TED’S WHERE TO FISH GUIDE

Going on holiday, want to know where to fish?.

This is a county by county guide of the top fishing spots around the country.

Listed alphabetically by counties, and then by towns.

Areas change, fish may not always be as listed, but care has been taken to endeavor to provide reliable information. Please tell us if information is out of date, or tell us about marks you think we should include. We are adding to the list all the time 

Cornwall

Rame Head

Protects Plymouth from the south west winds. A popular mark with anglers, offering a wide choice of species, including bass, wrasse, mullet, pollack, mackerel and garfish. A rocky area with a reputation for conger.  long walk down, but worth it.

.Eastern Kings  

A deep water mark to the left of Millbay Docks, comfortable fishing from flat concrete area, best fished on neaps, a rising tide best;  considered one of the top conger marks of the area. Night fishing best, also taken are bull huss.  A rough bottom means lost gear.  Float fish through the summer for mackerel and pollack.

Western Kings

Not as popular as Eastern Kings, strong tiides,  few conger taken at night, float fish in the summer for mackerel and garish

Devils point

A deep water mark, the navy can steam close by at high water. here the British Shore caught conger record was caught, bull huss also caught throughout the year.  In winter cod can be expected, plus whiting; top of the tide considered the best. Expect to lose tackle on the rugged bottom.                                                                                 

 Cremyl Beach    

A popular mark with local anglers, restricted access. Considered one of the best thornback marks in the area.  A modest cast drops into deep water.  peeler crab the number one bait. Winter fishing here for cod, whiting, pout and dogfish and the occasional conger.   Lugworm popular and is ragworm, squid, cuttlefish and peeler crab.  Tipping with squid works well here

Jupitor Point.  

Known for its bass and thornback ray catches in the summer months.  In the autumn expected flounder on the flood tide, goes  through until Christmas.   

Loe Bar   

 Long shelving shingle beach, considered by many anglers to be the best Cornish beach for mixed fishing through the year.   During the summer months dogfish are prevalent, with the occasional bull huss.  Bass are caught here up to specimen size, and also small eyed ray which are usually small these days.   Mackerel and garfish taken on float.   In the winter months plenty of whiting around, mainly around the pound mark.   Codling also taken, a few into double figures can turn up, plenty of LSD's to 2lb+.   Top baits: Mackerel and sandeel all year, with lugworm a good winter and bass bait.  Peeler crab also good during winter. 

Falmouth.

The river Fal is a deep and wide navigable river with a big choice of fishing including thornback ray, bass, conger, flounder, and mullet.  Plenty of wrasse around the rocks and big bass can be caught outside the river, and the Manacles Rocks, a Cornish hotspot for bass is only about half an hour steaming time a way, but like everywhere else, catches are only a shadow of what they were.  One of the better baits for thornback is prawn.  Put two or three on to a hook, the point up through the second segment from the tail. 

There are launching slips available, but charges are made. 

Pendennis Point.  

A pleasant area with  car park.  Fish the flat rock areas facing up the river.   In summer wrasse, bass, mackerel and garfish caught.  Bull huss, conger and LSD can be caught after dark.

Portcurno

A small beach, sandy with rocks either end, close to the famed open air  Minack Theatre; fishes best on the first half the flood tide, but worth fishing at other times.

Summer species include pollack, mackerel, garfish and bass, from the rocks expect wrasse. During the main season day time fishing not possible because of swimmers, but morning and late afternoon and evening  is OK.

Not a top winter beach, but whiting and pout are caught, a stray codling might take the bait.

Baits: ragworm, lugworm and peeler crab top the list.  Spinning from the rocks either end of beach for mackerel, pollack and the occasional coalfish.

Fowey 

The river Fowey has held the flounder record for boat since 1956, caught by A.G.Cobbledick, it weighed 5.11.8. The river remains one of the better flounder waters in Cornwall. It is a deep navigable water.   There are convenient launching slipways, charges are usually made.

Golant  

on the West bank is one of the top marks. The railway line area down to the docks usually produces good fish from November through to February. Boat fishing in this are very good. Large spoons with plenty of beads are popular baited with king ragworm.

Mousehole

The Merlin   This is a rugged mark, with kelp filled gullies, a good wrasse area from early May until late November, wrasse often taken through to January. Pollack, mackerel and garfish also taken here on float or lures.  Worth a try in the evening for conger.

Baits Worms popular, but crab will sort out the bigger wrasse.  Spinning with small dead sand eel popular with the locals.

Newquay 

Towan Head.  

This is a popular summer and winter mark, can be crowded most times of year.  In summer good for wrasse, mackerel and garfish through the summer.  Mullet also caught here to a reasonable size. Baits include mackerel and garfish strip, and small dead sandeel fished as spinners.

Winter fishing.  One of the better Cornish marks for cod and whiting.  mackerel, sandeel, worm and squid all work well here.

Pont Creek

Another popular area for winter flounder, also a good mullet mark through the summer into autumn.

Porthoustock. 

  A good summer and autumn mark.  Fishing is from rocks into fairly deep water.  Fish the kelp filled gullies for wrasse, expect fish to four pound and above.  Float fishing for mackerel, garfish and pollack.  Was once a top bass mark, but catches not so plentiful now.   Conger also taken here.   Baits:  Hardback and peeler crab for the bigger wrasse, live prawn for bass, ragworm a good all round bait.

Padstow

A holiday town on the banks of the River Camel.  Good launching facilities here.  The camel produces flounder to three pounds on peeler crab.  before setting out in your own boat, get information on the area fronm the harbour office in the main car park.  The bar in the entrance can be a treacherous place.

Good bass fishing, some flat fish, wrasse and pollack are caught from the rocky areas. porbeagle shark are returning to the area, towards Crackington Haven. Summer species include tope.

St Ives, the Island

A rock mark; fishes best from about an hour into the flood to the start of the ebb. 

In the summer, mackerel and garfish plentiful on float and spinners. Casting will bring plaice, small turbot and flounder; if you are lucky a john dory could be yours for tea.  In winter whiting and dogfish taken.  

Baits: Rag and lugworm, peeler crab and mackerel for the LSD's.  Small sand eel also popular here.

Treyarnon Bay   A narrow strip of sand on the North coast, rocks either side, and strong currents. A popular bass beach, fishes all year, but the high time is end of April into May through until late November, early December a possibility.  Wrasse and pollack from the rocks.

Bait. Lugworm, peeler crab, try two on a big hook, and: live sand eel.

Cleveland

Cleveland   The pier was re-opened in 2001 and juts out for about 300 yards; there are no charges (not at the time of writing)  Late September through until March or even April the best; codling and whiting, plus dabs.  Night the best time with a northerly breeze.

Baits:  Peeler crab and mussel recommended when it is rough,; lugworm and ragworm tops at other times tipped with squid; white rag said to be the top bait.

East Scaurs, Redcar.   A flat beach with restricted access  on spring tides only, considered a prolific mark, fishes only for about an hour either side of low water, but catches of up to twenty fish can be expected.  Fishing early October to March for codling, coalfish, flounder and eel; also fishes through the summer with similar species.

Baits: Tops are fresh peeler crab, plus ragworm and cocktails of crab and mussel, especially in winter.

Hartlepool   The Huff  (spelt Heugh) Breakwater is thought to be the most productive in the NE   Cast on to sand with rocky patches. Access is restricted by a barrier but angler do fish here, but check with others before fishing. There is rocky ground towards the Pilot Pier, fishable, but a graveyard for tackle.  Cod and coalfish the expected species on both marks, The last two hours of the flood and two hours back the best time.

Baits: Lugworm and white rag popular but  peeler crab probably a better choice.  Cocktails of crab squid and worm always worth a try..

Seaton Carew    This promenade offers good winter fishing; at high water on to sand , and rough ground at low tide; expect some loss of tackle.  Fishes well through end of September to around April. Expect to catch cod, coalfish, whiting and flounder; modest casting OK, 100 yards considered ideal.

Baits:  Yellow tails tipped with white rag considered a top bait here.  Rag and lug also works as does frozen peeler and fresh mussel. 

Hummersea  This north facing mark is on the borders with Yorkshire and lies between Skinnygrove and Boulby, fishing is from flat weed covered rock, generally considered a low water mark; best time for October through till March; the best mark near the harbour.  Mostly cod are taken and many will be into double figures, expect to catch a few pout and coalfish.

Bait: Live peeler the top bait, frozen acceptable, lug and mussel also used, make a cocktail with peeler crab..

County Durham

Blackhall   Known as the Black Collery Beach because of the dumping of coal, no ceased.  A rugged beach that fishes well all year, snaggy bottom.  Codling the common catch; the beach fishes best at night.  The range of species is good and include, codling, coalfish and dabs as well as plaice, whiting, silver eels and expect a bass to  grab the bait on occasions..

Baits:  Peeler crab the best summer bait, in winter the lcal Runnidown lugworm is tops tipped with white rag, known here as silver tips.

Crimdon  A wide flat sandy beach, strong tides that form sand banks, fish the gullies. This is primarily a daytime low water mark.  A mark to the middle known locally as the Clay Hole a top mark.From around September through to March for big catches of codling, mostly three pound or below; whiting, some will get to two pounds; also caught here. Summer fish when a sea running.

Baits:  Worm the best, crab not as popular with locals. Tip with mackerel for the bigger whiting.

Easington Beach.  No longer bespoilt by coal tipping this snaggy beach yields codling, whiting and coalfish from the autumn through the winter.  The Fox Holes considered one of the better marks in a swell, double figure cod most winters.  Flounder and dabs caught from the sandy parts of the beach

Baits:  The local Runnidown Lugworm tops the list all year, tip with white rag (silver tips) and live peeler crab.

Horden   A former colliery beach with rocky patches.   A high water mark, fish two hours either side. Like other local beaches fishes best after a storm as the sea dies down. A popular match beach.  The end of August early September through to February best for codling and whiting.  Also taken her, flounder and a few plaice, coalfish and LSD.

Bait:  Worm the best, black lug and white rag seem to be preferred.  Peeler crab in summer.  Tip baits with mackerel or sandeel.

Seaham,  Chemical Beach This is a steeply shelving beach, more so at high water.  Rated by local anglers as one of the best in the area.  Seaham harbour is to the left. For choice fish after a big blow.  Fish can be caught by all, distance no barrier except when calm, then distance is beneficial.  Predominantly a cod and whiting beach from the Autumn through to about March..  At other times plaice and coalfish will be caught.

Bait:  Popular choice is Black lug and lugworm, tipping with white rag popular  for cod and whiting.  Mussel and peeler crab, cocktails of black lug and mackerel.

Blast Beach   Considered at one time one of the most productive cod beaches in the country, but following end to coal mining the cleaner beach has seen a decline in cod catches; in there place expect to catch flatfish.

Cod catches through the winter are still reasonable, long casting a benefit, plenty of whiting to be caught; other species include coalfish and dogfish and in summer a few bass.

Baits:  Lugworm and ragworm top baits, the locals like the runnidown lug and white snakes.   

Cumbria

Glasslot. 

Maryport is a long beach with patches of rough ground, popular with the local anglers. Stout tackle advisable here.  species to catch include flounder,  and codling. Conger  caught at times.  Better baits are peeler crab, fresh or frozen, lugworm tipped with white worm and ragworm. When a swell is running in the Autumn, codling catches are usually good.

DEVON

SOUTH DEVON

Axminster  Beach     The top section on this beach is the mouth of the Axe to Culverhole Point.   A recognised bass and conger mark.  Expect bass into double figures in November and December,  and conger above 25lbs..  This is a low water bass beach, an hour either side of low the better time, also the last three hours of the flood. 

Baits:  Squid, soft crab and frozen or dead sandeel.

Seaton Beach.    

In the spring flounder, some plaice and dabs.   A good summer beach for mackerel and garfish.  Fish a rising tide.

Branscombe.  

A rock strewn beach.  Can be a graveyard for tackle.   Does fish well at times with mixed fishing.  Wrasse, dogfish, mackerel and garfish through the summer months.   Ray can be caught here on occasions. Best on the flood tide.   

Baits include peeler crab, sandeel and mackerel.                           

TORBAY

Hopes Nose.

 Off Marine Drive, Torquay. Was a quarry in the 19^th century. Large area, very popular. Steep climb on paths. Excellent mixed fishing on sand and rock. Species to be caught include, mackerel, garfish, dab, plaice, bass, mullet, wrasse, small pollack, conger, LSD and bull huss. Winter a few cod and whiting caught. Long casting best for plaice and dabs on the "high ground" to the front.

Meadfoot. . 

Torquay. Good area for bass when surf running around rocks. Fish either end or the centre. Spinning with Rapalas popular, also bait with live sandeel.

Thunder Hole. Meadfoot, Torquay. Small rocky area at the seaward end of Meadfoot beach. Climb over rocks at end of promenade. Mostly mackerel and garfish. Bass sometimes caught in the evening. Sand bottom, occasional flat fish caught.

Torquay Harbour.  

Restricted fishing here, read notices. Good mullet, including golden grey mullet, British Record broken in 2003,   Princess Pier the best for mackerel and garfish. Early morning and evening the best time. 

Brixham Breakwater.  

Half mile long breakwater. Species caught here, mackerel, garfish, mullet, bass and conger. Other species sometimes caught. Fish from mid way to the end on the outside on float. Mackerel and garfish also caught from the inside. Mullet are taken from the inside. Bass and conger are taken around the old fuel jetty and out to the end. Night time for conger and late evening and early morning for bass.

Some restrictions, read signs. Pot buoys on the outside can be a problem. 

Berry Head Quarry.

A disused quarry at Berry Head. Cars must be parked in the car park. Walk out to end along road, bearing left. Gate on right. Road down, but steep. Cars with orange stickers can sometimes get a pass from the visitors centre, popular mullet area, float fish for mackerel and garfish.  Wrasse over rocks and dab from clean ground.  A winter mark for cod, whiting and pout. Better baits are peeler crab and worm.

Fishcombe    

Located on from Quarry Car Park.  Good summer mark for mackerel and garfish, mullet for the enthusiast using small square pieces of mackerel flesh, bread or maggot. Wrasse  and the occasional pollack also taken.  Conger can be taken after dark.  Baits; mackerel and garfish strip, sandeel and lures.  

Sharkham Point   The sewer out fall now only pumps freshwater.   Float fishing for mackerel and garfish popular.  Bottom fish for wrasse, some bass also taken here.  Peeler crab and hardback crab for wrasse.  Usual baits for bass.

Species include, mackerel, garfish, mullet, pollack and dabs. Winter, cod, whiting, and pout.

Licensed angling clubs. Paignton SAA Cliff Road Paignton.

Brixham SAC Castor Road, Brixham.

Charter boats are available at Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. (click on Charter Boats).

Trailed boats can be launched at Torquay, Paignton and Brixham harbours. There will be a charge to launch and park car and trailer. Launching from beaches is not allowed.

Dartmouth. 

A picturesque town perched inside the River dart entrance, the Royal Britannia Naval College overlooks the town.  Fishing is allowed from the prom, but difficult in the summer because of boat traffic. Flounder, thornback and flounder in winter. Mullet fishing very good with fish to 5lb plus.  Kingswear car park wall for mullet, a drop net essential. self drive boats sometimes available.

Local angling and boating Licensed club open to visiting anglers.

Charter Boats Big fleet here, fish the Skerries Banks, Lannacombe, Wrecks, Bass, reefs, Guernsey trips and shark fishing. Go to Charter Boats

Trailed boats. Launching at higher ferry. Free launching. Charges for parking car and trailer.  Difficult Regatta week, the last week in August.

Battery Point. Guards the eastern approach to the river Dart. Wrasse to specimen size, single hook above weight best, hardback or peeler crab bait. Bass on float fished prawn or spinning. Float fish for mackerel, garfish and pollack.

Compass Point. Western entrance to River Dart. Long walk. Fishing from rocks on to rock bottom. Wrasse, mackerel and garfish; float or spin.

Baits hardback and peeler crab for the wrasse and mackerel strip for mackerel and garfish.  Bass can be caught her

Blackpool Sands (Dartmouth) A private beach . Observe notices. Fish either end of bay, evenings best. Dab, LSD and bass. Baits all the popular ones.

Slapton Sands. A popular shelving shingle and sand  beach. Fishes best over low water for flat fish, but will fish through the tide. Long casting puts the bait on to cockle beds. Quality dabs and plaices caught here. Spring best for plaice, expect fish to above three pounds. Autumn through until January best for dabs, with fish to above 1.8.0. mackerel and garfish taken on float and spinner throughout the summer. Bream often caught, also bass and mullet on occasions. LSD and pollack also caught. Winter will see cod and whiting taken after dark.

Popular marks are the central car park, best to walk at least a quarter of a mile to the left, and a few hundred yards from the right hand end. At Torcross opposite the car par very good, locals like to walk back towards the centre for about half a mile. Strete Gate end produces fish, but not so popular.

Beesands. A similar beach to Slapton, producing the same species at the same time. Rocks at either end yield a few small pollack at times, when there is a surf, bass can be caught. Parking to the left can be within sight of the rods. High ground protect this beach from westerly winds. Un-fishable on easterly winds.

Kingsbridge Estuary. Good mixed fishing. Excellent thornback caught here well into double figures. Plaice also caught, mostly spring and autumn, wrasse  from the rocks towards the sea.. Good flounder through the winter, and into February. East Portlemouth Ferry a good starting point. Out towards the estuary quality wrasse.

The Pumping Station is a prime flounder mark located about half a mile or so outside of Kingsbridge on the road to  Slapton Beach (Dartmouth); turn down narrow lane next to block of flats.  ragworm, maddies and peeler crab the baits for here.

Bolt Tail and Prawle Point.  Good wrasse marks, multiple catches taken here regularly, with fish to 6lb. Most anglers return the fish to the water. Pollack an bass also caught, with mackerel, garfish and pollack taken on float.

Challaborough  A small bech popular with visitors so the summer is mornings and evenings only.  This beach oes yield a few ray, small eyed and spotted.  bass taken early morning and late evening, especially when there is a surf. As always a spring tide is the best.

Baits:  Launce are popular for the ray, the frozen Ammo particularly good. Peeler cram, rag and lugworm and sand eel.

Macely Cove, ( near Prawle Point).  Not easy to reach, a long walk, but in the summer a good mark for quality wrasse, LSD, mackerel and garfish, mullet often caught here. At night bullhuss and conger taken.  Best of the baitsHard and peeler crab for the better wrasse, squid and mackerel for huss and conger.  Use mackerel mix ground bait for mullet.  

Mothecombe (R.Erme Estuary)  Summer months this area fishes well for bass early morning on the flood tide, and in the late evening. Small Eyed and Thornback  Ray are caught from Ferrycombe beach and Wonwell beach.  The estuary has good shoals of mullet, ground baiting here essential. Sandeel one of the better baits, alive for bass, frozen for ray, live prawn a top bait for ray, cast with care.

Plymouth . A major fishing port. Boats fish the Eddystone reefs and wrecks. The reefs hold excellent pollack, with  double figure bass taken from marks around the Eddystone lighthouse. Conger, cod, ling, dogfish, coalfish and bream also caught.

Conger to 100lb + landed here every year, home of the British Conger club.

Launching facilities at the Barbican and Sutton Quay. Fees may be charged. Parking for cars and trailers. Go to Charter Boats. 

Shore Marks

Maristow  This is a good winter flounder mark, fishing best over the top of the tide.  No wate  at low tide, start about two hour after the flood, a little earlier on neap tides.

Western Kings.  This is a deep water mark within yards of the shore. A renowned big conger mark over the years. Rough ground, a grave yard for tackle, tide too strong to fish on the spring tides.   Float fish here for mackerel in summer and pollack in the spring and autumn. Parking nearby.

West Hoe Harbour.   A small harbour below the Hoe with two arms for fishing. Summer the best, mackerel, garfish, wrasse and at night a chance of a conger. The usual baits work best, mackerel strip, sand eel and worm.

The Breakwater.  Protects Plymouth Sound, it is a detached "mole".  Access is from boat only.  Fishes well through the summer for wrasse and mullet.  Very rough on the seaward side where dumped large building blocks provide shelter for fish.  Thornback ray and bass have been caught from there over the years.

Mountbatten Pier    This is a popular mark year round. Located on the eastern side of the Hoe in the Plymstock area.  Summer sees mackerel, garfish an pollack taken on float tackle, with  wrasse, dogfish and a few conger taken.  In the autumn and winter months whiting, codling and flounder with dogfish and conger also caught. Baits include peeler crab, rag and lug with squid and mackerel for conger and dogfish.  Bottom of the tide up the better time.  

Season Point in the Yealm estuary a popular mark, small eyed ray caught here, but not in the quantities of the past. Peeler crab and frozen sandeel the best baits.  Mackerel and garfish to spinners and float, also pollack in the spring.  Good wrasse fishing.

Stoke Point  on the Yealm.  A popular mark through the summer for mackerel, garfish, big wrasse and mullet. A good ray mark, small eyed, spotted  and thornback after dark. Plaice sometimes caught.  From the autumn  bull huss also taken and a few conger.  Best of the baits are sand eel, the number one bait for SER, live or frozen, peeler crab, squid and cuttlefish.  

Steer Point. A good flounder mark through the winter on the flood tide, and the early ebb.  Peeler crab the best bait.

River Teign The best flounder river in the country, regularly produces flounder above 4lbs. Holds the British shore record.5.7.0. caught by Barry Sokell. Fishes best from October through to February. Summer fishing includes flounder, mullet to 6lb, mackerel and garfish.

Popular marks. Shaldon Beach, Gravel Point, Charlies Beach, Coombe Cellars, Back Beach, Polly Steps, Boatyard (was called Gasworks no parking), Flow point, (no parking).

Teignmouth SAS have their club HQ on Back Beach.

Boat Launching at Polly Steps. Free in winter, parking for car and trailer.

Fishing in the docks is prohibited, and local clubs do not allow their members to fish from Shaldon Bridge for safety reasons.

RIVER EXE. Flounder fishing almost as good as the river Teign. Fishes October until February., Powderham, near Yacht Club and along wall towards canal entrance.  Plaice bass and mullet around the entrance.

Exmouth side Shore marks. Lympstone, lugworm a good bait here. Shelly Gut, high tide mark., near the harbour. Bull Hill Bank also near harbour, low water mark, be careful here. Maer Rocks and the Clock Tower on the front. Occasional plaice here in the spring. Starcross, Powderham, walk along sea wall and fish beyond bend.

Launching available at the Boating and Angling Club, Starcross and at Exmouth harbour. Charges may be made.

Large Charter fleet at Exmouth and Starcross, click Charter boats.  Click charter boats.

Dawlish Warren. End of beach facing Exmouth, popular spot for flounder and plaice in the spring, and flounder in winter. Fishing at the back beach, facing up river has restriction to protect over wintering birds, read notices. Langston Rocks a popular mark for flounder, bass and ray on occasions.

Budleigh Salterton A good bass beach, especially in the autumn. Double figure fish taken here. Sandeel, peeler crab and worm the better baits.

NORTH DEVON

Hartland Point. A recognized bass mark. Plenty of bass usually caught here in the evening and early morning up to about 6lb. Double figure fish are caught here. Crab, squid and mackerel popular baits. Pollack, wrasse, mackerel and garfish also caught from the rocks.

Westward Ho! Rocks. Can be a grave yard for tackle, but a good venue for a large variety of fish through the summer. Bass, smoothhound, dogfish, wrasse, pollack, mackerel and garfish all regularly caught. Baglows is probably the top bass mark, peeler crab the preferred bait here. Winter months, good cod mark near the old pier, whiting also caught. There are many deep gullies and the rising tide does sweep in behind you when fishing, and you can get cut off, be especially careful after dark.

Westward Ho! Beach. A popular mark with bass anglers when a surf is running. Live sandeel, peeler crab and worm are choice baits.

Taw Estuary Greysands a popular mark for flounder, winter the best time, when codling also caught. Strong run of tide. Appledore slipway also a winter flounder mark. Peeler and ragworm top baits. Excellent bass fishing to be had from boats over the bar, launching best at Appledore slipway. There might be a charge.

Woolacombe. A long sandy beach about 2 ½ miles long. Small eyed ray and bass here, early morning and night time only. In summer to many swimmers. Both species run into double figures, but like most places these days they are more the exception than the rule. Sandeel and peeler crab best baits. Many anglers preferring frozen eels for small eyed ray. About an hour or so before low tide to 2 ½ hours of the flood the better time.

DORSET

Mudeford.   The Spit is long, shallow and sandy, dotted with groyns.  Fishing advisable at night during the summer season. Fish to catch include plaice, not prolific, eels and flounder, and from the rocky patches, wrasse are caught.  From the autumn onwards pout after dark, and it has been known for sole to be caught.  Fishing best over the last three hours of the flood and about two hours of the ebb.  Baits, peeler crab and ragworm.

Mudeford Quay is a popular mullet mark at first light and late evening, low tide a favoured time.  Pout, silver eels and pollack taken after dark.  Lot of boat traffic during the day in the summer.  Launching facilities available.  Possible charges.  

Bournemouth.

Southbourne Beach runs out to Hengistbury Head, a sandy beach, not very steep. In summer, fish towards the Hengistbury end for LSD’s, plaice, some can be of good size, the current

British record shore caught plaice caught here in 1989, 8.6.14. Flounder and dabs also feature in catches. In winter expect whiting, flounder and a few coalfish, and possibly a few codling.

Poole.  

Jerry's Point.  Considered one of the top flounder marks through the winter, peak time December to February. Ragworm a top bait, slipper limpet popular fished as a coctail or on its own.  Float fishing popular with boat anglers in this area. Not a popular summer mark, fish are generally small, mostly eels and school bass.

Swanage.

Swanage Pier.  A well looked after pier with a lower fishing platform with wheelchair access.

  There is a wide variety of fish taken through the summer from this venue.  Float fish for mackerel,  garfish and pollack.  Mullet, bass and wrasse also taken here.  There is always the chance of a few bream and ray are not unusual.  Winter fishing is primarily flounder, plus a few pout and whiting cod are a rarity.  Baits Summer are, mackerel strip, frozen sandeel, ragworm and squid.  For bream, ragworm tipped with squid is popular. It cost £1.50 per rod per day. (Prices change so expect increase) No extra for fishing on after dark.  Car park near by, pay and display.

Peverel Point A rocky area, so wind fast on the retrieve. Fishes well through the summer, ( avoid day time in the summer, too many visitors and divers practising),  for wrasse, mackerel, garfish and pollack. After dark is when the undulate ray move in, is considered a prime spot, also expect dogfish and pout. Fish the flood tide.  Mackerel the best bait for rays and ragworm for other fish.  

Durdle Dore  Gets its name from the giant arch or door in a rock jutting out into the sea.  A shingle beach shelving off quickly.   Deep water well within casting range.  The area to the west is considered the better area, 250 to 300 yards.  Bass, conger and bull huss have all featured in catches, many to specimen size. Wrasse and pollack also taken here as well  as mackerel and garfish.  Ragworm, peeler crab, mackerel and squid the top baits.   Mullet are often caught from here.

Lyme Regis 

The Cob.  Not a popular spot, mostly fished by visitors for mackerel.  Check on restrictions.

Monmouth Beach.  West of the harbour it is a beach of mixed sand and rock.  A night time mark for the better results, small conger and bass, often into double figures.   Best fished on the flood.  Baits,  mackerel, squid and lugworm.

West Bay. Good boat fishing from here. Reefs hold good pollack, conger and dogfish. Excellent bream fishing from about August. Expect fish to 5lb. Launching facilities at the harbour. Fees may be payable. Parking for car and trailer. Toilets, café, and tackle shops, bait available. Charter boats, click

Chesil Beach Probably the best known area. This 18 mile long steeply shelving shingle beach, runs from West Bay to Portland. At West Bay the shingle is fine, almost like sand, and gradually increases in size until at Portland they are huge stones.

West Bay Beach. Here bass can be caught early morning. Plaice and dabs caught in summer months.

West Bexington. A popular spot where a variety of fish are caught. Plaice in the spring, also to the right at Cogdon. A good mark for Dover sole in the latter part of the year, fishing at dusk with lugworm. Whiting, pout, mackerel and garfish also caught. Winter fishing includes cod. Car park, café and toilets.

Abbotsbury. Popular because of the access. Much the same as West Bexington, without the soles. Bream usually taken here in the summer months. The Dragons Teeth, about half a mile towards Portland is considered one of the better marks. Cod and whiting in the winter.

Chesil Cove The only area with a rocky bottom. Wrasse and bass caught, and late at night conger are sometimes taken.

Portland. Portland has many good vantage points for a variety of fish. Big wrasse can be caught from here, most of year round. Velvet crab a favourite bait. Peeler, hard back crab and worm also good. Live prawn will take pollack and wrasse.

The Pulpit near the Bill, fishing is possible from the top of this very high rock, but take care, or fish around the base. A good mark, conger taken from here, also quality wrasse, bass and pollack.

Around the Bill Numerous flat rocks along the coast offer good angling platforms, some are high off the water, but big wrasse are caught  on velvet crab and winched up.  Other species to be caught include, mackerel, garfish, bass, mullet and bream.  Night fishing very good in may of the areas.

Church Ope Cove a popular secluded beach to fish, a long walk. Rocky bottom, but a modest cast of about 60 yards will get the bait out to clean sandy bottom.   Flat fish likely here including sole and plaice. Bass and conger also caught..

Weymouth    Weymouth is the launching point to fish the popular Shambles Banks. From about March the big plaice move in, expect fish to 5lb and above. Boats regularly get multiple catches. From about May onwards catches include turbot and brill. Blonde ray also caught from Weymouth in large numbers with fish to 30lb regularly caught. Click our Charter boat page for boats.

Launching facilities available, fees may be charged. .

Bowleaze Cove.   To the east of Weymouth. A popular mark with locals. A mixed beach, shingle, rock and sand.   A night spot only in summer, to many visitors during the day.  Conger, bass, wrasse and sometimes sole..

The Stone Pier.     Summer spot for mackerel and garfish on float.    Bottom fishing reasonably good for a mix of fish including bass, pollack, conger, wrasse and pout.  Boat traffic during the summer.

Ringstead Bay

Ringstead Bay. A popular bay about 5 miles or so to the east of Weymouth. A reef lies within casting distance off the beach. The better fishing is along the beach to the left, (east). Fish beneath White Nothe for mixed fishing. Wrasse, bass and conger. Considered one of the best mark in the Weymouth area..

Co Durham

Easington Beach  A black sand beach, the result of years of coal mining.  A good winter mark for cod and whiting.  multiple catches can be taken. not a long cast beach.  A featureless beach, but local named marks are, Foxholes at the south end and Bell Hole a little further south.  Summer fishing is quite on this beach, but occasional fish are caught.   Best of the baits lugworm,  especially black lug tipped with white rag, peeler crab and mussel are also favoured.  Mackerel best for whiting.   Car parking not easy

Essex

Curry Point  A rough beach where light tackle can be used, except on the point where weights to 4 or 5ozs are needed.  In the summer expect smaller fish including eels, flounder and school bass.  Autumn and winter sees catches whiting and a few small codling. The best time to fish, the last two hours of the flood and the first hour of the ebb.

Baits include peeler crab, lug and  rag

often fished as cocktails.

Grays Wharf,  A long flat beach lined with groynes.  In summer expect to catch flounder, sole, small bass and silver eels.  Baits; lug and ragworm, peeler crab also popular especially for eels at distance.

Walton on the Naze. Best marks here appear to be along the beach by the crumbling cliffs. Note it is possible to be cut off at high tide, so take care. Between the sunken pill boxes is the best area for bass, and the occasional thornback and sting ray, a few plaice and eels also caught. In winter, codling and whiting. Top bait would seem to be peeler crab, followed by ragworm, lug better in the winter for codling and whiting. Walton Pier a good winter mark for codling, dab and pout.

Hampshire.

Hamble Common.   This is a shingle beach, we4st of the Hamble River.  Fishes best on  spring tides 2 to 3 hours either side high water.  flounder, silver eel and bass the most likely catch, plaice often caught in the spring to 2lb+.  Baits, ragworm the number one bait here, peeler crab also popular.

Hayling Island   A good all year mark.  In winter whiting, pout and LSD with the chance of the odd cod. Not a long casting beach.  Top baits are ragworm and lug, tip with belly of mackerel for the best whitin results.

Hordle Cliff.  A walk from the road but can be worth it.  Plaice taken here, and sometimes sole.  Rag and lug popiular baits and so too is peeler crab.

Keyhaven  A steep shingle beach running out to Hurst Castle.  A popular summer mark producing a variety of species   At Hurst Castle, fish near the groyne for bass and dabs, big fish caught at night, also expect sole and pout, and in the winter, codling are taken at low water.   Fishes well at night and in the day.  Mackerel and dogfish included in catches.  Most baits catch from this beach, pout and mackerel recommended for bass, peeler crab, ragworm and squid for mixed fishing. Strong tides here.

Lymington, Pennington Sea Wall.  A popular winter fishing venue for flounder.  Good catches taken from here from November through until February.  Eels also caught, and in the summer not unusual to see smootthound taken.  Ragworm and peeler crab the better baits. Bait can be dug here. 

Hill Head.   Fishes well in the summer months for a varieyt of species including smoothhounds and sting ray. Bass and eels are also a target fish and at times gilthead bream are taken.  Baits: ragworm the better bait for sting ray and the giltheads, peeler crab and hermits for the other species.

Humberside

Immingham  A clean area to fish, high tide the better time, one popular area  is the Doverstrand, a shallow area, small rocks close in, and fish on the higher numbers marked on the sea wall.  Good flounder mark in the winter plus good sized whiting.  Ragworm and black lug the top bait, more effective when tiped with squid.

Isle of Man

Ballaghennie.  This shingle and sand beach is the Point of Ayre.  In the summer tope are caught from here on the top of the tide and at low water it is flounder, coalfish and bass. Strong tides.   Bait, sandeel iis the local favourite for tope and bass, lug, rag, peeler crab, white rag and razor fish also well tried.

Fleshwick Bay. On the south of the Island, a good rock fishing area, expect pollack to 6lb, or bigger. Kelp covered weed provide shelter for ballan and cuckoo wrasse, conger, pout, coalfish and on float, mackerel and garfish. A modest cast, about fifty yards puts the bait on clean ground and possible plaice. Best time to fish, flood tide in the evening.

Point West. On the northern tip of the Island, it has a shelving shingle beach which fishes well throughout the year, best time April to November. Fishing is best two hours either side of high water because of strong tides. This beach claims to have the best beach fishing for tope anywhere. Bull huss and LSD also in residence. Pollack,, coalfish, dab, flounder and codling also taken from here. Fish after dark for the best results in winter.. Fish between the lighthouse and the sand dunes. Sandeel and mackerel the better baits, plus worm and crab.

Ramsey Harbour  In summer fish  for flounder and eels from low water. Other fish caught include smoothhound, bass, pollack and bull huss, some from outside the harbour.    Winter fishing also productive for codling, dogfish and whiting.    Big bags of coalfish caught from November to January, best on the flood.   Baits, sandeel and mackerel for whiting and dogfish, and mussel and lugworm for flounder. Cocktail works wonders.

The Vollan Said to be the top winter beach on the Island. It is shallow and sandy. From October through until January good catches are made of, coalfish, whiting, codling and bass. In the summer LSD, flatfish can be caught on most states of the tide, and after dark expect a few small whiting. Baits during summer are, sandeel, peeler crab and mackerel strip. Crab popular in the winter and so is mussel if you can keep it on the hook. Tipping with squid a good idea.

Isle of Wight.

A popular holiday Island with good fishing, especially for sole and smoothhound.  Strong tides demand grip weights in most areas.  Boat fishing very good for ray, bass, cod smoothhhound and most other smaller fish.  Charter boats on the Island at Yarmouth.  

Alum Bay.    In the shadow of the Needles. It is well know for its coloured  sand. A steep shingle beach, with rocks either end.  From the centre of the beach expect flat fish, including sole.  Wrasse from the rocks and bass into double figures caught from this beach, popular bait mackerel and cuttle fish. Fishing with plugs by the white cliffs is popular.  Daytime during the summer the beach is crowded.

Burnt Wood   Considered one of the best smoothhound marks, but a long walk. Best from late May to late July.  Best on the flood, moving back from the reefs as the tide rises.  Top bait peeler and soft crab. Big sting ray sometimes caught here.

Fort Albert   A popular mark for sole from August to November, fishing at night when high tide is around 2am.  Expect fish above two pounds. Also caught are  bass, dogfish and bass, in the winter good cod taken.  Best of the bait, lugworm, with ragworm a good substitute. 

Totland Bay.   Fishing reasonable good from the sea wall from the pier to the old lifeboat station. Species to be caught include sole, plaice, dabs, bream and smoothhound.   Mullet,wrasse and bass also caught in this area.  Ragworm the locals favourite for sole and mackerel fillet for the better bass.  Strong tides.

Yarmouth Pier.    A popular pier close to where the Lymington ferry docks.  The deep water at the end the better spot for smoothhound and bream. n the summer.  Winter cod fishing usually good. Tide and floating weed make fishing difficult at times during the summer. 

Kent

Deal Pier   Opened in 1957 by the Duke of Edinburgh, it was  the last pier to be open in England. It had the angler in mind when it was built and offers many facilities including access for wheelchairs.  In summer float fishing for mackerel and garfish is popular.  Mullet are also caught here along with pollack around the piles. Sole are also caught here during the summer in reasonable numbers.  In winter it is whiting and codling.  Top baits are yellowtail lug and peeler crab.  white rag and ragworm also take fish. Fishes well on all tides, but local say neaps are the best. 

Sandown Groynes.  This mile and a half of beach stretches between Deal Pier and Sandown Castle. Groynes are close together.  Best fishing time last hour of the ebb and and the first of the flood.  Popular hotspots are Sandown Castle, coastguard station, Goodwin Road and Harold Road.. Sole catches usually good in July and August, pout are caught through the year, with flounder, LSD, school bass in summer.  The winter sees whiting, codling and dabs.  Top baits are lugworm year round, Sandwich yellow tails are popular here, with rag and peeler also well used.  

Dover Southern Breakwater.   Guards the entrance to Dover harbour, often called the concrete boat, it can only be reached by boat from Wellington Dock pontoon Wedesdays, Saturday and Sunday.  Boat leaves at 8.30am back at 3.30pm. It costs £5 to fish, £3.50 for Dover SAA members plus the ferry fee, about £3.  The summer usually sees a lot of  mackerel, bass, mullet and flounder caught, other species also taken include LSD's.  Cod and whiting dominate the winter catches.  Baits.  Peeler crab and yellow tail lug the best in the winter.  ragworm and harbour rag during the summer, plus mackerel or cuttlefish.

Dover, Prince of Wales Pier  A very good winter mark for codling, whiting and big pout, fishes well in rough conditions. Other fish to catch, dogfish, flounder, pollack and the odd dab.  Summer time good for most of the summer species.   Best of the bait Lugworm takes most species, maddies for flounder and white rag for pollack. 

Dungeness.  The road to the Point is now open thanks to the Dungeness AA, park on the concrete road. You will need to join the club, £2, contact DAA, 31 Taylor Road, Lydd on Sea, Kent. TN29 2PA.  This is a good all year round mark fishing over low water is a favourite time, so is top of the tide and three hours down.  Whiting, dabs, and pout regularly caught, cod into double figures. after a storm.   Big sole and some bass also taken here.    Baits: Top bait Dungeness gutted black lug and lugworm.

Herne Bay.   Herne Bay a popular area for boat fishing.  Launching available from the arm and at Palm Bay, Cliftonville. There may be charges.  Thornback ray and smoothhound the top catches in the Thames Estuary. Peeler crab, hermit crab the popular baits. 

Shore fishing, Herne Arm has easy access and parking. deep water and strong tides, more than many other Kent areas.  Flounder, bass and mullet through the summer.   Problem on hot summer weekends are jet skis.

Samphire Hoe.   When the Channel tunnel was constructed, all the spoil, and there was many thousands of tonnes of waste, it was dumped at the foot of Shakespeare Cliff between Dover and Folkstone, it covered an area of 90.000 acres. After being concreted it formed a very long "breakwater", flat and clean and with a high wall to the front.  A day permit is required, cost £4, parking about £1.  Permits from the cafe in the car park. Fishing from here is excellent most of the year.  The high peg numbers are recommended to be the best from 160 to 200. A long walk with a lot of gear.  The bottom is full of boulders and iron work, and much tackle can be lost. On the plus side, the variety of fish to be caught, cod, bass, pollack, dogfish, conger, wrasse, dogfish mackerel and garfish, plus the unexpected.. Top baits are Peeler crab probably the top bait, especially when targeting the big bass, and they are caught here well into double figures, they are a target fish for locals, ragworm popular, tipped with mackerel, try also lug, live baiting joey mackerel also effective.  A large drop net essential because you are high off the water. Flood tide early morning or late evening the best time to fish. 

Beltinge   A sandy beach here with mussel beds, some small rocks.  Fishing best over the top of high water.  Good eel mark, also small bass, return under sized fish. The Rand, a shingle bank also worth fishing.

Tankerton.  popular area to collect peeler crab in the spring from the mud around the groyns.  Popular fishing marks are either side of the Street, in front of the beach huts towards the eastern end of the prom.  eels and flouder the top fish.   

Hythe Hythe Range. Firing times are posted at the Warden,s hut. Red flag flown day time and lights at night when military using the range. Access is via Range Road and a footpath. Hythe Marine parade to Princess parade at Seabrook also fishes well. Catches expected include sole, pout and eel during the summer, a few bass are caught, but are not prolific. From autumn through the winter catches to expect are codling, pout, whiting and flounder. Worm and crab the preferred baits. Night time considered the best.

Kingsdown Butts and Kingsdown Beach under the chalk cliffs at Dover. Good cod marks, but not the sport of days past, fish are smaller now, five to seven pounds. Access at all times, but beware of getting cut off under the chalk cliff. Rough chalk bottom, cruel on tackle. Top bait is peeler crab followed by yellow tails and whole calamari squid.

Minnis Bay Runs from Birchington to Reculver Towers. A spring hotspot from shore and small boat, codling, eels, sometimes smooth hound and small bass. The area has been known to yield the occasional ray. At Birchington itself fish over low tide at the rock mark for cod ling and bass. Tackle will be lost in some areas.

Launching from Birchington seafront, north end.

Dymchurch The sea defence wall offers some very good fishing. Bottom is very snaggy and tackle losses are inevitable. The Knuckle is a favourite spot with some anglers, old groyne and rocks make life difficult, lead lifts recommended. Last two hours and first hour maybe two the better time to fish..

Aldeburgh A shingle beach with deep water close in, runs down on to sand. From September the whiting arrive, and in November and December cod are the target fish. Most are below ten pounds. After Christmas through until March its flounder and dab, the latter in quantity. Martello Tower and the groyns in front of the yacht club two of the popular marks. Best times is spring tides, when high tide is around midnight. Bait. Pennell rig baited with squid lugworm cocktail a favourite for cod. Ragworm tops for the flat fish.

Ramsgate.  The outside of the east pier fishes in the winter on the flood tide, but don't be to expectant of a lot of fish.  Summer months on the inside of both piers is the better fishing. High water is the locals favourite time for mullet.  Fish to catch include flounder, bass, eels and codling in the winter.  Peeler crab a preferred bait, black lug and rag also used.  Moorings can be a problem.

Thorpeness Point. Half mile walk, but often worth it. Sand and shingle beach, casting into gullies. Strong tide. Bass to specimen size are caught here during the summer, and at dusk and into dark, quality Dover sole put in an appearance. Good codling mark from October onwards, once the whiting have thinned out. Worm for most fish, peeler best for the codling, but during the cold times, squid and lug are reported to be better. Frozen sandeel seems to be attractive to the bass here in summer.

Willop Sluice off the A259 between Dymchurch and Hythe

A shallow sandy beach backed by a long sea wall that is a comfortable fishing platform at high water.  In summer flounder, eel and bass are the main species caught, and in the winter codling and whiting.   Baits,  the best of the winter bait is black lug with peeler crab the top one for summer fishing.

Lancashire

Morecombe   A good area for boat fishing. The local club have their own compound with launching tractors.  Slipway, and help from the club available.  Launching across beach.  Fish to be caught include tope, thornback ray, plaice, bass, codling, and smootthound. Usual baits apply. 

Lincolnshire   

Anderby Creek.   A long flatish beach, sand and shingle.  Not one of the areas top beaches, produces flounder and sole in the summer, plus one or two other species, in the winter a few codling are caught here.  

Bait:  Lugworm are favourite and can be dug here, peeler also very good .

Grimsby, Fuller Street.  This shingle beach produces flounder, bass and eels through the summer, plus one or two other summer species.  In winter whiting.  

Bait:  worm and peeler crab the preferred baits. 

Ingoldmells Point.   A winter venue, and rated the best cod beach in the area.  Cod caught through from end of September to May, October and Novemebr considered top months.  The spring months for codling.   This flaat sandy beach is best fished from mid tide to about two hours down. Best conditions are in a NE wind.  In the sumer flounder are caught together with sole, eels and bass, bathers in the day time, fish early morn or evening.

Baits:  Top is Peler crab and lugworm.  Wjhite rag popular for tipping baits, also mackerel  tempts the whiting.

Saltfleet Haven    This outlet to the sea is a summer mark.  Best fished at low water, the strong tides over the top of the tide are dangerous and care is needed if you decide to fish. Better catches at low water of flounder, eels and small bass, sole also caught from here.

Bait:  harbour rag, lugworm and peeler crab.

Sutton on Sea  A flat beach with some groyns, probably to many bathers in the summer months through the day.   Fish at low water in the evenings for eels, flounder and small bass.  Not a recognised winter mark, but codling are caught here along with whiting fishing over the top of the tide..

Bait:  Lug and ragworm probably the best plus crab.

Walla Bank   A flat shallow dark sandy beach with a few offshore gullies.Can be a weedy beach, fish top of the tide.  In the winter, cod and whiting with dab, flounder and bass taken during the summer months.

Baits:  Ragworms and lug plus crab.  In the winter razorfish and squid also used.

Norfolk

Caister 0n Sea   A beach of sand and shingle but can be snaggy.  In some areas it shevles into te water. can be busy with swimmers in the summer.Expect to catch bass, eels, flounder and sole; in the winter cod and whiting.

Bait: Lugworms and ragworms, mackerel and herring strip for the winter cod and whiting, peeler crab and lug for the summer speies, suid on its own or for tipping.

Ingoldmells Point     A flat beach north of Skegness.  During the summer flounder are in residence together with sole, eel, codling and bass.   The best of the winter cod fishing is from September, and will continue to fish through to May, considered one of the top  beaches for codling in the area.  Over the top of the tide is best.  Summer fishing in day time not easy because of other users.

Bait: Peeler and lugworm the best, tipping with white rag recommended. 

Gorleston Pier   Fishes well through the summer for most summer species including bass, wrasse and dabs. Autumn and winter will see codling and whiting grabbing the baits.  Baits Lug and squid considered the best. Black lug, rag and mackerel good all round baits here. 

Hemsby  A sandy beach with sand bar about 100 yards off running parallel to the beach.  A winter beach for big cod if you can cast beyond the sand bar. Plenty of fish inside, but smaller.   Bass to specimen size caught here during the late summer and autumn.  Best early and late in summer because of swimmers.   Baits Peeler bait a highly rated bait from this beach.   Hermit crabs also used, especially if spurdogs being caught after dark. 

South Eccles    This is a sand and shingle beac, with groyns, very flat; there are a few dips within casting distance; North eccles is a more snagging beach. Sumer expect to catch bass, flounder, dab, eels, smoothhound and sole.   Top of the tide considered the betteer time to fish.

Baits:  peeler crab is said to be the top bait in summer, tip with squid adds to the variety of fish caught.  Lugworm for the winter when codling are caught. 

Northumberland

Alnmouth Bridge  This is a river mark, popular in the area for winter flounder fishing; expect fish to 2lb, but not all the time.  There are popular marks either side of the river; one of the better ones is the walkway on the north bank.  

Bait:  peeler crab is top bait, but when crabs are difficult to get mackerel tipped worm takes fish.

Beadnell    An   area where you can fish from sandy beach, rocks or breakwater. In winter cod are caught from the rock and weed areas, known locally as red cod, expect to hook fish into double figures from the area behind the harbour fishing the rock edges or Skeers.   In the summer there is a mix of species in this popular area, pollack, coalfish, wrasse, bass, mackerel and flounder, a top fish here..  From the beach a few plaice, dab and small turbot.

Bait.  Lugworm a top winter bait, fresh or frozen peeler and soft crab, plus razor fish, mussel and clam.  Tipping crab and worm with small mackerel strip is popular for flat fish. Peeler crab the top summer bait.

Camrois Rocks.  Fishing here is from flat rocks (Skeers) into gullies.  Only fishable for about two hours eithwer side low water.  Excellent cod mark, including a few topping twenty pound each winter.  Fishing Autumn to spring, peak time usually in eqrly January.

Bait:  Peeler crab, especially on low water springs, jug,rag and white rag all catch at different time.  

Craster Harbour.  A popular all year mark that can be fished in most weather conditions.  Fishing is from rocks (skeers)  Cod are caught throughout the year.  In summer expect to land coalfissh to two pound, codling (red) cod to 5/6lb andf a few wrasse.   In the harbour flounder..

Baits: Live peeler crab considered by most as the only bait to use through the summer, for winter fishing frozen peeler and lugworm the better baits, tip with mussle or razor fish for added attraction. 

Hartley Island.  Seaton Sluice; a short walk down the cliff steps get you to the best marks. It is a good winter mark for cod, often throwing up fish into double figures.   Best of the baits are frozen peeler crab and lugworm.

Longhoughton Steel.  A popular cod mark through the winter, a short cast is all that is necessary here. Spiked weights needed, but beware of rough ground. Top baits are peeler crab and lug, mussel, clam and razor can also produce results. Acces and the best time two hours either side of low water.

Lynemouth   This is one of the few shingle beaches in the north east, this together with the warm water pumped into the sea every day from the power  station makes this a popular mark, with a variety of sea bed from sandy shingle to rocks, and shallow to deep. A very good winter cod mark, expect to catch big fish. The best known marks are Lyne  Burn to Bog Hall Rocks, low water only, Peggies Opening and the Railway Hole and Snab Point. Also expect to catch coalies.  Other species to expect are flounder, eel, bass, dab and whiting. Baits Peeler crab the top bait, especially in summer, snake white ragworm the locals favourite for the big cod, rag, lug, mussel, clam and squid also used.

Seahouses  Better known for its charter boat fishing where cod dominate the catches most of the year, popular with anglers, a good boat match area.  Shore fishing seems to be restricted to rock marks in the South Pier area where cod are taken through the summer and winter.

Baits; peeler crab, fresh or frozen, and worm cocktails.

Whitely Bay, Latch Dyke or Railway. A good autumn winter mark, coalfish and codling are target fish as the nights draw in. A mark where the big fish can be expected. Very weedy, try to fish in the gullies.  Peeler crab a top bait, also lug, mussel and snale white rag. 

Merseyside

New Brighton.  Situated on the Wirral  side of the Mersey, at the western end of the promenade. In the summer, dab, flounder plaice and silver eels are plentiful. Fish into the swirling eddy. Good plaice are caught at low water casting into the channel.  In winter codling and whiting also taken here.  Tides of around 30ft the best.  A variety of baits catch at this mark including lugworm, peeler crab and mackerel strip.

Vale Park A mark growing in popularity, bass are caught here , and according to the locals are increasing in numbers annually. Vale Park is popular, fish around the groins with soft back or peeler crab. In te spring and summer, plaice and flounder are taken in reasonable numbers.   Peeler crab by far the better bait fished on the flood tide. Sole are another fish to be caught down to New Brighton. Winter fishing is for whiting to a pound and a half , cod to 6lb to 8lb. 

Seaforth Rocks .  This area is well known for its thornback ray, although mostly small, there is also an abundance of LSD's to specimen size.  Winter fishing is popular here from the end of September through to February for whiting, codling. A popular cocktail bait is black lug and mackerel.  

Ottersport Promenade.  A popular mark, especial for matches.  Good fisdhing here winter and summer.  Species to catch, whiting, LSD, cod and dab.  Most baits work here, but black lug and peeler crab the best.

Northumberland

Hauxley Haven, Butter Gut  A rock strewn beach requiring heavy tackle and rotten bottoms, but good winter and spring mark especially for cod, fishes best after easterly blow when water is coloured.  Bait:  peeler crab, peeler crab/ lugworm cocktail. 

Somerset.

Blue Anchor.  Popular for match fishing, produces plenty of fish. Choice of fishing from a wall, beach or reef.  Winter cod, many into double figures, whiting and pout.  In the summer dogfish, bass and conger,   Baits Lugworm a top bait, peeler crab and lu/squid cocktail also very popular.

Bossington Beach   A long beach offering a choice of fishing. Casting is on to sand and broken ground and kelp beds.   In front of car park for sand, rough ground about a hundred yard cast. Away to the right, under cliffs at Hurlestone, rough bottom, but catches sometimes good.  Squid, rag, and peeler crab popular in summer and winter.

Hinkley Point. Considered by many to be the superior cod mark.  Most winters see cod above 20lb caught. Fishing is from steep reefs at low water on to broken ground.  Expect tackle losses.    Spike weights needed on the stronger tides.   Fish either side of low water.  Beware of fast advancing tide, do not get cut off.     Other species caught here include ray, whiting and sometimes smoothhound. Baits, calamari squid, frozen sandeel and launce, peeler crab and ragworm.  

Lilstock.  A popular winter beach for cod, many big fish caught here.  Fishing is not always easy.   Fishing is from boulder strew beach on to sand and broken ground.  Hotspot is just left of the sewer pipe.  Casts of 100 yards plus bring the best results.   The low water reef area is snaggy, but results are often good. Calamari  and frozen sandeel  popular baits, also lugworm.     Ray and dogfish also caught from here.

Minehead.   Summer fishing not as productive as winter.  Dogfish, bass, rockling, mackerel and garfish late summer.

White rock or white mark and gasworks are the popular marks for winter cod fishing,  big cod  frequently taken. Long casting an advantage. Best fishing two hours either side low water. Usual baits.   Expect a bass or two and sometimes plaice during the summer.

Lifeboat Station and Harbour.   Fishing is onto sand and rough ground.  Good cod mark. In summer float fish for mackerel and garfish, not before June.   Left of the harbour cast from pebbles on to sand.  Summer species include dogfish, bass and conger.  Winter also see whiting, pout and conger.   From the beach two hours after low water to high water, and from the wall, two hours either side high water.  Rag and lug tipped with squid the better baits.   Winter include calamari and mackerel.

Suffolk

Aldenburgh A shingle beach with deep water close in, runs down on to sand. From September the whiting arrive, and in November and December cod are the target fish. Most are below ten pounds. After Christmas through until March its flounder and dab, the latter in quantity. Martello Tower and the groyns in front of the yacht club two of the popular marks. Best times is spring tides, when high tide is around midnight.

Bait. Pennell rig baited with squid lugworm cocktail a favourite for cod. Ragworm also popular.

Hopton    A flat beach; a good spring mark for dabs. In winter codling to about 8lb can be expected, whiting and pout.  Lugworm and squid are the better baits here in winter, with ragworm and lug favoured for the dad.

Minsmere   In summer this is a recognized sole mark, other species also caught here.  In winter codling and dabs top the list.  Best of the baits, lugworm and squid in the winter, lug, and rag in the summer.

Thorpeness Point

Half mile walk, but often worth it to a  sand and shingle beach, casting into gullies. Strong tide. Bass to specimen size are caught here during the summer, and at dusk and into dark, quality Dover sole put in an appearance on the north side. Good codling mark from October onwards, caught south of Thorpness Point before other Suffolk marks.  Whiting arrive before the codling. 

Baits. ragworm for most fish, lugworm,  peeler best for the codling, but during the cold times, squid and lug are reported to be better. Frozen sandeel and squid seems to be attractive to the bass here in summer.

Felixstowe

A good area for dinghy fishing where catches include thornback ray, smoothhound to well above specimen size, and bass. in winter cod and whiting fishing is very good.

Concrete slipway for launching at  Suffolk Yacht Harbour with adequate parking and other facilities.  Cost around £8.  A shingle slipway at Felixstowe Ferry on the North side of the town. Launching costs are dependent on engine size, up to £10.  Parking available. Beware strong tides in river.

Boat Marks 

Felixstowe Ledge, thought to offer the best winter cod fishing anywhere. Whiting also thick, and can be a nuisance.

Cutler Bank.  About two miles out from the Deben River.  In summer big thornback a feature, also sole, eels, dogfish and occasional tope.   Winter it is cod to twenty pound,  and whiting.

Cork Sand.  A good summer mark.  for bass, mostly schoolies, but specimens are caught here, also thornbacks from the spring.  Cod and whiting in the winter.  

Baits include, peeler crab, herring, squid, ragworm and lugworm.

Shore Marks 

Languard Jetty One of the areas top spots for bass. Here expect to catch fish into double figures in the autumn. Baits Spoons, peeler crab and ragworm. Codling and whiting during the winter. Long casting often pays best dividends here.

The Dip. Shingle beach with groyns. A popular winter mark for codling some into double figures and whiting. October to March best months, blow lug, ragworm, squid and mackerel the popular baits. During summer months is recognized as a good mixed fishing spot. Dab,  flounder, bass, eels and garfish appear in catches. Blow lug, ragworm and peeler crab the better bait.

Kessingland Beach.  This popular beach has easy access and is fairly clean.  Fishes well in summer for sole, eels and bass.  Winter fishing includes codling and whiting after dark.  Late autumn good for dab especially at Benacre. Long casting an advantage.

Bait. For winter lugworm is the top bait, some would say the only bait. is with squid or mackerel.

Southwold.   The new pier is a popular venue with a wide range of fish.   The harbour wall offers reasonable and comfortable fishing; in the summer expect to catch bass and mackerel, and in the winter, codling, dabs and whiting although these are not prolific.  Flounder in the spring.

Beaches.  The beaches are shingle and sand.  A popular mark is beneath the cliffs, but not at high water when the tide reaches the cliffs.  Cast to end of groyns,  or distance.  Sole and bass top fish.    The sea wall is all year round fishing for cod and whiting during the winter, expect a run of spring codling in March.   Through the summer, sole and bass are the target fish. 

Baits:  lugworm tipped with .mackerel and squid considered the best bait for cod and whiting.  Peeler bait the number one for bass and maddies also excellent for sole and other fish. White rag very good as are live prawn for bass, especially around the Bailey Bridge and in the harbour.

Slipway, there is a free launching slipway about half a mile from the harbour with limited free parking and a car park charging in the summer only.  

SUSSEX

East Sussex

Eastbourne Wish Tower, a prime rock mark for bass, June through to late October, expect fish to eight pounds and the odd double figure fish. Not a lot of other species caught at this mark.Night time the best, fishing the last hour of the flood and first of the ebb.

Splash Point. The eastern end of he front promenade. Fishes best at the top of the tide. Mostly sand, with catches expected throughout the year. Fish caught here include, plaice in the spring, and summer evening produces reasonable catches of sole. In the winter expect the usual fish, whiting, flounder and dab, and a few codling. When seas are rough, bass can be caught here.

Harbour Beach A steep shelving shingle beach east of Eastbourne, sand within a 50yd or 60 yard cast. Excellent mixed fishing, bass, sole, plaice, flounder, smoothhound, whiting, mackerel and garfish. Most baits work here, top of the list rag, lug and peeler crab. In the summer sport good with float tackle for mackerel, garfish and scad.

West Sussex

Shoreham Beach. Steep shingle runs out on to sand. Spring and summer yields catches of bass, flounder, silver eels with plaice spring and autumn. Winter night fishing produces the expected codling, whiting and small pout. In the summer this beaches sees golden grey mullet taking harbour rag (maddies) in the summer. LSD's also around. Long casting not a prerequisite of this beach. Lug, rag and peeler the top baits.

Wittering Beach Is east of Chichester. A shallow shingle beach, casting on to shell and sand. Expect plaice from spring through to September. Flounder in the winter, and after dark, whiting and codling. A bonus fish here in the summer,dover sole. Peeler crab the best winter bait, fresh or frozen. Lugworm and rag also used.

Tyne & Wear

Black Middens    A rocky area stretching out into the harbour.  A low water mark, best on springs when a modest cast will get you into the channel.  Cod caught all year and said to be always fishable.

In Sepember the flounder are best, but as October arrives so the codling and coalfish catches improve.

Baits: Top is peeler crab, lug, rag and fish strip work through the winter.

Cullercoats   The harbour area and rocky ledges forming small islands with deep gullies and Skeers, best fishing is low tide. One mark Cob Hill Island to the north enables you to get out into deeper water.  To the south are marks known as The Mary's, Warrior Gut, the Nancy's and Goats's gully.   When seas are boiling the hotspot is the Skeer to the south of the harbour.

Cod are plentiful and so are coalfish.  Rockling and eels also taken.

Bait   Peeler crab the best all year bait, lug, rag and shell fish used as cocktail baits.

Jarrow   Fishing here is from a walkway into the river on to a mud and shingle bottom in deep water close in..

In the summer months from May  flounder are caught here, plus a few coalfish and codling.  In the autumn fishing picks up with better catches of coalfish and cod, but rarely into double figures; flounder still caught. 

Baits: peeler crab best for summer fish, but ragworm a preferred winter bait.

St Mary's Island   This is a low water mark fishing on mud with scattered weed covered rocks, the north side of the Island the better mark, also Crisp Gulley. Not recommended in strong winds. 

Summer catches include wrasse, coalfish and the odd codling; in winter coalfish can reach double figures; the best months are October through to January fishing the last two hours of the ebb and the first two hours of the flood.

Bait:    Peeler crab, fresh or frozen, lug, rag and mussel are also used.

South Hylton   A picturesque mark, fishing from pathway close to the A19 road bridge; next to the Golden Lion is a top mark.  

Summer, eels caught especially at dusk, flounder and pollack also caught, winter fishing not popular at this mark. 

Bait:  Peeler crab the only bait worth using in summer according to the locals, at other times rag and lug will take fish as will mussel.  .

South Shields Groyne  A reasonably wide wall that fishes well most of the year.  From the autumn codling, coalfish a dabs  make up the catch. 

Baits:  Peeler crab, fresh the best, but frozen  works well, ragworm and mussel also acceptable.

Whitley Bay Beach    A long sandy beach, ground is rough around low wter mark and beyond.  Fises best from Autumn through the winter.  Best fishing last three hours of the ebb and the first hour of the flood.  Best fishing after dark although day time produces results when the water is coloured; the North end when rough and the southern end in calmer conditions.

Codling and coalfish are the target fish

Yorkshire  

Atwick.  This mark is pronounced "Attic" by the locals; it is a long clean beach with the best results if you locate the holes. Long casting only necessary on calm days.  Fishes for cod from October through until February or March., whiting also caught, and in the summer eels, flounder and bass can be expected. Access is through private grounds, free with the consent of the owner.  Please respect this.

Baits: Lugworm for codling and whiting; peeler and ragworm best for the summer species.

Bridlington North Beach.   This six mile long beach fishes well on a strong  northerly wind.  Mostly flounder and dab, plus the odd school bass and cod.

Bridlington Pier.  More popular with visitors and children, but it does offer reasonable fishing for dabs.  A few mackerel caught and a lopt of small pollack, or billet as they are called here.

Barmston.  Parking close by.  A beach where cod are caught at times during the winter.  In the summer dab and flounder present and silver eels occasionally.   The biggest of the dab are caught in January and February.  lugworm a popular bait.

Cloughton Wyke   There is a small tide range with good fishing most of the tide, but the best mid flood to the top of the tide; best of the fishing to the right of the car park.  The rocks that run from the back of the wyke regarded as top marks.  Tackle will be lost.  The winter months see plenty of cod caught here, plus a few whiting.  In the summer wrasse are taken and makerel caught on spinners and float.

Baits:  Fresh peeler the top bait, lug, mussel and squid also good for the cod that don't seem to picky on this mark.

Filey Brig   One of the best known all year round fishing marks, consistantly yields quality cod. Best results are over low water, spring tides the best.  Calm seas best for fishing, can be dangerous on rough days.  The Brigg end is best during the summer for the cod.   Summer fishing will see pollack, coalfish, mackerel and wrasse landed.  Some say ling and conger pop out of the sea occasionally.

Baits:  Lugworm the top winter bait, also ragworm and white rag.  peeler for the summer, also a beach for spinning in the summer and for jigging.

Hull, Makro  This is a comfortable estuary mark fishing from a prom with railings in front. Fishes well through the tide, flounder caught most of the year.  Codling are caught in the winter.

Baits; Peeler crab, fresh the best, harbour rag, lugworm, king rag and garden worms in summer if all else fails.

Ulrome-Skisen.  After a south east blow the beach fishes well for cod in the winter, also good catches of whiting made.   In the summer, dab, flounder and the odd thornback ray are taken. Lug can be dug here on a low spring tide.

Hornsea Beach.  Bigger cod are caught here, including a few into double figures.  Like other nearby beaches, dab and flounder are dominant.  Black lug and peeler crab successful baits. 

Out Newton. This is a beach that fishes well all year. The spring and summer months yields ray and bass and of course dogfish.  The winter months from September onwards cod are trhe target fish together with whiting.  Long casting an advantage, but not essential. Lug and white rag the preferred baits for cod, with peeler and soft crab better for the spring.  Flood tide the best, weed can be a problem at times but does clear quickly.  

Staithes. A good rock mark, with plenty of kelp. A mainly cod area in the winter with double figure cod on the menu regularly. Best time August through to February. Coalfish, rockling, pout and eels also feature in the early winter.

Main venues Crowbar Gully, North Side Jetty and Boiler Hole. Best fishing last three hours and first two hours of the flood. Beware of falling shale from cliffs walking to Boiler Hole and being cut off by the tide. Locals say fish only the bottom of the tide. Baits, top is peeler crab, fresh best but frozen works well, velvet peelers considered better, ragworm and mussel also used successfully.

Whitby. A good  cod area, including big fish. Sandsend Beach, a shallow beach that produces large numbers of bass in the summer and cod in the winter, a top mark is in front of a big blue sign with a white centre and the letters SV.  

Saltwick Bay, some would say this is  best for mixed fishing from September through until March.  Top mark is the Saltwick Hole in the centre of the beach over low water. Cod are the main species and run into double figures, plus good sized flounder and a few coalfish. 

Piers, said by some to be the best two piers in the north east.  West Pier fishes the best; mackerel in summer and and cod and whiting through the winter from October. The East Pier does see cod into double figures, but the ground is rough with kelp weed. Whitby has a lot of other species to catch including  flounder, expect to make double figure catches, also plenty of silver eels. Popular marks are the inner walls of both piers, the sandy beach below the Abbey and the stone wall which is popular with children in the summer. Known as Kids Corner. Summer cod are best fished for from the pier extensions, good sport with fish up to 2lb plus the occasional bigger one. 

Winter cod fishing best on the West extension when a big sea is running , a strong north to north westerly wind the best time to fish. Either side of high water the best time.

Baits: Peeler crab, live is the better bait for cod, eel and flounder; lugworm and mussel also popular together with frozen peeler crab.

For an in depth look at fishing in Yorkshire with pictures of the marks, click on  http://www.photorecce.co.uk

Scotland

Angus

Arbroath  Summer fishing from the mile long Victoria Park, dotted with kelp  filled gullies in crystal clear water for usual summer species, low water best..  In winter the dirty water is good for cod fishing. Expect to catch some into double figures but the general run would be more around 3lb to 6lb.  The promenade fishes well in winter over high water in rough weather, sometimes better quality fish.  Best baits  summer , peeler crab, lugworm and mussel.  Peeler and squid cocktail favoured in the winter.   Charter boats work from the harbour through the summer, cod from May, wrasse, dogs, pollack and ling to double figures on mussel and worm baits fishing over rocky weed covered ground; baited Hokais work well here on slack water.

Southerland.

Stoer    A small stone and sand beach which is popular for dabs and dogfish, and surprisingly so far north, bass. A good surf and fishing after dark produces best sport.   Late summer early autumn the best. baits sandeel and worm for bass, peeler crab also good

South West

Cairnhead. Just North of the Isle of Whithorn.  This is a rock mark, fishes well during the summer and autumn.  Wrasse and pollack, plus a few mackerel. LSD are plentiful, big bags often taken in matches from here. Ragworm, peeler crab and sandeel the top baits, tip with thin mackerel strip.

Isle of Whithorn.   Good tope fishing from boat in Luce Bay.  The top summer mark is just past the car park beyond the village. Plenty of dogfish. Pollack and mackerel spinning or float fishing to avoid LSD.  Reasonable wrasse fishing. Mullet taken in the harbour, also a few plaice casting beyond the rocks.  Strong tides on springs. 

WALES

Anglesea.   

Trearddur Bay.   Here there is a slipway, near lifeboat station, for launching that is free, but busy throughout the summer.  Parking is also free.  Offshore there are a variety of species to catch including, codling, conger, huss, coalfish and LSD.  Fishing is to the north, and mostly within one mile of the shore around South Stack and Dafarch.   An autumn mark know as Lily Pond produces blonde ray into double figures. 

Trefor.  A popular launching area to fish the Bay.  Sheltered and accessible at all states of the tide, runs off onto sand, which can be soft.  Charges of £7.50 made.  Free car parking. A prolific area fishing mostly over broken ground and small reefs. Smoothhound, bream, thornback and other species of ray, bull huss, tope and whiting, plus all the gurnards.  Baits. peeler crab, rag and lugworm, mackerel and squid.  

Beaumauris  Here there is a slipway free to use, next to the lifeboat station.  Useable at all states of the tide by 4x4's and about two hours less of each tide by ordinary vehicles.

Menai  also has a slipway found off Walter Street, free and usable almost all tides, maybe a problem at low springs. Free parking near by, follow signs.

Dyfed

Broad Haven   It has a flattish beach, sand and shingle.   The area is a known plaice and dab mark, especially on sunny days, turbot also taken, also gurnard and dogfish. Mackerel and garfish in the summer on float and spinners.  In the autumn and winter, whiting and a few codling taken. Best baits: Lugworm and razorfish, ragworm and peeler crab also good.

Marks to fish, The Point, best over low water, behind the surf, can be dangerous in rough weather,  Tope taken here sometimes.   The Beach; shallow to the left, deeper to the right.  The Ledges, rocky ledges, and freshwater stream running into the sea. Star Rock  Recommend fish only low water, can be cut off and dangerous when the weather changes. The Cliff Ledge; snaggy bottom. good for dogs and gurnard, whiting and codling in autumn.   Little Horn;  Only fishable when the range is open, check with the guard. A low  water mark.  

Gwynedd

Barmouth  A shallow featureless sand beach backed with shingle.  There are rocks at the north end and groyns to the left in front of the promenade. April is the start of the summer season here with the first arrival of bass, mostly small, up to about 3lb, the bigger fish move in  in May and June. Calm sunny weather will see them move off to the refs. Turbot are also caught from April with the occasional plaice taken.  Eels and flounder also present, expect thornback ray on spring tides.  From September whiting move in, peaking around November, fish over a pound turn up in January.  Good dab fishing from October to February, the best time after Christmas.  Baits   Lugworm the top bait, tip with sandeel, squid or mackerel.  Ragworm also good with peeler crab best for the big bass.  

Barmouth Breakwater. Strong tides in the estuary make fishing difficult in many areas. The breakwater is popular, fish the end, spin for bass to 5lb plus. Redgill popular here. Flounder, LSD and eels caught on the bottom, if you are lucky, a plaice. Mullet fishing possible.

Holyhead Breakwater   This is a popular match venue with good mixed fishing throughout the year. The  Outer Wall is popular because it is possible to cast into deep water, but the bottom is very snagging and rigs will be lost. 

 Grip weights will prevent tackle being pulled into snags by strong tides.  Long casting a definite advantage to reach clean ground.  Summer species include wrasse, LSD, pollack, three bearded  rockling, cuckoo wrasse and occasionally a tadpole fish, fish likely to be small, except pollack that reach 3lb + at times. Winter sees cod and whiting, autumn also included bull huss and conger.

The Inner Harbour.  Fishing is on cleaner ground, does not fish so well in the summer, in winter it yields dab and whiting.  Peeler crab and ragworm the best summer baits, sandeel and mackerel for the dogfish with lugworm a good winter bait. Peeler probably the best for the big cod.

Llandudno

Llandudno Pier. A long pier which means getting out into deep water. Fishing allowed only on the end section. Flat fish the main quarry including reasonable sized plaice. On warm summers, mullet can be caught, as well as LSD’s . In winter whiting and dab make up the bulk of the catch. Worm baits the best.

Pemroke

Broad Haven is popular with bass anglers.  The point is a popular mixed venue, good fishing including the occasional tope.  can be dangerous when big waves wash over. The Cliff Ledge. Generally the bottom is clean here, and is a popular fishing mark, but there are the odd rocks that eat weights. Plenty of LSD and gurnard from here in the summer, and in the winter, whiting and the odd codling.  The Little Horn is a good mark over low water for small pollack, gurnard, mackerel and LSD.  Spin, float or leger.  A snag, it borders the military ranges, if the red flag is flying don't go, if there is a guard, ask his  opinion about safety.

South Wales

Ogmore.    Just south of Bridgend.  The fishing is east of the town, park near a cattle grid and walk to the shore.  Large flat rock area, comfortable fishing.   Casting is over clean ground into moderately deep water, the occasional snag.  Moderate casting is OK , but distance is better.  An area for quality ray and cod.   In the spring the ray arrive offshore and soon move within casting range.  Through the summer blonde ray, small eyed, thornback and spotted ray are taken here.  Plenty of LSD's.  In winter plenty of cod and whiting.   Best time, on mid tides, top of the tide and the first two hours back. Warning,  Big swells on spring tides can be dangerous, you could be swept off, even without the wind spring tides can flood over the rocks.  Baits, lugworm. especially black lug and peeler crab tipped with squid.  Mackerel strip also used.

Barry.  

St Mary's Well Bay.  Clean ground here, fish the point about two hour either side of low water. The DANGER here is being cut off by the incoming tide, keep an eye on your back. Fish to catch, in the summer, this is a top bass mark as is the near by rocks. Eels, mullet on float tackle, flounder and small conger feature in catches. On rare occasions a small turbot or ray will be caught.  In winter it is cod and whiting that top the list. Big baits popular, squid. black lug and black lug cocktails. Dab can also be caught.   

Gower Peninsula

Brandy Cove  A long walk.  A good summer mark for bass, from April through to around November. Low water at night said to be the best time. Other summer species caught here include wrasse, conger, rockling, pollack, plaice, bream and flounder.  A summer visitor is the trigger fish. Long casting not necessary, short cast in the gullies can be productive. Top bait is peeler crab.

Church Rocks. Cast from the rocks on to clean sand. Dogfish and a few flounder are the main quarry during the summer. Late This is a series of flat rocks fishable for about two hours either side of high water.  Summer will see the mackerel and garfish arrive, and a few bass. In winter it is whiting and a codling or two after dark.  

Pwllheli A top resort with boat and shore fishing. Charter boats available and launching for trailed boats, charges  made. Free parking.  Fishing to the west is quite productive, expect catches of tope, huss, LSD, and whiting, plus good sized wrasse closer in.  Mixed baits, include, peeler crab, and worm.

The town beach fishes along its length, species caught include thornback ray, spotted and occasionally sting ray, dabs, LSD’s, whiting and gurnard also caught, and in summer expect black bream, mostly around a pound but with the occasional bigger fish. The top match area on the beach is east towards Gimlet Rock . Long casting produces the better results.

The Marina Channel good for mullet, expect fish on bread flake to above 5lb.

Baits. Mackerel, sandeel or crab for ray, mackerel and squid for bream. Cocktail baits worth trying here.

Tutt Head off the road from Swansea to Mumbles.

This is a high rocky headland at the west end of Swansea Bay. In the spring and summer fish two hours either side of low water for bass.  Other fish during the summer are rockling, bream, trigger fish, mackerel and garfish.  Whiting and codling are caught from the autumn through the winter.  Baits Peeler crSab, fish in the gullies, worm also useful and live sand eel, fished on float for better results. An area for plugging and other lures.

Ireland

Co Wicklow

Newcastle.  A steep shelving beach that runs for about fifteen miles from Bray Head.  Fishes well in the summer for a variety of species, but the beach fishes better in the winter, from November through to February.  Cod, coalfish, LSD, plaice, bass and gurnard.  The occasional ray is taken.  Best time over the top of the tide and down. Baits: most work well including, ragworm, crab, sandeel, lug and mussel.  Try a cocktail with mussel.