Bournemouth beach fishing is a popular activity among anglers, offering a diverse range of fish species and various fishing spots along the coast. From the sandy beaches of Southbourne to the iconic piers of Boscombe and Bournemouth, this coastal town provides an excellent opportunity for both novice and experienced fishermen to enjoy a successful fishing trip.
Southbourne Beach: A Treasure Trove for Anglers
Southbourne beach, located just one mile east of Boscombe pier, is a highly productive fishing venue, particularly during the spring and autumn months. The sandy beach at Fisherman’s Walk in Southbourne is known for its surprises, with nocturnal small-eyed rays being the main target during April and May. Between September and the end of the year, anglers can expect to catch a wide variety of species, including rays, soles, plaice, gurnards, bass, and even small smoothhounds.
Durley Chine: The Bass Hotspot
For bass fishing in Bournemouth bay, Durley Chine has been a successful spot, especially during neaps and around high tide. However, most bass caught here are under 2lb. Ragworm & black lug cocktail are effective baits, and live sand-eel is considered the best bait for bass.
Boscombe Pier: A Diverse Fishing Destination
Boscombe Pier, shorter than Bournemouth Pier and on a sandy bottom, offers a variety of species, including bass, bream, mackerel, scad, soles, smoothounds, garfish, and gurnard during the summer. Whiting, flatties, and sometimes codling can be caught during the winter, with best results coming in the evening. Fishing passes can be bought from the car park box at Boscombe Undercliff Car Park.
Bournemouth Pier: A Fishing Hotspot
Bournemouth Pier offers fishing opportunities from June through to September, with a variety of fish, including bass, smoothhound, mullet, mackerel, garfish, gurnard, bream, scad, ray, dogfish, soles, and flounders. In the winter, plaice, codling, and whiting can be found. Due to the pier’s popularity during the summer, it is recommended to fish early in the morning or late in the evening, preferably on an incoming tide.
Tackle Shops: Your One-Stop Destination
Tackle 914, located at Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH7 6DL, and Christchurch Angling Centre, situated at 7-8 Castle Parade, Iford, Bournemouth, are both convenient options for anglers in the area, offering a wide range of fishing gear and bait.
Fishing Passes and Regulations
Fishing passes can be purchased for both Boscombe Pier and Bournemouth Pier, with prices varying for adults, children/senior citizens, and season passes. Fishing passes for Boscombe Pier can be bought from the car park box at Boscombe Undercliff Car Park. Please note that there is no pier fishing during the Bournemouth Air Festival.
Bait and Tackle Recommendations
For a successful fishing trip in Bournemouth, it is recommended to keep it simple, using ragworms and sandeels as bait for a great evening’s fishing. These baits have proven to be effective in attracting a variety of fish species in the area.
Conclusion
Bournemouth beach fishing offers a diverse and exciting experience for anglers of all skill levels. From the sandy beaches of Southbourne to the iconic piers of Boscombe and Bournemouth, there are numerous opportunities to catch a variety of fish species throughout the year. Whether you’re targeting bass, rays, or flatfish, Bournemouth’s coastal waters provide an excellent fishing destination for Beaches Touring Enthusiasts.
References:
– Southbourne Beach Fishing
– Bournemouth Beach Fishing for Bass
– Pier Fishing in Bournemouth