This week www.worldfishing.net has reported that the UK fisheries authority has ordered a new patrol boat. It should be ready by Spring 2015.

It will be capable of operating in extreme offshore conditions while taking on a wide range of responsibilities relating to the monitoring of fish stocks and the supervision of fishing activities. The patrol area extends from the east end of Rye Bay in Kent to the northern boundary of Essex on the River Stour. The new boat will be monitoring both commercial and recreational fishing and is being built at the Blyth Workcats yard on Canvey Island.

If you’re already hooked on the freedom of the open sea you may like to try sea fishing.

If you’re new to fishing here are some tips of what to take out on the boat. Fishing tackle and bait go without saying, but these added extras will make your trip more comfortable.

1. Lunch for yourself and the crew doesn’t have to be soggy sandwiches. If you have a small galley there are plenty of boating recipes on the Boatshed blog. Make sure there’s tea and coffee on board. On a smaller boat you may appreciate a flask of something warm.

2. Take a woolly hat! You may even need this in Summer on the Essex coast.

3. A waterproof is always handy in summer or winter on the boat.

4. Gloves – remember woolly ones are freezing when wet so invest in the kind that are resistant to water.

5. Thick socks and wellies are a good idea too. Even in summer boating can get pretty wet and cold feet can ruin your day.

6. Layers of clothes – you can add or remove layers depending on how it goes. Remember a mild day on shore can be windy at sea.

7. In Spring or Summer remember the sun tan lotion. Time flies when you’re having fun and depending on the weather you may be at risk of getting burned when you’re out on the boat. Consider taking a sun hat too.

8. If you’re planning to take any fish home bring along some bags and keep a cool box in the car. As well as keeping the fish cool a cool box will catch any juices from leaky bags.

Last but not least, you will of course need a boat. If you already have one there’s no harm in day-dreaming about an upgrade. Use our flexi-search facility to search within your price range for a second hand fishing boat.

If you have a boating or sailing story to tell contact us: we’d be happy to share it on our blog.

Peggy

Image credit: Nelson 34 for sale

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