Sea Fishing in England 2024

Fishing in English waters is rewarding, taking into account quantity of the catch and its size

Best time: March–October

At the beginning of summer, the sea becomes warm, and in the shallow waters one can meet various kinds of fish. This is the busiest fishing season in England. Fishermen generally catch mackerel and garfish, using various kinds of bait. More predatory fish appear in the sea, such as bass and big pollock. They flock to the shores to feed on smaller fish—sprat, sandeels, or mackerel.

One of the most popular sea fish of the summer is wrasse, as well as mullet and sea cock. In summer, there are many flounder in the sea as well. But the most popular fish, which is fished in the summer, is certainly halibut. Also, many fishing enthusiasts come to England in the fall because at that time you can still catch mackerel, and then the cod season starts a bit later. Large bass, pollock, and wrasse are also available at this time.

The most popular sea fishing areas in England are located off the south-west and also north-east coasts. Some of the most popular locations include Chesil Beach, St Ives, and Lynemouth.

Practical info

What are the ideal months for sea fishing in England?

For sea fishing in England, the months from March to October offer the best opportunity, with the summer months being the most popular. During the summer months, the sea is warm, and it inhabits various species of fish in shallow waters. Besides, fall is another excellent time to fish, as the mackerel season ends in October and the cod season takes over.

Which are the go-to places for sea fishing in England?

Off the northeast and southwest coasts, Chesil Beach, St. Ives, and Lynemouth are the most frequented sea fishing spots in England. These areas' sea conditions vary, catering to fishing techniques and fish species' diverse needs. As a result, they are the primary choices of UK's anglers.

What are the types of fish caught during the summer months in England?

Sandeels, sprat, or mackerel are the smaller varieties of fish found in the shallow waters from June to September, which attract bigger species such as mackerel, garfish, bass, big pollock, wrasse, mullet, sea cock, and flounder. This makes it the ideal time for anglers to fish in the UK waters and catch the various fish species they seek.

When is cod season in the UK?

The cod season in the UK usually starts in fall, which is the end of September, and lasts until March of the next year. Although cod is fetchable all year round, it is advisable to go fishing in autumn because it is easy to catch the migrating fish closer to the shoreline. The weight of the cod caught by anglers typically varies between 2 to 15 kg (4.4 to 33 lb.).

What is the bait to catch mackerel and garfish in England?

Anglers fish mackerel and garfish in England using a variety of bait, with ragworms, sandeels, and shrimps being their go-to options. However, anglers also use other baits such as slices of squid, pieces of fish, or spinners- depending on the fish's location, techniques used, and the current season. The selected bait can add to a successful outing in the UK's sea waters.