Brean Down Point Fishing

Last updated: 5 days ago

Brean Down Point Fishing Map

Rocky limestone point at the seaward tip of Brean Down with deep water close in and very strong Bristol Channel tides. Access involves a long walk and steep steps by the fort; ledges fish best on the flood into dusk and around neap tides. Ground is snaggy—use rotten-bottom rigs—and the mark is exposed to swell and wind. Expect wrasse, pollack, pouting and conger by day into night, with seasonal mackerel and bass; rays are occasional over nearby sand patches.

Ratings

⭐ 6.7/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 3/10
Accessibility 4/10

Fish You Can Catch at Brean Down Point

🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 9/10
🎯 Tip: Very common after dark; fish or squid baits on pulley rigs. Cast to clean/mixed patches from the point on a flooding or ebbing tide. Use 5-6oz grip leads in the run.
🐟 Small-eyed Ray 8/10
🎯 Tip: Target on neap tides; sandeel or squid on long traces to clean sand patches. Best 2 hrs up to high water and first of ebb, summer-autumn, at night.
🐟 Starry Smoothhound 8/10
🎯 Tip: Peeler crab baits late spring to early autumn. Fish the flood into dusk near tide rips; 3-5oz grip leads. Keep baits just uptide and moving slightly.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Crab or big worm baits into rough water on the flood; lures on clearer neaps at dawn/dusk. Fish close in around gullies; summer-autumn, after a blow.
🐟 Thornback Ray 7/10
🎯 Tip: Squid/fish or crab baits on pulley rigs over mixed/clean ground. Best on neaps, last 3 hrs of flood to high water, spring-autumn.
🐟 Bull Huss 7/10
🎯 Tip: Whole squid or fish baits at night from rough ground ledges. Short casts into gullies on the ebb or slack. Heavy gear, snaggy.
🐟 Pouting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Year-round around rock edges; small fish strips on two-hook rigs. Best in coloured water and at night on the flood.
🐟 Whiting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Winter nights on flooding tides; small fish or worm baits at medium range over clean sand. Two-hook flappers score.
🐟 Conger Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: After dark into rough ground; large fish baits on strong traces. Best at slack and first push of tide, summer-autumn. Expect snags.
🐟 Three-bearded Rockling 5/10
🎯 Tip: Short lob with worm or small fish baits into rocky gullies at low water or first flood; winter-spring.

Brean Down Point Fishing

Summary

Brean Down Point is the rugged tip of the National Trust headland south of Weston-super-Mare, jutting into the Bristol Channel’s powerful tides. It’s a classic Somerset rock mark offering serious mixed fishing for rays, bass, smoothhounds and conger with spectacular views. The reward is real, but so are the tides and terrain—this is a venue for prepared anglers.

Location and Access

Set at the end of Brean’s coast road, access is via the National Trust car park and the well-made path to the Down and Fort, then goat tracks to the fishing ledges. Expect a fair hike and some steep, uneven ground—travel light and wear proper boots.

Seasons

Brean Down Point fishes as a mixed rough-ground venue with strong seasonal swings. Expect hard-fighting Bristol Channel residents with a few summer visitors on clearer neaps.

Methods

Strong tide and rough ground call for robust shore tackle. Fish big baits for quality fish, scale down only when small stuff is the target.

Tides and Conditions

This is extreme-tide country; success comes from working the windows when the tide eases and the sea is manageable. Plan around springs versus neaps and wind direction.

Safety

Treat Brean Down Point as a serious rock mark. The mix of cliffs, surge and tidal race means caution is non-negotiable.

Facilities

Facilities are concentrated at the National Trust car park; there is nothing on the Point itself. Stock up before the walk and allow time for the return.

Tips

Brean Down rewards planning and tidy fishing. Small adjustments can be the difference between a blank and a banner session.

Regulations

Know the rules before you go; this coastline sits within Devon & Severn IFCA jurisdiction and several protected designations. Shore angling is generally permitted, but specific species and methods have rules.