ANGLING by ROYWEBSTERA CAISTER angler has winched out a marvellous catch of cod while fishing his local beach.James Leech, from Beeleigh Way, was casting lugworm some 150 yards from the shore to bag five prime specimens between 5lb and 12lb while his father Gordon bagged a six-pounder.

ANGLING by ROYWEBSTER

A CAISTER angler has winched out a marvellous catch of cod while fishing his local beach.

James Leech, from Beeleigh Way, was casting lugworm some 150 yards from the shore to bag five prime specimens between 5lb and 12lb while his father Gordon bagged a six-pounder.

Commented the 24-year-old rodman: “We settled for a mark at the far end of our local shoreline towards the Yarmouth caravan site. It has blowing fiercely all week and we believe that, once the sea calmed down, we would strike it lucky. This was certainly the best cod catch I have made for a year or so, and the big one was a beauty.

Quality cod were also reported from Hopton, where regular Trevor Walker, baited with whiting to catch his personal best specimen.

The Gorleston Tackle sea league was staged at Kelling, where the result was M Gooch 2lb 11oz, G Medlar 2lb 10oz, P Loke 2lb 9oz.

Meanwhile, access now appears to be open to town beaches for commercial fishermen and retired and disabled anglers. Hemsby Lifeboat Club secretary Mick Bensley reported the barrier was open and he was expecting his members to have vehicle access available if required.

On the freshwater match circuit, the weather gods ganged up and dashed competitors' hopes for a repeat of the previous week's bream bonanza on the River Thurne at Martham.

But, come match morning, the river was almost crystal clear, and, with roach having departed the river for their winter quarters in the boat yards and dykes, the event was always going to be bream or bust.

No fish were caught until the very late stages of this five-hour grueller, where only three anglers caught fish. Jason Brewster (Anglers' World) had four fish totalling 7lb 8oz, with the next two, Glen Hubbard (DAD) 2lb 2oz and Gary Maddison (Martham) 12oz.

On the specimen carp waters, only one local angler landed a decent fish. He was Yarmouth's Chris Bergman with a 22lb mirror from the Kingfisher Lake.

One or two sizeable pike came out of the River Thurne waters. One was estimated at 30lb and another of around 20lb.

According to Caister pike record holder John Goble there are so many silver fish available for the predators they have become difficult to tempt with any bait this winter. “It is all patience and perseverance. My best fish last week was a 14-pounder but I expect to do better after Christmas,” he said.

Other match results. Stalham (Club Lagoon): D Gipson 11lb 9oz, D Agass 11lb 1oz, D Egerton 10lb 5oz. Gorleston Jolly Boys (Barford): C Spelman 21lb 12oz, A Varley 9lb 1oz, B Rilings 8lb 9oz. Martham (Club Dyke): S Jackson 24lb 6oz; T Granfield 14lb 2oz; G Boast 13lb 12oz.

Gorleston Tackle League at Weybourne, Saturday November 28. Results: 1 M Gooch 2lb 13.5oz, 2 G Medler 2lb 11.5oz, 3 C Whitloch 2lb 9oz. All dabs.

Next match Monday night at Pakefield for the Christmas fair.