Chesil Beach in March is a prime destination for beach fishing enthusiasts, offering a variety of fish species and unique challenges. As the fishing season starts to pick up, anglers can expect to target plaice, with the potential to catch other species like mackerel, mullet, and more. However, early season fishing can be tricky due to factors like water color and the presence of certain species. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of what to expect when fishing Chesil Beach in March.
Water Conditions and Swell
The water conditions at Chesil Beach in March are typically characterized by:
- Water Temperature: 7.7°C
- Wave Height: 2m
- Water Color: Lightly Colored
The conditions on the different areas of Chesil Beach and the surrounding regions can vary:
- Chesil Beach: Lightly Colored Water, Medium Swell
- Portland: Clear Water, Wavelets
- Portland Harbour: Lightly Colored Water, Calm Conditions
- Weymouth Bay: Lightly Colored Water, Calm Conditions
These varying conditions can impact the fishing opportunities and the species that can be targeted in each area.
Target Species and Fishing Challenges
In March, the primary target species for anglers on Chesil Beach is plaice. However, early season fishing can present some challenges due to the presence of other species and environmental factors.
Plaice
Plaice is the main target species for anglers on Chesil Beach in March. These flatfish can be found in the shallower waters along the beach, and anglers will need to use appropriate tactics and rigs to target them effectively.
Other Species
While plaice is the primary focus, anglers may also encounter the following species in March:
- Dogfish
- Pin Whiting
- Rockling
- Spider Crabs (Abundant in April and May)
The presence of these species can present challenges, as they may damage fishing gear or compete for the same bait and feeding grounds as the desired plaice.
Fishing Conditions
The fishing conditions in March can be challenging due to the windy weather, which can make it difficult to cast and present baits effectively. However, the conditions are expected to improve by Wednesday, providing better opportunities to target species like whiting, pout, dogfish, and dabs.
Fishing Locations and Tactics
Chesil Beach and the surrounding areas offer a variety of fishing locations and tactics to consider:
Portland
- Good spot for targeting pollock and wrasse
Portland Harbour
- Offers shelter and the chance to catch returning flounder
Weymouth Bay
- Known for producing reasonable-sized whiting, dabs, and flounder
- Piers are popular for small pollock, pout, wrasse, and herring
Guided Fishing Workshops
- Available for those looking to improve their skills
- Focus on basic fishing techniques and species-specific tactics
Conclusion
Chesil Beach in March is a prime destination for beach fishing enthusiasts, offering a variety of fish species and unique challenges. While plaice is the primary target, anglers may also encounter other species like mackerel, mullet, and various smaller fish. By understanding the water conditions, target species, and fishing locations, anglers can maximize their chances of success on Chesil Beach in March.