Spots

Choosing the right spot is just as important as choosing the right gear or bait. Sea fishing locations vary widely in terms of depth, tide, access, and the species they attract. Some marks offer shelter and comfort, while others demand a bit of effort and risk. Each type of fishing spot has its own style and strategy. Knowing how to read a mark helps you fish smarter, not harder.

Beaches

Sandy beaches are some of the most popular and accessible sea fishing spots, suitable for beginners and experienced anglers alike.

  • Species: Bass, flounder, plaice, rays, whiting, smoothhound.

  • Tide: Often best 2 hours before and after high tide.

  • Bait: Lugworm, ragworm, squid, crab.

  • Method: Beachcasters with long casting rigs like pulley or flapper setups.

Look for features like gullies, sandbars, and surf edges. Avoid flat, featureless beaches on calm days. Shallow beaches may need longer casts, while steep shelving beaches fish better close in.

Piers

Piers offer structure, depth, and shelter — making them excellent for a wide range of species and fishing styles.

  • Species: Mackerel, pollock, bass, wrasse, dogfish, conger.

  • Tide: Varies by pier — incoming tides usually better.

  • Bait: Mackerel, squid, worm, crab, feathers for lure work.

  • Method: Float fishing, spinning, bottom rigs.

Fish are often close to the structure, so casting long distances isn’t always necessary. Drop straight down or cast parallel to the pier. Bring a drop net for landing large fish, and be aware of pier rules and restrictions.

Harbours

Harbours are calm, sheltered areas that can produce surprising catches, especially at night or on a flooding tide.

  • Species: Flounder, bass, pollock, mullet, wrasse.

  • Tide: High water and the flood are usually best.

  • Bait: Ragworm, bread (for mullet), crab, mackerel strips.

  • Method: Light ledgering, float fishing, free-lining.

Focus on features like sluice gates, moorings, rocky corners, and channel edges. Tackle losses are rare, making harbours ideal for lighter gear or beginner practice.

Rock Marks

Rock marks offer access to deeper water, natural structure, and excellent predator fishing — but can be dangerous in bad weather.

  • Species: Pollock, wrasse, bass, conger, cod.

  • Tide: Usually fished over flood tide.

  • Bait: Ragworm, crab, mackerel, soft plastics.

  • Method: Spinning, float fishing, heavy ledgering rigs.

Wear proper footwear and never fish alone on exposed rocks. Rock marks often require shorter rods (8–10 ft) and strong tackle to deal with kelp and snags. Lures and float fishing work well for active species like pollock.

Estuaries

Estuaries mix fresh and saltwater, creating nutrient-rich zones where fish gather to feed and spawn. Conditions change rapidly with the tide.

  • Species: Bass, flounder, mullet, eel, smoothhound.

  • Tide: Often best at mid to high water.

  • Bait: Peeler crab, ragworm, lugworm, live sandeel.

  • Method: Light ledgering or free-lining with simple rigs.

Look for channels, mudflats, and current seams. Estuary fish often feed close in, especially on the flooding tide. Be cautious of soft mud and shifting banks — access can be tricky.

Cliffs

Cliff marks offer direct access to deep water, making them ideal for large species and specimen hunting — but they are physically demanding.

  • Species: Cod, pollock, ling, wrasse, tope.

  • Tide: Flood and slack tides often best.

  • Bait: Large fish baits, squid, crab, lures for pollock.

  • Method: Ledgering, spinning, heavy mono rigs.

Cliff fishing requires long drop nets or strong lines to land fish. Ropes, cleats, or climbing gear may be needed for access — safety must come first.

Breakwaters

Breakwaters are solid, man-made structures built to protect harbours and beaches. They offer shelter and depth and attract baitfish and predators alike.

  • Species: Conger eel, bass, pollock, pouting, whiting.

  • Tide: Best fished over flood tide or at night.

  • Bait: Mackerel, squid, worm, live baits.

  • Method: Heavy bottom rigs for conger; float fishing or spinning for pollock.

Avoid fishing over the top in rough seas. Slippery weed and sudden waves can be dangerous. Bring lighting and strong gear if targeting night species like conger or big bass.

Offshore (Boat)

Fishing from a boat gives you access to wrecks, reefs, and deep-water marks that are unreachable from shore.

  • Species: Cod, ling, tope, rays, bream, shark.

  • Tide: Depends on the drift and species; plan around slack tide for anchoring.

  • Bait: Mackerel, squid, live baits, lures.

  • Method: Drift fishing, uptiding, deep jigging, wrecking.

Boat fishing requires heavier gear, more line, and often a fighting harness for big fish. Always book with a licensed skipper if hiring a charter and follow onboard safety rules.

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