Minehead Golf Course Beach Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Minehead Golf Course Beach Fishing Map

A broad, gently shelving sand and silt beach that fronts Minehead & West Somerset Golf Club on the eastern side of Minehead. It fishes best on the flood and over high water when tides push fish into the gutters and channels that form across the flats. Clean-to-mixed ground suits rays, smoothhounds, and surf bass; flats like flounder and dab show around sandbars. Night sessions with a building tide give the most consistent results. Access is straightforward from the seafront by the golf course, but be cautious of the very fast Bristol Channel tide, soft patches at low water, and occasional wading sinkholes. Big spring tides, a light onshore push, and coloured water are prime conditions.

Ratings

⭐ 6.9/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 7/10
Safety 6/10
Accessibility 7/10

Fish You Can Catch at Minehead Golf Course Beach

🐟 Bass 9/10
🎯 Tip: Surf margins on the flood; dusk/dawn or after dark. Peeler crab or lug/sandeel cocktails. Work gutters and bars; grip leads needed on big tides.
🐟 Starry Smoothhound 8/10
🎯 Tip: June–Sept, night into the flood. Fresh peeler or hardback crab, 30–60 m onto clean sand. Use grip leads to hold in the tide.
🐟 Thornback Ray 7/10
🎯 Tip: 1–2 hrs either side of high on bigger tides. Sandeel or squid/mackerel at range to sand gullies. Strong 60–80 lb traces.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 7/10
🎯 Tip: Very common after dark. Small squid, mackerel or worm baits anywhere over sand. Good backup when rays are quiet.
🐟 Whiting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Winter nights, mid to high water. Small mackerel or worm strips on size 2 flappers, 40–70 m. Expect fast rattles on neaps.
🐟 Small-eyed Ray 6/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring–autumn in settled surf. Sandeel or launce at 60–100 m over clean sand; best last of the flood into slack.
🐟 Flounder 5/10
🎯 Tip: Flood and first of the ebb on neaps. Rag or lug tipped with crab at short range in gutters. Let bites develop.
🐟 Dover Sole 5/10
🎯 Tip: Warm, calm nights Jun–Sep, neap tides. Small rag/lug on size 4–6 hooks, short traces, 10–40 m. Keep baits small and static.
🐟 Dab 4/10
🎯 Tip: Winter neaps over clean patches. Small worm or mackerel slivers on size 4–2 hooks, 30–60 m.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 4/10
🎯 Tip: Calm, clear spells on the flood near stream outflows and edges. Freeline bread or tiny rag baits; stealth essential.
🐟 Cod 3/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional in hard winters after dark on springs. Big lug/squid cocktails at range; heavy grip leads to hold.

Minehead Golf Course Beach Fishing

Summary

Minehead Golf Course Beach sits on the eastern side of Minehead Bay, fronting the links between the town and Dunster. It’s a classic Bristol Channel sand-and-mud venue with huge tides, long flood races, and fish that track the gutters. Anglers come for thornback rays, smoothhounds, and bass through the warmer months, with whiting and the odd codling showing in winter.

Location and Access

This mark runs seaward of Minehead Golf Club along Warren Road, east of the main seafront and harbour. Access is straightforward via the A39 into Minehead, then follow signs for the seafront; continue east towards the golf course and Dunster. Parking is typically in pay-and-display bays along The Esplanade/Warren Road; the golf club’s own parking is for members and patrons only.

Seasons

Fish the gutters on the flood and first of the ebb; this area produces classic Bristol Channel mixed-bag fishing. Expect the following by season, with night tides often outperforming daylight.

Methods

Standard Bristol Channel beach tactics apply: strong tackle, grip leads, and baits that stand up to tide and crab attention. Fish gutters you locate at low water, then intercept the flood as it pushes fish landward.

Tides and Conditions

This is a high-energy, big-range venue. The ground dries extensively; fish use the flood to move up gullies and along the banks. Reading the beach at low is the key to consistent results.

Safety

Safety comes first here due to the Bristol Channel’s rapid flooding and soft patches. Plan your session with a tide table and daylight recce if unfamiliar.

Facilities

You’re close to town, so facilities are good compared to remote marks. Expect seasonal variations in opening times.

Tips

This beach rewards homework. Use the huge tidal range to your advantage by mapping structure and fishing to a plan.

Regulations

Always check current rules before you go; IFCA byelaws and national measures can change. Minehead falls within the Devon and Severn IFCA district and ICES area 7 for many species.