Middle Hope Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Middle Hope Fishing Map

Middle Hope is a tidal rock headland on the north side of Sand Bay near Kewstoke, offering mixed rough-to-clean ground with gullies and sand tongues within casting range. The Bristol Channel’s huge tidal range drives powerful currents; plan sessions around the last couple of hours of flood and first of the ebb. Expect dogfish, pout, whiting and eels in numbers, with huss, bass and seasonal rays from the cleaner patches. Night fishing markedly improves results. Strong tackle, gripper leads (5–7 oz), long pulley rigs and rotten-bottom links are advisable. Access is via coastal footpaths over uneven limestone; the platforms are weeded and can be very slippery, and some ledges can be cut off—check tide times and avoid swell and springs if unsure.

Ratings

⭐ 6.4/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 7/10
Safety 3/10
Accessibility 5/10

Fish You Can Catch at Middle Hope

🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 9/10
🎯 Tip: Night over mixed ground; fish or squid baits on the flood. 5–7oz grip leads to hold tide.
🐟 Bass 8/10
🎯 Tip: Dawn/dusk on a flooding tide; lures in white water or peeler crab into gullies. Best after a blow.
🐟 Starry Smoothhound 8/10
🎯 Tip: May–Sep on the flood; fresh peeler crab on running ledger; aim for sandy channels between rocks.
🐟 Thornback Ray 7/10
🎯 Tip: Neaps or slack in big tides; squid/bluey on pulley rigs; cast to sand patches at range on the flood.
🐟 Conger Eel 7/10
🎯 Tip: After dark tight to kelp and rock; big fish baits; fish slack or first/last hour of tide with strong traces.
🐟 Pouting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Rocky ground; small strips of mackerel/squid; short casts, best at night on the flood.
🐟 Whiting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Winter evenings; small fish or worm baits at range; best on the flood and over high water.
🐟 Bull Huss 6/10
🎯 Tip: Rough ground at night; whole squid or fish baits; short casts to edges of kelp on mid–late flood.
🐟 Cod 4/10
🎯 Tip: Nov–Jan after storms; lug/squid cocktails; first push of the flood into dusk/dark.
🐟 European Eel 3/10
🎯 Tip: Warm nights; ragworm or crab in slack or neap tides; release promptly.

Middle Hope Fishing

Summary

Middle Hope is the National Trust headland that leads out to Sand Point, just north of Weston‑super‑Mare in Somerset. It offers classic upper Bristol Channel rock fishing with fast tides, rough ground, and real chances of quality bass, rays, smoothhounds and winter codling. The scenery is superb, but the mark rewards careful tide planning and strong tackle.

Location and Access

Middle Hope sits between Sand Bay and Woodspring Bay, reached from Kewstoke/Sand Bay via the National Trust car park for Sand Point/Middle Hope. Access is straightforward to the ridge path, but most fishing ledges require a further walk and some clambering over uneven limestone.

Seasons

The upper Bristol Channel’s huge tides bring seasonal visitors and resident rough-ground species. Expect dogfish year-round, with peak periods for bass, rays and codling.

Methods

Fast tides and snaggy ground dictate strong, simple rigs with good bait presentation. Focus on short-to-medium casts into gullies and tide runs rather than extreme range.

Tides and Conditions

Middle Hope is all about reading the Bristol Channel’s massive range and vicious tide run. Most success comes around the flood into and over high water, with neaps far easier to manage than big springs.

Safety

This is an exposed headland with steep paths, slippery limestone and rapid tides. Treat it as a serious rough-ground venue and plan conservatively.

Facilities

Facilities are basic once you leave the car park—plan to be self-sufficient. Nearby Sand Bay and Weston-super-Mare cover most needs.

Tips

Middle Hope rewards tidy rigs, strong grip leads and disciplined tide timing. Small location tweaks can transform a session here.

Regulations

Middle Hope is National Trust coastal land within the Devon & Severn IFCA district and the Severn Estuary protected area network. Sea angling from the foreshore is generally permitted, but you must follow national and local rules.