Summary
Clevedon Sea Wall sits on the Somerset side of the upper Bristol Channel, facing the huge tides and coloured water of the Severn Estuary. It is an accessible, urban mark that consistently throws up rays, bass, conger and winter codling for anglers who read the tides and tackle up appropriately. Expect powerful currents, rough ground in places and fish that often feed very close to the wall.
Location and Access
Getting to the wall is straightforward and the promenade offers largely level, hard standing with railings. Aim for Clevedon seafront and the Marine Lake/Pier area, then choose a section of wall with safe space behind you for casting.
- Road access: Leave the M5 at J20 (Clevedon) and follow signs for the seafront and pier.
- Parking: Pay-and-display along The Beach and by Salthouse Fields/Marine Lake (popular car parks; typical postcode area BS21 7TU). Charges and timings vary seasonally.
- Walk-in: 1–5 minutes on flat tarmac from most car parks; pick a gap in foot traffic on busy days.
- Terrain: Solid promenade with railings; below is a mix of rock, rough ground and treacherous mud. Do not venture onto the foreshore.
- Where to set up: Productive stretches run from around the Marine Lake westwards toward Poet’s Walk and east towards the pier (note: the pier itself is out of bounds for fishing).
Seasons
The Bristol Channel’s turbidity and tidal power suit scavengers and predators that work the tide. Species change with season, but several are reliable.
- Spring (Mar–May): Thornback ray, bass (first arrivals after milder spells), conger eel at night, the odd smoothhound on peeler, mullet around the lake outflow in settled weather.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Bass (dusk and flood tides), thornback ray, smoothhound (occasional), conger eel, pouting, school whiting, thick‑lipped mullet tight to structure.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Bass (often best months), thornback ray, codling showing with the first blows and big tides, whiting building late, conger after dark.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Codling in on rough, coloured seas and big tides, whiting shoals at night, pouting, strap conger; thornbacks still possible in mild spells.
- Occasional/by-catch: Silver/european eel (must be released), flounder, dogfish (less prolific than further down-channel).
Methods
This is classic heavy-estuary work: strong gear, grip leads and sensible baits that stay put and leak scent. Fish often patrol surprisingly close to the wall on the flood.
- Tackle: 12–13 ft beachcasters or uptiders; 5–7 oz wired/grip leads (more on big springs). 20–25 lb mono with shockleader, or 30–40 lb braid with 60–80 lb leader.
- Rigs: Pulley or pulley‑pennel (3/0–5/0) for rays, bass and codling; clipped 1-up/1-down for mixed bags; short‑snood two‑hook flappers for whiting/pout in slacker water. Use rotten‑bottom links where rough.
- Baits: Lugworm (prime in the estuary), ragworm, peeler crab (bass/hounds in spring–summer), squid or squid‑lug cocktails (codling/ray), bluey/sandeel (ray), mackerel chunk (conger). For mullet, bread flake on light float gear by the lake outflow.
- Range: Don’t overlook 20–40 yards on the flood—fish move tight to the wall. Step up range on the ebb or neaps if bites fade.
- Timing: 2–3 hours before HW into the first of the ebb is a key window. After dark markedly improves conger, codling and whiting.
- Useful extras: Long drop nets for landing, strong tripods, bait elastic, and spare rigs—snags are part of the game.
Tides and Conditions
Clevedon is driven by one of the world’s largest tidal ranges; reading it is half the battle. Bigger tides bring movement and scent trails but also make holding bottom and safety more demanding.
- Best states: Flood tide into high water, then the first hour or two of ebb. Springs for rays, codling and bass; neaps for easier fishing and fewer tangles.
- Sea state: Coloured water suits this mark; a building SW/S blow can switch bass and codling on, but avoid dangerous overtopping conditions.
- Seasonality: Rays and bass from spring through autumn; codling and whiting peak late autumn to winter; conger year‑round, best after dark.
- Tactics by tide: Shorten snoods and beef up leads on big springs; on neaps, lighter leads and two‑hook rigs can pick extra fish.
- Weed/flow: Expect heavy lateral pull and occasional weed runs near top of spring tides—recast as needed to maintain presentation.
Safety
This is an exposed estuary wall with powerful tides and occasional overtopping. Treat the foreshore as hazardous mud and rock—stay on the promenade.
- Do not climb down the steps or onto rocks/mud; the estuary mud can be life‑threatening.
- Waves can overtop the wall in strong onshore winds and big springs; step back or abandon the session if spray is hitting the promenade.
- Use a lifejacket, especially when fishing close to the railings or at night.
- Landing fish: Use a long-handled drop net; do not attempt risky lifts.
- Keep walkways clear; the promenade is shared with the public—mind back swings and hooks.
- Mobility: Largely flat, step‑free access along the wall with railings. Some sections have higher railings that can complicate casting from a wheelchair—scout in daylight for the best spot.
- Lighting: Seafront lighting is decent, but carry a headtorch and spare light for after dark.
Facilities
Clevedon is a well‑served seaside town with amenities close to the mark. Expect crowds on warm weekends and school holidays.
- Toilets: Public conveniences near the pier and by Salthouse Fields/Marine Lake (check seasonal opening times).
- Food and drink: Cafés, takeaways and pubs along The Beach; The Salthouse and other venues within a short walk.
- Tackle and bait: Local availability changes—phone ahead. Otherwise try shops in nearby towns such as Portishead or Weston‑super‑Mare.
- Parking: Pay‑and‑display along the seafront and by the parks; charges typically apply during the day.
- Phone signal: Generally good 4G on major networks.
- Bins: Litter bins along the promenade—pack out waste if they are full.
Tips
Clevedon rewards tidy presentations and strong end tackle. Small adjustments to tide timing and bait choice make a big difference.
- Fish close on the flood: Many bass, rays and codling are hooked within 30 yards of the wall as the tide pushes bait in.
- Keep snoods short (12–18 cm) in hard flow to prevent spin and tangles; lengthen slightly on neaps.
- Always use rotten‑bottoms when casting near any exposed rough patches to save leads.
- For rays, try squid‑lug or bluey‑squid wraps; refresh baits often—scent washes out quickly in heavy flow.
- Peeler crab is king for spring bass and the odd smoothhound; don’t waste it on tiny hooks—use strong 3/0–4/0 patterns.
- Mullet mooch around the Marine Lake outflow on calm, bright days—stealth, bread mash and fine tackle score.
- Bring a drop net and a cloth for handling conger; unhooking mats keep fish safe on the promenade.
- Weekend evenings can be busy with walkers—fish slightly later into the night for fewer interruptions and better bites.
Regulations
Sea angling from the Clevedon Sea Wall is generally permitted, but there are specific rules and good practices to observe. Always check on‑site signage and the latest official guidance before you go.
- Pier and lake: Fishing from Clevedon Pier is not permitted. Do not cast into or across Clevedon Marine Lake or any marked bathing areas on the seafront; obey local council signage and lifeguard directions.
- Bass rules: Recreational bass measures (minimum size and seasonal bag/retention limits) apply in this area of the Bristol Channel. Check the current MMO/DEFRA notice and Devon & Severn IFCA updates before retaining any bass. Minimum size is 42 cm (national).
- Eels and protected species: It is illegal to retain European eel; release immediately. If you accidentally catch shad, salmon or sea trout, return them at once—do not target these species.
- Minimum sizes: National and IFCA Minimum Conservation Reference Sizes apply to many species (e.g., rays, cod, flatfish). Carry a measure and release undersized fish.
- No sea rod licence: You do not need a rod licence to fish the sea, but a licence is required for freshwater and for targeting migratory salmonids—do not fish the adjacent lakes/streams without the correct permissions.
- Good conduct: Keep promenades clear, take litter and line home, and avoid nuisance to the public and nearby residents—particularly at night.
