St Mildred’s Bay

St Mildred’s Bay is a sheltered sandy beach mark at Westgate-on-Sea on the north Kent coast, with a mix of sand, broken ground and nearby chalky features that can produce useful all-round shore fishing. It is most worthwhile outside the busy bathing period, particularly for evening, night and cooler-season sessions.

• The mark is generally suited to relaxed beach fishing rather than heavy, long-range rock-mark angling.
• Fish close to the groynes, changes in sand level and any exposed rougher patches rather than simply casting as far as possible.
• It can fish well for modest numbers of species, but it is not a guaranteed specimen venue and conditions make a major difference.

The bay lies at Westgate-on-Sea, between the larger Thanet resorts, and is reached from the clifftop residential area and seafront routes. Access is normally straightforward at lower states of tide, although the usable beach reduces substantially as the flood develops.

• Use the signed local parking and pedestrian access points; availability can be limited in fine weather and during school holidays.
• Steps and sloping paths lead down to the beach, but the exact route chosen will affect how manageable it is with a trolley or a lot of gear.
• The broad lower beach provides plenty of room at low water, while at high water anglers may need to position themselves nearer the upper beach or groynes.
• Avoid obstructing promenades, beach entrances and residential access with rods, tackle or vehicles.

St Mildred’s Bay has the usual north Kent sandy-shore mix, with species varying considerably through the year, water clarity and the amount of rough ground showing. Flatfish and school bass are realistic targets, while autumn and winter can bring a more varied whiting-and-codling style of fishing.

• Spring and summer: flounder, plaice, dab, school bass, eel, mullet in suitable calm conditions, and occasional smooth-hound or ray where local conditions are favourable.
• Autumn and winter: whiting, dab, flounder, pouting, dogfish, occasional codling and the chance of other fish moving along the Thanet coast.
• Small fish can be frequent, so use sensible hook sizes and return undersized fish carefully.
• Rays, smooth-hounds and codling are never automatic catches here; treat them as worthwhile possibilities rather than reliable targets.

A simple two-rod beach approach covers most situations: one baited for flatfish or mixed species and, where permitted and safe, a second rod fishing a larger bait for better fish. Keep rigs practical and match them to the clean sand or any snaggy patches you find.

• For flounder, plaice, dabs and whiting, use a clipped-down two-hook flapper, flowing rig or other tidy multi-hook rig with appropriately sized hooks.
• For bass, try a single-hook pulley, running ledger or light flowing trace with lugworm, ragworm, peeler crab or a crab-and-worm cocktail.
• For rays, hounds or a possible codling, use a robust single-hook pulley rig and a larger bait such as squid, crab, worm cocktail or fish strip according to the target species.
• Lugworm, ragworm, maddies, peeler crab, squid and mackerel strip are useful local bait choices; fresh worm and crab often outscore frozen bait for daytime flatfish and bass.
• Start by placing one bait at modest range, especially around gullies and the sides of groynes, then alter distance until bites show. Long casting is not always an advantage.

The bay is usually easiest to fish over the flood and around high water, when fish can move over the sand and the beach is still accessible. Low water is valuable for reading the ground, but can leave a long cast to the sea and expose areas that are less productive.

• A rising tide commonly gives the most comfortable and productive window; arrive early enough to choose a safe position before the beach narrows.
• The last part of the flood and the first part of the ebb are often worth concentrating on, especially at dusk or after dark.
• Moderate coloured water after a safe onshore blow can improve prospects for bass, whiting and other bait-feeding fish, though heavy surf can make presentation difficult.
• Calm, clear water can favour careful flatfish fishing, lighter tackle and more discreet baits.
• Check tide times, weather, swell and wind direction before travelling, as the sea can cover lower access routes and alter the available fishing space quickly.

This is a comparatively accessible beach mark in settled conditions, but tide awareness is essential because the lower beach and sections beside the groynes can disappear on the flood. Winter darkness, wet timberwork, slippery seaweed and surf around the structures all require care.

• Fish with the rising tide in mind and maintain a clear route back to the steps or promenade; do not allow the sea to cut off your exit.
• Do not stand on wet groynes, attempt to cross them in swell, or fish immediately beneath unstable-looking cliff sections.
• Wear suitable footwear, carry a headtorch after dark and keep rods, lines and hooks clear of public paths.
• The promenade-level approach may suit anglers with limited mobility, but steps, soft sand and the changing width of beach can make direct access to the water difficult.
• In summer, swimmers, paddleboarders and families make casting hazardous and inappropriate even where an angling restriction is not displayed.

Westgate-on-Sea has the practical advantages of a resort-area mark, with food, shops and other services available within the town rather than at a remote coastal location. Facilities at the beach itself can be seasonal and should not be relied upon for an early or late session.

• Parking is available in the surrounding area, subject to local restrictions, charges and seasonal demand.
• Public toilets, cafés and ice-cream or refreshment outlets may operate nearby during the visitor season.
• Obtain bait before arriving if fishing early, late or out of season, as nearby opening hours vary.
• Take litter, discarded line and bait packaging home; the bay is heavily used by visitors and residents.

Fish the bay as a changing piece of ground rather than using one fixed casting distance for the whole session. A brief look at low water can reveal channels, firmer sand, shell patches and the best relation of the groynes to the incoming tide.

• A late-evening session after beach users have gone is often more pleasant and gives better confidence for bass, whiting and rays.
• Keep casts away from the ends and sides of groynes unless you are confident the area is clear; lost tackle and crossed lines are common around structure.
• For flatfish, use small, fresh worm baits and move a rod periodically if no bites develop; a small coloured attractor can be useful in clearer water.
• For bigger-bait fishing, avoid overloading the hook with bait that will spin or wash out in the surf.
• Speak to local tackle shops for current reports, bait availability and any short-term access changes, as Thanet beaches can fish very differently from week to week.

Sea angling is not treated here as universally banned, but St Mildred’s Bay is a popular bathing beach and local seasonal controls can affect where and when fishing is allowed. Check the current notices at the beach entrances and the latest Thanet District Council information before setting up.

• Do not assume that fishing is permitted during the main daytime bathing period simply because the beach is open; restrictions may apply to designated bathing areas, particular times or parts of the beach.
• Follow all posted rules concerning fishing, public safety, beach access, litter and the use of groynes or promenade areas.
• Observe national and local fisheries rules, including any applicable minimum conservation reference sizes, bag limits, closed areas and protected-species requirements; consult official fisheries guidance for current details.
• Return unwanted fish promptly and with wet hands where possible, and never leave line, hooks or bait waste on the beach.
• If signage is absent or unclear, choose a quiet time and location away from bathers, or contact the council for confirmation before fishing.