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Dorset

Broad Bench

6.8 · Rocks · Dorset

A remote rock ledge on the Kimmeridge Ledges within the Lulworth Firing Ranges. Broad Bench offers deep kelpy gullies and tide run close in, producing best from late spring to autumn. Expect quality wrasse, lure-caught bass and pollack, with summer mackerel and garfish; after dark, conger and pouting from the deeper holes. Long, uneven walk and access only when the ranges are open (no red flags). Swell and weed can be heavy; wear cleats/PFD and use rotten-bottom rigs.

Should you fish Broad Bench?

52 Fair

Today · Best available

Best available: 06:00-09:00 around the rising tide

Most likely species: Ballan Wrasse and Pollack

Fair conditions. Best available around 06:00-09:00 around the rising tide, but no window reaches the strong threshold today. Good chance of Ballan Wrasse and Pollack.

W 4 mph Rain 0% High tide 12:24

Fishable, but pick your timing carefully.

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7-day fishing forecast for Broad Bench — 7-day forecast

Scores and best windows are weighted for .

Met Office Met Office · Open-Meteo

Where the data comes from. Weather and sea-state readings come from the Met Office and Open-Meteo forecast models, refreshed several times a day. High and low water are taken from tide-station predictions for this stretch of coast.

How the score works. Each window is scored 0–100 from the signals that most reliably move fish inshore: tide movement (a running tide carries food, so the last of the flood and first of the ebb are usually the prime spells), wind speed and direction (onshore wind stirs food into the surf — up to the point it makes fishing hard), sea state (a little wave and swell movement helps, heavy swell hurts), and weather — rain, temperature and light. Behind the headline number we score bite opportunity and comfort separately, and run a separate safety check on wind and swell. The size of the tide counts too: spring tides move more water than neaps, so the tidal range for this stretch of coast is weighed alongside the tide's direction, your target species and this mark — and unusually big springs strengthen the safety check, because the water rises faster and covers more ground.

Your target species counts. Pick a species below and the score also weights what we know about it — its season, preferred sea temperature, tide stage and sea state, and whether it feeds by day or night.

The rating is guidance, not a guarantee — conditions change fast on the coast, so always judge the sea in front of you before you fish.

Saturday looks better than today. Unlock the week to see its score and exact window.

· windows & tide

Spring vs neap tides. Spring tides have a larger difference between high and low water, so more water moves on each tide — usually stronger flow that stirs up food and gets fish feeding. Neap tides have a smaller range and generally gentler movement. The range here is compared with what is normal for this stretch of coast, and the cycle swings between springs and neaps roughly every week, following the moon.

Big spring tides: the water rises faster and covers more ground than usual — double-check access routes and cut-off points before you fish.

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Broad Bench is a remote rough-ground rock ledge where tide run, kelp-fringed gullies and water clarity decide the session. It is strongest from late spring to autumn for wrasse, pollack, bass, garfish and mackerel, with conger, huss and pouting possible after dark if access permits. Fish it as a mobile lure and rough-ground bait venue: read the gullies, keep tackle snag-resistant, and avoid it when the MOD ranges are closed, swell is pushing hard, or suspended weed is heavy.

  • Know when the flood makes the reef edge worth fishing.
  • Pick the gullies that suit bass, wrasse or conger.
  • Avoid wasting a session when weed and swell will beat you.
  • Use the right rough-ground rigs before the kelp takes your gear.
  • Know when to switch from plugs to metals, floats or bait.

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Burngate 4.1 mi Corfe Castle 4.5 mi Stoborough 4.7 mi West Lulworth 4.7 mi Worth Matravers 4.8 mi

Explore nearby towns: Burngate · Corfe Castle · Stoborough · West Lulworth · Worth Matravers

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Forecast tuning currently supports Bass and Mackerel — more species are on the way.

Overall rating

6.8 /10

Blend of catch potential, access, safety, and overall experience.

Category scores

Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 4/10

Pollack 8/10
Tip: Dawn/dusk on a flooding tide; work metal jigs or slim soft plastics along kelp edges, retrieve high to avoid snags.
Ballan Wrasse 8/10
Tip: Daytime over kelp and ledges; fish crab or rag on strong gear and short snoods, 2–3 hours either side of high.
Bass 7/10
Tip: After a swell or in coloured water; plugs/soft plastics in gullies on the flood, or peeler crab into white water at dusk.
Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
Tip: LRF tactics; size 6–10 hooks with small crab/worm tight to rock faces. Best in clear, calm water mid-flood.
Conger Eel 6/10
Tip: After dark into gullies; large mackerel/squid baits with heavy rubbing leader. Neap flood reduces weed/snag risk.
Mackerel 5/10
Tip: Summer shoals; small metals or light feathers at range at first/last light on a rising tide.
Garfish 5/10
Tip: May–Oct; float-fish small sandeel or fish strips 1–2 m deep over the drop-off on a rising tide, keep mobile.
Black Bream 5/10
Tip: Late spring–autumn; tiny squid or prawn strips on light rigs, fish just off bottom over broken ground on the flood.
Bull Huss 4/10
Tip: Night over rough ground; big oily baits (mackerel/squid) on abrasion-resistant gear. Neap tides help with kelp/weed.
Scad (Horse Mackerel) 4/10
Tip: After dark late summer–autumn; small metals or sabikis worked midwater, slack to first of the flood.
Goldsinny Wrasse 4/10
Tip: LRF near weeded edges; size 10–14 hooks with tiny crab/rag bits on float or dropshot. Clear water, mid-flood.
Lesser Spotted Dogfish 3/10
Tip: Occasional on static baits; small fish/squid baits placed into channels an hour either side of high.

Local knowledge

Broad Bench fishing guide

Practical access, seasons, methods, tides, safety and facilities for this mark.

Broad Bench is a renowned rock ledge on the Purbeck coast near Kimmeridge, Dorset, sitting inside the MOD Lulworth Ranges. When the ranges are open, it offers classic rough-ground fishing over kelp-fringed reef and gullies. It’s prized for lure-caught bass and wrasse in clear water, with huss and conger after dark when access permits.

Reaching Broad Bench is straightforward but depends on MOD range opening times; always check the Lulworth Ranges schedule and observe red flag/lamps and signage. Most anglers approach from Kimmeridge Bay via the toll road and then walk east along the rocky foreshore or coast path when gates are open.

  • Drive to Kimmeridge village and follow signs for the private toll road to Kimmeridge Bay (sat‑nav to Kimmeridge village: BH20 5PE is commonly used). Parking is by the bay; charges apply and gates are generally locked outside daylight hours.
  • From the bay, head east on the foreshore/cliff path towards the ranges; Broad Bench is a prominent reef/ledge beyond the headland. Expect 20–40 minutes on uneven, weeded rock slabs and rough paths.
  • Access beyond the range boundary is only permitted when the ranges are open; obey all instructions, keep to marked paths, and do not cross fences or barriers.
  • Alternative access via the Range Walks from Tyneham/Warbarrow is possible on open days, but it’s a longer hike with similar terrain.
  • Footwear with good grip is essential; the final approach involves slippery weed-coated rock and splash zones.

Broad Bench sits over mixed reef with kelp, gullies, and patches of broken ground, so expect classic rough-ground species with seasonal visitors.

  • Spring (Mar–May):
    • Bass nosing along the ledges, especially in a slight chop
    • Ballan and corkwing wrasse as water warms
    • Pollack (often catch-and-release only under current rules—see Regulations)
    • Garfish on calmer, clearer days
  • Summer (Jun–Aug):
    • Bass consistently at first/last light; schoolies to better fish
    • Wrasse in numbers; occasional specimen ballans
    • Mackerel and scad shoals within casting range on settled evenings
    • Pollack around kelp lines (typically C&R—see Regulations)
    • Occasional black bream over broken, cleaner patches
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov):
    • Peak bass time on building seas and spring tides
    • Bull huss after dusk over the rough ground
    • Conger eels at night from deeper gullies
    • Garfish into early autumn; odd late mackerel
  • Winter (Dec–Feb):
    • Conger and huss on big baits in settled windows (access often limited by range hours)
    • Rockling; the odd bonus bass on mild, stirred-up days

This is a lure and rough-ground bait venue. Travel light, fish mobile, and match your approach to the state of tide and water clarity.

  • Lure fishing:
    • Weedless soft plastics (paddle tails and slug-style, 4–6 in) on weighted belly hooks or Texas rigs for bass and wrasse; 10–20 g heads are typical, heavier if swell is up.
    • Shallow-diving and topwater plugs for bass at dawn/dusk over the reef tables; switch to subsurface when the sun is up.
    • Slim metals and spoons for mackerel/garfish on calm, clear days.
  • Float fishing:
    • Set 6–12 ft over depth with ragworm, prawn, or strips of squid for wrasse and pollack along kelp edges and gulleys.
  • Bottom fishing (rough ground):
    • Pulley or pulley-pennel rigs with strong mono leaders (30–60 lb) and abrasion-resistant snoods.
    • Use rotten-bottom (weak link) for leads to beat snags; 4–5 oz typically holds in modest run.
    • Baits: peeler or hardback crab for bass/wrasse; big crab/squid/mackerel cocktails for huss and conger.
  • Tackle notes:
    • 9–10 ft inshore lure rods (20–40 g) cover most lure work; 12–13 ft beach rods for baiting rough ground.
    • Carry a long-handled net or use a safe gully to wash fish in; avoid gaffs and keep handling to a minimum.

Tide state and sea colour decide your session at Broad Bench. Think clear water for wrasse/pollack lures and a touch of fizz for bass.

  • Tides:
    • Flood to high water often fishes best for bass along the reef edge; wrasse feed well from mid to late flood.
    • Neaps offer clearer water and easier presentation; springs add run and surf but can dump weed.
  • Conditions:
    • Light northerly or offshore winds give clarity for wrasse and lure work; a gentle SW/W swell creates ideal bass ‘lift’ along the ledge.
    • After big blows, expect suspended weed and snags; give it 24–48 hours to settle.
  • Timing:
    • First and last light are prime for bass and mackerel/garfish.
    • Night sessions are best for huss and conger, but note that range opening hours may preclude after-dark access—check on the day.

This is an exposed rock mark inside a live firing range; respect both the sea and the signage. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility.

  • MOD Lulworth Ranges:
    • No access during live firing. If red flags/lights are displayed or gates are shut, do not proceed.
    • Keep to marked paths; do not touch any military debris.
  • Sea and terrain hazards:
    • Weed-slick platforms, deep gullies, and sudden swell surges; wear studded boots and consider a personal flotation device.
    • Plan your route in and out; parts of the reef can become cut off by tide or heavy swell.
    • Keep well back from the edge in swell; stow bags high and dry.
  • General:
    • Fish with a partner where possible; carry a charged phone and tell someone your plan. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Facilities are centred on Kimmeridge Bay and the village; there are no amenities at the mark itself.

  • Parking at Kimmeridge Bay via toll road; charges apply and gates typically close at dusk.
  • Public toilets usually available by the bay in season; opening can be seasonal.
  • The Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre (seasonal) and Clavell’s Café in Kimmeridge village for refreshments (check hours).
  • Nearest tackle shops are in Wareham and Swanage; more options in Poole and Weymouth.
  • Mobile signal is patchy on the foreshore but improves on higher ground.

Local anglers treat Broad Bench as a ‘travel light and move’ venue—reading the reef is half the battle.

  • Polarised glasses help you pick out gullies, edges, and ambush points for bass and wrasse.
  • Use weedless presentations and a rotten-bottom lead on bait rigs to save tackle in the kelp.
  • A small selection of soft plastics in natural baitfish and brown/green crab tones covers most scenarios.
  • After a small rise in swell, work surface/subsurface lures along the white-water seams and back-eddies.
  • On hot, still days, downsize to LRF-style metals or floats for garfish and mackerel to keep the rod bending.
  • Be courteous to surfers when the wave is on—Broad Bench is a famous reef break; give each other room.
  • Take your litter home and release big wrasse carefully; they’re long-lived and key to the reef’s health.

Rules here are a mix of national fisheries measures and local access constraints. Always verify current regulations before you go.

  • MOD Lulworth Ranges:
    • Access is only permitted when the ranges are open. Obey red flags/lights and all signage; closures can include evenings and weekdays. Night access is often not permitted.
  • Marine designations:
    • The area forms part of the Purbeck Coast Marine Conservation Zone. Recreational line angling from shore is allowed, but avoid collecting or disturbing living reef organisms and respect any onsite notices.
  • Bass rules (England, inshore):
    • As of 2024, recreational anglers may retain up to 2 bass per person per day from 1 March to 30 November (minimum size 42 cm). Catch-and-release only applies outside those dates. Check for updates before fishing.
  • Pollack (western English Channel):
    • For 2024, recreational catch-and-release only due to stock measures in ICES Area 7; retention is not permitted. Check current year rules.
  • Southern IFCA byelaws:
    • You are within the Southern IFCA district. Various byelaws apply (e.g., netting restrictions in certain zones, protections for seagrass/MCZ features, controls on bait digging/hand gathering). Shore angling is generally unaffected, but do not use mechanical bait-gathering and follow any posted local restrictions.
  • General:
    • Observe national minimum conservation reference sizes where applicable; never retain undersized fish.
    • Private toll road/parking terms apply at Kimmeridge Bay; gates commonly close at or before dusk.