The full guide
Read straight through, or use the fishing notes above to keep marks, tides and tackle easier to follow.
Our Beginners Guide to Buying Fishing Gear....
FISHING FROM A HARBOUR WALL / PIER
To make the best choice of rod it helps if you know what the bottom is in your chosen fishing area.
If you are not sure, our recommended fishing methods for beginners fishing from a harbour wall are spinning or float fishing, both of these can be enjoyed using a spinning rod and the risk of losing fishing gear is then kept to a minimum.
If you would like to target mackerel or bass please see our specific guides for these species...
FISHING ON SANDY GROUND
If the bottom is sandy or fairly rock free then you will have the option to try all fishing methods. You can enjoy spinning or float fishing and also, in view of the ground, you will also be able to bottom fish to target the species who are found on the bottom such as all the flatfish species.
FISHING ON ROCKY GROUND
When fishing over rocks and weeds you are more likely to catch, for example... wrasse, pollock, bream or conger eel.
The disadvantages of fishing on rough ground are that there is a greater risk of losing your gear such as lures, hooks, weights etc as they get snagged and caught up on the bottom.
Therefore for beginners, bottom fishing is probably only recommended if the ground is sandy.
Our Recommendations
Our recommended fishing methods for beginners fishing from harbour walls are spinning and float fishing. More information can be found on both of these methods by following the links to our guides.
Both spinning and float fishing can be enjoyed using the same fishing rod and reel so please follow our links to browse the options available.
Useful kit for the mark
Friendly tackle picks chosen to make the guide easier to put into practice.
Common questions
- Why is a harbour wall good for beginners?
- There is deep water right at your feet, so you rarely need to cast far, and there is always plenty to watch and learn from. Walls are usually safe, accessible and sociable, which makes them an ideal, low-pressure place to find your feet and catch your first sea fish.
- What gear do I need for harbour wall fishing?
- A light or multi-purpose rod with a small fixed-spool reel is perfect. Pair it with a simple float rig or a small bottom rig, modest weights and small hooks. Mackerel strip, ragworm, lugworm or prawn all make excellent baits. A drop net is handy for landing fish up a high wall.
- Can I go crabbing from a harbour wall?
- Absolutely, and it is brilliant fun for families. Use a crab line or drop net with bacon or fish off-cuts as bait, and a weight to hold it on the bottom. Never use a hook for crabbing. An incoming or high tide in the warmer months gives the best results.
- What can I catch off a harbour wall?
- Over sandy ground you will find flatfish, while rockier sections hold wrasse, pollock, bream and the occasional conger. In summer, mackerel and garfish often pass close in and can be caught on float gear or small lures, so keep an eye on the surface.
- What harbour etiquette and safety should I know?
- Stay clear of working areas and slipways, never cast where lines could foul boats or people, and respect any local signs or restrictions. Watch the edge, especially with children about, and keep an eye on the tide and the height of the wall above the water.
