Grays - The Thames by UK Fish Slayer
Fishing is typically 3 hours either side of high water on all three marks although some people in the know sometimes go out onto the mud to fish low tide we do NOT recommend this as the mud is soft in places.
It is possible to fish here on any size tide and fishing is generally over mud bottom with occasional small rocks and boulders, it is not particularly snaggy although there is the odd tackle loss here and there.
Species - Bass, flounder, Sole, eels, Whiting.
As with much of the mid Thames, Grays could definitely be described as a summer venue with winter fishing often very testing, the warmer months however can offer some cracking sport at times with good size Bass and Sole always a possibility.
Mid sized building tides during a nice hot and calm period has seen many a nice solid bass to the bank with fish in the 2-3lb bracket always on the cards.
Casting far out is not essential on any of the three marks although it can pay to put one rod short and one longer just to vary it.
Two or three hook clip down rigs are a winner here for the sole and bass, size 2 hooks will hedge your bets and also pick up other species such as flounder and eels.
If it’s a better bass you are after a simple running ledger rig baited with a whole squid can sometimes find the bigger fish.
Standard 5 to 6 oz gripper leads will be enough to cope with the tide.
Don’t neglect a short cast onto the softer mud flats over high water for a nice sole.
Worm baits score top here with rag often the favoured bait.
Fishing along this stretch very often is best on the ebb with sometimes the best action coming as the water is only a couple of feet deep so make sure you have at least 5 last casts!