Dancing Ledge Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Dancing Ledge Fishing Map

A famous Purbeck rock ledge south of Langton Matravers with very deep water close in, kelp-fringed drop-offs and a man-made tidal pool. It fishes best in settled weather on a flooding or high tide for wrasse, pollack and summer pelagics, with pouting and conger after dark. Expect snaggy ground—use rotten-bottom/weak links. Access is via the coast path from the National Trust Spyway/ Langton Matravers area followed by a steep, awkward scramble to the ledge. The mark is fully exposed to swell and some sections are awash at higher states of tide: check sea state and tide times carefully and avoid big southerly swells. Spinning, float fishing and stout bottom gear all produce; keep mobile to work gullies, ledge edges and tidal seams.

Ratings

⭐ 7/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 9/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 3/10
Accessibility 4/10

Fish You Can Catch at Dancing Ledge

🐟 Pouting 8/10
🎯 Tip: After dark over rough ground with small mackerel/squid strips on size 2–1/0 two-hook flappers. Short casts into the drop-offs on the flood; best autumn–winter.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 8/10
🎯 Tip: Crab, prawn or rag fished tight to kelp gullies on the flood; summer–autumn. Short traces and a rotten-bottom/pulley help beat snags; keep baits hard on the bottom.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: After a swell or at first/last light on a flooding tide. Cast paddletails or surface lures across white water, or float a live sandeel. Keep mobile; summer–autumn.
🐟 Pollack 7/10
🎯 Tip: Dawn/dusk; work weedless soft plastics or jelly worms along kelp edges and drop-offs on the flood. Keep lures high to avoid snags; summer–autumn.
🐟 Conger Eel 7/10
🎯 Tip: After dark with big mackerel/whiting baits on heavy gear dropped into gullies at short range. Use wire trace and a rotten-bottom; fish the flood to high. Best summer–autumn.
🐟 Mackerel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Summer shoals close in. Feather or float small strips at midwater from the ledge during the flood to high; dawn/evening best. Keep above kelp to avoid snags.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Late summer evenings into dark. Small sabikis or size 6 hooks with mackerel slivers under a float set midwater over the drop; flood to high works.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small worm or crab baits lowered into holes and kelp fringes on the flood; short snoods, size 4–6 hooks. Summer; expect snags—use a rotten-bottom.
🐟 Tompot Blenny 5/10
🎯 Tip: Tiny baits on size 10–12 hooks dropped into cracks and undercuts at high water; hold steady in surge. Year-round, best in summer.
🐟 Long-spined Sea Scorpion 5/10
🎯 Tip: Small worm or prawn baits tight to rock crevices at high water; short snoods and light gear. Year-round; expect snags.
🐟 Garfish 5/10
🎯 Tip: Float thin mackerel strip or sandeel 3–6 ft deep on a flooding tide in summer; work along ledge edges. Calm, clear water best.

Dancing Ledge Fishing

Summary

Dancing Ledge is a dramatic limestone platform on the Purbeck coast between Langton Matravers and Worth Matravers, Dorset. With deep water close in, kelp-filled gullies and fast tide movement, it’s a classic rough-ground mark for lure, float and rock fishing. It rewards prepared anglers with bass, pollack and wrasse in settled conditions, but it is an exposed and committing venue where safety comes first.

Location and Access

Set on the South West Coast Path, Dancing Ledge sits beneath the Purbeck cliffs and is reached only on foot. The final approach is a steep descent over cut steps and rock, so pack light and plan your return in daylight if you don’t know the route.

Seasons

The ledge fishes best from late spring to early autumn, with some night options year-round. Expect rough-ground species and pelagics in clear, moving water.

Methods

This is classic rough-ground fishing: travel light, use robust tackle, and expect to lose gear. Lure and float tactics shine when the sea is clear; baiting excels at dusk or after dark.

Tides and Conditions

Sea state rules this mark. It is exposed to southerly and south-westerly swell, and the ledge can be washed over on big seas—do not fish it in any significant swell.

Safety

Dancing Ledge is a serious rock mark. Surges can sweep the platform, and the descent is steep. If in any doubt, do not fish here.

Facilities

This is a wild mark with no on-site amenities. Plan as if there are no services available.

Tips

Small adjustments make a big difference at this ledge. Think stealth, mobility, and tide timing.

Regulations

Shore angling is permitted here, but this coastline includes protected geological and ecological designations—follow local bylaws and national rules. Always check current regulations before you go.