Explore some of the finest coastal fishing locations in the UK, from dramatic headlands to well-known piers and beaches. These spots offer reliable catches, scenic surroundings, and in many cases, simple day‑ticket or permit systems.
A legendary 18‑mile long shingle bank with deep water close to shore. Excellent for bass, cod, mackerel, smoothhound, and dogfish.
Access: Free shore fishing; car parks at West Bexington or Cobden are best start points.
Best Time: Summer for bass/mackerel; winter for cod.
Tip: Use peeler crab or lugworm for bass and feather rigs for mackerel. Be cautious on unstable shingle.
Ideal for beginners and families, Swanage Pier offers species like plenty of pollack, wrasse, garfish, and mackerel.
Day ticket: Around £5.50 (adult), £2.50 (junior).
Facilities: Toilet, seating, and bait shops nearby.
A popular venue inside Brighton Marina for bass, pollack, wrasse, and mackerel.
Day ticket required; neighbouring tackle shops can issue them.
Best fishing: Floating rigs on high tide for bigger mackerel shoals and structure-based wrasse.
Rugged headlands of Cornwall and Devon perfect for pollock, bass, wrasse, mackerel, house bass, congner eel, gurnards.
Headlands to try: Porthcurno (Cornwall), Berry Head (Devon), Ilfracombe harbour (North Devon).
Local tackle shops can supply tide info, bait, and gear.
Secluded, rocky shores ideal for wrasse, pollock, codling, flounder.
Best Time: Late spring to early autumn.
Tip: Light lure fishing at dusk for pollock or ragworm for wrasse near rocks.
Provides easy access to deep water and consistent fishing for pollock, wrasse, dogfish, conger eel.
Walk-in access: Bring a trolley due to length of breakwater.
Best during: Spring and early autumn; night fishing recommended for conger.
A charming harbour with mixed marks holding bass, pollock, mackerel and wrasse.
Season: Summer into early autumn.
Tip: Soft plastic lures at dusk are effective; tide timing is crucial.
– Species variety: From bass, pollack and mackerel to cod and wrasse.
– Easy access: Many are free or low-cost; day tickets available for piers and managed piers.
– Booking: Most require no formal booking; piers like Swanage and Brighton require simple ticket purchase.
– Facilities & scenery: Well-equipped piers, scenic beaches, and safe parking.
– Check tidal forecasts—many marks fish best on rising or falling tides.
– Use match bait and tackle suitable for the species and conditions.
– Visit local tackle shops for up-to-date advice and on-site tickets.
– Stay safe—mind slippery shingle, rising tides, and rocky ledges.
– No licence needed for UK sea fishing (unless targeting salmon or sea trout).