West Weares Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

West Weares Fishing Map

A rugged stretch of boulder and ledge ground beneath the west cliffs of the Isle of Portland (below Blacknor/Tout Quarry). Deep water lies close in with kelp-filled gullies and broken ground, carrying strong tidal movement and clear water on settled days. It’s a classic lure-and-float venue for wrasse and pollack in spring–autumn, with conger, bull huss and pout/poor cod after dark. Mackerel, scad and garfish show in summer; bass are possible in lively seas. Access is via steep, rough paths and rock-hopping; long walk, very snaggy ground and hazardous in any swell or heavy sea.

Ratings

⭐ 7.2/10 Overall
Catch Potential 8/10
Species Variety 9/10
Scenery & Comfort 6/10
Safety 3/10
Accessibility 3/10

Fish You Can Catch at West Weares

🐟 Ballan Wrasse 9/10
🎯 Tip: Hardback or peeler crab on strong gear; fish tight to kelp and boulders on the flood. Daylight, summer to autumn. Use a rotten-bottom to beat snags.
🐟 Pollack 8/10
🎯 Tip: Dawn/dusk on a flooding tide; cast metal jigs or soft plastics parallel to the ledges into deep water. Float-fished sandeel also scores.
🐟 Pouting 7/10
🎯 Tip: Very common after dark over rough ground; small strips of mackerel or rag on a 2-hook paternoster. Short casts into gullies.
🐟 Conger Eel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Best after dark around high water; whole mackerel or squid on 6/0-8/0, heavy mono and a rotten-bottom. Drop baits into holes close in.
🐟 Bass 6/10
🎯 Tip: After a blow with some colour; soft plastics or metal lures worked through gullies on the flood. Big crab baits at dusk can pick out fish.
🐟 Mackerel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Summer in clear water; feathering or 20-40 g metals. Keep mobile along the ledges. Best on a flooding tide at first or last light.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Late summer to autumn at dusk into night; sabikis or small metals under a float with a glow bead, steady retrieve midwater.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 5/10
🎯 Tip: Small hooks with rag or prawn under a float tight to kelp. Short casts on the flood; expect gentle lift bites. Return quickly.
🐟 Tompot Blenny 5/10
🎯 Tip: Very close in among boulders; tiny hooks baited with rag or prawn, float or freelined. Good for scratch sessions on the flood.
🐟 Garfish 5/10
🎯 Tip: Calm, clear days on a rising tide; float-fished mackerel strip or small spinners near the surface. Late spring to early autumn.

West Weares Fishing

Summary

West Weares sits below the towering west cliffs of the Isle of Portland, Dorset, facing straight into the English Channel. It’s a wild, boulder-strewn shoreline with kelp-filled gullies, deep seams of water and serious rough ground—perfect for wrasse, pollack, bass and nocturnal predators. Rewarding but unforgiving, it’s a mark for prepared, mobile anglers who respect the sea and the terrain.

Location and Access

Set on the western flank of Portland between Chesil Cove and Blacknor, West Weares is reached via the South West Coast Path and steep fishermen’s/climbers’ descents. Expect a demanding approach and very rough footing among large boulders and ledges once you’re down.

Seasons

This is classic rough-ground fishing with a strong summer lure/float game and a proper night bite over big baits. Expect quality over quantity.

Methods

Rough ground dictates robust tackle, abrasion resistance and rigs that sacrifice leads rather than fish. Lures and floats shine by day; big baits come into their own at night.

Tides and Conditions

Tide flow is less extreme than Portland Bill but still influential; the ground fishes well on the flood through high, with evenings and early mornings prime. Sea state dictates both safety and success.

Safety

This is a high-risk, advanced rock mark. The combination of unstable boulders, steep access, swell surges and frequent rockfall demands caution and the right kit.

Facilities

There are no facilities on the mark itself—plan to be self-sufficient. Nearby Portland villages cover the basics before/after your session.

Tips

Small adjustments make a big difference at West Weares; travel light, stay mobile, and fish the features you can reach safely.

Regulations

Rules can change—always check the latest with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and Southern IFCA before you go. Portland’s west side has no general shoreline fishing ban, but protected statuses and national fishery rules apply.