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European Smelt fishing in Essex

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

When to go

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

Best european smelt marks in Essex

1HullbridgeLow · 49Worth a tryPossible in colder months and on evening tides; small worm strips or tiny baited hooks work.2Mistley WallsLow · 46Worth a trySeasonal estuary visitor, mainly in colder periods; small worm baits fished lightly can pick them up.3Maldon PromenadeLow · 42Worth a tryPossible in the colder months; small strips of fish or tiny baited hooks can pick them up.4Manningtree BeachLow · 46Worth a tryA winter and early-spring chance; small strips of fish or tiny worm baits can pick them up.5Heybridge BasinLow · 42Worth a tryMore likely in cooler months and in the estuarine reaches; tiny strips of fish or worm on small hooks can pick them up.6Grays BeachFair · 58Worth a tryCan show in the cooler months; use small, fine-hooked baits and expect short feeding spells on tidal movement.7Tilbury FortFair · 60Worth a tryA local estuary species, best treated as an occasional small-bait catch rather than a main target.8East Tilbury Sea WallFair · 62Worth a tryA seasonal Thames visitor, best targeted with small strips of fish or tiny worm baits on fine tackle.9Mucking FlatsFair · 61Worth a tryMay be encountered in the estuary during colder periods; use small hooks and fine worm or fish-strip baits.10Goldhanger Sea WallFair · 53Shows occasionallyOccasional in the estuary during colder periods; use tiny hooks and small worm or fish-strip baits.
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Tactics for european smelt

Top baits, best first

  1. Sabiki
  2. Harbour Rag (Maddies)
  3. Herring Strip
  4. Micro Metal (LRF)

Rigs that work, best first

  1. Feathers / Sabiki
  2. Float (Sliding)
  3. Dropshot

European Smelt fishing elsewhere

BristolGloucestershireKentLincolnshireSuffolk