FISHING: THERE have been some big bags of fish in Essex over the last week, writes Graham Barratt.

Southend Pier: Lee from Southend Angling Centre reports whiting, dabs, dogfish and herrings at dusk on feathers.

Southend beaches: Winds allowing, anglers have been catching schoolies, whiting and the occasional eel.

Barge Pier: Herring have been caught on night tides with feathers, and there are still the odd bass and whiting being landed at the Shoebury venue.

Concrete Shelter: Schoolies and the occasional whiting have been reported after dark at the Shoebury spot.

Gravesend: Graham from Dolphin Angling reports codling to 4.5lb, lots of decent whiting, eels and one or two smelt.

Thamesmead: Eddie Sharp reports flounders and bass caught.

Erith: Whiting, flounders and the occasional smelt have been landed at Morrison’s Jetty.

Stanford le Hope and Rainham: Flounders, eels and the occasional schoolies have been caught at Stanford and Coldharbour Lane.

Dagenham Market: Still the top flounder venue locally.

Grays Wharf: The odd codling has been landed, along with big bags of whiting.

Grays Yacht Club: Whiting, eels and schoolies have been making up bags.

River Crouch: Whiting, codling and eels have been making up bags.

River Roach: A few decent flounders and the odd eel have been reported.

Holywell Point: Anglers fishing at the venue near Bradwell have caught whiting, dogfish and the odd codling.

Walton Pier: Big whiting of 2lb-plus have been caught. Richard Holgate fished the pier and had 20 whiting, a large pouting of 37cm, codling to 2lb, dogfish and dabs.

Frinton: Codling and whiting have been caught on the flood from the town beach.

Clacton Pier: Some large codling have been reported. Anglers are advised to use big king rag bait for best results and not lug or Orwell rag.

Boats: Some skippers have braved the winds and taken their vessels to inshore marks. The trips have produced large bags of small codling, whiting and dogfish.