Been a funny week this week should have been out everyday FULL BOAT but not to be.

Monday The lads from BishopStorford came back for another trip,But only 3 could make it, the weather was unsettled but try we did,stayed inside the wallet and managed 4 skate,well three and a half.  Along with this were a few whiting and several small codling and dog fish we made the most of the weather and conditions .

Tuesday should have been out with a complete team from the Met police but it seems like they forgot they had booked that day.Not wanting to waste the day I had the un envious job of changing the water pump in what can only be described as appalling conditions and at £292 for the pump marred the week.

Wednesday only 3 individuals, again not really financially viable but we went and we had several skate dog fish and still we caught mackerel.

Thursday a hard day? well it was a corporate trip 2.5hrs to catch them fish? six anglers three girls and three men all new to fishing,we managed to find a few in the weed but not easy this time of year and this time hampered by time and conditions [the weed in the river ]I think they enjoyed themselves I would liked to have had their company for a full day and given them a broader experience of what lives beneath.We had to get them back for 1pm so they could feast at the company shed. Mersea and all the boats that operate can always accommodate corporate trips and parties and arrange meals ,breakfast ect and contests for all occasions [Hope the group enjoyed it and come again?]

Friday another new party this time only 4 .Again weather was good so we went in pursuit The day started well with skate dog fish odd whiting and a good splattering of dabs,Best fish and one nice to see was a fine conditioned cod of just under 8lbs.caught by the organiser Ron.with the mild temperatures it certainly has been a strange year ?we should be seeing a greater influx of whiting and codling but here we are mid October still catching mackerel and good skate.

Saturday another new party Steve Heart +6 from Bury St Edmunds area.Experianced coarse anglers new to boat fishing, Weather permitting I am loath to fish inshore for small border line species and always try to go for the best I can get, we managed quite a few skate a few whiting and more than our fair share of dog fish.no giants but hopefully we've wetted their appetite for more sea fishing The weather was real bonus.

Sunday Once again hampered by numbers [only 4 anglers]or lack of .I still made the attempt and went off and participated myself,Another good day, weather and fish,we all had skate about 15 in total, one bass about 3lbs one small hound two small tope obviously dog fish,and pouting we had caught enough fish to experiment and tried a good cod mark based on the excellent one caught on Friday, it was interesting based on what I've seen this week this mark produced several whiting sometimes two at a time although not giants these were good quality plump fish. We didn't see any codling but I do hope The parties can fill the boat in future to make looking for fish viable?With the rising diesel costs highlighted on the home page I don't want to sit inshore catching undersized or borderline fish and given the chance ie weather and a full boat I always like to try for quality.But please when you book remember whether there are two people on the boat or eight it still costs the same to go from A to B. based on 8 the cost inclusive less worm is £40 per head.If you cant or don't want the whole boat the cost is £45.00 per head based minimum 5 persons and I try to make it up to the required number. I pay out a lot of money for advertising .A lot of people phone me for trips,I check the diary,if its booked I tell them and afraid they then book else where so it does get a bit frustrating when I've turned away a full paying compliment to be left with 3 or 4 then trying to juggle the books to suit everyone. Where I can I will always help and phone around but I'm afraid I can't negotiate with the fuel companies or the authorities that govern us and with fuel prices set to increase by 54p per litre by October 2008 I think the whole industry is in for a really rocky ride from the magazines to the tackle shops it will effect everyone .