Types

Sea fishing comes in many forms, each with its own techniques, gear, and target species. From calm harbour float fishing to deep-sea wreck fishing, the type of sea fishing you choose shapes everything from the rods you use to the fish you’ll catch. Understanding the main types helps you pick the right approach for your local area, experience level, and goals.

Beach Fishing

Beach fishing, also called surfcasting, is one of the most accessible forms of sea angling. It involves fishing from sandy or shingle beaches, casting your bait beyond the surf line into deeper water.

  • Target Species: Bass, cod, rays, flounder, whiting, smoothhound.

  • Gear: 12–15 ft beachcaster rods, fixed spool or multiplier reels, 15–20 lb line with a shock leader.

  • Tactics: Long casting with bottom rigs like pulley rigs or flappers.

Timing the tide is key. Fish often feed during the flood tide, especially around high water. Beach fishing is ideal for those who enjoy space, quiet, and don’t mind braving the elements.

Pier Fishing

Piers offer easy access to deeper water without needing long casts. You can fish straight down the side or cast out into open sea. Most piers are public and often productive for a wide range of species.

  • Target Species: Mackerel, pollock, pouting, wrasse, bass, dogfish.

  • Gear: Spinning rods or medium ledger rods, 10–12 ft long.

  • Tactics: Float fishing, light ledgering, or lure fishing. Drop nets useful for landing fish.

Piers are great for beginners and families, offering shelter and easy terrain. Early mornings and evenings usually fish best, especially in summer.

Rock Fishing

Rock fishing gives you access to deeper water, rough ground, and natural structure that attracts predatory fish. It’s exciting, but more demanding and potentially hazardous.

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

  • Gear: Strong 10–12 ft rods, tough reels, 20–30 lb mainline or braid.

  • Tactics: Float fishing for wrasse, spinning for pollock, or heavy bottom fishing with strong rigs.

Wear proper footwear and never fish alone on remote or slippery marks. Always check the tide — some rocks become cut off quickly on the flood.

Harbour Fishing

Fishing in harbours and estuary mouths is a calm, convenient option, often requiring lighter tackle and shorter casts. It’s ideal for beginners or quick evening sessions.

  • Target Species: Mullet, flounder, bass, eel, pollock.

  • Gear: Light spinning rods, 8–10 ft, small reels, 10–15 lb line.

  • Tactics: Float fishing, free-lining, light bottom rigs.

You can often fish under your feet or near moorings, walls, or bridge supports. Mullet fishing can require finesse, while bass and flounder will take worm or crab baits.

Boat Fishing (Inshore)

Inshore boat fishing covers reefs, sandbanks, and wrecks not far from shore — typically within a few miles. It offers bigger fish and deeper water than shore fishing.

  • Target Species: Cod, pollock, rays, bream, tope, smoothhound.

  • Gear: Short 6–8 ft boat rods, multipliers or large spinning reels, 30–50 lb braid.

  • Tactics: Drift fishing, uptiding, bait fishing on anchor, jigging with lures.

Some skippers provide tackle and bait, so it’s beginner-friendly if you’re with a charter. Sea sickness precautions are wise — take tablets before boarding if needed.

Deep Sea Fishing (Offshore)

Also called wreck fishing or offshore chartering, this is serious fishing in deep water, usually targeting big species far from land. Trips can last several hours or all day.

  • Target Species: Conger, ling, sharks, big cod, skate.

  • Gear: Heavy-duty rods and reels, 30–80 lb class gear, strong trace lines.

  • Tactics: Vertical jigging, bait fishing on heavy rigs, large baits.

Requires experience or guidance from a knowledgeable skipper. Great for targeting trophy-sized fish — but not ideal for beginners due to gear complexity and sea conditions.

Lure Fishing

Lure fishing is a mobile, active style of angling where you cast and retrieve artificial lures to imitate prey. It works from shore, rocks, and boats.

  • Target Species: Bass, pollock, mackerel, garfish.

  • Gear: Light spinning rods (7–9 ft), braid line, fluorocarbon leaders.

  • Tactics: Casting soft plastics, metal lures, plugs, or surface lures.

Popular for its fast pace and minimal gear. Best at dawn, dusk, or during strong tidal flow. Often more productive in summer.

Float Fishing

Float fishing suspends your bait above the seabed, keeping it in view and off the snags. It’s an excellent method for piers, harbours, and rocky marks.

  • Target Species: Wrasse, garfish, pollock, mackerel.

  • Gear: Float rods or light spinning rods, float kits with stops and shot weights.

  • Tactics: Adjust depth to find where fish are feeding, keep bait moving naturally.

Perfect for day sessions in calm, clear water. Use natural baits like ragworm or small fish strips.

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