FIshing forecast for Chesil Beach, Portland & Weymouth. 26th July 2012

A little bit windier today than it has been for the past couple of days. Even though it is out of the East, it will put a little bit of a ripple on the water, which hopefully will improve the catch rate. The very calm conditions and gin clear water over the past few days has meant that the fish have had more time and better visibility to inspect the baits, leading to less bites. Despite the warm weather we have had the sea temperature has remained steady, whilst in Cornwall it has risen by a massive 3 degrees, which has switched the Bass on down there. Hopefully that warmer water will travel East and make an impression in this area.

Water Temperature: 15.5*c             Weymouth High Tide: 12.12pm, 1.7m

Wind: E 12mph

Sea Conditions:

Chesil Beach: Calm with a slight ripple and barely any swell.

Portland: Calm the water is clear.

Portland Harbour: Calm. Water is clear

Weymouth Bay: Calm with the water clear.

Chesil Beach forecast: I am hoping that the bit of wind today will make for slightly easier fishing conditions. Mackerel are around in abundance and caught be caught at any state of the tide and anywhere along the beach. Having said that dusk and dawn are always better times. If you are fed up with throwing 5oz of lead out on a big beachcaster, why not try a float set up. All the tackle shops sell them in kit form and catching a Mackerel or Garfish on light float tackle or lures is really exciting. Other species showing along the beach at the moment are Gurnard, Smoothound and Plaice. Plenty of Dabs from both ends of the beach, but Cogden gives the opportunity of a Sole as a bonus fish. Small Ragworm and lugworm baits work best for these tasty little flat fish. Reports have been coming in of regular catches of Rays from Charmouth on Peeler Crab or Sandeel.

Portland: Gill nets have kiiled most of the fishing with the exception of Wrasse and Garfish. Unfortunately they have not been removed yet.

Portland Harbour: Bright sunshine has made for difficult fishing, but Wrasse and small Pollock are being caught around Ferrybridge.

Weymouth Bay: I went past Stone Pier yesterday on a boat and I have to say I would not fancy competing with the crowds at that mark. It was wall to wall anglers.

Boats and Kayaks: I went out on a dive club boat called Fearless 2 yesterday. These guys are offering short duration trips of around 5 hours for £25 a trip, which I think is great value for money. We had a very pleasant trip with everyone catching fish. It was made all the more pleasant because they only take 6 anglers which gives everyone plenty of space on the boat. If anyone is interested in a trip email me sean@fishingtails.co.uk and I will help to organise a trip. Just let me know what dates you are available. I can also help place individuals on some of the Weymouth Charter Fleet. The skippers are telling me that for those not involved in the Olympics it is business as usual. Unfortunately many of them are struggling for customers, which is unheard of at this time of year.

Olympic update: Traffic has been no heavier than normal for this time of year. I will give daily updates next week as the full impact will be felt.