Fishing at Reculver
The twin towers of Reculver mark one of North Kent's most dependable ray and smooth-hound venues, fished off the boulders and sea wall below the old Roman fort.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Thornback ray | Apr–Oct | Sandeel, bluey or mackerel fillet cast at range |
| Smooth-hound | May–Aug | Peeler or hardback crab on a 3/0–4/0 hook |
| Bass | Apr–Nov | Lures or bait worked around the boulders and sea wall; 42cm minimum |
| Flounder / Dab | All year | Small hooks baited with rag/lug close to the boulders |
| Codling / Whiting | Oct–Feb | Lug/squid cocktail from the sea wall |
Tactics
Fish around the towers and along the sea wall/boulder marks — flounder, dab, codling and whiting dominate in winter, with bass, dogfish and the chance of Dover sole through summer. Peeler crab at range is the standard approach for smooth-hound and the occasional stingray.
Best tide: Rising tide, either side of high water · Best time: Spring to November for rays and smooth-hound
Dogs
Access & parking
Park at Reculver Country Park car park, a flat two-minute walk to the beach and Towers. Sat-nav: CT6 6SS.Get directions → Family rating: ★★☆ — Flat beach with plenty of space, but check tide times — spring tides cover the boulder marks quickly. Reculver Country Park has toilets and a snack kiosk.
FAQs
Is Reculver dog friendly?
Yes — the beach is dog friendly off the lead all year round, though dogs should be kept on a lead in the picnic area and near the Towers.
What rays can you catch at Reculver?
Thornback rays are the regular catch from spring to autumn, with the occasional stingray also turning up on sandeel or mackerel fillet cast at range.
Do I need a licence to fish at Reculver?
No — shore sea fishing needs no rod licence anywhere in the UK, Reculver included.
Nearby marks
Last updated 7 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.