Black Point

Black Point is a tide-driven Solent shore mark on the western side of Southampton Water, in the wider Calshot/Fawley area. It can produce varied fishing rather than easy numbers, with its attraction being the moving water, deeper channels and seasonal movement of fish through the Water.

• It is principally a bait-and-wait venue, although mobile lure fishing can be worthwhile when bass are present.
• Results are highly dependent on season, water clarity, tide strength and whether fish are moving through Southampton Water.
• Treat it as an exposed coastal mark rather than a sheltered family beach: conditions can change quickly and commercial traffic is a constant feature of the Water.

Black Point is reached from the public coastal access in the Calshot/Fawley stretch of Southampton Water, rather than from the industrial waterfront itself. Access arrangements and the practical walking route can change, so check the current public footpath, parking information and any local notices before setting out.

• Expect a walk from the nearest legitimate parking and allow enough time to return before dark or before a rising tide affects the foreshore route.
• Use only signed public paths, public foreshore where access is lawful, and authorised parking; do not cross refinery, port, private estate or other fenced industrial land.
• The exact fishable position varies with beach levels, weed, wind direction and the state of the tide, so a daylight recce is valuable.
• Avoid obstructing gates, access roads, emergency routes and coastal-path users.

Black Point has the mixed-water potential associated with the Solent, with different species appearing as water temperature and baitfish change through the year. It is sensible to target what is seasonally present rather than expecting every species on every trip.

• Bass are a major draw in the warmer part of the year, particularly around moving water, bait concentrations and low-light periods.
• Flounder, eel, school bass and occasional sole can feature over suitable softer ground and in the more sheltered, coloured-water conditions.
• Smoothhound, rays and dogfish may be possible when warmer conditions and suitable bait bring them within range.
• Mackerel and garfish can show in summer where clear water and small fish are present, while mullet may be encountered but need a quiet, careful approach.
• Whiting and other winter species may occur, but catches are variable and should not be taken for granted.

A two-rod approach works well here: one rod fishing a dependable bait on the bottom and the other used more actively when conditions suggest bass, mackerel or garfish. Tackle should be robust enough for tide, weed and the possibility of snagging, without being needlessly heavy.

• For bottom fishing, use a grip lead or other tide-holding lead with a clipped-down pulley, running leger or simple two-hook rig chosen to suit the flow and seabed.
• Lugworm, ragworm, peeler crab, squid, fish strips and black lug are useful options; match the bait to the intended species and use fresh, securely bound baits in strong flow.
• For bass, work a shallow-to-midwater soft plastic, metal lure or surface lure only where conditions allow safe, controlled casting; dawn, dusk and coloured moving water are often worth attention.
• For flatties and smaller species, a lighter running leger with worm, small fish strip or squid can be more effective than oversized hooks and baits.
• Keep casts controlled and retrieve promptly if a boat, paddle craft or vessel changes course near your line; never attempt to cast into a navigation channel or across vessel traffic.

This is a tidal mark, and productive periods normally coincide with water movement rather than complete slack water. The Solent can run hard, especially around a point and in the main Southampton Water approach, so choose tackle and a position that remain safe as the tide builds.

• Fish the flood, ebb and the turn on different visits rather than assuming one phase is always best; local depth, wind and seasonal fish movement can alter the pattern.
• A moderate onshore or crosswind can colour the water and improve bait fishing, but a strong wind can make the shore uncomfortable, unsafe or unfishable.
• Clear summer water can favour lures, float tactics and smaller natural baits, while coloured water often suits scent-rich worm, crab and fish baits.
• Watch for weed after strong winds or spring tides, as it can make fixed-spool line, light leads and multi-hook rigs difficult to fish.
• Check tide times, wind forecast and shipping conditions before travelling, and leave a generous margin for the walk back.

The principal hazards are the powerful tide, uneven shore, changing foreshore access and nearby vessel movements. It is not an ideal mark for anglers who need step-free access or for anyone unfamiliar with fishing exposed tidal ground alone.

• Wear footwear with good grip for wet shingle, stones, mud or slippery seaweed, and carry a headtorch if there is any chance of finishing after dark.
• Keep well back from eroded edges, soft mud and the advancing tide; do not rely on a route that may be cut off by water.
• Do not wade into fast-moving water, attempt to retrieve snagged tackle from the water, or turn your back on wash from passing vessels.
• A personal flotation device is a sensible precaution when fishing close to the water, particularly at night or in rough conditions.
• Fish with a companion where possible, tell someone your plan, keep a charged phone protected from spray, and call emergency services if someone enters difficulty in the water.
• Access may be difficult for wheelchairs, pushchairs and anglers carrying substantial equipment because of the walking distance and uneven natural shoreline.

Facilities should be treated as being at the surrounding visitor areas rather than at Black Point itself. Take everything needed for the session and do not assume that toilets, lighting, bait, fresh water or bins will be available at the fishing position.

• Confirm current parking rules, payment arrangements and opening times before travel; local car parks and access points can have restrictions.
• Bring drinking water, food, a first-aid kit, spare terminal tackle, a landing net where appropriate, and a means of taking all litter home.
• Buy bait, ice and food before walking out, as there may be no nearby shop once on the shore.
• Use public toilets where provided in the wider Calshot or Lepe area, but check availability rather than planning around them.

A quiet, observant approach generally pays better than repeatedly casting as far as possible. Spend the first few minutes watching the water for tide lines, bird activity, baitfish, patches of coloured water and the route used by boats.

• Arrive in daylight on a first visit so that you can identify a safe fishing platform, the return route and any areas that become submerged.
• Travel light enough to move if the tide, weed or boat activity makes the initial spot poor; a small bait bag and compact rod rest setup are useful.
• Keep baits close as well as casting longer: fish can patrol surprisingly near the shore along a tide line or change in bottom.
• Use barbless or lightly-barbed hooks if practising catch and release, carry a disgorger, and return undersized or unwanted fish quickly and carefully.
• Be discreet and considerate around residents, walkers, dogs, wildlife and other anglers; a clean, low-impact session helps retain goodwill at pressured coastal access points.

Fishing is not known to be universally prohibited at Black Point, but permission and restrictions can depend on the precise access point, land ownership, harbour controls and temporary safety notices. Check current official signs on arrival and do not interpret the absence of an angling sign as permission to cross private or operational land.

• Follow current national fisheries rules for sea anglers, including any minimum-size, catch-limit, protected-species and seasonal requirements; consult official UK Government and Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority information before keeping fish.
• No general rod licence is normally required for ordinary sea angling in England, but separate rules can apply to migratory fish, freshwater-connected waters and particular methods or locations.
• Observe Southampton Water harbour directions and navigation safety requirements, and give all commercial, leisure and emergency vessels a wide berth.
• Respect any restrictions relating to conservation areas, shore nesting birds, bait digging, fires, overnight parking, dogs or public-path access.
• If signage, a landowner, harbour officer, police officer or other authorised official instructs anglers not to fish or not to access an area, comply and move elsewhere.