Eastoke Point

Eastoke Point is the exposed south-eastern tip of Hayling Island, where the open-water beaches meet the entrance area of Chichester Harbour. It is a useful all-round shore mark rather than a guaranteed easy-fish venue: conditions, water clarity and the tide make a major difference.

• The point and its adjoining beaches can produce bass, flatfish, mullet, rays and seasonal mackerel, with the occasional larger fish possible in the right conditions.
• It is particularly worth considering when a little coloured water, a lively sea or a decent tide gives fish confidence to move close in.
• The ground is mostly beach and man-made coastal defence rather than a classic snaggy rock mark, although groynes and structure need care when casting and retrieving.

The mark is at Eastoke, on the eastern end of Hayling Island, reached from the residential seafront and promenade/sea-defence paths. Anglers normally fish the beach, groyne bays and the area around the turn of the point, choosing a position that is safely clear of walkers and nearby properties.

• Parking is generally found on local streets or in nearby public parking areas, then followed by a short walk to the seafront; use only signed parking and check any local restrictions.
• Access is straightforward in settled weather, but the last section can involve shingle, sloping beach and steps or ramps depending on the chosen entrance.
• Avoid setting up directly beside beach access points, in narrow promenade sections, or where a cast could endanger other users.
• The exact fishable area changes with beach levels, storm damage and sea-defence works, so inspect the ground before committing to a swim.

Eastoke Point has a broad seasonal species list, though it is best approached as a mobile, conditions-led venue rather than a place where every species is present on every tide. Fish often use the edges of gullies, stirred-up water and the calmer water immediately behind a rougher line of surf.

• Bass are a principal target, especially in coloured water, around surf, close to groynes and during low-light periods.
• Flounder and other flatfish may show over the cleaner sandy patches, particularly through the cooler part of the year.
• Mullet can appear in warmer months, often cruising very close in when the water is clear and calm.
• Mackerel may be reachable in summer and early autumn when shoals are moving along the coast, but are highly weather- and water-dependent from the shore.
• Rays, including small-eyed or thornback-type ray where locally present, can be possible over suitable sandy ground, mainly on evening or night sessions.
• Smaller species such as whiting, pouting, dogfish and school bass can provide sport in season, while the harbour-side influence can occasionally bring other estuary-associated fish into the wider area.

A flexible approach works best: start by locating the nearest depression, rip, coloured-water edge or fish-holding seam rather than automatically casting as far as possible. Much of the best feeding water can be surprisingly close to the beach.

• For bass, use a compact bait rig with peeler crab, ragworm, lugworm, squid-and-worm cocktails or other locally proven baits; fish it in or alongside the surf line and around the ends of groynes without casting across them.
• Lures can be effective for bass in daylight, particularly shallow-diving plugs, metals, soft plastics and surface lures worked through clear lanes away from swimmers and beach users.
• For flatfish and general mixed bags, a two-hook clipped or simple flapper rig with worm, small strips of squid or fish can cover the ground efficiently.
• For rays, use a strong pulley-style or clipped rig and a single substantial bait such as squid, sandeel, mackerel or a worm cocktail; allow enough lead to hold bottom in the tide.
• For mullet, travel light and fish close in with bread or other appropriate light tackle methods only where it is safe and practical to do so.
• Carry a long-handled landing net or be prepared to beach fish carefully, as the shingle edge and sea-defence gradient can make lifting fish awkward.

The turn of the point is tide-sensitive, with stronger lateral movement and changing beach channels than a sheltered straight beach. Productive periods commonly occur when moving water brings food along the shore, but the safest and most fishable stage varies with wind direction and the exact swim.

• The flood tide and high-water period are often favoured for bass and mullet because fish can work closer to the beach and sea-defence line.
• The ebb can expose useful channels and concentrate flow around the point, but it may also increase weed, undertow and difficulty in keeping terminal tackle in place.
• A moderate onshore or cross-onshore breeze can put colour into the water and improve daytime bass prospects; excessive surf makes the venue uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
• Calm, clear summer water can favour mullet and occasional mackerel, although bright, crystal-clear conditions can make larger bass cautious by day.
• Check the forecast, tide table and wind direction before travelling. Do not rely on a previously safe-looking beach profile, as storms can alter gullies and shingle banks.

Eastoke Point is exposed to wind, surf and fast-changing conditions around the coastal corner. It is not a place to take chances with a rising tide, rough seas or casts near members of the public.

• Keep well back from the waterline in rough weather and do not fish from unstable, wave-washed or damaged sea defences.
• Watch the tide on arrival and leave a clear retreat route; shingle can be tiring and difficult to cross quickly, especially in darkness.
• Groynes, wet concrete, algae and loose shingle are slip hazards. Wear appropriate footwear and use a headtorch after dark.
• Strong winds can make casting hazardous and can blow line towards promenade users, dogs, cyclists and other anglers; move, shorten casts or stop if necessary.
• Promenade sections may offer firmer access, but the beach itself is not fully step-free and practical accessibility depends on the particular entrance, beach level and tide.
• Use care with hooks, litter and discarded line, particularly because this is a well-used public seafront and wildlife area.

Eastoke is a developed residential seafront area, so basic amenities and food options are generally more accessible than at a remote beach mark. Availability can be seasonal and individual businesses or public facilities may have limited hours.

• Shops, cafés and other services can be found within the wider Eastoke/Hayling seafront area, but take bait, drinking water and essential tackle with you rather than depending on late opening.
• Public toilets and bins may be available nearby, though anglers should check current opening arrangements and never leave bait packaging, line or fish waste behind.
• Parking provision and charging rules vary by location and season; read the signs where you park.
• There is limited shelter once on the open beach, so bring suitable clothing and secure lightweight items against the wind.

The most consistent anglers at Eastoke Point tend to treat it as a venue to read rather than simply cast over. A short walk at low water or before setting up can reveal troughs, scoured areas and the safest places to fish around the groynes.

• Fish a few different distances before committing to a long cast; bass and mullet may be inside the first breaker, while flatfish and rays may require a little more reach.
• If weed becomes unmanageable, move along the beach or change the timing rather than continually retrieving fouled rigs.
• In summer, early morning, evening and after beach crowds have gone are generally more practical and considerate times to fish.
• Keep catches only where lawful and where you will genuinely use them; return unwanted fish promptly and support them properly in the wash.
• Speak to local tackle shops for current bait, recent catches, beach access changes and any temporary work on the sea defences.

There is no general indication that sea angling is automatically prohibited at Eastoke Point, but local controls, temporary works and harbour or conservation restrictions can apply nearby. Anglers are responsible for checking the current rules before fishing, especially where the open coast meets the Chichester Harbour area.

• Obey all posted signs, beach-management notices, temporary exclusion zones and directions associated with sea-defence works.
• Check current national and local rules for bass, rays, minimum landing sizes, catch limits and any seasonal restrictions; these rules can change and should not be assumed from old reports.
• If fishing close to the harbour entrance or within Chichester Harbour, check the relevant harbour authority, conservation and navigation guidance before casting or using bait collection methods.
• Do not obstruct public access, launch routes, navigation areas or emergency access, and give swimmers, water users and other beach users ample room.
• Take all litter home, including line and bait packaging, and avoid disturbing birds or sensitive shoreline habitat.