Chesil Beach in January is a popular destination for anglers, but the fishing conditions can vary greatly depending on the weather and water temperatures. The fishing in January largely depends on how cold the winter has been. If the water temperatures are reasonable, there can be some nice Cod landed in the first half of the month, not in the numbers of autumn but for those patient enough to try it can be a good time for the odd better quality fish. Any prolonged spell of Easterly winds and Arctic temperatures will kill Chesil stone dead and it can even be a struggle to weigh in during matches.
Fishing Opportunities at Chesil Beach in January
Cod Fishing
Cod fishing can be a hit-or-miss affair in January, depending on the weather and water temperatures. If the winter has been mild, anglers may be able to land some nice Cod, particularly in the first half of the month. However, prolonged spells of Easterly winds and Arctic temperatures can make it difficult to catch Cod, and it may even be a struggle to weigh in during matches.
Whiting Fishing
Whiting fishing can be good early in the month, with Abbotsbury being the top mark. The last few years have also seen a good number of huge Conger from the deeper marks, with the turn of the year seeming to be one of the best times to target a 50lb fish, likely due to the number of whiting and pout present for them to eat.
Other Species
Dogfish, Pout, and Whiting are the mainstay during the quietest time of the year. For a few hours of action to get a fishing fix, the Western marks such as Abbotsbury and Bexington will offer the best numbers of fish. The odd bonus Undulate Ray may show towards the Portland end, and there is a chance of Plaice showing at the end of the month, but this is highly dependent on good water clarity.
Fishing Costs and Regulations
A day ticket for fishing on Chesil Beach can range from £5 to £10 depending on the location and the specific regulations of the area. It is always recommended to check with the local authorities or fishing clubs for the most up-to-date information on fishing fees and regulations.
Conclusion
In summary, Chesil Beach in January can offer some good fishing opportunities, but it largely depends on the weather and water temperatures. Anglers can expect to catch Cod, Whiting, Pout, Dogfish, and potentially Plaice and Undulate Rays if the water clarity is good. It is always recommended to check with local authorities or fishing clubs for the most up-to-date information on fishing fees and regulations.