Steamer Point Fishing

Last updated: 6 days ago

Steamer Point Fishing Map

A gently shelving sand-and-shingle beach backed by the Steamer Point Nature Reserve between Highcliffe Castle and Friars Cliff. You fish into mostly clean sand with patches of mixed ground and timber groynes. Best results are typically on a flooding tide into dusk and after dark. Summer brings shoals of mackerel, scad and garfish close in; bass patrol the surf after a blow. Plaice and other flats show on longer casts over the sand, with smoothhound possible in warm months on crab. Occasional rays are taken at range. Autumn and winter produce whiting and dogfish. Access is via signed paths through the reserve from nearby car parks; there are steps to the beach. Be mindful of cliff slumps, exposed groynes at high water, an often-strong longshore drift on springs, and swimmers/daytime beach use.

Ratings

⭐ 6.5/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 6/10
Accessibility 7/10

Fish You Can Catch at Steamer Point

🐟 Bass 9/10
🎯 Tip: Work shallow lures or peeler crab in the surf by the groynes at dawn/dusk, especially on a flooding tide with a bit of colour after a blow. Keep mobile and target the gutters.
🐟 Starry Smoothhound 8/10
🎯 Tip: May–Sep; peeler crab on a pulley at 40–80m over clean sand. Best over the flood into dusk and first of dark. Calm to slight sea.
🐟 Small-eyed Ray 7/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring–autumn evenings; sandeel or squid at long range into sandy gullies. 2 up/1 down around high works well. Minimal weed and surf.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 7/10
🎯 Tip: Regular after dark on clean sand; small fish or squid strips. Any state of tide, mid-distance. Often show on neaps.
🐟 Whiting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Nov–Feb nights; lug/squid cocktails at mid distance. Fish the flood and first of ebb; clip-down rigs to reach deeper water.
🐟 Dover Sole 6/10
🎯 Tip: Jun–Oct warm nights; small rag or maddies on long snoods, 10–30m from the edge of the surf. Neaps and a gentle flood are best.
🐟 Mackerel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Calm, clear evenings Jun–Sep; feathers or small metals. Work the edges of tide rips on the flood, casting beyond the outer bar if reachable.
🐟 Plaice 5/10
🎯 Tip: Mar–May daylight; long casts over clean sand with lug/shellfish and attractor beads. Gentle onshore breeze and flooding tide help.
🐟 Garfish 5/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring–autumn; float-fish slivers of mackerel 1–2m deep over the flood at first and last light. Keep baits moving.
🐟 Golden-grey Mullet 5/10
🎯 Tip: Set light float or small baited sabiki with tiny rag/Isome tight to the groynes on calm summer evenings near high water.
🐟 Thornback Ray 4/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional in spring/autumn; sandeel/squid at range on clean sand, 2 hours either side of high. Slight swell and coloured water help.

Steamer Point Fishing

Summary

Steamer Point sits between Highcliffe Castle and Friars Cliff on the Christchurch Bay shoreline in Dorset. It’s a gently shelving sand-and-shingle beach with timber groynes, easy access, and reliable mixed fishing through most of the year, especially on a flooding tide and after dark.

Location and Access

This mark is reached via the cliff-top paths through Steamer Point Nature Reserve, with steps down to the beach, or along the promenade from Friars Cliff. Access is straightforward, though the final descent is via stairs and the beach is shingle-backed in places.

Seasons

This stretch of Christchurch Bay offers classic south-coast mixed fishing with seasonal variety. Expect better results into dusk and at night.

Methods

A beach mark that rewards sensible, uncluttered tactics. Fish short for bass and sole after dark; cast a little further for plaice and rays in daylight.

Tides and Conditions

Steamer Point generally fishes best on the flood and into the first of the ebb, with a notable lift at dusk. Water colour and wind direction strongly influence species.

Safety

This is an exposed open beach with timber groynes and a shingle back, plus steps down from the cliff. Treat the groynes and backwash with respect, and avoid the cliff toe after heavy rain.

Facilities

Facilities are good by Dorset beach standards, with seasonal amenities close by. Tackle is available in Christchurch town.

Tips

Steamer Point rewards a mobile approach—hunt for features like seams of colour, weed lines, and the edges of sand bars. Bead-dressed plaice rigs and fresh crab for bass are local staples.

Regulations

Steamer Point falls within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) coastline and the Southern IFCA district. Angling is generally permitted, but seasonal beach-use rules apply.