Studland Bay Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Studland Bay Fishing Map

A large, sheltered sandy bay on the Isle of Purbeck facing Poole Bay. Mostly clean sand with a gentle gradient, with occasional weed beds and rockier ground toward Old Harry Rocks and the South Haven entrance to Poole Harbour. Best fished at dawn/dusk or after dark outside the busy bathing hours. A flooding tide and a light surf often switch on bass and flats; summer brings mackerel/garfish, and warm evenings can see small sharks and rays. Multiple National Trust car parks (Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle and South Beach) give straightforward access. Be aware of stronger tidal flow near the chain ferry and observe local MCZ guidance.

Ratings

⭐ 6.8/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 7/10
Accessibility 8/10

Fish You Can Catch at Studland Bay

🐟 Bass 8/10
🎯 Tip: Work sandeel-pattern lures or shallow divers along surf lines and gutters on a flooding tide at dawn/dusk; crab or rag baits after dark around Knoll/Middle Beach and the Old Harry tide run in summer-autumn.
🐟 Plaice 7/10
🎯 Tip: Daylight, spring-early summer. Long cast lug/rag tipped with squid onto clean sand; beads/spoons help. Aim beyond the first sandbar from the beaches on a steady flood.
🐟 Smoothhound 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer evenings on a flooding tide over clean sand; cast peeler/hardback crab baits to the edge of sandbars from Knoll/Middle Beach. Use pulley rigs with 3/0-4/0 hooks.
🐟 Thornback Ray 6/10
🎯 Tip: Dusk into night on neap-mid tides. Whole sandeel or squid/mackerel cocktails cast long onto clean sand from Knoll/Middle Beach. Clip-down rigs; sit it out.
🐟 Mackerel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring-autumn. Feathers or small metals from Old Harry Rocks on the flood; try beaches at first/last light when shoals push tight in. Keep mobile.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: Rocky ground around Old Harry/Handfast Point. Fish crab or ragworm on a running rig or weedless soft plastics. Best on the flood with clear water and a slight swell.
🐟 Garfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Float-fish sandeel or mackerel belly 2-6 ft under a float from Old Harry or rocky points. Bright, calm days and a flooding tide late spring-autumn.
🐟 Black Bream 6/10
🎯 Tip: May-Sep over rough ground near Old Harry ledges. Small squid or prawn strips on size 4-2 hooks, light rigs; a little groundbait helps. Clear water and gentle tides.
🐟 Whiting 5/10
🎯 Tip: Autumn-winter nights from the beaches on a flooding tide. Small strips of mackerel or lug on size 2 hooks; clip-down 2-hook rigs for distance.
🐟 Dover Sole 5/10
🎯 Tip: Warm, still nights Jun-Sep. Ragworm or lug close in (20-40 yd) over firm sand from Middle/Knoll Beach on a gentle flood or first of the ebb. Small hooks and light snoods.
🐟 Undulate Ray 5/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional from the beaches at night late spring-autumn. Whole squid or sandeel to deeper gullies; fish neaps with minimal weed. Handle and release carefully.

Studland Bay Fishing

Summary

Studland Bay sits between the mouth of Poole Harbour and Old Harry Rocks on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset. It’s a broad, shallow, sandy bay with patches of seagrass and rocky fringes, offering versatile shore fishing for bass, rays, summer species and winter whiting.

Location and Access

Studland is reached either via the Sandbanks chain ferry from Poole/Bournemouth or by road from Swanage/Corfe Castle over the heath. The National Trust manages several beachfront car parks giving easy access to different sections of the bay.

Seasons

The bay fishes differently by season, with sandy-ground species across the beaches and rock-loving fish near the southern end. Expect variety in summer and more predictable whiting fishing in winter nights.

Methods

Studland rewards simple, tidy shore tactics adapted to the shallow gradient. Fish light where you can, step up for rays and hounds, and use presentation that copes with seagrass.

Tides and Conditions

This is a shallow bay, so tide state and wind-driven surf make a big difference. Aim for movement, low light, and the right water colour for your target species.

Safety

Studland is generally benign, but it’s a popular bathing area with protected habitats and some slippery rock at the southern end. Plan your session with beach users, footing, and visibility in mind.

Facilities

Facilities are good by south coast standards, especially around the central beaches. They thin out toward the headland.

Tips

Studland has a few quirks—seagrass, summer crowds, and a naturist section—so a little planning pays off. Fish light, be stealthy at dawn, and let the conditions choose your tactics.

Regulations

Studland Bay sits within the Studland Bay Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) and the Southern IFCA district. Shore angling is allowed, but a few important rules and protections apply.