Getting back into the swing of it but not helped much by the weather or some parties.We should have done Wed,Fri,Sat and Sunday .Three guys on Wednesday. I managed to put them on to Thursday as this was the only day available ,weather again. Unfortunately The forecasters weren't that good, the predicted better weather for Thursday turned into a bag of rubbish we struggled to achieve anything .

Friday Dave Mellor and friends,a party of seven. We had about five skate two dogs and whiting then moved to another mark for codling. The ebb was slow to start but patience paid and we ended up with around 20 sizable codlin.

Saturday When I got up it looked unlikely that I would even get out but we went east and the weather improved dramatically Five skate to 11lbs and about 15 codling amongst these were one of 6lbs and another of 5lbs,few whiting,pouting and dogs .

Sunday I paid the penalty of being a nice guy,I didn't take a deposit and when I phoned found they weren't comming.Due to the predicted weather conditions I didn't want to drag reliable individuals down for an uncomfortable day but its a bit frustrating when your the longest serving charter skipper 22 years, you drive down the front and see the conditions acceptable, and all the new comers and wannabies out fishing.My portfolio wasn't created in a year.and look at the evidence?not a bad site or catch rate? Twenty years ago the area boasted 27 charter boats This dwindled to four, two from Bradwell,one from Mersea and one from Brightlingsea.Now we see a sudden increase in all the ports not counting the huge increase in pirate operators who it seems are beyond the law .There is a lot to be said for legally licensed boats, you can buy a boat but not 22 years chartering experience.

A WORD FOR CARP ANGLERS YOU CANT GRAB SEA FISH LIKE THIS. SEE PIC AND THIS WAS A MARINA ?COME AND TRY YOUR HAND AT REAL FISH