GIANT sharks, masses of mackerel and a copious amount of cod can be found off Norfolk’s coastline if you know where to look.

And now a leading fisherman is launching a monthly fishing round-up column in the Mercury to help locals make the most of the thriving sea fishing community around Great Yarmouth.

Full-time charter skipper Jon Old, who lives in Burgh Castle, says he remembers the joy of landing his first fish and wants to celebrate other people’s successes and share fishing tips.

“There’s lots of interest in sea angling and the main reason I went into chartering is I’m always taking people out on my small boat,” he said. “It’s a nice feeling when you catch a fish, and your first fish might only be a pound white but you’re over the moon.

“It’s a good day out and there’s something magical about being out at sea.”

The 44-year-old - who now runs East Anglian Charters Ltd - has more than 15 years of fishing experience and hopes to help others make the most of their leisure time.

He will be writing monthly reports about what fish are being caught, where you can find fish at a given time, which are the best baits to use for the time of year and where the best tackle shops are.

He is also considering launching a ‘catch of the month’ competition with a prize of an all expenses paid fishing trip on his boat - an Offshore 105 Fast Fishing vessel - for the winning person each month.

“I’m looking forward to summer and having trips,” he said. “Every day is different and you learn something new every day.

“Fish move and migrate and people will know where they’re being caught and what baits were used with up to date information.

“This will be at the touch of people’s fingertips, and I think this is going to be big.”

Jon’s business is based at Fisherman’s Quay, Gorleston, and leaflets can be picked up at tackle shops across the borough.

Jon used to live in Sea Palling, where he used to pot and net single-handedly from the beach.

He has studied and passed his skipper’s ticket for charter boats and has spent the last year revamping his boat – High Flyer – to its current specification.

He is a keen diver in the North Sea and abroad, and regards sport fishing says he prefers rod angling with wrecking being his favourite.

Recently he has been asked to scatter ashes on Scroby Sands.

His column on sport fishing will appear in the Mercury on the last Friday of every month, with the first instalment due to appear next Friday.

To tell Jon what you would like to see in his fishing column, share your fishing news, photos of yourself with fish you have caught and angling stories, email info@eastangliancharters.co.uk

Fishing news will appear on his website - www.eastangliancharters.co.uk - throughout the month.