Bran Point Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Bran Point Fishing Map

Rocky limestone ledges and gullies between Osmington Mills and Ringstead Bay. The mark gives quick access to mixed rough ground with kelp and broken reef, producing consistent sport through the warmer months. Best fished on a flooding tide into high and the first of the ebb; depth drops off fairly quickly and tide run can be noticeable on springs. Access is via the South West Coast Path from either Osmington Mills or the Ringstead (NT) car park; expect a 20–30 minute walk and a scramble down to the ledges. Wear good boots—weeded rock is slippery—and keep an eye on swell and the tide to avoid being cut off on lower platforms. Summer brings wrasse, pollack, mackerel and garfish; after dark or in winter expect rockling and pouting. Conger lurk in the deeper holes at night. Scenery is outstanding, but the ground is very snaggy—use strong leaders and be prepared to lose gear.

Ratings

⭐ 7/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 6/10

Fish You Can Catch at Bran Point

🐟 Ballan Wrasse 9/10
🎯 Tip: Summer–autumn; float or light ledger crab/rag tight to kelp-filled gullies on the flood. Use strong gear and lift fish clear of ledges.
🐟 Pollack 8/10
🎯 Tip: Dusk into dark with metal/soft lures or float-fished sandeel along ledges; work parallel to the weedline on a flooding tide.
🐟 Mackerel 8/10
🎯 Tip: June–Sept; dawn/dusk. Feathers or small metals cast from the points into clearer water; keep mobile to find shoals on the flood.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Rougher seas and coloured water; lures or peeler/crab in white water around gullies on a rising tide, best at dusk into dark.
🐟 Garfish 7/10
🎯 Tip: Clear, calm summer days; small mackerel strip on a float set shallow over reef edges on the flood.
🐟 Pouting 6/10
🎯 Tip: After dark; small fish/squid or worm baits ledgered into deeper gullies; expect rapid bites on the flood.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small rag/crab under a float over rough ground; daylight on the flood. Quick bites—strike early.
🐟 Tompot Blenny 6/10
🎯 Tip: Common in holes at your feet; tiny hooks with prawn/rag dropped down the side at any state. Keep baits static among rocks.
🐟 Long-spined Sea Scorpion 6/10
🎯 Tip: Tiny baits fished static in rocky pockets and pool mouths; productive at low–mid tide as ledges uncover.
🐟 Conger Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Night; whole squid or mackerel flappers dropped into kelp-filled holes. Strong trace and hold the rod to keep fish from snags; good around the flood.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 5/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional at night where reef meets sand; small fish baits cast to cleaner patches either side of the headland on a flood.

Bran Point Fishing

Summary

Bran Point is a rocky headland between Osmington Mills and Ringstead on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. It offers classic mixed-ground fishing with kelp-fringed gullies, low ledges, and adjacent shingle, rewarding mobile lure work and traditional float tactics. Anglers come for wrasse, pollack, summer pelagics, and the odd night-time conger, all with sweeping coastal views.

Location and Access

Bran Point sits on the South West Coast Path, reachable on foot either from Osmington Mills (west) or Ringstead (east). The approaches are straightforward for regular coast-walkers but the final descent to the boulders/ledges is uneven and slippery in places.

Seasons

This is mixed rough ground with nearby shingle, producing a solid spread of inshore species. Summer shines, but there’s sport most of the year if you match methods to the conditions.

Methods

You can fish Bran Point with either mobile lure tactics along the ledges or anchored bait fishing into gullies and pockets of cleaner ground. Adjust to the visibility: clear water suits lures and floats; coloured water leans to bait.

Tides and Conditions

Bran Point fishes on most states, but depth over the ledges and water clarity drive results. Springs reveal lower ledges; neaps can be kinder for presentation.

Safety

This is a natural rock mark with active cliff erosion and slippery ledges. Take coastal precautions seriously—there’s no barrier between you and the sea.

Facilities

You’re between two small hubs—Osmington Mills and Ringstead—so plan to be self-sufficient on the rocks. Nearby facilities help on either end of the walk.

Tips

Bran Point rewards stealth and accuracy—fish tight to kelp edges and pockets of tide. Travel light, keep moving, and cover water.

Regulations

Bran Point is within the Southern IFCA district and general UK recreational sea fishing rules apply. Shore angling is allowed, but always check for any new local notices or path closures.