Following weeks of meagre catches along the Hopton coast, the news of easterly winds is just what sea-fishing enthusiasts have been hoping for.

At last week’s Gorleston Tackle Open, catches were noticeably light, and mainly comprised of whiting and juvenile codling, with very few prized cod being spotted in the nets. The winner, Rob Tuck, came top despite having a catch that weighed only 1lb 15oz.

However, the easterly winds are hoped to bring in some of the schools of cod that have been reported just outside sea-fishing range and enable Hopton’s fishermen to land a serious catch.

Hopton’s picturesque beaches are hugely popular with sea anglers, but the catch has failed to live up to the surroundings over the last year. Reports from fishing boats further offshore show that the fish are there, but thanks to a season of westerly winds they have remained too far out for anglers.

Cod numbers offshore have been improving steadily, and the last two years have both seen bumper breeding seasons. Enthusiasts have been waiting for easterly winds which will drive the fish towards the shore.