The Catchbook
Log every fish with a photo, and let it identify the species for you. Keep it private or share it with the mark.
Smoothhound fishing in Essex
44 rated shore marks in Essex hold smoothhound — ranked below with today's live forecast score for the species.
When to go
In season nowJFMAMJJASOND
🌊 Fish the flood tide.
Best smoothhound marks in Essex
1Stone PointExcellent · 84ReliableSummer visitor; peeled crab or hardback crab fished on a strong pulley rig is most effective.2Cudmore GroveGood · 79ReliableSummer chance over cleaner ground; peeler crab or hardback crab baits work best on strong tackle.3Bateman's TowerExcellent · 80ReliableSummer visitor, with the best chance in calm, warmer water; peeler crab, hardback crab or crab-and-squid baits are preferred.4East Beach ShoeburynessGood · 78ReliableSummer visitor, with peeler crab the standout bait; a stronger hooklength is sensible for larger fish.5Monkey BeachGood · 78ReliableSummer visitor; fresh peeler crab or hardback crab is the standout bait, usually around stronger tidal flow.6Walton PierExcellent · 85Worth a trySummer visitors over suitable ground; peeler crab or hardback crab baits are the main approach.7Shoebury Common BeachGood · 78Worth a tryOccasional summer visitor; target with peeler crab or hardback crab on stronger tackle and a pulleys rig.8Thorpe BayGood · 78Worth a tryOccasional summer visitor; fish crab baits on a strong pulley or running ledger, preferably over the flood tide.9Three Shells BeachGood · 78Worth a tryA summer possibility, particularly in settled weather; peeler crab, hermit crab or hardback crab are the best baits.10Walton-on-the-Naze BeachExcellent · 85Worth a tryA summer possibility when crabs are active; peeler crab or hardback crab baits are the best option.11Westcliff BeachGood · 78Worth a tryA summer possibility, with crabs the key bait; a stronger beachcaster and pulley rig are useful.12Clacton BeachExcellent · 84Worth a tryMainly a warm-weather target; fish peeler crab or hardback crab baits on strong tackle during settled conditions.13East Mersea BeachGood · 79Worth a tryAn occasional summer catch when crab is available; use strong tackle and fish the flood tide.14Holland-on-Sea BeachExcellent · 83Worth a tryA summer possibility, particularly in settled weather; peeler crab or hardback crab is the key bait.15Martello BayExcellent · 83Worth a trySummer possibility on crab baits; use a pulley rig and fish the flood or early ebb.16Jaywick BeachExcellent · 83Worth a trySummer visitor, usually best in evening sessions; peeler crab is the standout bait.17St Osyth BeachExcellent · 83Worth a tryA summer possibility when crabs are about; peeler crab or hardback crab sections are the key baits.18The NazeExcellent · 85Worth a trySummer possibility on crab baits, particularly when the water is warm and reasonably coloured.19Seawick BeachExcellent · 83Worth a tryA summer possibility when crabs are present; use peeler crab or hardback crab baits on sturdy tackle.20East Mersea StoneExcellent · 80Worth a tryA summer possibility when crabs are active; peeler crab is the standout bait and a rising tide helps.21West Mersea BeachGood · 78Worth a tryOccasional summer fish when crabs are active; peeler crab is the prime bait and a tide with colour helps.22Bradwell Power StationExcellent · 80Worth a trySummer visitor, with crab baits the prime choice; stronger tackle is needed around the flow.23Paglesham East EndGood · 79Worth a tryOccasional in warm months; fresh peeler crab is the best bait and a stronger hooklength is sensible.24Sales PointExcellent · 80Worth a tryOccasional in warmer months where crab is abundant; fresh peeler or hardback crab is essential.25Concord BeachGood · 77Worth a trySummer chance, usually on crab bait; fish a strong running ledger and expect weed in rougher conditions.
Tactics for smoothhound
Top baits, best first
- Peeler Crab
- Soft Crab
- Hardback Crab
- Hermit Crab
Rigs that work, best first
- Pulley Pennel Rig
- Running Ledger
- Up and Over