Somerset
Places to fish in Somerset
Last updated: 2 weeks ago
Fishing Marks in Somerset
Anchor Head
A rocky headland on the north side of Weston Bay at Weston‑super‑Mare, offering access to deeper, fast‑moving Bristol Channel water on the flood. Snaggy mixed ground with kelp and boulders; best fished from mid-tide up to high on neaps or the first of the ebb. Expect powerful tides, a big...
Battery Point
A well-known rocky headland at Portishead with very fast tides from the Severn Estuary. Deep water is close in on bigger tides, with rough, snaggy ground and strong cross-tide run. Best fished on neap tides or the slacker parts of the flood/ebb. Dusk and after dark are productive. Use strong...
Berrow Beach
A vast, shallow-gradient Bristol Channel surf beach between Burnham-on-Sea and Brean. Berrow Beach is famed for powerful tides, long clean sand with muddy patches, and the SS Nornen wreck visible at low water. Best fishing is typically the flood to high and into dusk/night, working gutters and channels as the...
Birnbeck Point
Birnbeck Point is a rocky headland beside the derelict Birnbeck Pier in Weston-super-Mare. It offers fast, deep, tide-swept water typical of the Bristol Channel with mixed rough ground, kelp, and patches of cleaner sand. Best fished on neap tides and around the flood and first of the ebb; spring tides...
Black Nore Point
A rocky point below Black Nore Lighthouse at Portishead on the inner Bristol Channel. Fast tides, huge tidal range and turbid water define the mark. The foreshore is rough ground with boulders, kelp and gullies interspersed with small sand/gravel patches. Best results come over the flood into high water and...
Blue Anchor Bay
A broad, shallow Bristol Channel beach of sand, mud and shingle with a huge tidal range. Best results come on the flood, especially the last two hours up to high and into dusk/night. Expect strong tidal pull requiring 5–6 oz grip leads, and target the gullies and sand patches in...
Fishing in Somerset
Summary
Somerset’s short but varied coastline fronts the Bristol Channel/Severn Estuary and ranges from Exmoor’s rocky coves around Porlock and Minehead to vast mudflats and sea walls in Bridgwater Bay, then on to long, shallow sands at Burnham, Berrow, Brean and Weston-super-Mare. It experiences one of the world’s largest tidal ranges, creating powerful currents, extensive intertidal ground and highly tidal fishing windows. The area is famed for spring thornback rays, summer smoothhounds and bass, with reliable winter whiting and conger from rougher marks.
Location and Access
-
Exmoor Coast (Porlock Weir to Minehead)
- Character: Mixed rock, boulder and shingle with kelp gullies; some sheltered harbour structure at Porlock Weir and Minehead.
- Fishing: Rough-ground ledgering for conger, rays and huss; bass on lures or bait in clearer neap tides; occasional summer mackerel and garfish when water clears.
- Access: Parking at Porlock Weir and Minehead promenade/harbour; rock platforms get cut off by tide—plan exits.
-
Blue Anchor Bay & Dunster
- Character: Long shallow bay of sand, clay and shingle with a tidal reef system and patches of rough.
- Fishing: Rays from spring into autumn; bass over the flood in surf; dogs and whiting numerous; smoothhounds in late spring/summer.
- Access: Easy promenade/sea wall access at Blue Anchor; fish last of the flood and first of the ebb to avoid big tide run.
-
Watchet to Kilve, Lilstock and Hinkley Point
- Character: Jurassic cliffs, flat limestone platforms, reefs and heavy kelp—classic rough ground.
- Fishing: Conger, bull huss, rays, codling in colder snaps, and summer bass; wrasse in calmer water. Rotten-bottom rigs essential.
- Access: Field paths to Kilve/Lilstock; uneven, slippery rock with cut-off risk. Note restricted zones around Hinkley Point.
-
Bridgwater Bay & Steart Peninsula
- Character: Vast estuarine mudflats, channels and saltmarsh where the Parrett meets the Channel; very fast tides.
- Fishing: Smoothhounds (May–Aug), thornbacks (spring/autumn), bass along channel edges, winter flounder; dogfish year-round. Fishing often from raised banks/sea defences.
- Access: Limited safe access points; never venture onto soft mud. Observe nature reserve/SSSI signage and byelaws.
-
Burnham-on-Sea, Berrow & Brean Down
- Character: Long, shallow sandy beaches, extensive tide run and sandbanks; rocky headland at Brean Down with strong tidal rips.
- Fishing: Smoothhounds and rays in season, bass in surf after blows, whiting in winter. Lure fishing at Brean Down on neaps if clarity allows.
- Access: Promenades and car parks at Burnham/Berrow; soft sand and mud hazards. Brean Down has steep paths and fierce currents off the point.
-
Weston-super-Mare & Sand Bay (North Somerset)
- Character: Broad sandy bays with huge tidal pull; Knightstone causeway and sea walls provide height.
- Fishing: Rays and hounds on smaller springs/neaps, bass in coloured surf, winter whiting. Weed can be troublesome after big blows.
- Access: Promenade access but large intertidal distance—many fish from the sea wall on bigger tides. Check local byelaws around piers and slips.
-
Clevedon to Portishead (Upper Bristol Channel)
- Character: Rocky ledges, clay shelves and strong estuarine flow; very coloured water, extreme tide.
- Fishing: Rays, conger, eels, whiting and occasional codling in cold snaps; mullet in marinas/harbours. Bass in specific windows around structure.
- Access: Mixed—promenades and certain ledges. Some venues have restricted or permit-only fishing—always check local rules.
Seasons & Species
| Season | Most likely species | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Late Winter (Feb) | Flounder, whiting, conger | Estuary flounder tails off by March; conger from rough ground at night. |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Thornback ray, bass (building), dogfish, smoothhound (from May) | Rays arrive with crab moult; bass on smaller tides; hounds start mid/late May with crab. |
| Early Summer (Jun) | Smoothhound (peak), thornback ray, bass, huss | Warmth + crab = hound time; dusk floods excellent. |
| High Summer (Jul–Aug) | Smoothhound, bass, thornback ray, mullet, garfish (west), occasional mackerel (west) | Clear neaps on the Exmoor side may see surface fish; estuary areas stay coloured—bait rules. |
| Early Autumn (Sep–Oct) | Bass (peak), rays, huss, whiting (arrive), conger | Surf bassing after blows; rays steady; nights lengthen for conger. |
| Late Autumn–Winter (Nov–Jan) | Whiting, rays (mild spells), conger, codling (variable) | Codling appear in cold snaps; whiting reliable on most clean-ish venues. |
- Bass: Best Jun–Oct, with September often prime; after onshore blows as the sea settles.
- Smoothhound: Late May through July, sometimes into August; estuary edges (Parrett/Bridgwater Bay, Burnham/Berrow).
- Thornback ray: March–June and again Sept–Nov; across Blue Anchor, Weston, Burnham and upper Channel marks.
- Mackerel/garfish: Sporadic and mainly west around Porlock/Minehead on clear neap tides mid-summer.
- Conger/huss: Rough ground (Kilve/Lilstock/Porlock) year-round, best after dark.
Methods & Tackle
-
Beach/estuary ledgering:
- Rigs: Pulley pennel (3/0–5/0) for rays/hounds/bass; running ledger for hounds; up-and-over for long-baited presentations when tide eases; 2-hook flapper (1/0–2/0) for whiting/dogs.
- Leads: 5–7 oz wired grip leads standard; step up on springs. Short snoods (12–18 in) in strong tide; lengthen (3–5 ft) on neaps for rays/bass.
- Line: 18–25 lb mono with 60–80 lb shock leader; abrasion leader (60–80 lb) over rough ground. Use rotten-bottom links over reefs (Kilve/Lilstock/Porlock).
- Hooks: Strong patterns; 3/0–4/0 for rays/hounds/bass baits, 1/0–2/0 for whiting/dogs.
- Baits: Peeler crab (prime for hounds/bass in late spring/summer), hardback crab, lugworm for general fishing, ragworm for estuary species/wrasse, squid and sandeel (or squid wraps) for rays/codling, mackerel/bluey for conger/huss.
-
Lure fishing (west of Minehead/rocky ground):
- Gear: 9–10 ft medium-power rod, 20–30 lb braid, 20–30 lb fluoro leader.
- Lures: Weedless soft plastics, shallow/medium diving minnows, metals on clearer neaps. Best at dawn/dusk on calmer, clearer days.
-
Float fishing: Effective for garfish and wrasse on Porlock/rockier marks in summer when water clears.
-
General considerations: Keep rods high on sea walls to clear weed. A long tripod or rail rest helps. Don’t overcast on shallow bays—fish often run close along the first bank and gutter.
Tides and Conditions
- Tidal range: Among the largest in the world (often 12–14 m). Expect fierce lateral run, big flooding/ebb differentials and long drying distances on sandy bays.
- Tide size: Springs can be unfishable on the flood at open beaches—use neaps or the first/last hours of movement. Rough-ground ledges often fish best on neaps to mid-tides.
- Productive states: Last two hours of the flood and the first of the ebb commonly produce, especially for bass and rays on the banks and reef edges.
- Wind and clarity: Onshore W–SW winds create colour and surf that suits bass but can overload lines with weed. Easterlies calm the sea and improve clarity for lures on the Exmoor side but can slow bait fishing in the estuary sections.
- Water colour: Generally very coloured east of Minehead—scented baits outperform lures. Clear windows are short and usually around neaps and after settled high pressure.
- Safety thresholds: Avoid low-water excursions onto mud/sand in Bridgwater Bay and Burnham/Berrow—fast flooding and soft ground. Big onshore gales plus spring tides can overtop sea walls; pick sheltered marks or postpone.
Safety & Acccess
- Mud and soft sand: Bridgwater Bay, Burnham, Berrow and parts of Weston have dangerous mudflats and sinking sand—do not leave firm ground or marked access. Rising tides can cut you off rapidly.
- Rock platforms and cliffs: Kilve/Lilstock/Porlock ledges are slippery with kelp; study the tide and your exit route. Wear studded footwear and consider a personal flotation device on exposed rocks.
- Tidal surges: Large ships and strong winds can create sudden surges against sea walls and slips—keep a safe distance from the edge and avoid low steps when waves are overtopping.
- Restricted areas: Observe exclusion zones and signage around Hinkley Point and any working structures, slips and lifeboat areas. Piers/harbours may require permits or restrict angling—check locally.
- Night fishing: Common and productive; carry two lights, spare batteries, a first-aid kit and fish with a partner where possible.
- Parking and paths: Many venues are pay-and-display (Minehead, Blue Anchor, Weston). Rural access to Kilve/Lilstock crosses farmland—keep gates as found and respect SSSI/nature reserve rules.
Tips
- On the big spring tides, fish the last hour of flood and first hour of ebb to keep baits anchored and in the strike zone.
- Smoothhounds love crab—bring peeler or collect hardbacks from weed fringes (where allowed). Fresh is best.
- For rays, try a squid-and-sandeel cocktail on a pulley pennel; add a few beads or a weak scent attractor in very coloured water.
- Don’t wade out on the mudflats—Somerset’s estuary ground is notorious; fish from firm sea walls and higher banks.
- Shorten snoods and step up to heavier grip leads when the tide rips; lengthen traces and scale down on neaps for extra bites.
- Bassing after a blow: hit the first settling seas with lug or crab along the surf line at Burnham/Berrow/Blue Anchor.
- Rough-ground marks (Kilve/Lilstock) demand rotten-bottom links and tough leaders—accept some tackle losses as normal.
- Mackerel are occasional on this coast—treat them as a bonus rather than a plan. Bring bait for a fallback.
- For conger from rock/harbour structure, fish big oily baits after dark on a strong mono rubbing leader.
- Keep an eye on weed. After big SW blows, bootlace weed can swamp lines; move to higher walls or find lee shores.
Nearby
- Devon – North Devon’s Bristol Channel marks offer rugged rock fishing and more chance of summer mackerel in clear spells.
- Bristol – Urban Severn estuary shores and structures; very strong tides and coloured water.
- Gloucestershire – Upper Severn estuary banks and groynes with extreme tidal effects (mainly estuary-style fishing).
- Dorset – South Coast beaches and reefs within a few hours’ drive; clearer water, bream and lure options.
- Wiltshire – Inland, but it’s the through-route to Dorset/Hampshire coasts.
FAQs
-
Do I need a licence to sea fish in Somerset?
- You do not need a rod licence for sea fishing with bait or lures, but a licence is required for salmon/sea trout in estuaries and for some bait collection. Check local byelaws.
-
Where’s good for beginners?
- Blue Anchor promenade, Burnham sea wall and Weston promenades offer easy access, solid footing and productive tides for rays, hounds and whiting.
-
Can I night fish?
- Yes, many marks fish better in the dark (conger, rays, bass). Go with a partner, carry two lights, and avoid mudflats or being cut off on rock platforms.
-
What baits should I bring?
- Lugworm and peeler crab are staples. Add squid (and sandeel if you can get it) for rays, plus mackerel/bluey for conger/huss. Ragworm is handy for estuary species and wrasse.
-
Are there size or bag limits?
- Yes—minimum sizes and seasonal rules (notably for bass) apply and can change. Always check the latest UK/IFCA regulations before your trip, and observe local restrictions (piers/harbours).
Summary Table
| Area/Mark | Access | Ground | Best species | Prime season | Go-to methods | Safety/notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porlock Weir–Minehead | Harbours, promenades, short walks | Mixed rock, boulder, shingle | Bass, conger, huss, rays; occasional mackerel/gar | May–Oct (bass/rays), year-round conger | Pulley pennel with squid/crab; lures on clear neaps | Cut-off risk on ledges; slippery weeded rock |
| Blue Anchor & Dunster | Promenade/sea wall | Sand/shingle with reef patches | Thornback ray, bass, dogs, smoothhound | Mar–Jun and Sep–Oct (rays), Jun–Aug (hounds/bass) | Grip leads, pulley/up-and-over with squid/crab/lug | Strong tide; fish flood top/first of ebb |
| Watchet–Kilve–Lilstock | Field paths, rough access | Reef/kelp rough ground | Conger, huss, rays, bass, codling (variable) | Apr–Oct (mixed), winter for codling in cold snaps | Rotten-bottom pulley pennel; big fish baits | Slippy ledges; heavy tackle; plan exits |
| Bridgwater Bay & Steart | Sea banks/defences | Estuary channels, mudflats | Smoothhound, rays, bass, flounder | May–Aug (hounds), spring/autumn (rays) | Running ledger/pulley with crab; lug for bass/flounder | No mud walking; fast-flood danger; SSSI rules |
| Burnham–Berrow–Brean | Promenades, beach steps | Shallow sand, banks; rocky headland at Brean | Smoothhound, rays, bass, winter whiting | May–Oct (hounds/bass/rays), Nov–Jan (whiting) | 5–7 oz grips; crab/lug; squid wraps | Soft sand/mud; fierce rips off Brean Down |
| Weston & Sand Bay | Promenades/sea wall | Broad sandy bays | Rays, smoothhound, bass, whiting | May–Oct (rays/hounds/bass), winter whiting | Pulley/flapper; lug, crab, squid | Weed after blows; big intertidal distance |
| Clevedon–Portishead | Promenades/ledges | Rock/clay shelves, strong flow | Rays, conger, whiting, bass | Sep–Nov (mixed), winter whiting | Strong ledgering, short snoods, squid/fish/crab | Some venues permit-only; powerful tide |