Summary
Bossington Beach, Somerset sits on the eastern side of Porlock Bay beneath Hurlstone Point, a dramatic sweep of steep shingle on the Exmoor coast. It’s a classic Bristol Channel venue: deep water close to a shifting pebble bank, fast tides, and serious fish like small‑eyed rays, smoothhounds, bass and nighttime eels. Persistent anglers are rewarded, especially at dusk and after a bit of sea on.
Location and Access
This mark lies just west of Minehead and north of Porlock, reached via the A39 and the tiny village of Bossington. Access is straightforward but the final approach across loose shingle is tiring.
- Parking: National Trust car park in Bossington village (pay & display for non‑members; postcode approx. TA24 8HF).
- Walk-in: 10–15 minutes on a flat lane/track from the car park to the shingle; then a short clamber over the steep pebble ridge. Allow extra time if carrying heavy gear.
- Terrain: Very steep, loose shingle and cobbles with a pronounced bank; no firm platforms. Not suitable for trolleys or pushchairs.
- Alternative approaches: From Porlock Weir end is possible but much longer over shingle and generally not recommended with kit.
- Land ownership: National Trust coastline; respectful access on established paths.
Seasons
The beach produces a mix of classic Bristol Channel species, with a strong summer ray/hound scene and productive winter nights for whiting and the odd codling.
- Spring (Mar–May): Bass (building late spring, especially near surf and river outflow), smoothhound (late), small‑eyed ray (from May), dogfish, occasional spurdog on calm, dark nights.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Small‑eyed ray (prime), smoothhound (prime), bass in the surf after a blow, conger eel after dark, dogfish, bull huss, occasional thornback ray.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Bass (can be excellent in onshore stir), small‑eyed ray (into Sept/Oct), huss, conger, dogfish, pouting; first whiting showing late.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Whiting, pouting, dogfish, conger on milder nights, the odd codling in a northerly blow; spurdog occasional in settled spells.
- Localised/occasional: Thick‑lipped mullet around the Horner Water outflow/Porlock Weir side in calm, clear conditions; tope from the beach is rare but not impossible in midsummer.
Methods
This is primarily a bottom‑fishing venue, with range and presentation important because of tidal pull and shingle snags.
- Tackle: 12–14 ft beachcaster or continental rod with a sturdy reel; 0.35–0.40 mm mono or 30–40 lb braid and a 60–80 lb shockleader. Use 5–6 oz grip leads (7 oz on big springs).
- Rigs: Pulley pennel (3/0–5/0) for rays/huss; up‑and‑over or long‑range clipped rigs for distance; 2‑hook clipped/down-and-out for whiting and mixed fish. Add a weak/rotten‑bottom link to save leads among stones.
- Baits: Sandeel (whole or snake) and squid wraps for small‑eyed rays; peeler or hard‑back crab and squid for smoothhound and bass; black lug/razor/rag for codling/whiting; mackerel/bluey for huss and conger. Fresh bait outfishes frozen for rays and bass.
- Lure/float: Lures only in calmer, clearer spells on neaps—shallow divers or soft plastics for bass tight to the surf line. Bread flake or small baits under a float for mullet near the river outflow in summer.
- Timing: Dusk into night transforms this venue. Big, well‑presented baits at range during the flood are the norm for rays; fish close in at last light for bass.
Tides and Conditions
The huge tidal range of the Bristol Channel drives this mark. Aim to marry the flood with low light and some colour in the water.
- Tide state: 2–3 hours up to high water and the first of the ebb are often best. On neaps you’ll hold better and fish can sit longer in front of you.
- Sea state: A moderate SW–W onshore and milky water suits bass and ray fishing; a heavy swell creates dangerous backwash and is often unfishable.
- Time of day: Dusk to a few hours into darkness is prime for rays, huss, conger and autumn/winter whiting. Early dawn pushes can also be good for bass.
- Seasonality: May–September is peak for small‑eyed rays and smoothhounds; October–February brings whiting and the chance of codling on a cold blow.
- Tidal run: Expect strong lateral pull on springs—step up to heavier grip leads and compact baits; keep rigs streamlined.
Safety
This is a serious shingle beach with steep banks, surging waves and fierce backwash—treat it with respect.
- Steep shingle and sudden drop‑offs: Don’t stand at the water’s edge; never turn your back on the sea. Expect powerful backwash that can take legs from under you.
- High‑water squeeze: On big springs the sea can reach the shingle crest—set up high, keep an escape route, and move kit back early.
- Underfoot: Loose, shifting stones are ankle‑testing; use supportive boots. The walk is not suitable for limited mobility.
- Weather and swell: Avoid strong onshore gales; waders are not recommended here due to shelving and backwash.
- Nearby cliffs (Hurlstone Point): Occasional rockfall/landslip—keep clear of cliff bases.
- Comms and prep: Mobile signal can be patchy; carry a headtorch, spare light, and consider a PFD. Fish with a partner if possible and tell someone your plan.
Facilities
Facilities are modest but adequate if you plan ahead. Expect few amenities right on the beach.
- Parking: National Trust car park at Bossington (pay & display); usually open year‑round.
- Toilets: Public toilets at the NT car park (often seasonal hours) and in Porlock village.
- Food and drink: Tea rooms in Bossington (seasonal) and several pubs/cafés in Porlock and Porlock Weir.
- Tackle and bait: Good options in Minehead (10–15 minutes by car); call ahead for fresh bait. Limited or no tackle retail in Bossington itself.
- Other: No lighting or shelter on the beach; bins may be limited—take all litter home. Phone signal varies by network.
Tips
A few local wrinkles can make a big difference on this shifting shingle.
- Read the ground: At lower water, note seams of finer shingle or darker sand patches—these corridors often draw rays on the flood.
- Crab raids: Spider crabs can be relentless late spring; toughen baits with squid wraps or elastic and check regularly.
- Dogfish control: Step up to bigger, streamlined baits (whole sandeel, squid wraps) to get past LSDs when they’re thick.
- Casting: Keep rigs aerodynamic and clipped; even 20–30 extra yards can find cleaner flow beyond the worst of the side run.
- Bass windows: After a 24–48 hour blow that’s just easing, fish the first coloured push of the flood at dusk with crab or big lug cocktails tight to the surf line.
- Kit shuffle: On big springs, move your gear up the bank before it’s needed—backwash can rip tripods over in seconds.
Regulations
Recreational sea angling is generally permitted from Bossington Beach. This coastline is within Exmoor National Park and much of Porlock Ridge & Saltmarsh is designated (SSSI) under conservation protection.
- Access and land: Follow National Trust on‑site signage—keep to paths across the dunes/saltmarsh, avoid disturbing wildlife, and take all litter home. Barbecues and fires are often restricted—check local notices on the day.
- Fisheries management: This area falls under Devon & Severn IFCA and national MMO rules. Observe current minimum conservation reference sizes (MCRS) and any local byelaws (e.g., netting/estuarine restrictions).
- Bass: Regulations change frequently (seasonal catch‑and‑release periods, minimum size, and daily bag limits). Check the latest MMO/IFCA guidance before your session.
- Spurdog and skates/rays: Rules for retention vary with annual measures—many anglers release spurdog and small‑eyed rays as a best‑practice conservation choice. Verify current retention rules if in doubt.
- Protected sites/species: Do not disturb nesting birds or saltmarsh vegetation. Some bait collection may be restricted within designated areas—check local byelaws.
- Licences: No rod licence is required for sea fishing in England, but estuary/river stretches may have separate rules—observe any local signage near the Horner Water outflow.
