When this time of year arrives we should be cashing in on the whiting and worrying about what we can write about.well we haven't got to worry about the whiting and have still got something to write about .Wednesday Four anglers ,one known, Vic and three new individuals,No one wanted an uncomfortable day so we tried off Clacton for Codling and whiting ,Not very good the weather was suspect and with the mild weather the fish weren't there in any numbers .Friday was the next trip and welcome an Aussie George from the Gold Coast ,and his brother-in-law John PB.the organiser.and new angler John from Brentwood.The weather was great and rather than sit inside catching smaller species we decided to try a hunch ,we went 17miles off in the deep water looking for ?something different.We got dog fish after dog fish!!!! non stop .Then john picked up a better fish a starry hound of 8lbs ,nice fish but still disappointing due to the numbers of dog fish Before we lost the day decisions had to be made so I opted to go South and try for skate,It paid we ended up with approximately 20 skate, couple of small tope ,another hound ,a dab,codling and small bass .The skate were a respectable size and we counted the day a success.FIVE ANGLERS. Saturday four adults and one youngster decided on skate again ,the best option given the sizes seen.We went to another mark ,it was a bit hard with easterly wind and two casualties.The word from me was give it another 45 minutes and we should come round to tide ,STICK IT OUT.they did and were glad of it .We ended up with 18 skate.YES ALL OF SIZE although many were returned.Also of course dog fish and one keep able codling .Sunday sorry cant win them all the anglers did not want skate or dogs,regulars who've had their fill also the weather AGAIN would not allow offshore venture,we stayed in the river ,It was a nightmare small tide would not allow us to lay to tide against the strong wind,and the mild weather has not pushed the number of cod and whiting in the river as in previous years,Yes there have been a few caught one of 5lbs I think but not what we would have expected .I was meant to be going out tomorrow with some regulars but based on the forecast and today's results we've cancelled.If we can get out we can luckily still get the fish but we need the wind and tide to be at least a bit negotiable and in fairness to the anglers it does not look do able .Lets hope the weather men are right and we haven't all wasted a day and cancelled for nothing cheer Dave.