As it was my birthday on 19th, so I decided to join friends for a day out cod fishing on 20th out of Bradwell on Sea in Essex.
As it was a long trip we stopped off to see our friends Fred and Margaret Buller on the way which is always a delight. Fred had just received his leather bound version of 'The Domesday Book of Giant Salmon Vol.II' and this gave us a perfect excuse to call in and join them for lunch. They are such a bright couple and always stimulating company, so much so that the time flew by and we were disappointed to have to leave with our new treasures.
We then stopped for the evening just outside Maldon in Essex as we had an early start the following day. It was the ideal day for fishing on the Sunday, with slightly overcast conditions and a smooth sea. We all expected a good catch, but struggled to catch the cod being plagued with light bites which were probably whiting. We all caught our fair share, most being returned, although by the end of the day we had caught 19 cod; not a bad days catch and very tasty.
The greatest amusement was saved for the return trip. The high tides in this period were the biggest for twenty three years and one sailor clearly got it wrong. I just hope he won't still be there in 23 years time