Porlock Bay Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Porlock Bay Fishing Map

Wide, exposed shingle and sand beach between Bossington and Porlock Weir on the edge of Exmoor. Clean to mixed ground with gutters and sandbars that shift after storms. Immense Bristol Channel tides mean long flooding and ebbing currents; most fishing is done over the last of the flood into and over high water, and again the first of the ebb. Summer brings small-eyed rays, smoothhounds and bass in the surf; winter nights see plenty of dogfish and whiting. Access via National Trust parking at Bossington or Porlock Weir, then a short to moderate walk over shingle. Take care with fast tides, steep shingle banks and occasional soft patches near the marsh outflow; westerlies can raise a heavy surf. Stunning Exmoor scenery, but the steep shingle can be uncomfortable for long sessions.

Ratings

⭐ 6.8/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 5/10
Accessibility 6/10

Fish You Can Catch at Porlock Bay

🐟 Small-eyed Ray 9/10
🎯 Tip: Evening into dark on the flood; cast 80-120 yd to clean sand beyond the shingle; sandeel or small fish baits on pulley pennel with 5-6oz grip leads. Spring tides best.
🐟 Bass 8/10
🎯 Tip: Work the surf on a rising tide at dawn/dusk; short casts into white water; peeler crab, sandeel or plugs when settled. Aim for gutters along the shingle.
🐟 Starry Smoothhound 8/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring to early autumn; peeler/hard crab baits; 1-2 hrs either side of high on medium to big tides; 30-70 yd casts; use grip leads to hold.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 7/10
🎯 Tip: After dark on any tide; small fish or worm baits at 30-60 yd over mixed ground; very common. Clip-down rigs with small pennels.
🐟 Whiting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Oct-Jan; 2-hook flappers with lug or squid slivers; fish into dark on the flood; 60-100 yd onto cleaner patches. Expect rattly bites on neaps.
🐟 Bull Huss 6/10
🎯 Tip: From Porlock Weir boulders after dark; big fish or squid baits on strong traces; neaps easier; first of the flood fishes well. Watch snags.
🐟 Pouting 5/10
🎯 Tip: Around rough ground and the weir; small mackerel strips or rag on 2-hook flappers; best after dark on the flood. Keep baits just off bottom.
🐟 Thornback Ray 5/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional over sand patches; dusk into flood with bluey or sandeel baits at 80-110 yd; neaps manageable, on springs try first of the flood.
🐟 Conger Eel 5/10
🎯 Tip: Rough ground at Porlock Weir after dark; whole squid or mackerel on 100lb mono trace; short casts on slack into first flood; keep pressure to turn fish.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 4/10
🎯 Tip: Calm, clear days in the weir/harbour pools; bread or mussel under a float; target the flood as fish move in; stealth and light gear.

Porlock Bay Fishing

Summary

Porlock Bay sits between Hurlstone Point and Porlock Weir on the edge of Exmoor, a sweeping shingle arc facing the Bristol Channel’s immense tides. It’s a classic West Somerset venue for rays, bass and huss, with dramatic scenery, deep water on the push, and productive dusk sessions.

Location and Access

Set within the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate, Porlock Bay is reached via Porlock village, Bossington, or Porlock Weir off the A39. Access ranges from easy beach walks to more rugged paths near Hurlstone Point.

Seasons

The bay fishes year-round, with rays and bass the headline act and winter draws of whiting and conger. Expect mixed ground species near the headlands and cleaner-ground targets from the central shingle.

Methods

Porlock is predominantly a beachcaster’s venue, with distance work useful for the rays and simple surf tactics for bass. Rougher corners favour tough gear and rotten-bottoms.

Tides and Conditions

The Bristol Channel’s tidal range is huge; water moves fast and the beach can fish best around the flood. Time your session to cover dusk on a pushing tide whenever possible.

Safety

This is an exposed shingle beach with strong backwash and fast-filling channels behind the ridge. Plan conservatively, especially at night and on springs.

Facilities

Amenities cluster at Porlock Weir and in Porlock village; Bossington is quieter but has seasonal facilities.

Tips

Porlock rewards tidy presentation and smart positioning. Read the shingle and you’ll often find fish within a cast or two.

Regulations

Shore angling is generally permitted across Porlock Bay, which lies within the Devon & Severn IFCA district and National Trust landholdings. Rules can vary by season and area—always follow on-site signs, especially around Porlock Weir.