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Cod fishing in Essex

36 rated shore marks in Essex hold cod — ranked below with today's live forecast score for the species.

When to go

Out of season — best Jan, Feb, Mar, Oct, Nov, Dec
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🌊 Fish the flood tide.

Best cod marks in Essex

1Walton PierLow · 45Worth a tryOccasional in autumn and winter during coloured water; fish larger worm, crab or squid baits.2Harwich Stone PierLow · 43Worth a tryA winter chance in coloured water and stronger weather; fish larger worm-and-squid or crab baits.3Stone PointLow · 45Worth a tryA winter possibility after strong onshore weather; fish large fresh lugworm, crab or squid baits at dusk.4Walton-on-the-Naze BeachLow · 45Worth a tryOccasional winter codling rather than a certainty; try big lugworm, crab or squid cocktails during rougher conditions.5Westcliff BeachLow · 36Worth a tryOccasional winter fish rather than a certainty; target rougher weather and flood tides with big worm baits.6Bateman's TowerLow · 39Worth a tryOccasional in late autumn and winter, mainly in rough or coloured water; use large lugworm, crab or squid-and-worm cocktails.7Clacton PierLow · 41Worth a tryAn occasional winter fish in favourable conditions; fish larger lugworm, crab or squid baits after dark.8East Beach ShoeburynessLow · 37Worth a tryAn occasional late-autumn and winter fish rather than a dependable catch; fish large lugworm or crab baits in rough, coloured water.9Martello BayLow · 41Worth a tryAn occasional winter fish in coloured water after rough weather; present large lugworm or crab baits.10Jaywick BeachLow · 41Worth a tryA chance in late autumn and winter, particularly in coloured water after onshore winds; fish large lugworm or crab baits.11St Osyth BeachLow · 41Worth a tryOccasional winter codling, especially after coloured-water weather; fish larger lugworm, crab or squid baits.12The NazeLow · 45Worth a tryOccasional winter fish rather than dependable catches; use large lugworm, crab or squid-and-worm baits in rough weather.13Bell Wharf BeachLow · 37Worth a tryOccasional winter codling rather than a dependable catch; use large lugworm, crab or squid-and-worm cocktails.14Bradwell Power StationLow · 41Worth a tryAn occasional cold-water catch rather than a certainty; try large lugworm, crab or squid cocktails in winter.15Coalhouse FortFair · 50Worth a tryA seasonal chance in late autumn and winter rather than a certainty; use substantial lugworm, crab or squid baits around stronger tides.16Creeksea Sea WallLow · 43Worth a tryAn occasional winter catch in a cold spell or coloured water; fish larger lugworm, crab or squid baits at night.17St Lawrence BayLow · 41Worth a tryAn occasional winter fish rather than a dependable target; fish fresh crab, squid or lugworm during stronger tides.18Concord BeachLow · 36Worth a tryOccasional winter fish, especially after coloured water and a decent flood tide; use big lugworm baits.19Harwich Ha’penny PierLow · 43Worth a tryA possible late-autumn or winter visitor in favourable conditions; use larger lugworm or crab baits.20Wallasea IslandLow · 43Worth a tryA chance in colder winter spells rather than a dependable target; fish big worm-and-squid baits into deeper water.21Gunners ParkLow · 37Worth a tryAn occasional winter fish rather than a certainty; target stronger tides with lugworm, crab or squid cocktails.22St Peter’s ChapelLow · 41Worth a tryAn occasional winter fish in favourable conditions, especially after rough weather; use large lugworm or crab baits.23Steeple BayLow · 41Worth a tryAn occasional winter bonus rather than a dependable target; fish fresh lugworm or crab on a strong single-hook rig.24Holliwell PointLow · 43Worth a tryOccasional in a cold, coloured late-autumn or winter spell; fresh lugworm, crab and squid are worthwhile.25Goldhanger Sea WallLow · 41Worth a tryAn occasional winter fish when coloured water reaches the estuary; use larger lugworm or crab baits.
Plus 11 more rated marks in EssexSee them on the map

Tactics for cod

Top baits, best first

  1. Black Lug
  2. Crab Cart (Roe)
  3. Squid
  4. Bluey (Pacific Saury)

Rigs that work, best first

  1. Pulley Pennel Rig
  2. Pennel Clip Down
  3. Rotten Bottom Pulley

Cod fishing elsewhere

BridgendBristolCeredigionConwyDenbighshireEast Riding of YorkshireEast SussexFlintshireGloucestershireGwyneddIsle of AngleseyKentLincolnshireMonmouthshireNeath Port TalbotNewportNorfolkNorth YorkshireSomersetSuffolkVale of Glamorgan