Make the most of the waters which surround the Isle of Wight this August during National Fishing Month and enjoy the fruits of the sea!
With 64 miles of coastline, it is no wonder that the Isle of Wight has fishing and seafood at its heart. Whether you’re looking to bait your hook and catch your own sustainable supper or prefer to peruse the counter at the fishmonger’s, we share our top tips for finding your very own catch of the day.
If you’re simply after a place to enjoy some catch-and-release fishing, we’ve got some fantastic locations for that too.
Isle of Wight Fishing Charters
If it’s an adventure that you are after, then a fishing trip from one of the Island’s charter companies could be right up your street (or make that stream).
Black Rock Charters
Black Rock Charters and Fishing, located in Yarmouth, offer fishing trips for you, your friends, and the whole family! Climb aboard their boat for a half-day, full-day, or a special mackerel fishing trip (available from June to September). Don’t forget to pack your own refreshments, wear suitable footwear, and bring some warm clothing. They will take care of providing high-quality fishing tackle, bait, and full tuition.
Cachalot Charters
Over in Bembridge, Cachalot Charters, run by husband and wife team Chris and Priscilla, is the ideal choice for both seasoned and novice fishermen. Their 34ft Starfish charter boat, the “Robert Mark”, is available for short or long deep-sea fishing trips. In addition to the mackerel season during the summer, they also offer cod fishing in the winter months (September to December). All bait, rods and reels can be supplied.
Isle of Wight Beach Fishing
If you fancy something a bit more ad-hoc, then grab a rod/line and a crabbing bucket, as there are tonnes of spots to enjoy – in fact pretty much any beach works when it is low tide. Try local favourites such as Newtown Creek, Bembridge Ledge, Freshwater Bay and off the sea wall in Cowes. It’s great old-fashioned seaside fun for all the family, it doesn’t even matter if you throw them back in at the end or don’t catch anything, the thrill is in the chase!
Isle of Wight Pier Fishing
The Isle of Wight boasts three piers perfect for fishing: Ryde Pier, Sandown Pier, and Yarmouth Pier. Ryde Pier, the longest at 681m, offers a diverse range of species from flounder and plaice to pollack and bass. Fishing is limited to either side of high tide, and a permit is necessary to cast your line.
Sandown Pier is the largest of the three piers, offering a fishing spot at the end of the 270m pier during the day. Anglers need to transport their gear through the various attractions and arcades. It’s a prime location for bass fishing, with a UK record bass of 19lb 12oz caught here in 2007. Other catches at this pier are mackerel, garfish, plaice, rays, and smooth hound.
Yarmouth Pier, the smallest of the three piers, offers fishing both day and night, unlike Sandown. Anglers are known to catch flounder, mullet, and school bass in the harbour, while bass, smoothhound, rays, mackerel, and bream can be caught from the pier comes during summer. As late autumn and winter roll in, cod become the main attraction. Be prepared with grip leads, as the tides can be strong.
Isle of Wight Freshwater Fishing
There are plenty of opportunities for freshwater fishing on the Island, with a variety of rivers, ponds, and reservoirs to choose from. The Isle of Wight Freshwater Angling Company is the proud owner of three highly desirable lakes: Gunville Lake, Merstone (consisting of Kingfisher, Minnow, and Heron lakes), and Holliers Lake.
Whether you’re a visitor or simply seeking a short fishing trip, you’ll find numerous day-ticket waters scattered throughout the Island. From Forest Ponds Carp Fishing, a mere 3 miles west of Newport, offering quick sessions up to fishing holidays, to Thorncross Lake Carp Fishery in Brighstone boasting stunning views of Limmerstone Down. Don’t forget to grab your rod license before embarking on your fishing expedition!
Isle of Wight Fishmongers
If catching your dinner yourself doesn’t float your boat, then take a trip to one of the well-stocked fishmongers for a taste of the deep.
Ventnor Haven Fishery
Ventnor Haven Fishery is run by the Blake family, who have fished local waters for decades. Renowned for their quality crab and lobster, the haven serves up a whole selection that varies with the seasons. Their love of food is so great that they have even created the ‘Island’s National Dish’. Crab on Chips has cemented itself on the map since first being put on the menu in 2010, when it was enjoyed by the Hairy Bikers on a visit. Order from the haven window and then enjoy whilst sitting on the sea wall looking out across the English Channel.
Captain Stan’s Bembridge Fish Store
Over in Bembridge, Shooting Star, a 26ft Cygnus Cyclone, is busy catching a variety of fish including bass, bream, plaice and Dover sole. Crab and lobster are caught off an area known as Bembridge Ledge, sat very close to shore. Buy the catch from their shop, Captain Stan’s Bembridge Fish Store, on Bembridge High Street, or treat yourself to one of their frozen meals made with local fish, a perfect dinner for a lazy evening. Day boats are restricted by weather and are only able to catch fish in their operating range, thus fishing in a more sustainable way.
In our opinion, there is nowhere better to enjoy fishing and seafood than the Isle of Wight. Explore the coastline, catch a crab and eat some of the freshest seafood around – dive in!
