Fishing on Isle of Wight

As an Island we are pleased to have been given Tier 1 status, a result of the conscientious and responsible actions of our local community, industry and visitors throughout the pandemic. 

The Isle of Wight is one of the most happy and healthy destinations in the UK and to help us maintain this status, we ask visitors to be responsible in your planning and adhere to all Government guidelines and rules put in place by local businesses travelling to and while visiting the Isle of Wight. 

Help us to protect everyone wanting to enjoy the Isle of Wight so that we can continue to share the Island with you.

Staycation “the WIGHT way”. Read more. 

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The Isle of Wight is an ideal destination for a fishing holiday, the visiting angler is very well catered for. Most styles of Sea and Freshwater angling can be done on or around the Island.

For Freshwater anglers, ponds, reservoirs and streams hold most species including Trout, Carp, Perch, Rudd and Roach. The Sea Angler has 64 miles of coastline available for beach and rock fishing.

Bass, Conger, Plaice and Rays, to name but a few, can all be taken in season.

For the visiting boat angler, the English Channel and the more sheltered Solent provides huge scope, whether from your own boat or a charter trip. Lake or pier/shore fishing tuition also available.

Nearly all the sea and freshwater fish that can be found in UK waters are represented on the Island's record lists.

What to catch and when to catch it

Saltwater angling:

The Isle of Wight is very much a year round destination, though it must be said that February and March are probably the slowest.

Flounders are probably the best bet from the shore at this time whilst Blonde Ray and late Cod can be taken from a boat.

Spring and summer brings good shore sport for Smoothhound, Bass, Rays and Dogfish, whilst many spots for lure fishing for Bass are easily accessible for the visiting angler.

Enquire at tackle shops for up to date news of tactics and bait.

Boat angling picks up through spring also, with inshore Bream, Bass and Ray. Boats venturing out to the Mid-Channel wrecks will find excellent spots with Pollack, Summer Cod and Conger.

Winter sees the start of the Flounder season from the Shore, and, if you're lucky, Cod, however, for the best chance of a Cod you need to be afloat.

Bembridge boats usually see the first Cod of the year but the Yarmouth boats usually get the bigger specimens.

Yarmouth hosts the annual British Cod Championships in November. The West Wight Charter Skipper's Association runs this event.

Freshwater angling:

Most species are available to the visiting freshwater angler, notable exceptions being Barbel, Zander and Salmon.

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: iwfacmembers@gmail.com.

Sites:

Arreton, Hale Manor: 2 ½ acre lake Gunville Lake and Kingfisher Lake (IWFAC) members and day ticket, Tench, Carp, Pike, Roach, Rudd & Bream.

Nettlecombe Farm, Whitwell: Three ponds with some big Carp as well as small fish.

Well stocked with Carp & Roach. River Yar: Contact IWFAC for details, as some stretches require permit or permission from landowner.

Species include Bream, Dace, Roach, Rudd & Perch. Rookley Country park 2 acre lake well stocked with Roach and Carp.

Thorley Brook, Yarmouth: Can be accessed via road or footpath for Perch, Roach and Eels.

Three campgrounds also offer private coarse fishing:

• The Orchards, Newbridge: Tel: 01983 531331
• The Camping & Caravan Club, Adgestone: Tel: 01983 403432

Trout fishing:

Island Farm & Meadow Lakes, Yafford: Tel 01983 740941: 2 acres of well stocked coarse and Trout fishing.

Tackle shops:

There are many tackle 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.