby, are on a winning streak as they cleaned up on the latest Marines A.C. evening beach match held either side of Deal Pier. In the cold wind the dogfish were on the feed with John's 6.900 kg gaining a slight advantage over his father's 6.520 kg. Sizable whiting, pouting and rockling were also caught in fair numbers along with the dogs. John Chidwick came third with 4.700 kg and Dave Ashman had the heaviest fish of the match, a dogfish of 1.040 kg.

Mid week fishing from Deal Pier has seen local Ken Withington land a 4.300 kg thornback ray from the lower deck. Ken's successful bait was a large chunk of herring and was, for a short time, leader for the pier's fish of the month. However, on Sunday, three rays were caught with the largest tempted by Ramsgate angler Warren Hayes at a magnificent 6.340 kg (13 lb 15⅝ oz). This is the new contender and specimen fish which will be hard to beat. The Pier will be a definite venue to fish in the next few weeks as the thornbacks will continue to swim inshore once the weather becomes more spring like.

Average local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 7.8°C, offshore (Downs) 7.3°C.

The nights are becoming lighter, leading up to Sunday, 27th March when, at 1am, the clocks will "spring forward" again …

Just a reminder that one of the oldest angling clubs in Britain, the Deal and Walmer Angling Association, is holding their 112th AGM at the Rowing Club on 26th March, commencing 7.30pm. All members are welcome to attend.

Sunday, 20th March 2016

Catch report by Warren Hayes

I arrived in Deal at 7am and the rods were in the water by 7:30am rigged with 4/0 Pennells and baited with herring and squid. From the start the dogfish were hungry and being landed at every cast. With a small tide it was easy to fish all the way through but I had to wait until low tide before I had a bite signalling a ray and, after a short battle, I landed a huge female weighing 14lbs 2oz which now leads the Pier's March fish of the month competition. After a quick picture she was released to carry on her journey and lay the eggs she was carrying. As always Deal is proving a valuable venue with some great fishing, especially with the Easter Bank Holiday this weekend. Please call Dean (01304 239191) or Fred (01304 373104) to book your baits and avoid disappointment.

Saturday, 19th March 2016

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

In the main, catches from the Pier and local beaches this week comprised pin whiting, pouting, dogfish and the occasional thornback ray such as that caught from the Pier by local angler Ken Withington weighing 3.300 kg which is currently the fish of the month. The fishing will steadily improve this week and, as Easter approaches, demand for fresh bait will be brisk so please phone in your ragworm and lugworm orders by Monday to avoid disappointment - just pick up the phone and call me (01304 239191) or Fred (01304 373104).

Average local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 7.8°C, offshore (Downs) 7.4°C.

Monday, 14th March 2016

Pier (lower deck) catch report


Joe Smith: 2.660 kg	Ivan Rubins: 3.200 kg

Sunday, 13th March 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Although the weather has brightened up a bit, unfortunately sea fishing is still slow. At least the conditions make casting a line bit more pleasurable. Deal Pier 'skate supremo' Ivan Rubins managed to put his name on the fish of the month board with a 3.200 kg thornback ray on Saturday. Ivan's fish just beat fellow angler Joe Smith's ray of 2.900 kg. Both were fishing from the lower deck of the Pier and the successful baits were herring. However, if it is whoppers you want, then the local lakes at Cottington Fisheries are producing them. Quite a few carp over 30 lb have been falling to the anglers boilies, with the best at 49 lb 10 oz caught by Craig Thompson.

The latest Deal 1919 Angling Club evening rover match on the beach attracted nine anglers. Broadstairs angler, Dave Andrews, decided to fish the Kingsdown area and found the dogfish pack on the feed. He won the comp with 9 of them for a respectable weight of 5.580 kg beating John Green into second spot with his 3.140 kg. John, who was fishing the north Deal stretch, also caught the largest fish, a dog of 0.960 kg. In third place was Sam Collier with 2.030 kg which included the best flatfish of the match, a dab of 0.060 kg.

Daylight fishing in the north-east winds is still a little dire, as was proved in the latest Birchington Angling Club match on Walmer beach last Sunday. The five hour comp was very slow and local tackle shop owner, Fred Leach only managed to put two fish onto the scales at 0.290 kg to win. Second place went to Gordon Morris' flounder (which was heaviest flat) for 0.270 kg and third was Terry Wraight who caught the heaviest round fish, a whiting of 0.200 kg.

Average local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 8.3°C, offshore (Downs) 8.2°C.

12th March 2016

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Well folks, with the inshore water temperature at 7.8°C, the fishing during the day from the Pier and local beaches is slow with only the occasional dogfish, dab and whiting showing - nothing to write home about. However, the nights are drawing out and the spring fishing is on the way. Although fewer thornback rays are being caught, the numbers will soon recover when the water temperature rises towards the end of the month when we can also expect to see plaice and smooth-hounds arrive looking for crab. So, fatus fuctus as they say up the north end, but there is plenty to look forward to in the next couple of weeks.

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 Monday if at all possible. Just pick up the phone and call me or Fred to avoid disappointment.

Saturday, 5th March 2016

Catch report by Martin and Sunny Rabone

Down on the Pier fishing from the lower deck with my 10 year old daughter Sunny, weather really poor - a cold, damp and wet day with flat water and a westerly wind.

A few pouting showing early but nothing sizable and no dogfish but one good size wrasse caught close to the railings - nice bite and take for Sunny and a big surprise for this time of the year. This was her first ever good size wrasse and measured approximately 14" to 15".

Towards the end of the day small fry started to show and, despite increasing the hook size, we were still catching small fish.

The car fire in the library car park was visible from the Pier - thankfully no one hurt.

Sunday, 6th March 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

A slight temperature drop seems to have affected local catches. The weather patterns are crucial at this time of year and it doesn't take much to make the sea just that little bit colder, which can put the inshore fish off the feed. Deal Pier has been quiet with only a few dogfish and whiting showing over the neap tides. There have been no reports of rays from the Sandwich Bay area and it is hoped that the situation will improve with the spring tides. The Marines angling club held an away match at Hythe, hoping things might improve with some early plaice. However, the grass, on this occasion, was not any greener. Sport was slow over the five hour period with Roy Pitcairn catching three dogfish to win with 2.240 kg. Second was Tony Libby with 1.280 kg followed by Dave Alldis with 1.060 kg.

The Deal & Walmer Angling Association held their beach match at north Deal on Sunday. A cold north-west wind greeted the 20 anglers who fished the incoming evening tide. Hopes were not overly high as the fishing has been a bit slow throughout the past week. Over the four hours the fish came in dribs and drabs and mainly undersize. It was obvious that a dogfish or two was going to make the difference in the top weights; therefore, decisions had to be made on the fishing tactics. On form Graham King found the dog pack and came first with 3.320 kg followed by Mark Wilkie with 2.790 kg. Third was Steve Swan with 1.980 kg and heaviest fish was a dog of 0.920 kg caught by Dave Andrews. As no flatfish were caught I took second heaviest fish with another dog of 0.870 kg.

Hopefully things will improve in the near future and the thornback rays will return inshore.

Average local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 8.3°C, offshore (Downs) 7.6°C.

Sunday, 28th February 2016

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

The fishing in the past week has been much the same as in previous weeks - dogfish and 'throwbacks' dominate the catches from the Pier and local beaches and most of the thornback rays are being caught in Sandwich Bay so pop in to pick up your bluey and a few worms.

David Laker caught this 10 lb thorny on a pulley Pennell rig baited with bluey on a size 3/0 hook when fishing this morning from the fourth shelter (Walmer side) of the Pier's promenade deck.

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.

Saturday, 27th February 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

At the present time, thornback rays are establishing themselves in good numbers within casting distance along the beaches at Sandwich Bay and Deal Pier. Many of the anglers who are targeting them do so on a catch-and-release basis, especially the females of the species. It is thought that the rays come inshore to mate and anglers who like to eat them normally only keep the smaller males for that purpose. The rays are very difficult to prepare for the table and need to be skinned before they can be cooked. Therefore, if they are not needed for food it is best to return them to the sea to fight another day.

It was a thornback that helped Andy Hurcombe win the latest Birchington AC beach match. His 4.150 kg ray was enough to beat the other 17 competitors who found the going hard on the daylight tide. Second heaviest weight went down to 1.870 kg, and comprised whiting, pouting and a dogfish landed by Melvin Jarman and Julian Attwood managed a similar bag for 1.680 kg for third place.

The Dover Sea Angling Club juniors made the most of their new exclusive venue along the cruise terminal at Dover Harbour. Amongst the dogfish, whiting, pouting and flounders, two lobsters were also landed. All fish and crustaceans were returned alive in accordance with the club's conservation policy. The winner of the Division One comp was Aiden May with 11 fish for a length of 477 cm, just beating Oliver Hampton-Saint with 29 fish of 407 cm. Runner-up Adam Howard managed to catch 10 fish measuring 349 cm. In Division Two Georgie Withington scored 728 points, followed by Lilly Farnworth with 677 points and James Newman with 395 points. New members wanting to join should phone Dave Mewburn on 07788 285800.

Average local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 8.9°C, offshore (Downs) 8.1°C.


Georgie Withington displays a flounder	A triple shot of fish for Lilly Farnworth	Joe Smith lands a dogfish	A lobster being returned by Joe Smith	Another lobster caught and returned by Georgie Withington

Some of the DSAA junior competitors

Sunday, 21st February 2016

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Well folks, February has been a poor month for the bait and tackle shops around the coast with trade being very slow and those die-hard anglers who have ventured out have had the venues very much to themselves. Adverse sea and weather conditions have hampered bait digging so, with reduced supplies of lug, please book your bait early in the week from me at Pleasure Angling (01304 239191) or Fred at Channel Angling (01304 373104) to avoid disappointment.

However, local competition weigh-in catches are holding up and there are still plenty of dogfish, whiting, good size dabs and thornback rays to be caught. Joe Smith, England junior and stalwart member of the Deal & Walmer Angling Association, caught this 10 lb 3 oz ray - a personal best - which he returned to the sea unharmed.

The thornies will soon show in numbers and with March just around the corner the days will lengthen and weather will improve putting a smile on your face and reminding you to get your rod out … and for those who do "tackle up" the best baits are bluey and squid for the thornies and worm baits tipped with squid or fish for general fishing.

Average local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 8.9°C, offshore (Downs) 8.4°C.

Guy Langston of Canterbury caught three sizeable rays this weekend

Saturday, 20th February 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Night tides have been fishing better than the day. Even with the coloured water, the dogfish venture just that little bit closer inshore and attack the angler's bait with gusto. This was the way in the latest Deal 1919 club beach match. From Walmer beach, Graham King beat the other eleven competitors to win with 6.300 kg. John Green, fishing the groynes at north Deal, came second with 5.600 kg and his son, Patrick, caught the heaviest fish in the match, a dogfish of 0.950 kg. In third place was Louie Smith with 5.280 kg.

Another night comp held by the Marines AC fished from Walmer beach found the dogfish in a ravenous feeding frenzy. Veteran angler Tony Libby caught from the start, and ended the match with a double shot on the whistle. A larger bucket was needed at the scales, as he weighed in a magnificent 11.980 kg of fish. John Libby could not match his father's input and was just beaten into second place with 9.420 kg. Third spot went to Kevin Hadlow whose catch weighed 8.320 kg and I managed the heaviest fish of the match, a dog of 0.940 kg.

Thornback rays are still being caught from Deal Pier with a fine specimen of 10lb 3oz landed and returned to the sea by Deal's junior England International team angler Joe Smith. Guy Langston, from Canterbury, tried another weekend expedition on the Pier stem and caught a further three rays. However, none were large enough to beat his own current Deal Pier fish of the month at 5.100 kg that he caught the previous Saturday.

Sea temperatures are above the normal for this time of year which is keeping the feed inshore, therefore, the prospects are looking good for a future all-round sport. Don't forget, herring season is almost over, but sprats are still being landed from the fishing boats on Deal beach. Not only do they make a very tasty meal, but also great bait and can be frozen down for future trips.

Sunday, 14th February 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

The recent storms have, understandably, restricted much of the anglers' desire and enthusiasm to wet a line. However, for those that have, have been rewarded with some reasonable catches for this time of year. A beach match organised by Southern Circuit SAS attracted 24 hardy matchmen to fish at Sandwich Bay. The results being that Graham King caught 20 sizable fish for a total weight of 16 lb 4 oz. Dogfish also helped Alan Jarrett to come second with 12 lb 4 oz just beating Wesley Cheeseman into third with 12 lb 1 oz. The heaviest fish in the match was a dog of 1 lb 14 oz caught by Dave Sales.

The second Deal and Walmer Angling Association beach match was held from the Chequers in Sandwich Bay. Twenty anglers turned out to fish the four hour match in horrible weather. The flood tide created a nasty swell alongshore and the cold wind numbed the hands. The fish loved St Valentine's Day and it was certainly no massacre - hardly any were caught. Top weights were from the south side of the venue in the deeper water and Martin Jenkins showed form again to win with 1.380 kg. Saul Page followed up with 0.940 kg for second and heaviest fish, a dog of 0.710 kg. Third place went to Junior, Joe Smith with 0.900 kg. Best flatfish was a dab of 0.140 kg caught by Steve Swan.

The thornbacks on Deal Pier just keep on coming and the locals and regular Pier anglers have been catching plenty. Canterbury angler, Guy Langston, lured three from the 3rd shelter on the stem. Guy's largest of the trio went 5.100 kg, which was caught on herring, and is, at present, the February fish of the month.

Average local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 8.9°C, offshore (Downs) 8.4°C.

Sunday, 14th February 2016

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Valentine's Day greetings to all my anonymous admirers … and thanks for the cards !

Last week saw seven days of rain and fairly strong winds along the coast but the weather did not deter the keenest anglers who reported good catches of dogfish, Channel and smaller whiting, sprat dabs and lots of thornback rays for which the best bait is squid and bluey presented as a cocktail bait. For general fishing the bait to use is lug tipped with squid or, for dabs, lug tipped with a bit of fish. So, February's fishing is off to a good start and is likely to improve towards the end of the month - the fish to beat is a thorny weighing just over 11 lb.

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.

Keep the pictures coming and remember to carefully return any fish which is not sizeable.

Friday, 12th February 2016

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Guy Langston of Canterbury, fishing from the Pier on Thursday, caught a 5.1 kg (11 lb 4 oz) thornback ray, the biggest caught from the Pier this year.

Warren Hayes and his mate Adam headed off to the Pier yesterday after work to catch the last two hours of fishing and caught a fish a cast on Pennell rigs with size 4/0 hooks baited with bluey netting two good size rays - 5 lb (Warren) and 8 lb 12¾ oz (Adam's first Pier-caught ray) - which were returned to the water unharmed after the photos were taken. Not bad for a short session and numbers are likely to improve into February.

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.

Please carefully return any fish which is not sizeable (and all bass irrespective of size) 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.

Monday, 8th February 2016

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Aaron Hare strikes again with this lovely 8 lb 11 oz (3.941 kg) thornback ray caught on bluey from the Pier's lower deck (south side) on Sunday.

That's two in a week so well done Aaron. The ray was returned unharmed to the water.

Cod may no longer be reliable, but the thornies are.

Sunday, 7th February 2016

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Warren Hayes, fishing the Pier's lower deck on Saturday, caught two thornback rays - 4 lb and 8 lb - the first on whole squid and the second on bluey/herring cocktail presented on a Pennell rig. Both rays were returned to the water unharmed.

Saturday, 6th February 2016

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

In last week's catch report I predicted the imminent return of the thornback rays … and they didn't disappoint. Four were taken last Saturday - three small and a good size one caught by Aaron Hare which won him the Pier's January fish of the month competition.

Kevin Gisby, also fishing from the Pier, followed up on Wednesday with five thornies - the largest of which weighed just over 9 lb - and a mixed bag of dogfish, whiting and dabs, with similar catches being reported from the local beaches. The best bait for thornies is bluey.

Finally, good catches were reported at last Tuesday's 1919 Club match with the winner weighing in over 8 kilos including a 2.5 kg thornie. So, get your tackle out, give your rod a good polish and get yourself down to Deal and join the fun.

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.

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.

Friday, 5th February 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

A slight increase in sea temperature has improved the fishing from the pier and beach. Thornback rays have made a comeback to Deal Pier and Dover Sea Angling Association Junior member, Aaron Hare, caught the largest of six that were landed. His 3.650 kg fish succumbed to a slice of bluey and has won him the January pier fish of the month voucher. Bluey, real name Pacific Saury, is a non-indigenous fish that is imported not only for food, but also for anglers' bait. They are available from the tackle shops and are highly oily with a distinct smell which many fish find irresistible.

Margate A C held their Sunday beach comp on north Deal beach and was not disappointed with the results. Paul Davies weighed in 9 fish for 8 lb 10 oz and beat the rest of the field. Paul Beavis' 6 lb 9 oz managed second place with Andy Godden third for 6 lb 8 oz.

On the same day the Marines Angling Club tried Ramsgate Pier, with dire results. The crabs attacked the bait before the fish could and a meagre 0.340 kg won the event for Tony May who had the heaviest fish of the day, a whiting of 0.160 kg. Club Chairman, Dave Alldis, was second with 0.280 kg and Paul Charlton third with 0.220 kg.

A 2.580 kg thornback ray boosted Robbie Taylor's total catch for 8.060 kg weight to win the latest Deal 1919 beach rover at Kingsdown. Close on his heels was Graham King who caught 11 dogs and some pout for 7.200 kg beating Shawn Manning's 6.560 kg for third spot. Steve Hackett's dab of 0.130 kg secured him the heaviest flatfish pool money.

At the moment, Deal Pier is definitely the south east coast hotspot for fish. Friends Warren Hayes and Kevin Gisby had a midweek session on the bottom deck and were rewarded with three rays, the largest - 4.450 kg - falling to Kevin's rod. Obviously the fish in-place to be!

Average local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 8.9°C, offshore (Downs) 9.2°C.

Thursday, 4th February 2016

Catch report by Martin Rabone

On Saturday my 10 year old daughter, Sunny, and I fished the Pier's lower deck and between us we caught 12 dogfish, 30+ whiting, a few pouting and my first thornback ray - 2.6 kg (5 lb 7 oz in old money) on squid. The angler fishing next to us (Aaron Hare) caught the 3.65 kg ray which won the January fish of the month competition.

Monday, 1st February 2016

Catch update by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Aaron Hare, fishing with bluey from the Pier's upper deck on Saturday, caught plenty of dogfish, whiting and dabs and this thornback ray which was the eleventh hour winner of the January fish of the month competition.

On Sunday Krzysztof Czepiec fished from the beach opposite the Cinque Ports golf course which produced mainly whiting and flatties. Just before sunset he moved to the beach by Sandown Castle which produced better catches resulting in lots of decent sized pouting (1-1½ lb) and doggies. All in all he caught about 20 pouting, 5 dogfish, some ling and countless whiting.


Aaron Hare's thornback ray	Krzysztof Czepiec's Dogfish

Saturday, 30th January 2016

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

The Pier and local beaches are fishing very much the same as they have done during the last two weeks or so - whiting, dogfish, dabs and pouting - a tad disappointing but it's that time of the year when a combination of challenging sea and weather conditions conspire to test your angling skills. The good news is that the thornback rays are heading inshore so, whether fishing from the Pier (lower deck), beach or the Bay, order some fish bait (bluey) and hook your first of the season.

The bad weather is causing problems for the diggers so please book your bait early 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.

Tight lines all 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.

Saturday, 30th January 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Since the Prince of Wales pier has closed, the Dover Sea Angling Association Juniors have had to find a new venue to hold their competitions. The club has negotiated with the Harbour Board and now have the exclusive use of the inside platform of the Admiralty Pier. This new venue seems to be teeming with fish as their last match was won by Oliver Hampton-Smith with 700 centimetres. Mainly dogfish, whiting, pouting and dabs were caught in this measure and release comp. Second and third places were, Joe Smith (541 centimetres) and Arron Hare (509 centremeters). As the match was fairly graded by ability and age, the Division 2 winners were Georgie Withington, James Newton and Lily Farnworth. Any youngsters wishing to join in the fun can contact Dave Mewburn (07788 285800). The club holds monthly competitions on Saturdays from 9.30am till 1.30pm and there are qualified instructors and help is available for all grades of angling.


A dogfish for Georgie Withington	Aaron Hare with a triple shot of dogfish	Double shot of whiting for Joe Smith

Lily Farnworth catching whiting	Plenty of fish at their new venue	The winner, Oliver Hampton-Smith

DSAA juniors get ready to fish

Margate Sea Angling Club could have done with a few more fish when 13 of their members fished the north Deal beach for four hours till midnight. Top weight with 2lb 7oz was Daniel Connell, who put 6 fish onto the scales. Paul Davies was second and Kevin Hadlow third with 2lb 1oz and 1lb 13oz respectively.

Fishing from Deal Pier and the local beaches has seen anglers catching plenty of small fish, mainly whiting, pouting, rockling, dabs and the occasional dogfish. In these circumstances it is sometimes best to target dabs as they make delicious eating. Small hooks and light gear will get some sport out of these fish under the present sea and weather conditions.

Average local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 9.4°C, offshore (Downs) 9.1°C.

Sunday, 24th January 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

This week has seen the Government sanctioning a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) inshore from Kingsdown to Dover Harbour. I have been studying these proposals for almost ten years and, to be quite honest, have not really understood the reasons or consequences it will have for anglers and the general public. The Marine Conservation Society state that it will protect 'littoral chalk communities, seaweed and a jumble of long sandy tubes constructed by rossworm'. Although I am all for conservation, this area is, and has been, liable to storm and wave damage over the years - scouring an ever shifting seabed. Without being an alarmist, as I cannot understand the implications, I anticipate it will not affect anglers' rights to fish from the beach in that area. It has also been rumoured that people will not be allowed to go prawning or children to push a net in the rock pools. I sincerely hope this is not true and wait with bated breath on the outcome.

With the lack of fish, at the present time, the 12 competitors in the latest Deal 1919 beach match searched the competition's boundaries from Kingsdown to Sandwich Bay. It was from the southernmost mark that Sam Collier targeted and found five dogfish for a winning weight of 2.920 kg. In the middle of the venue, at north Deal, Patrick Green landed two dogs, one being the largest fish of the match, at 0.760 kg, to come in second place with 1.450 kg. Brian Smith, who fished the Bay, weighed in 0.780 kg for third spot. Dave Andrews caught the largest flatfish, a dab, which was the heaviest of the three that were brought to the scales, at 0.230 kg.

It has been reported that there were numerous codling caught from Deal Pier on Saturday; however, they were all undersize and returned to the sea.

Average local sea temperatures: inshore (beach and Pier) 9.4°C, offshore (Downs) 8.6°C.

Sunday, 24th January 2016

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Lots of reports this week of whiting being caught, some of a very good size. Pin whiting are now showing in numbers as are pouting and sprat dabs at close range - 30 to 40 yards out. To catch them leave a bit of slack in your line and bait up with frozen blacks and a fish-bait tip. Bluey is still in demand by anglers targeting early thornback rays in the Bay. However, codling are few and far between so far this year.

Krzysztof Czepiec caught this magnificent lobster from the beach on Saturday.

Please book your bait early 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.

Monday, 18th January 2016

Catch report by Krzysztof Czepiec

Despite the cold weather, a weekend's fishing from the beach opposite Deal Castle resulted in good catches of dogfish, pouting, whiting, ling and a long-spiked scorpion fish in mating colours.

Sunday, 17th January 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

The cold snap has reduced the sea temperature by four degrees. Last week the average was 12 centigrade and at the time of writing it has dropped to 8 centigrade. When the inshore water gets colder the fishes feed on crabs and shrimps which move into deeper water where the temperature is more stable. Needless to say the fish follow and this is reflected in the beach match anglers' returns. Last week they were bringing winning bags of 10 kg to the scales; however, times have drastically changed.

The last weekend saw two beach matches held on the same day from north Deal and Sandwich Bay. Birchington Angling Club saw 22 hardy anglers fishing the Chequers end of the Bay in near Arctic conditions. Those fish that were caught were small and top weight went to Melvin Jarman with ten fish for 1.250 kg beating Shawn Manning's 1.160 kg into second place. Third prize went to Gordon Morris with 0.700 kg and heaviest round fish, a whiting of 0.170 kg, was caught by Graham King. The heaviest flatfish was shared between Fred Leach's flounder of 0.240 kg, and a dab of the same size landed by Melvin Jarman.

The Marines Angling Club held their match along north Deal promenade and faired just as bad. Father and son team John and Tony Libby showed their skill in finding fish when the conditions get tough. John won with 0.760 kg beating Tony by 0.120 kg and bringing up third place was Dave Ashman with 0.460 kg.

Deal Pier has been seeing a few dogfish and whiting; nevertheless, none over a kilo and the fish of the month prize is still open to all comers. Hopefully the weather will turn milder soon and some more good catches will be had.

Average local sea temperature 8°C.

Saturday, 16th January 2016

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

With the weather turning cooler we should see a few more codling being caught inshore this week - let's hope so. In the past week whiting, dogfish, dabs and pouting have been the main stamp of fish caught from the Pier and local beaches and anglers have been buying blueys and going to Sandwich Bay in the hope of catching a thornback ray - please email me if you catch one. Now is also a good time to try for a big cod with live bait …

The local inshore sea temperature is currently 10.6°C (51°F) - recent years' average 8°C (46.4°F).

Sunday, 10th January 2016

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

As you know, we had lots of heavy rain here last week which slowed trade for the first two days of the week then, on Wednesday, Birchington AC held their beach comp in Sandwich Bay and the catches were very good for this time of the year with most competitors weighing in bags of 6 kilos or more (that's 13 lb in old money), mainly whiting, dogfish, pouting etc.

The Pier is producing much the same with the occasional codling showing after dark and small thornbacks are being caught from the beaches in Sandwich Bay and Herne Bay.

So, on the whole, the catches are very, very good for this time of year.

However, with more heavy rain forecast for this week it's going to be hard for the diggers so please book your bait early 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 local inshore sea temperature is currently 11.1°C (52°F) - recent years' average 8°C (46.4°F).

Saturday, 9th January 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

As the rain came down and parts of Deal were flooded, twelve stoic anglers fished the Deal 1919 rover match along Deal and Walmer beaches. Martin Jenkins landed an incredible 10.640 kg of sizable fish in this three-hour competition from a Walmer mark. Not too far behind him with 9.660 kg was England International Saul Page whose catch included 10 dogfish from the opposite end of the venue at the Chequers. Broadstairs match angler Dave Andrews brought up third place with 9.140 kg, again caught from Walmer beach. Heaviest fish was a large dog from Sam Collier's bag at 0.900 kg and best flatfish was a dab of 0.210 kg caught by Martin Jenkins.

The following night saw a match organised by Birchington AC fished in fog from the Sandwich Bay area. The whiting showed in force again and with the help of some dogs, Brian Nicholson put 8.070 kg onto the scales. In second place was Melvin Jarman's 7.280 kg and myself third with 6.980 kg. I also caught the heaviest fish of the match, a dog of 0.830 kg.

At the end of a busy weeks match angling saw the Marines Angling Club hold their first comp of the year either side of Deal Pier. Conditions were near perfect and there was plenty of fish to be had, although on the small side. Winner, with dogs and whiting, was Tony Libby's 4.460 kg, beating me into second spot for 4.080 kg and third was John Libby with 3.800 kg. Heaviest fish was a dog of 0.880 kg, landed by Ms Jackie Bartholomew.

There are some nice size cod being caught from Dover's Admiralty Pier. Also reported was a 22 lb conger eel from the same venue. The Admiralty can be a difficult pier to fish with strong tides and a long drop from the stone wall. Heavy weights with long pronged wires are needed and never forget to take a drop net to land your catch.

A 28 lb blonde ray was brought aboard the charter boat Bonaventure II by Jim Mantovani one mile off Sandown Castle. This is an exceptional fish to catch that close to shore.

Average local sea temperature 11°C.

Saturday, 9th January 2016

Catch report by David Turner

My dad (Neil) and I fished Sandwich Bay last night from 17:00 to 00:30, low to high tide. I caught 26 fish, mostly whiting, and my dad took 24 whiting and a 1 lb dogfish. All fish were caught on blow lug.

Monday, 4th January 2016

Catch report by Dean Curry, Pleasure Angling

Well folks, the Christmas and new year festivities are now just a fond but distant memory and the new year has begun. Put 2015 to bed, buy some bait and get your tackle out - the fish won't catch themselves. It could be worse - today is "Divorce Monday" for thousands of warring couples whose marriages are in trouble.

Codling are not really showing in numbers - the water inshore remains stubbornly high (11.7°C today) which is a tad toppy for cod - but we are still seeing lots of good-size whiting, pouting, dabs and, of course, the ubiquitous dogfish being caught from the Pier and local beaches. The occasional thornback ray is being caught from the beach at Sandwich Bay - smallish, but worth a chuck.

On the bait front, although the Christmas and new year festivities are now behind us, sourcing fresh bait remains "challenging" so please be patient during the first couple of weeks of January as I try to match demand with supply (weather and tides permitting).

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.

Please carefully return any fish which is not sizeable (and all bass, regardless of size) 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.

I think we are in for a good fishing season this year … wahaay

Sunday, 3rd January 2016

Dave Chamberlain's angling journal

Deal Pier has been a popular venue with anglers young and old over the Christmas holidays. Even with the gale force winds and rain there is always somewhere they can shelter from the weather. The beginning of the Pier stem, between the second and third shelters, seems to be the most frequented. This part of the Pier has fewer snags, as opposed to the end and the landing stage, and can accommodate the novice and expert with more comfortable fishing. The catches have been good with dogfish, whiting, pouting and the occasional codling. The December fish of the month was a 2.500 kg codling caught by Mervyne Thorpe who travelled all the way from Hampshire to win the £20 tackle vouchers that are donated by Deal's two tackle shops. If you do catch a decent fish from the Pier, ask the attendant to weigh your fish and have it recorded and entered into the coveted "Fish of the Month" award.

The beaches from Walmer to Sandwich Bay are still fishing well with reports of a few thornback rays and some cod up to 8 lb amongst the hordes of whiting and dogfish. Gary Miles, from Whitstable, decided to have a session at the Bay on New Year's Eve and was rewarded with a plump conditioned 4 lb codling and plenty of dogs and whiting. It is well worth trying the beach in-between the gales as the chance of a cod is still available, and up until March if there is a "spring run" of the fish. Lug and squid are the most popular baits, however, fresh sprat, which are landed locally, do also catch.

After a venue change due to bad weather, the Deal and Walmer Angling Association held their first match of the year at the north end of Deal towards Sandown Castle. The weather made fishing almost impossible with a very strong wind from the south and rain. However 24 members braved it out, although a third of the field packed-up before the finish. The weather front went over leaving the last hour and a half of the match fishable. Top weight came from Martin Jenkins with 6.560 kg which included the heaviest fish, a cod of 2.540 kg (5 lb 9½ oz). Second was Saul Page with 33 fish for 6.450 kg and in third place, Sam Collier's 6.270kg. Dave Andrews caught the heaviest flat, a dab of 0.170 kg.

Average local sea temperature 11.5°C.

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Deal Pier & Beach Catch Reports 2016

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