The UK is a dreamland of sea anglers. Thousands of miles of varied coastline, cliffs in Scotland, sandy beaches in Cornwall, and rocky headlands in Northern Ireland (to name but a few) provide no end of excellent fishing locations.
Fishing on the coast throughout the UK has been a significant market due to the wide variety of marine life (including bass, mackerel, cod, wrasse, flounder, and others), migrations, and tidal oscillations.
The British Isles are a place where whether you are an amateur who wants to land your first mackerel or a veteran angler in search of monstrosity bass, there is something up the sleeves.
Our top 10 fishing destinations in the UK include a coastal tour of 10 of the finest beaches, remote locations, and even piers of the UK.
These are some of the places that should be on your radar, especially considering the memorable fishing experience.
A scenic example of one of those hidden treasures is Pease Bay Cove, located on the southeastern coast of Scotland.
Hidden in the Scottish Borders, Pease Bay fishing is a local favourite and a visitor attraction due to its tranquil surroundings, rugged landscapes, and the opportunity to catch a variety of species.
Picnic goers and even surfers also find the place attractive, making it more outdoorsy.
The Pease Bay map suggests to anglers the likely areas to find rockier outcrops where wrasse may be found or the more sands country where a flatfish may be landed.
So here are our best ten sea fishing destinations in the UK.
1. Chesil Beach – Dorset, England
Why it’s great: It is a legendary shingle bank more than 18 miles long, which provides access to deep water near shore.
Species: Bass, cod, mackerel, smoothhound, dogfish
Best Time: Summer species: May-October; Cod: Winter
Tips: Peeler crab, or lugworm, on bass; feathers in the summer shoals of mackerel
Note: Be cautious in ascending the sharp shingle
2. Pease Bay – Scottish Borders, Scotland
Why it’s great: Scenic and serene with a combination of sand and rocky characteristics, attracting a variety of species
Species: Wrasse, pollock, codling and flounder
Best Time: Late spring to early autumn
Tips: Use ragworm to wrasse around the rocks or fish light lure in the evening time on pollock
Pease Bay fishing offers a bit of everything to everyone, featuring both rock-hopping lure fishing and bait fishing. Useful aids, such as a Pease Bay map, will enable you to identify major ledges and safe access points, allowing you to spend an enjoyable day on the water.
3. Dungeness – Kent, England
Why it’s great: Unique shingle headland with deep water immediately nests to the shore
Species: Cod, whiting, dogfish, bass, sole
Best Time: Winter cod and whiting; summer bass and sole
Tips: Can be fished with long-range casting, summer sole: approach with short lob with ragworm
Note: In strong tides–fish on the falling tide to save themselves and effectively draw a good fish–a fish on the slack tide.
4. Aberdaron – Llyn Peninsula, Wales
Why it’s great: Sheltered Bay, rocky marks, and beach access via an impressive natural site
Species: Bass, wrasse, pollock and mackerel
Best Time: June to September
Tips: It is a good light spinning gear that is suitable when dealing with bass; crab baits near the rocks will do wonders to wrasse
Note: There are offshore options in local charter boats
5. Cushendun Bay – County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Why it’s great: Calm, child-friendly beach that has rocky areas on both sides
Species: Coalfish, pollock, dogfish, flounder
Best Time: Spring to the late summer
Tips: In-coming tide evenings, fish with strips of squid or with pieces of mackerel
Note: Lands have got a picturesque, uncrowded character and are well suited to beginners
6. Holyhead Breakwater – Anglesey, Wales
Why it’s great: One of the longest breakwaters in the UK and flat easy access
Species: Pollock, conger, wrasse and dogfish
Best Time: Spring and early Autumn
Tips: Float fish to the wall for wrasse; night fish large baits conger
Note: Go with a trolley or light outfit-the walk is long
7. Walton Pier – Essex, England
Why it’s great: Long pier that extends into the North Sea; convenient access and family-friendly
Species: Whiting, dab, bass and codling
Best Time: Autumn and winter
Tips: Include two hook flappers and lugworm; best to use to acquaint children with fishing
Note: There are pier fees; the tackle shop close by
8. Port Isaac – Cornwall, England
Why it’s great: Picture-postcard harbour with rocky marks and fishing close to a beach
Species: Bass, pollock, mackerel, wrasse
Best Time: Summertime and early Autumn
Tips: Soft plastic lures are the go-to basing at dusk; harborside spinning is common
Note: Tidal certain marks can be worked only at certain tides
9. Arbroath Cliffs – Angus, Scotland
Why it’s great: Mystic sandstone cliffs with deep and clean waters and numerous ledges
Species: Cod, pollock, ling, wrasse
Best Time: Cod- Autumn and winter; pollock- summer
Tips: Rotten-bottom rigs are useful on rough ground; fishing by day-light with spinning-reel good with pollock
Note: Ledges are open at some places–but only an experienced angler might be able to fish at this mark
10. Portpatrick – Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland
Why it’s great: Ability to launch at deep water near the harbour wall; rocky coves
Species: Pollock, mackerel, dogfish, conger
Best Time: Spring to autumn is the best time.
Tips: During the day, try light tackle over the harbour wall; conger can be caught at night.
Note: Village atmosphere with card pubs and village stuff after the fishing is done
Conclusion
The coast of the UK boasts a magnificent variety of fishing sites, ranging from serene estuaries and secluded bays to exposed beaches and precipitous cliffs.
Are you more attracted to the rugged coasts of Scotland, the tempestuous beauty of Wales, the long fishing piers of England, or the serene bays of Northern Ireland? Each kind has something to suit the angler.
Places with excellent natural wildlife, diverse species, and easy access, such as Pease Bay fishing, are excellent sites that should be visited.
Properly planned, even taking proper account of your local tides, weather, and likewise, with a glance at a Pease Bay map or its equivalent, you can do much to open some of the best coastal angling spots known in the UK.
Then, suit up, select your target, and go. Plenty is happening in the UK coastal waters, with tight lines, and good luck!