Purton Hulks Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Purton Hulks Fishing Map

Historic ships’ graveyard on the Severn estuary bank, opposite Sharpness. You fish from the sea wall/embankment above soft mud and the beached hulks. The Severn’s huge tidal range creates fierce currents with deep scours tight to the wall at high water; at low water it’s vast mudflats. Best fished 2–3 hours either side of high tide. Expect snaggy ground from timber, metalwork and debris—use strong tackle and rotten-bottom links. Never venture onto the mud; watch for the Severn Bore, fast flood tides and ship wash to/from Sharpness. Access is via Purton with parking by the canal and a short walk along the footpath to the hulks. Typical quarry are estuary species on worm and crab baits, with winter whiting/pouting and the chance of codling in cold snaps; thin-lipped mullet show in warmer months around freshwater seepage points.

Ratings

⭐ 6/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 6/10
Scenery & Comfort 7/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 7/10

Fish You Can Catch at Purton Hulks

🐟 Bass 8/10
🎯 Tip: Big tides; fish last 2 of flood/first ebb beside the hulks. Peeler crab, lug or whole sandeel; shallow or vibration lures on neaps. Cast to channel edge; expect fierce tide and snags.
🐟 Flounder 7/10
🎯 Tip: Autumn–spring. Ragworm or lug tipped with mackerel; cast short into gutters at top of tide. Light grip leads; inch baits slowly along the mud to find fish.
🐟 European Eel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer nights on worm, squid or fish strip. Cast short into muddy margins/eddy lines by the hulks. Use strong snoods and 5–6oz grip leads to hold bottom.
🐟 Mullet (Thin-lipped) 5/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring–early autumn on neaps. Small Mepps-style spinner with ragworm in slack water inside the hulks or by outfalls. Stealth and light gear; clearer-water windows best.
🐟 Whiting 4/10
🎯 Tip: Nov–Jan after dark on bigger tides. Two-hook flappers with lug/squid cocktails; aim at the channel run. Rattly bites; keep gear pinned with 5–6oz grips.
🐟 Common Goby 4/10
🎯 Tip: Muddy shallows and slack pockets at high water. Micro-hooks (14–18) with tiny rag/shrimp pieces; keep baits static and close in.
🐟 Shanny 4/10
🎯 Tip: Around the hulks at mid–high water. Tiny hooks with rag or mussel dropped straight down; short lifts to avoid snags and mud.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 4/10
🎯 Tip: Summer neaps in sheltered eddies. Bread flake or paste on size 8–10 near structure; trickle crumb sparingly. Sight-fish when clarity allows.
🐟 Cod 3/10
🎯 Tip: Late autumn/winter nights in heavy colour. Big lug/crab baits on pulley rigs; fish the flood to the channel edge. Very snaggy—use rotten-bottom links.

Purton Hulks Fishing

Summary

Purton Hulks sits on the upper Severn Estuary shoreline between Sharpness and the village of Purton, where a line of historic shipwrecks once buttressed the canal bank. It’s a quirky, atmospheric mark with huge tides, coloured water and genuine potential for flounder and school bass. Come for the estuary sport and the unique backdrop—but treat the place with serious respect.

Location and Access

Access is via the Severn Way footpath along the foreshore beside the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, with parking in or around Purton/Shepherd’s Patch and a short walk to the hulks. Expect soft ground, uneven grassed banks and some mud—plan for a steady walk rather than a quick dash.

Seasons

This is a turbid, high-energy estuary; fish follow food on the flood and at slack water. Flounder are the mainstay, with bass in warmer months and occasional estuary visitors.

Methods

Tidal pull is fierce; think strong kit, wired leads and clipped-down rigs. Natural baits out-fish artificials in the brown Severn water, with worms and crab the standouts.

Tides and Conditions

This is one of the world’s largest tidal ranges; timing trumps everything. Short, controlled sessions around high water on neaps are the norm.

Safety

Safety is the headline at Purton Hulks. The mud is treacherous, the tide races, and the bore can arrive faster than you can react—plan carefully and keep well back from soft ground.

Facilities

There are no facilities on the foreshore—come self‑sufficient. Nearby canal-side spots offer food and loos if you’re a patron.

Tips

Think “estuary discipline”: short sessions, strong tackle, neat presentation and absolute tide awareness. The hulks add snags and character—fish them smart, not close.

Regulations

This shoreline is in England on the Severn Estuary; normal English sea angling rules apply, with extra protections for migratory fish and the heritage wreck site. Always verify the latest rules before you go.