SEA FISHING: With the noticeable exception of the area around Aldeburgh, sport seems to have slowed considerably. There have been some mid doubles caught on recent tides at Aldeburgh and a few school bass have been reported amongst catches of whiting and dabs at Southwold.

With the noticeable exception of the area around Aldeburgh, sport seems to have slowed considerably.

There have been some mid doubles caught on recent tides at Aldeburgh and a few school bass have been reported amongst catches of whiting and dabs at Southwold.

Traditionally this time of the year would see some of our flatfish in prime condition and Sizewell has produced some lovely dabs. I think sport could be expected to tail off now as fish become fixated on sprats and spawning, and I think anglers may have too look for other species to provide some sport during January and February.

Further up the coast to Yarmouth and catches have dropped off considerably. Recent reports have had only whiting and flatfish from the consistent beaches of Hopton, Gorleston and Yarmouth north and only the very occasional codling from within the river. Prospects are even worse as we get round to the east Norfolk beaches. The persistent cold snap has cursed the shallow sandy beaches from Sea Palling to Sheringham, it seems all the natural food, and the fish chasing it, has been pushed offshore by the cold into deeper, warmer water, well out of casting range. With no end in sight for the current weather system it's difficult to see an imminent upturn in sport here.

I fished Monday evening on the shingle ridge and a few anglers were trying their luck in a lively sea. Unfortunately, the fish hadn't read the script and I never saw a bite let alone caught a fish. Competitors in Holt SAC's match last Sunday at Kelling fared little better. Pete Symmonds won the club match with two fish for just over 8oz. Paul Thorburn was second with one fish for 8oz and Pete Loke third with three fish for 7oz. If we're to have a happy new year we need a sharp change in the weather.