Broad Bench Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Broad Bench Fishing Map

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.

Ratings

⭐ 6.8/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 4/10

Fish You Can Catch at Broad Bench

🐟 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.

Broad Bench Fishing

Summary

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.

Location and Access

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.

Seasons

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

Methods

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.

Tides and Conditions

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.

Safety

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.

Facilities

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

Tips

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

Regulations

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