Summary
Eype Beach is a steep shingle cove on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, tucked between West Bay and Seatown. It’s a classic south coast surf mark with clean-to-mixed ground, flanked by rocky ends that add wrasse and pollack to the usual shingle species. Fish it for bass in a lively surf, summer rays on settled evenings, and winter whiting after dark.
Location and Access
Eype lies just west of West Bay (Bridport), accessed via narrow lanes to Lower Eype. Parking is limited and close to the beach, making it one of the more convenient wild-feeling marks in this stretch.
- Parking: Small pay-and-display at Lower Eype near the beach; postcode DT6 6AL will get you into the right lane network. Spaces fill quickly in summer weekends.
- Approach: Short walk from the car park onto steep shingle; no long hike if you park at Lower Eype.
- Alternative access: From West Bay (east) via the South West Coast Path is a straightforward undulating walk; from Seatown (west) is more strenuous over Thorncombe Beacon.
- Terrain: Steeply shelving pea-to-golf-ball shingle with mixed/rougher ground toward both ends; the central section is generally cleaner.
Seasons
Eype produces a broad mix through the year, with surf species on the shingle and rock species at the ends.
- Spring (Mar–May): Bass, dogfish, small-eyed ray, thornback ray, plaice (occasional on cleaner patches), wrasse (rocky ends), early smoothhound.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Bass, smoothhound, small-eyed and thornback ray, mackerel, garfish, scad, wrasse, pollack (dusk), sole (odd fish on settled nights), gurnard.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Bass (often best), rays, conger (after dark, rougher ends), mackerel/garfish into early autumn, whiting and pouting starting to show.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Whiting, pouting, dogfish, poor cod, dab/plaice (occasional), conger after dark; chance of a codling in lively, coloured water after a blow.
Methods
Treat it like a small Chesil-style surf mark: distance helps on neaps, but fish will come close in coloured water and at dusk.
- Bottom fishing: 4–6 oz breakout leads. Pulley or pulley-pennel (3/0–5/0) for bass and rays; clipped-down up-and-over for rays/plaice; 2-hook flappers (size 1–2) for whiting/pouting.
- Baits: Fresh lugworm, rag, peeler crab for bass/smoothhound; sandeel and squid for rays; mackerel/squid cocktails for whiting and dogs; small squid strip for bream/garfish if about.
- Lures: Metals (20–40 g) and slim soft plastics for bass/pollack at first/last light; float-fish sandeel or strips for garfish around summer high tides.
- Rock ends: Float-fish crab/worm for wrasse; weedless soft plastics for wrasse/pollack. Mind snags and swell.
- Night tactics: Big fish baits for conger off the rougher edges; scaled-down two-hook rigs with small baits for winter whiting action.
Tides and Conditions
Timing and water colour are key here.
- Tide states: The last two hours of the flood and the first hour of the ebb are prime. On neaps, casting that bit further can be crucial; on springs, fish will often move closer on the push.
- Sea state: Light to moderate SW-onshore with a bit of colour perks up bass; a settled, gentle sea after a blow is good for rays. Clear, calm water favours mackerel/garfish and wrasse.
- Time of day: Dusk into dark is consistently productive for bass, rays and whiting; early morning is best for lure work and mackerel.
- Seasonality: Late spring to early autumn for smoothhound and rays; autumn for bigger bass; winter nights for consistent whiting and pouting.
- Wind notes: Strong onshore blows can make the shingle dangerous with heavy dumpers; easterlies flatten the sea but can make the water too clear for bait fishing.
Safety
Eype is a steep, energetic shingle beach under unstable Jurassic cliffs—treat it with respect.
- Cliff hazard: Do not set up under the cliffs; landslips are common, especially after heavy rain. Keep well back from the cliff base at all times.
- Surf/dumpers: Shore break can be powerful and collapses the shingle under your feet. Avoid wading; keep a safe distance from the waterline on big swells.
- Tidal cut-offs: The central beach is open, but the rocky ends can be cut off—check tide times before exploring ledges.
- Ground: Mixed and snaggy toward both ends—use sensible tackle and be prepared to lose gear.
- Mobility: Not wheelchair-friendly; steep, unstable shingle is tough going with barrows or heavy kit. Travel light.
- Night fishing: Bring a reliable headtorch, spare light, and high-viz/reflective gear. A personal flotation device is recommended on exposed shores.
- Comms: Phone signal can be patchy tight under the cliffs; let someone know your plan and exit route.
Facilities
Facilities are limited at the beach; plan ahead.
- Parking: Small pay-and-display close to the shingle at Lower Eype (DT6 6AL). Arrive early in peak season.
- Toilets/refreshments: No permanent public toilets on the beach. The Eype’s Mouth Hotel is nearby for food/drink when open; full facilities are in West Bay and Bridport.
- Tackle/bait: Tackle shops and fresh bait available in West Bay/Bridport (short drive). Pre-order worms/crab in summer.
- Lifeguards: None.
- Mobile signal: Variable under the cliffs; better on higher ground.
Tips
Little adjustments make a big difference at Eype.
- Fish the colour line: After a SW blow, a day of settling with milky-green water is prime for bass and rays.
- Find the patches: The mid-beach tends to be cleaner; step 30–50 m toward either end and you’ll hit more mixed/rough ground—great for wrasse/pollack but snaggy.
- Casting: On neaps, a well-presented clipped bait at range often out-fishes big baits lobbed short. On springs and at dusk, fish can be in the first 20–40 yards.
- Rigs and leaders: Use strong abrasion-resistant leaders (60–80 lb) and fresh hook lengths; shingle and small reef fingers are hard on line.
- Lure window: Work metals/soft plastics at first light on a flooding tide—often one or two quick bass before the beach wakes up.
- Mackerel etiquette: Single small sabikis or a metal jig is plenty; keep only what you need.
- Travel light: A solid tripod, two rods max, and pre-clipped baits save energy on the steep shingle.
Regulations
Sea angling is permitted at Eype Beach, but you’re responsible for staying current with rules that can change.
- Bass rules: Recreational bass fishing in this area is subject to seasonal bag limits and a 42 cm minimum size. These are updated annually—check the latest MMO/GOV.UK notice before your trip.
- Sizes and limits: Minimum conservation reference sizes and daily limits apply to some species (e.g., rays, mackerel policies can vary locally). Consult Southern IFCA guidance for the Dorset coast.
- Bait collection: Local byelaws may regulate bait digging and crab/lobster collection; never take berried (egg-bearing) crustaceans.
- No licence: No rod licence is required for sea angling in England, but a licence is needed for salmon/sea trout in estuaries and for freshwater species.
- Protected areas: The wider Lyme Bay/Jurassic Coast has marine conservation designations; angling is generally allowed, but some activities may be restricted—observe any on-site signage.
- Courtesy: In summer, give swimmers and water users a wide berth; avoid casting across the small river outflow when families are present.
- If any local signage indicates temporary restrictions (events, cliff work, storms), follow those instructions.
