Situated on the River Stour, Wrabness is between Harwich and Manningtree. The majority of angling is between December and February for flounders, but in recent summers the river has been full of bass. Eels and flounders break up the summer bass sport and there’s a chance of mullet around the boat moorings. Specimen hunters can take thornback rays in April and May; the end of the beach huts is a favourite mark.

SPECIES

December to March for flounders and some school bass. The early flood gets them feeding with good sport two hours either side of high. More schoolies in

March, then better fish move in and stay until October. April and May for rays. Eels from May.

BEST BAITS

Flounders fall to ragworms, with bunches of harbour rag or small whites taking good fish. Try beads, sequins and silver spoon lures.

Thornbacks fall to peeler crabs or herring baits. Peelers produce better bass, eels and flounders. School bass like rag at 30 yards at high water. Spinners, plugs and small shrimp-type feathers take bass.

TACKLE

Try a two-up, one-down rig for flounders. Keep the traces long and clear, with size 1 fine-wire hooks. Tidal strength increases on the ebb; 4-5oz holds bottom; a light, rolling bomb can be used on the flood to create movement.

Light beach tackle is all that’s required. Similar tackle for bass, which come close at high water and tend to move parallel to the beach giving bites for 10-15 minutes. A walk of several hundred yards can put you back on the fish. Waders allow access to more water, but beware of soft mud.

GETTING THERE

Follow the A120 towards Harwich and turn left at Ramsey roundabout onto the B1352. After three miles turn right at a crossroads to Wrabness railway station. Pass the station taking a right turn, over a railway bridge, past the church for one mile and left down a single-track lane. Parking is on the grass verges, but it can be limited in summer.

TACKLE SHOPS

Porter’s Fishing Tackle, 34 Barrack St, Colchester, tel: 01206 795757.

Meta-lite Tackle, 15 Newgate St, Walton on the Naze, tel: 01255 675680.