Fishing Paradise: Angling Breaks on the Isle of Wight

Nestled in the heart of the English Channel, the idyllic Isle of Wight offers a wealth of angling opportunities, making it the ultimate destination for a UK fishing break. Whether it is on the banks of a river, on a beach, out at sea or beside a lovely lake, angling can provide some perfect chill time.

If you are a fishing fanatic, why not come over for a weekend fishing break on the Isle of Wight? You can find great locations, top tackle shops and accommodation to suit your break.

Sea anglers can catch a number of species, including flatfish and bass from the 64 miles of rocky and sandy coastline, or, with the proper permit, from one of the Island’s piers.

If you get out in a boat, be it your own or a charter vessel, the English Channel and the more sheltered Solent provide huge scope. Cod, plaice, bass, conger eels and dogfish are among the species to go after. In the summer, mackerel are usually plentiful and its great to catch a few to take home for your tea.

What to catch and when to catch it

Deep-sea fishing on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight offers year-round fishing opportunities. Winter adventurers may even score a cod or the beautiful blonde ray. Spring and Summer bring excellent shore sport for smoothhound, bass, rays, and dogfish.

Check with local tackle shops for the latest tactics and bait suggestions.

Throughout the Spring, boat angling gains popularity, with inshore bream, bass and ray. Boats venturing out to the Mid-Channel wrecks will find excellent spots with pollack and conger.

With rising sea temperatures, the species available are changing and bream are staying in Island waters later into the Autumn.

Cachalot Charters out of Bembridge Harbour is one place to head to if you want to try your luck in the Eastern Solent or English Channel. This experienced family operation can kit you out and get you out on short mackerel trips or deeper water excursions of up to eight hours.

The area around The Needles in the West Wight often proves great water for some tight lines and if you don’t have your own boat and fishing gear then Black Rock Charters out of Yarmouth can kit you out and get you out on the water.

Shore fishing on the Isle of Wight

The beaches of Sandown Bay are often popular with locals as are Atherfield, Chale and Rocken End at the south west corner of the Island.

Freshwater Bay is also fruitful, while Ventnor provides some good rocky seabeds for the right tackle.

Freshwater fishing on the Isle of Wight

Whether it be river or lake, there are plenty of options for the fresh water angler on the Isle of Wight.

There are a number of private ponds and lakes, whilst the Isle of Wight Freshwater Angling Company (IWFAC) also has day ticket and membership waters. Visitors wishing to join or buy day tickets please contact: iowfacmembers@gmail.com.

Fishing sites

Nettlecombe Farm, Whitwell: Three lakes in beautiful surroundings with some big carp as well as small fish. Well stocked with carp and roach. Tickets can be obtained from the farm.

Isle of Wight Freshwater Angling Company sites: Arreton, Hale Manor 2 ½-acre lake; Gunville Lake and Kingfisher Lake. Members and day ticket, tench, carp, pike, roach, rudd and bream.

River Yar: Contact IWFAC for details, as some stretches require permit or permission from landowner. Species include bream, dace, roach, rudd and perch.

Combley Lakes & Fish Farm offer a variety of fishing packages for groups of anglers on both the Lower lake and the Main Lake. For details on availability, prices and how to book please see here.

Trout fishing on the Isle of Wight

Island Farm & Meadow Lakes, Yafford: Two acres of well stocked coarse and trout fishing. You can catch and release the trout or keep them and pay for them to take home for dinner.

Tackle and bait shops on the Isle of Wight

There are many tackle and bait shops all over the Island. They can provide all the tackle and bait to suit local conditions as well as up to date news and advice as to the best spots and tactics. Here are a few: 

Newport:

• Odessa Angling Centre: Little London, Newport – 01983 301676 
• Tim’s Bait and Tackle at Isle of Wight Pet Centre: Watergate Lane, Newport - 01983 539939  
• Slamfish Isle of Wight: 11a St Thomas Square, Newport - 07932 613 386
• Baitstation: Newbarn Farm, Sun Hill, Newport (near Calbourne) – 07521 281 394 

Ventnor:

• Chivertons Fishing Centre: 70 High Street, Ventnor – 07553 347 644

Shanklin:

• Blank Buddy: 44 High Street, Shanklin – 07423 516 293
• Goodyears: 53 Regent Street, Shanklin - 01983 408181

Bembridge:

• Spinnaker Chandlery: Embankment Road, Bembridge – 01983 874324 

Ryde:

• Bait and Tackle Shop: 61 Union Street, Ryde - 07563 779 319 

East Cowes:

• East Cowes Tackle: 24 Meadow Road, East Cowes – 01983 241041 

Cowes:

• Silver Scale Lure Fishing: Unit 14B, The Prospect Business Centre, Prospect Road, Cowes – 01983 300787 

Freshwater:

• West Wight Angling Centre: 3 Clarence Buildings, Avenue Road, Freshwater – 01983 716390  

Conservation and sustainability

As responsible anglers, it's crucial to prioritise conservation and sustainability. The Isle of Wight is committed to preserving its marine life and natural ecosystems. Make sure to familiarise yourself with local fishing regulations and catch limits, and consider catch-and-release practices to contribute to the Island's long-term ecological health.

Book your fishing adventure today and reel in unforgettable memories in this angler's paradise!