Predator Fishing on the coast of Norfolk

Last month I was on one of my weekly trips to the coast of Norfolk, well equipped, on the mission to catch cod. On the day of my arrival, the sea of Cromer was flat and calm, the tide was nearing low water and the time was shortly after midday. I like coming here mid week as at this time you are far less likely to find yourself surrounded by locals and holidaymakers. This trip was no different. The beach was almost destitute with the exception of a couple of sea anglers well spaced out alongside the rocky shoreline.

When fishing for cod, I like deeper water with a snag free bottom, so I had carefully assessed the best place to land my rods. Finding a perfect spot is something which I like to do before setting up my sea fishing equipment. I cannot tell you how many times I had to waste time to pack my fishing tackle up not long after unpacking it in order to move some place better. But this time I did well, the spot which I found is going to be perfect for now and maybe even for later when tide is high as there is more than plenty of rocky shore left behind me. I've unpacked my fishing tackle and set up both of my sea rods so I am ready to go.

Everything around me was so peaceful, in fact I almost started to drift to sleep. Then suddenly my tranquillity was shattered by the sound of a screaming bite detector. I stood up from my fishing tackle seat boxes and stepped forward to pick up my rod. I soon realised that the line was quickly disappearing from the spool of my reel as the fish tore out to sea. I lowered the tip of my sea fishing rod, put the reel in gear, disengaged the ratchet and swept my sea rod smoothly upwards to ensure the hook was firmly set. I kept calm, allowing the fish to run against a well set clutch. Then, about 5 yards out a big dorsal fin appeared through the water and eventually revealed a good size tope.

I lured the fish to the edge and leaned forward to drab its tail. It was so strong and within seconds it thrashed for freedom and slipped from my grip. It was at least 35lb.

My second attempt to grab its tail also failed as he was just such a powerful fighter. It is only on my third attempt that I have finally managed to firmly grab the tail and lift it out of water onto the rocks. My weigh sling was already set up so I carefully lifted the top into the sling and watched as the scales settled at 42lb. Good result. I took my camera out of one of the seat boxes to take a picture of this beauty before finally releasing it back to the water.

It was starting to get dark, looks like I am not going to get this cod after all. Nevertheless, I was very pleased with the end result and will look forward to coming back here again and I strongly suggest you try the same.

If you have never tried fishing for cod or any other large size predators before, let me give you this small advise. It is important to be equipped with appropriate sea fishing equipment. You definitely need a good quality and robust beach-caster rod or any other similar sea fishing rods will suffice as long as they are capable of casting up to 9oz. Don’t forget to get a good quality tough line, shock leader, pulley rig and plenty of fish bait. Good Lack.