THERE’S not much change on the cod front.

We now have massive shoals of herrings in the Thames Estuary and, unfortunately, the cod are feeding on them.

Until the herring start to disappear, we’re going to struggle to catch any cod.

Let me explain what happens.

The North Sea herring and sprat shoals head for our shallower waters to breed.

Years ago, we had the herring fleets and these were commercial boats that headed out to sea to catch the herrings, colloquially called “silver darlings”.

They were the mainstay of all the eastern coastal ports.

Sadly, nowadays we have no herring fleets as they have dwindled to just one or two boats, because of the herring bans and cost effectiveness.

Therefore, we will have to put up with these ever-increasing shoals of herring and sprats until they become viable for trawlers to put to sea to reap the benefits.

Now back to our local reports. Walton Pier Fishing Club fished their Christmas match on the local pier and 16 anglers fished in very blustery conditions.

The sea had a good colour in it, with some weed, but it didn’t cause a problem.

An amazing 257 fish were caught, mostly whiting and dabs.

In first place was Peter Harris, with 8lb 15oz.

Second spot went to Dean Parker, with 8lb 1oz, and third place to Colin Harris, with 6lb 2oz.

Colchester Sea Angling Club also headed for Walton Pier, for their Christmas finals.

The weather was kind to them, with calm seas, although rather wet overhead.

Once again, no cod were caught – only whiting, dogfish and dabs – but there were bites for all competitors.

Mark Sessions was first, with a club pier record of 33lbs 15oz.

Second place went to Dave Clark, with 22lbs 10oz, and in third was Steve Yallop, with 19lb 12oz.

The heaviest fish was shared between Dave and Chris Mills, with a 1lb 15oz dogfish.

Clacton Pier has had a much better week, with thornback rays showing.

A local angler fished this venue at the weekend and caught two rays of 8lb 10oz and 5lb 8oz, plus dogfish as well.

The boats have had another mediocre week, with the weather against them.

The charter boat Sophie Lea reported the odd codling but there were still lots of thornback rays to be caught, up to 13lbs.

Lester Baker, skipper of the Brightlingsea-based charter boat Sea Watch, reported very similar catches, with thornback rays that should never be caught at this time of year being the mainstay of catches.

Clacton Boat Club members also took advantage of the lighter winds at the weekend, but also gave similar reports.

Dave Hollands fished from his own boat and reported that the sea was full of herrings, but there were hardly any cod to be caught.

However, whiting and dogfish were in plentiful supply.

Finally, Walton Sea Angling Club will be running their annual Boxing Day match on Walton Pier, with fishing from 10am until 12pm.

There will be an amazing raffle, as always, so do come along to see us.

The tides for the weekend are 5.47pm on Saturday and 6.47pm on Sunday.