Crouch boats fishing out of the river have been finding thornbacks while closer to home dabs are making up bags.

The arrival of sprats in the river is not helping.

Southend boats are also finding plenty of roker ro compensate for the lack of cod, with plenty of good-sized dab.

The pier head offers dab, pouting and school bass, while the stem has more flounders.

Most marks on the beaches have yieded flounder, with Peter Pans among the best.

Stanford has flounder and smelt while Grays has flounder and school bass.

Out of town anglers are drawn to good dab hauls at Pakefield beach.

The Thorpe Bay Open beach competition is at Southend Seafront on March 7, from 10am-4pm. The early draw is at TEAC on Eastern Esplanade on March 4 from 7.30-9pm, then on match day 8.30-9.15am.

Entry is £8. Details and entry forms from tackle shops or Doug Hannaby on 01702 216429.

Published Thursday January 15, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Echo