I was going to post the obvious this morning (yes its morning and yes Im dressed and its not even 10am!) No doubt by now most or all that read here are aware of the date and its significance too the crazies…. April the first,.. did it catch you ?
hence the pick your title today 🙂
mackerel on the West
herring on the high
Craig’s AI is broken
real fish caught this week
I guess the list could go on forever, or at least until mid day with all the “April fools posts on FB today.
Annyyhoooooo
Whats been going on ?
needless too say not a great deal hence tbh the lack of posts and in general the lack of info. Most days over the last 10 days there have only been a half dozen or so on each wall and thus getting a decent impression of how its fishing can be a bit hit & miss especially when regular habitual visitors dont post or feel its not worth posting info when they only had a mutt or similar. If this sounds like yourself as you read and you do use facebook & such , post it up, even the blanks can be interesting too some.
so, whats ah happening ?
in no particular order, conger on the west conger on the east plenty of dogfish and whiting still about. the water is slowly turning green but still heavily silted so more a cloudy green than muddy colours. On the up side now that we are into April BASS are back on the take menu and now 3 per day/session are allowed with minimum size still at 42cm. recent catches of various rays also locally on the beaches and the occasional bream also too be had. One or two bream have been caught on the walls this week but imo is still a bit early for decent numbers of them.
Adding too the species count this week also have been, rockling and we have seen a few plaice being caught on both walls. overall its been a case of loads of dogfish and congers but I expect that too improve now we are digging into April and the waters clear out the winters sludge.
the weekend (Easter) is already looking a bit grim with winds picking up from early Friday morning so please keep an eye on the home page as I expect there may well be some needs too close the walls over part of the weekend.
And, with that I will once again , until the next one, bid you all ADIEU
F
Author: drenai
Not quite literally, more a hint too what the main catch of the day around Brighton seems too be! mind you from what I can gather news wise it does seem too be the same story from Dover too Portsmouth !
So whats the story morning glory ?
Dogs, Dogs and erm more dogs.
For those just here for the first time in a while, we have finally got the WEST wall OPEN. currently daytime hours only and will assess things soon with regards too when night fishing will begin.
Danny Butler posted the first catch report from the wall this year by making sure he was up bright and early for the 6am opening yesterday. Keep or crazy ? not quite sure but do actually understand and remember well that eagerness too get on the wall fishing after an extended break away from either wall…. Its hard too explain the attraction too a non angler but either wall often can, and will produce very different days or visits and as a result can keep the fishing varied for people, even the days you blank will often have totally different feels too them. The walls and views may stay the same but no 2 days pan out the same and for myself and other regulars each day varies so much it keeps the interest fresh.
I did manage too pop down yesterday afternoon having got the scooter ready I hitched up a new trailer that the wife got me for crimbo and thus with the sun out a trial run was got underway mid afternoon.
Only expecting a few (on the wall)the bait box was much lighter, a small bag of varied end tackle, headlamps and knicker elastic I rolled the quad and trailer down Manor hill towards the marina.
Well the run down was pleasant enough and was glad Id only put a light jacket on as the air temps were surprisingly warm and could me off guard completely having been used too fairly cold & high winds almost daily near howling around the brick work ! It was that warm I actually took the jacket off and almost peeled another layer down too my T-shirt ! yup it was that nice in the March afternoon sun.
And so onto the west wall lower section I rolled for the 1st time this year, very different too my crazy early 4.30-5.30 roll on’s of the past! Eddie ( a regular) was fishing the 2nd bay as I arrived on a dropping tide about 3pm and was the only person visible from the low bays. A quick chat & catch up indicated that A/ things down low were fairly dead , and B/don’t hold ya breath, its a dog fest up there on the high bays.
The scooter & trailer worked well on the lower level and past by the red posts without an issue (at least my measuring had worked out) and thus after rounding the bend that was mid wall I finally saw a couple of familiar faces amongst the 5 or 6 still fishing. True too Eddies word it was indeed a tale of dogs, dogs and yet more dogs and thus I settled into chinwag mode and caught up with a couple of anglers still fishing.
It was nice too be out and for a change not needed umpteen layers of warm clothing and gloves too protect this old body from the winter and now near spring conditions. As said, the coat even came off while I stood close too the toilet block chewing the fat.
Other than dog fish the only other catches mentioned were eels, mostly strap congers and silver eel juveniles but was shown one pic of a decent silver eel of which I was told went back. The vast bulk of the days catches were as said , dogs and a mix of a few eels. One or two reports of missed (decent) catches guessed at most likely bass but unknown as no fish was sighted and a fair bit of baits being stripped off the hooks without even noticing a bite
I spent about 45 mins too an hour chatting and pondering about setting out the light rod I had with me but with fairly coloured water, a dropping tide and the prospect of dogfish I figured.. not today thanks…..
With the “no thanks” thought in my head I turned the quad/trailer about and headed back down the wall towards the exit gate by which time Eddie had been n gone so out, a pause too lock the side gate and trundle off to Asda for a few bits prior too seeing how well the scooter would fare going this time up manor hill with gear stashed on the trailer and a seat bag with various bits of shopping filling it.
I’m please too say the scooter fared quite well, even on the steeper part of the hill as it curves too the right and thus, home, unpacked the scooter and put the quad too bed,……. myself, feet went up, recliner went back settled too watch the tv and promptly fell asleep!
Today Ive a scan appointment(routine) and wont be down tomorrow as will be watching the BTN vs Liverpool game from the south west corner of the ground so dont expect a post until likely Monday
Until the next post I will thus bid you all ADIEU
F
I shall make ya wait just a bit longer than the first line of todays update. As some regulars know things this year have been somewhat slow getting underway and getting the walls ready this year have been somewhat problematic. Initially on the east wall Mark had too deal with the fact that the water supply for some reason had been shut off, and when finally put on the water pressure on the east made things near impossible too get anything done.
As a result Mark decided too try & get the west wall in shape only too find yet again, no water supply too the toilet block and had too source an alternative feed supply. Yes that got done but guess what… again the issues with very low water pressure. Ive no Idea whats going on with that regard as the marina say its “someone else other than them at fault & no one wants to say who or why original water points got cut !.
All of this meant mark had too find a different jet washer that would fill and run from a more mobile source.. oh the ******* joy.
ANYHOOOO…. work progresses and YES it is almost done on the west wall.
I do have a date for the west too open DAY TIMES initially
the west will be open 6am til 6pm but without the extension and I suspect the toilet block may initially be closed.
The EAST will for now remain closed.
before I post the date the west will open though a quick word and a request related too it.
We have been made aware that some people have decided it is ok too climb over fences and fish on one of the walls at night while they are closed. The Marina take a dim view of this and do see it as trespass.
it makes little too no difference too me if people get caught up there but all doing so are needlessly risking fishing access for everyone. If they chose it wouldnt take much for the marina bosses too simply fence the walls of permanently so please help us keep the venue open. If you see people up there, let someone know. I am easy too find on facebook, a message on the marina group will find myself or mark very quickly. If you dont have access too the marina group on facebook, leave a message on any of the other fishing groups there or you could phone the marina security office directly too log with them the unauthorised access. it doesnt take much too make a phone call and active anglers helping on this could make all the difference on us keeping the venue open.
Anyhoo , for those still reading and those that figured skip too the ned too see what ya want….
WEST WILL OPEN on Thursday 19th March 6am-6pm
night fishing too be sorted soon
thats it for today so ya can all beggar off and do some fishing in the sunshine … yup the sun is out for a change. And with that , for today i will bid you all ADIEU
F
So anyone remember the pun about the Fakarwe tribe? It goes summat like..
where are we ? well.. almost , more like where the fk are we ?but hey that does sorta feel like the phrase of the day.
So STATE OF THE WALLS.. where the fk are we ! when it comes too the walls being ready too open.
welllll….. as some may be aware and other hardly shocked there seems too be an issue in the marina with water pressure, or at least the pressure of the water that would feed the jet washer on the east wall meaning…
YUP jet washing on the east has been delayed and the issue was reported a couple of weeks back when Mark tried too get the east sorted.
And so, everything got carted over too the west wall and jet washing was began on that side, It was going well until.. guess what…. yup a lack of water pressure.
Another jet washer has been sourced that takes its water from a water butt so I guess it will be a case of ferrying water back n forth for the duration.
On the up side, although jet washing has halted for a couple of days due too high winds it is hoped to get the main part of the west too the toilet block done on a few days.
The extension will get done at a later date but we hope too have the west open fairly soon and hopeffully then get all the gear back onto the east.
That is about as much info as I have today, and so, with that, until the next post I will bid you all ADIEU
F
The expected start too jet washing didnt begin as planed due to shown forecasts for the week. It would have been somewhat pointless getting all the gear too the wall and going through the process of setting up to then get blown off by weather/wind direction changes one or 2 days into the job.
Firstly not much would get done, and packing up gear in poor conditions as waves fired up through the V’s doesnt make for a safe or pleasant process. !
We do have a clearer spell ahead and having spoke with mark yesterday (fri) the plan is too have another go at it all either this sunday or Monday.
Mark has checked over and walked both walls this week too get a clearer picture of damages to either wall and also the levels of algae that will need sorting prior too either wall opening too the public and anglers in particular.
So what is the state of play on the walls as I type this up ?
On the East wall (long one)
the algae build up is effectively in every bay from 1 to 60, even 74 hasnt escaped it this year. Damage wise there are a few red posts that have been fully taken out by weather conditions and no doubt flying debris and will need replacing and fully rewiring. Needless too say the footing around the post sites will need too be made safe for this work too be done so I cant atm give an accurate idea on when access above the 30’s will be.
Initial plan is hopefully too get 15-20 bays sorted and then opened, but there are also minor repairs too concrete structuring scattered all along the east either on upper or lower levels. the usual pot holes will also need doing as well as some sections of damage too the edges of the pathway between the upper & lower sections between the wall break sections where there are horizontal red bars that are commonly climbed over !
It will take time too get into shape but as has often happened we hope too use a rolling open up process again too gradually work along the full length of the wall jet washing, replacing posts and the many wires lost and fixing structural damage as we process.
Time scale for the east ?
Right now hard too say as Mark hasnt shared the full extent with me but hopefully a few days into the process I can get up there n take a looksee for myself.
The first 20 bays ? if no structural damage may get opened fairly quickly but other than crossing my fingers as I type I really can only guess as much as you reading this.
Ok so what about the West wall ?
Again as said Mark has walked both walls and on the west I have some better news for everyone. Due too the extensive work last year on the WEST the wall is (bar algae) in a decent state of repair although the extension was only visually checked from the toilet block level.
Obviously there is heavy algae on the upper and lower that will need sorting but the standard pot hole repair list is somewhat lower than has been the case over the last few years.
At time of typing the focus will be on the EAST wall and I’m not aware of any date too start work on the west so will not even take a stab at how soon that side’s work will begin.
Shop hours as far as I am aware are listed in the shop window and suggest either ring them prior too visiting or at least get there before md day. With the walls closed their trade is much much lower than normal and their opening hours will fluctuate on tides/trade and even weather forecasts.
Out of shop hours I do carry frozen baits of squid/mackerel/ and black as well as a fair bit of end tackle & weights of all sorts, so if in need if you dont have my number I can be emailed through the homepage link and can get something sorted for you.
Thats it for today, and so, yep I gonna say it….
Until next time I will bid you all ADIEU
F
Mark is currently on holiday and plan was too begin jet washing once he is back. Needless to say this is also subject too the weather playing nice.
Once sufficient of the wall is ready it will open most likely on a rolling basis as the jetwashing progresses.
Until the next announcement the walls will remain closed .
F
Just a few quick lines here today as not a huge amount too say tbh.
Firstly the standard stuff in that I hope for those that celebrate Christmas you all had a decent one. And too follow that a big happy new year from myself. May this year be a step up on the last for you all.
As too the marina or more specifically the fishing walls, are they open ?
well,
The WEST WALL is closed and probably will remain so until the Spring clean up and repairs(if any) are done.
Over on the EAST WALL ,Mark hopes too open daily and maintain the first 20 bays for anyone wishing too fish the wall. Winter hours are atm, 7.30am and close at 4.30pm
needless too say, heavy frosts or snow will impact what is or isnt open but where possible the EAST WALL should stay open.
Please check with the shop (phone em) if you need bait, tackle or gear in general as no doubt they will only be open limited hours while trade is very slow.
Catchwise its mostly whiting , dogs & a bass or two and I understand there are herring out there too be had, mostly over the high tides but its not exclusively then.
There are reports from Devon & Cornwall that some are catching mackerel still and tbh that is not a big surprise but on looking around yesterday I must say the water conditions are very good and a decent emerald colour too the sea at the moment so dont be over shocked if someone has a mackerel or two locally even if mainly too bait set ups rather than feathers.
if anyone needs anything from me, emails here come too me, Im on FB and FB messenger or , simply ask a warden too give me a ring
Thats it from me for today, I hope last nights party goers are not suffering too much tooday as that sunshine must be a beast fir those hungover !
HNY folks and until the next post I will bid you all ADIEU
F
dog day Afternoon
As the title suggests, Mark has managed too engineer some wall scrubbing and got the 1st 20 bays of the east in some sort of state too open.
I took a look see down there yesterday and it still amazes me at how fast conditions can change in a few weeks yet alone a few days. With storms and heavy rain over the last 2-3 weeks we have had near perfect temps on the wall alongside the dampness too produce a very heavy spread of algae that can now be seen as low as the 2nd bay and by bay 20 is quite heavy on the wall. Combine this with now constant wet or damp conditions from frost, sun, tides and indeed rain and it all means that the algae has a firm and relentless grip on the walls.
Now I realise if we get a couple of calm dry days people then seem too think those days will be utilised with a steel broom pounding the wall but the reality is that actually having time and even the energy too get out there in winter and break backs too scrub for 3-4 days so that we could possibly be safe enough too open VS the weather in the UK that can turn on a sixpence (yes one for us old farts)… well you get the picture, we can scrub the walls for 4 days only too see that work undone with one night of rain and ideal day temps that see the algae act like fekin triffids.
And so, yes we have a window, the wall isnt perfect so anyone fishing please take note of your footings as much of the wall higher up is now a shiny black coated death trap BUT, coz there is always a but… & so, BUT we do have bays open 1-20 atm but they could also Vanish as fast as they get put into use.
the east is open today (saturday) as I type 7-5pm and also open on Sunday also 7 til 5pm. for obvious reason we will keep the east open , or at least as much as we can for as long and often as we can but winter weather often fails too do us any real favour where the algae build and storm damages are concerned.
On rolling up the wall yesterday i was quite surprised at the lack of major damage as far as the wires and posts are concerned and a quick check/glance tells me again at time of typing that so far only 2 wires on the red posts need sorting so fingers crossed it stays that way though the next couple of months.
The cafe did open yesterday afternoon for those wanting too get warm drinks and he is aware the east is open today and Sunday so fully expect him too be open at least part of today and tomorrow.
As I type I dont know if Mark has plans too open next week but I suspect most likely yes at least some of the time and as soon as I know I will edit this post and put up latest info.
UPDATED INFO EAST OPEN Mon Tues Wed next week
I make no apologies (this time) for a lack of posts, mostly due too the fact that the walls have been closed and there has been very little info too post here.
CATCH wise while I was down yesterday I saw 4 people with rods out, very brown soup coloured water and a lot of standing water on the walls either from tide or recent rains so again please be aware there may be slippery areas underfoot, if you have balance issues or are somewhat unsteady on your feet an alternative venue may be advisable.
as too yesterdays catches, well the secondary title up top should give you a clue as too what is going on down there, or was when I rolled through and the word of the day was DOGFISH. Now I bet you are soooo pleased you came here too read the obvious !.
I shant be on the walls today or tomorrow, today BHA are at home to Sunderland and tomorrow got a family pre crimbo gathering being as Christmas day some are doing their own things and thus we can do the standard swap bags with presents in them.
I have deliberately left the C word until this late as I am aware some dont celebrate Christmas or as the yanks put it “holiday season” for various reasons, religion, or lack of or even personal reasons that make this time of year hard too tolerate as it carries reminders and triggers some would prefer too avoid.
And thus I will say I hope you all manage too have the best you can for this time of year and for those who try too avoid, I hope the pain is not too intense and you can at least find someone too share time with for at least part of the seasonal holiday.
on the personal side I will have my 2 boys at home for Christmas day and it seems the wife has decided she will be kicking everyone out for a few hrs Christmas eve so I think the plan is a few beers in the snooker club down the marina, so if anyone reading is local on Wednesday you are welcome too pop down and join or at least say hi
Have a good one folks, or at least the best you can expect
wall opening
sat 20, 7-5pm
sun 21, 7-5pm
mon 22, 7-5pm
Tues 23, 7-5pm
Wed 24, 7-5pm
Thurs Crimbo day SHUT
Fri boxing day SHUT
thats it folks, if i dont post again I will see you after the fuss is over, and so, I will as usual bid you all ADIEU
F
A common question though rarely asked here but often asked on the facebook group as we crawl into the winter months. The numbers on the wall tail off almost as much as the days we manage too have one or part of one wall open and the weather takes its toll on the general state of the wall. The pesky algae has often reached a stage where it is unsafe too open large chunks of the wall and combatting it takes longer too remove it than the speed it returns.
October & November have been unusually mild even if the blows and storms haven’t let up in frequency and we are slowly losing the battle too keep bays safe and algae at a manageable level. The irony of a poor year on fish numbers and the fact that we have still had access to the WEST wall, granted very limited for occasional night fishing is extremely unusual.
So, how does todays title relate too days open other than the obvious of erm its not Summer dude so naturally less will want too fish in the cold of winter ? Well a regular angler(Chris H) this year on the wall put over the comment and observation of the lack of catch reports on the marina groups facebook regarding the lack of catch reports and if you look at it he does have a very valid point.
While we may be into the winter months people do still have access too fish at least one wall & v occasionally atm access too both. Yes people are fishing it so you would think that with over 5k members on the FB group there would be at least a few more posts and catch reports, even the blanks are as such catch reports and when things are quiet, much like the supermarket adverts… every little helps.
Now, I tend too agree with him and as admin I also often see why there is a lack of posts. Some ppl are shy and just want too stay anonymous so they read, pick bits of info where they can and get on with their usual routines then go fishing and come too the blog reports & fbook groups too see how others got on. They then neglect or overlook that even their perhaps small report of a blank add too the communal posts and in their own way perhaps encourage others too post.
YUP i get that ppl are wary of posting, lets face it there are enough knobbers on FB that are happy too flame a post or have a dig about sizes etc and yes it has been an issue in the past that put people off. Lets face it, its bad enough trying too catch fish these days yet alone stick ya neck out for the arse wipes too line up and have a go. but, (coz there is always a BUT) the group had changed a bit this last 18 months. One or 2 diks have been removed and admin members are a bit more vigilant on posts and their replies.
There is protection for posters and flame type posts will get removed with offenders being warned and/or removed from the group. I have little too no tolerance of people flaming posts and maintain that if someone has an issue with a post they speak too the posted in private message & dont flame a post. All abusive posters will get removed. The marina fb group is about fishing reports and not there for idiots too hassle posters so please folks,…. if you use the FB group and have been out fishing, share it with us all. Even a blank can be dressed up too create a report of sorts. We have a multi cultural and multi racial group of anglers and the only word of real meaning there is “ANGLERS” so please, next time you visit the group to see how others got on and you was down there visiting or even fishing, drop a line or two in the group and say hi to everyone.
Sermon done, did I visit yesterday ?, yup I did even if my head was screaming too me , oi , moron, do ya know how freakin cold it is ? duh brain I know Im here aint I ?
And so, todays dose of waffle truly begins.
I reached the cafe mid afternoon too be greeted as usual by the 2 stupid dogs (they not really) & as usual Pepsi determined too sit on my lap and get 1st go at the biscuits I carry in my pocket. A quick chat with the guy running the cafe( I really should get his name fixed in my head) & a biscuit or two each for the mutts and onto the wall.
Three regulars were on the first couple of bays and I gather they had a couple of congers although I neglected too get a size estimate while I gossiped ! Bay 5 another regular had got himself a 3-4lb Bass for tea but general feeling was “things seem quiet.” The water colour was decent after 3 days of blows I had expected far more colour and a brisk northerly wind was not only chilling the air but was also putting a bit of chop too the water surface.
The down side of winter catch reports is often the lack of anglers and regularly a general lack of catch info so it was encouraging too see 12-16 anglers on the wall and a few more arriving by time I was leaving. Like yesterday today Mark has opened the wall until 10pm tonight for as Mark puts it “Squidding”
The answer too the next obvious question is YES there were squid caught last night, I dont have any numbers but yes there are still squid too be caught and my head is still struggling with the idea of not only s the east still open on a regular basis this deep into the year but that there is something else out there still too be caught other than the standard “winter mackerel” of whiting and soon too be followed by Craigs old fav of Rockling(hmmm that gives me an idea)
After chats with a few familiar faces it seemed as if yesterday was highlighted as a “whiting sort of day” of which some were decent looking fish and also a healthy size for eating. Close behind the whiting came a few conger catches and also a few dropped, a splash of schoolie bass and just too compliment the whiting some pout that seems too have become the winter bait stealer supreme. Down the sides there are still micro species of blennies and scorpion fish and as recently as 4 days there have been the occasional herring and mackerel.
All in all quite varied for only a few anglers and for those that can manage the colder conditions (unlike the old fart I am becoming) there is still a fair bit of activity in the water.
The EAST after today will be closed upto and including Saturday (unless forecast changes) and the EAST should be back open Sunday morning after a quick once over by the duty warden.
Other than a quick re reminder too share a report or 2 on the FB group I will sign off as usual , and thus, until the next one I will bid you all ADIEU
F
so, a quick write up before I pootle off to watch the Brighton home game.
hit the wall yesterday on the new wheels , yes the beast aka Christine has gone, and expecting the lower wall too be packed was suprised too only see a few regulars on the lower bays squidding. Turns out the comp was moved up a few bays too begin at bay 14.
Unfortunately for the comp the fishing mid November in near crystal clear waters chose not too play for them although there was a fairly varied species list and did clock one member of the event measuring off a goby! yep every MM counted yesterday.
catch wise its a shame the comp wouldn’t allow squid as they may have racked up quite a few but alass lures were not allowed. While talking too a few o the guys It was revealed that the potential and most likely winner didnt win due too I gather the lack of a drop net.
so what was it that got dropped or threw the hook b4 the net could erm , cough, be dropped ? twas a lump of a garfish described by a fe as huge and forgive me gents if I get the estimate of well over 2.5 lb my memory plays silly games on me. Sadly the gar was missed and fishing for them was challenging or as another put it… “fkn shyte m8”
Plenty of squid prior too the high tide and they largely ticked over for most of the day and were doing well on the lower bays. lots of ink visible on the wll yesterday afternoon and Im guesing the evidence will be washed away by this weekends blows.
WALL MAY open on TUES subject too the conditions and usual checks.
Regulars John H, and Matt B fished 74 and both had pics of what looked like the same plaice so unsure if there were 2 lumps of plaice or one but I will ask a few questions & confirm with a pic on the gallery during the next few days. Also up there was caught a guilt head bream which this year have been regular catches since march this year and good too see them recovering old nesting areas.
And thus a round up of the days fish run too , plenty off squid in daylight (as well as after dark) bass(high and low bays) pout, blennies, gobies and scorpion fish, a handful of scattered plaice some dogs and a hound pup, a fat but dropped gar fish, Im told some herring but not sure of the window they were caught in but there defo was a few landed.
all in all a tough day fishing and no doubt here that as John H said too me , “the water needed a bit of colour in it” I suspect the clear water has even confused the fish, so unusual for it not too be brown water this time of year, I guess after the next week of ups and downs the water will revert too the brown we all know so well.
Ovefffffffff
Over on thethe west an unusual oppertunity saw the wall open and although I ws only over there for a short while there were squid from the off in good numbers and a couple of early strap congers and regular Lee posted a pic of what is his personal best in a decent lump of giant sea slug aka conger. It was quickly returned after a quick pic so wasnt weighed.
Thats it from me for this weekend, off too the game shortly so until the next one I will bid you all ADIEU
F
