Summer is definitely here, the sun has been scorching us and there have been plenty of calmer days allowing us to get out among the fish. This part of the year brings plenty of tope and smoothhound. Peter Kinchin shows one below estimated to be 20lb in weight, his personal best. There seems to be no shortage of mackerel – when you can find them. You may need to search around, and gulls are always a reliable indicator. The bigger bream will be moving off now after spawning but those that remain seem to be larger than in previous years.

The Sea Angling Classic was held again in Portsmouth from 14th to 18th June. It was won by local Bembridge team Sea Raiders, Jason Williams and Liam Smith. They won the £135,000 first prize of the Extreme 745 Game King paired with a Yamaha 300 HP with Helm Master EX joystick control, Lowrance Ultimate Fishing System and SBS Trailer. They narrowly beat Portsmouth team Bad Boyz who were fourth last year. Maybe they’ll win in 2024? Congratulations to all the competitors and many thanks to the sponsors and organisers who made it a week to remember.

The calmer days meant that some boats could get out to the distant reefs and wrecks. As well as some good pollack, we now have some cod on the SMAC scoreboard. Calm nights in summer means sole and stingray, and as Dan Lumsden shows, the sole have already arrived. Hopefully we’ll seem more as the summer progresses.