Dover Southern Breakwater
The more recent settled spells have seen a downturn in the variety of fishing, which is only to be expected. With the clean, clear water, Mackerel have been in abundance along with masses of Garfish. A lot of School Bass continue to be caught and this should only get better in the coming weeks, as the Mackerel will start to migrate and the Bass have to actively search for their food. Other bottom feeding fish, except Plaice, are currently making only an appearance at night, and this will be the time to get some decent Sole. Notable catches in the past month have been a surprise Flounder of 1.5lb falling to Andy Little fishing Ragworm near the wall, a small Mullet of 3.5lb falling to 'Mullet Man' Jimmy Beck and a nice Lobster of about 4lb again falling to Jimmy Beck. Unfortunately this had only just shed its shell and was still soft, therefore it was returned alive One of the annual reasons why the fishing has taken a down turn is the appearance of a Seal inside the Harbour. Where anglers are struggling to find fish, this expert angler has no problems in catching fine specimen Plaice from the sea bed. Just hope he leaves some for us.
The biggest and most amazing news of the Summer is the sight of a huge Thresher Shark jumping clean out of the water off the Knuckle on Sunday (2nd July). There are at least 5 witnesses to this sight, if there are any doubters out there, and it was a sight that made the jaw just drop. This size of this shark was enormous and was estimated anywhere between 250 to 300lb. It had obviously rounded up a shoal of Mackerel and had come piling up through the middle of them to feed. The photographic evidence (click here) is a little inconclusive and unfortunately I only got the aftermath of the splash after it had jumped out, but witnesses can and will verify the identity. This only goes to prove that the Gulf Stream must have come a long way up the Channel this year and that the water must be very warm in order to attract sharks like this to the Kent coast. The fishing at the moment is very weird, the strangest I have know in over 20 years, but good and varied and you could almost catch anything as the Summer goes on.
The Admiralty Pier - Tel: +44(0)1304 225138.
The 'happy hookers' continue to enjoy themselves with absolutely masses of Mackerel making a daily appearance. There has been some better activity for the Bass Brigade as well, with many a fish up to double figures being caught from the usual spot. Local favourites 'Tunny' and Dave Mitchell recently had a bumper catch, when an aborted trip to the Breakwater because of broken down Motor Boats, resulted in a session on the Admiralty and took two to 9lb and four around the 4lb mark.
Warning for those Bassing at the end of the Admiralty
If you intend to fish for Bass at the end of the Admiralty Pier, unless you are very keen and know what you are doing, it's probably best to avoid this area as last year tempers became very fraught at times. If someone has already beaten you to the end, please respect their position and do not try to force your way in or let your baits drift over theirs. DO NOT under any circumstances go through or over the Gate and fish from the very end of the Pier as this will lead to your removal and very likely place the opening of the Pier into jeopardy. I would not like to be the one to blame for the closure of this magnificent venue.
The Prince of Wales Pier
Plaice, Pollack and Garfish will be the target off this Pier, although it is also very popular for Mullet and Eels. With increasing numbers of Tourists taking walks along this pier, please be careful when casting out to make sure no one is in any danger before doing so.