21st January

Dungeness - The boats

Dramatic skies out in the channel

Despite the small tides Bruce and I decided to give it a go up on the hallowed shingle of Dungeness. There had been a fair blow previousley, so we hoped that might be enough to bring a few cod in close. It was to be a daytime session, as often Dungeness fishes as well during the day in coloured water.

A very busy beach!

This spot has been highlighted in the national angling media lately, and as such, with yet another excellent year for codling, the beach was already quite busy when we arrived at daybreak. But I was glad we made the effort to get there early, as by 9 a.m. the place was really heaving.

Bruce's mate with a flounder caught amongst lots of decent dabs and one small plaice.

One of Bruces friends was targetting the flatties, and was doing very well on them. Plenty of decent dabs (I think he left with 14 or so keepers) as well as a flounder and a plaice, both returned.

Bruce, with the only codling amongst our group that day

At about two in the afternoon, Bruce landed a nice plump codling, the only one we were to see that day. A few dbas and whiting threw themselves on the 3/0 hooks, but on the whole the fishing was un-exciting. I would have focused on the dabs myself, but hadnt bought any rig making bits with me. I did try with a wishbone, but kept getting double shots o pins instead.

Still busy at sunset.....

We packed up and left about 16:00. Bruce was very tired, and he was the driver back to his place, where my car was parked. A very interesting session, but it left me convinced that as with most shore cod venues, a decent sized tide with a good rip make for the more succesful trips.