Licence to go fishing off of the walton pier ?

Member Joined: Aug 27, 2006 Posts: 7

Hi guys...new to this game but here goes.
my kids love going to walton on the naze and all have deicded that they want to try a days fishing off the end.i'm not new to sea fishing and still got my gear but do i need a licence to fish off of the pier and do they have time limits or is the pier open 24hrs ?
what's the best bait to use..i am used to rag and lug, never used crabs yet.
Is there a tackle shop nearby that i could use to stock up with some gear on my way to Walton from Stevenage.
what can i expect to catch this time of year, and is it best either side of the tide.

thanks very much

huggybear.

Guest

huggybear

I would advise you to look at my posts on the East Coast forum re Walton Pier- a fellow member Concrete gave some great replies to my questions re Walton Pier- basically fish off the end otherwise you're likely to lose gear and to be honest you have to expect to lose gear anyway- To minimize loss I fish off the shore- all the way along the prom toward Frinton at the corner by the flagpost- you stand a good chance of catching small bass or a flattie or otwo but it was very quiet last week (again see my post on the East Coast forum)- you also habve to fish an hour before and an hour after high tide- the tide goes out so quick its a bit of a race

As for tackle shops= the best one is meta lite tackle in walton- the guy who runs it is a former British or English champion (cant remember which) but he's really helpful and usually has fresh bait and plenty ofadviceavailable

Hope this helps

Guest

Ps- you dont need a rod license for sea fishing but to fish off the pier its a fiver for a day ticket- the guy who drives the train up and down the pier usually takes the money and issues tickets

Member Joined: Aug 27, 2006 Posts: 7

cheers for that guys...can you dig for rag / lug at bawdsey during low water ?
:o

Guest

definitely not- its a pebble/shingle beach- very similar to the beach at Aldeburgh if you know Aldeburgh

Member Joined: Aug 27, 2006 Posts: 7

is ther anywhere along this coastline that yoou can dig or have i got to get my lug / rag at a tackle shop ?

Ta

Guest

My mate sometimes digs lug from Walton beach at low tide but as I live in Colchester I don't have the time and really only go specifically to fish so get there an hour before high tide with bait from a tackle shop- If concrete is following this thread he's more experienced and might know the best places to dig for bait?

Member Joined: Aug 27, 2006 Posts: 7

thanks stuart if i hear from concrete great but if i dont i'll find a local tackle shop and buy some. Thanks for all your help i'll let you know how i get on.

Ta :wink:

Guest

West Mersea beach is your best bet for lugworm, but don't go until winter 'cos the tourists rule in the summer. I use Porters Tackle for my bait as he gets fresh bait in regularly, plus I also know his bait digger.

concrete

Member Joined: Aug 27, 2006 Posts: 7

where is porters tackle ?

Guest

Huggybear

Its on Barrack St Colchester- its a small shop just next to a motorbike shop on the left hand side if you're coming from Colchester Town station towards the Hythe- they've always got fresh bait in (at least I've never been disppointed) and the bloke is the friendliest chap you could hope to meet.

Guest

I quite agree- Rob is the guy who owns Porters and he's a smashing bloke and he treats everybody the same. Whether you're a pro or a novice he'll take the pi** just the same :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Member Joined: Aug 27, 2006 Posts: 7

how much should i expect to pay for rag / lug. my local tackle shop wont even try to get some in but then i am in stevenage hertfordshire, so i'll have to pick some up on the way through to fishing.

Ta

huggybear 8O

Guest

Expect to pay around 14 or 15 pounds for a pound of ragworm or 100 lugworm. Most tackle dealers sell lesser amounts of bait, but I find I can easily use either of these amounts during an average session. For some people this seems a lot of money, but do you really want to go digging worms in all weathers and at unsociable times? I know I don't. I only go digging now if it's for a special event, like a match.

concrete

PS. Always check the bait before you leave the shop to make sure it's in good condition, there are still a few dealers about that will sell duff stuff.