Fishing at Broadstairs Viking Bay

BeachKent🐾 Seasonal daytime dog ban☆☆☆ family

A small, sheltered sandy bay with low rocky outcrops at each end - a gentle, low-tide session for bass and dogfish that suits an evening after the day-trippers have gone home.

📍 View on the map

What you can catch → Full fish guide

Species	Season	Method
Bass	May-Oct	Peeler crab or ragworm fished tight to the rocks either side of the bay
Mackerel	Jun-Sep	Feathers or spinners in late spring/summer
Dogfish (Lesser-Spotted)	Year-round	Fish bait on a simple running rig
Flounder Dab	Oct-Mar	Small hooks, worm bait, low water
Cod (Atlantic Cod)	Nov-Jan	Bigger fish baits after dark in cold snaps

Tactics

Low water is when this mark comes into its own - the rocky ledges at either end of the bay are exposed and worth a cast with crab or rag for bass. It's a small, shallow bay so night fishing away from the summer crowds tends to be the most productive approach, especially for bass and the winter cod run when it happens.

Best tide: Low water, 2 hours either side · Best time: Dusk/dark, spring and autumn

Dogs

Thanet Council's Dog PSPO (Schedule 3) confirms a full seasonal exclusion of dogs from Viking Bay between 10am and 6pm, 1 May to 30 September — not just a lead requirement. Broadstairs Undercliff nearby is dog-friendly year-round.

Official source: View the rule at source →

Access & parking

Steps and slipway down from the harbour street; several pay-and-display car parks within a short walk. Sat-nav: CT10 1JX.Get directions → Family rating: ☆☆☆ — Sheltered, shallow, sandy bay right in the town - one of the easiest and safest marks on this list for a family session.

FAQs

Is Viking Bay dog friendly?

There's a seasonal ban (1 May-30 Sep) on the main beach under Thanet's PSPO; outside those months and dates dogs are welcome.

Is Viking Bay good for beginners?

Yes - it's shallow, sheltered and close to parking and shops, making it one of the more forgiving marks in Thanet.

Nearby marks

Margate Harbour Arm · Ramsgate Royal Harbour (East Pier & Harbour Arm) · Deal Pier

Last updated 16 July 2026 — sources & disclaimer

Compiled from angling guides, forums and the relevant council's dog byelaws, cross-checked where possible.

Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.