How to fish in the Blackwater?

[Rob at Bradwell]

I have a boat at bradwell marina and want to do some sea fishing this weekend with my kids but the only sea fishing i have done is for Mackerel with feathers and i dont think there will be any Mackerel in the Blackwater estuary. I dont know what bait or tackle to use or what to catch and whereabouts. Can anyone please help?
Rob

[Drew]

Hi Rob,

I fish out of Bradwell with Terry Batts on occasions, he sometimes fishes inshore just off Clacton. During the summer months he puts a drop net over the side with rotten smelly Mackerel and collects Hermit crabs for Smoothound. The other bait that he uses is Rag Worm and Squid.

Other species of fish to be caught are Thornbacks, Bass, Doggies etc. In all the years I have fished there I have never caught any Mackerel.

I am quite sure that if you asked around the marina you would get better help than mine.

Cheers

Drew

[Rob at Bradwell]

Drew,
Thats funny because just before i got your response i found Terry Batt's number and gave him a call to see if he could take me out for a small trip to show me the ropes. He gave me some good advice on tackle and said use ragworm. It seems that Bass, Thornback and Whiting are a possibility. Are Thornback and Whiting any good to eat? And what about Doggies?
Rob.

[Drew]

Hi Rob,

We have just confirmed a trip with Terry for the 20th June.

Yes you can eat Thornbacks, although you only eat the wings. You cut off the wings and skin them. There is a knack in doing this but once you have seen it done it is quite easy. If you ever visit a fish and chip shop and sea Rock Salmon on the menu, that is Dog Fish. Whiting can also be eaten.

When I am fishing myself I normally put them back, providing that I have caught something better for the pot, but yes you can eat them.

Hope this helps.

Drew