What is the easiest fish to catch for a beginner?

Mackerel are the easiest by far. They shoal close to shore in summer, hit feathers and lures eagerly, and need only simple kit. Flatfish like dab and flounder, and small species like wrasse, are also forgiving for newcomers.

How do I choose which species to target?

Start with where and when you can fish. Summer harbour or pier sessions point to mackerel and garfish; a sandy beach suits flatfish and bass; rocky ground favours wrasse and pollock. Match the fish to your mark and season for the best chance.

Do different species need different tackle?

Broadly yes, but you can cover most beginner species with one versatile setup. A spinning or multi-purpose rod handles mackerel, bass and pollock, while a simple bottom rig with bait tempts flatfish and wrasse. Keep rigs simple while you learn.

What fish can I catch all year round in the UK?

Wrasse, pollock, dogfish and whiting are available across much of the year, while species like cod and whiting are best in colder months. Mackerel, bass and garfish are mainly summer visitors to the shore.

Which species are best to eat?

Mackerel, bass, pollock and plaice are all delicious and straightforward to prepare. Always check minimum sizes and local limits, and return anything undersized or that you do not intend to eat.

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Species target guide

Which Species

Guide3 min readUpdated 27 Aug 2026

Not sure which species to chase first? That is the perfect place to start. Choosing your target fish makes everything else fall into place, from the right rig to the best mark and tide. This warm, jargon-free guide walks you through the most beginner-friendly UK sea fish so you can pick a species, build confidence and enjoy your first catch.

A beginner angler comparing fresh sea fish species caught from a Cornish shore

UK shores hold a wonderful mix — mackerel and bass in summer, flatfish and whiting from the beach, wrasse and pollack over rough ground.

Best for: Beginners deciding what's realistic to target, and how to match a fish to the season, the mark and the method.
How it fishes: What's around changes through the year — summer brings mackerel and bass inshore, autumn the whiting, and winter the cod and dab.
Tackle: Let the species guide the kit: light lure gear for bass and mackerel, a beach outfit for flatfish, simple float tackle around rocks and walls.
Safety: Check minimum sizes, seasons and limits for your target, handle returns carefully, and only keep what you'll genuinely use.

Stay safe

Check minimum sizes, seasons and limits for your target, handle returns carefully, and only keep what you'll genuinely use.

Beginners Guide to Buying Fishing Gear ....

WHICH SPECIES OF FISH ARE YOU HOPING TO CATCH?

BASS MACKEREL FLATFISH (all species)COD / HADDOCK WRASSE POLLOCK RED GURNARD BREAM (all species)MULLET PILCHARD / HERRING LING TRIGGER FISH WHITING / POUT GARFISH CONGER EEL / DOGFISH Not sure which Species Go back to Start of Guide

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Bottom Fishing Tackle Kit contents laid out: Zebco Trophy line, hooks, swivels, a weight, beads and a ready-made rig

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Stay safe

Beginners Guide to Buying Fishing Gear ....

WHICH SPECIES OF FISH ARE YOU HOPING TO CATCH?

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