Fishing at Selsey Bill

Rock markWest Sussex🐾 Dog rule not verified★★☆ family

A genuine tide-race mark at the southernmost point of the Manhood Peninsula - strong currents mean it's only fishable safely a couple of hours either side of low water, but the reward is one of the best species counts on the Sussex coast.

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What you can catch → Full fish guide

Species	Season	Method
Black Bream	May-Aug	Fished over the reef on light gear, fish up to 4lb
Undulate Ray Spotted Ray Small-Eyed Ray	May-Oct	Fish bait on a pulley rig cast beyond the boulders
Smooth-Hound	Jun-Sep	Peeler crab, double-figure fish possible
Cod (Atlantic Cod)	Oct-Jan	Bigger baits after dark in the winter run
Mackerel Garfish Scad (Horse Mackerel)	Jun-Sep	Feathers/float tackle

Tactics

The Bill is subject to strong tidal currents from the Channel and is physically unfishable at high water - plan around a couple of hours either side of low tide when the concrete boulders are exposed. Bream and rays are the headline summer species, with smoothhounds and the odd tope also showing. Cod and dogfish take over through autumn and winter. Bass here are catch-and-release only in December, January and February under national conservation rules.

Best tide: Low water, 2 hours either side (unsafe at high tide) · Best time: Summer for bream/rays; winter nights for cod

Dogs

No site-specific dog rule was verified. Check current signage and the relevant authority before visiting.

No verified source. Check current signage and the relevant authority.

Access & parking

Park near the lifeboat station and walk out along the point; take care on wet boulders and always check tide times before setting out. Sat-nav: PO20 0SZ.Get directions → Family rating: ★★☆ — The tidal currents and exposed boulder ground make this a mark for experienced anglers rather than a casual family session - only fish it at low water and never alone in poor conditions.

FAQs

Is Selsey Bill dangerous to fish?

It has strong tidal currents and is unsafe at high water - only fish a couple of hours either side of low tide, and never in rough weather.

Is Selsey dog friendly?

Chichester District Council operates a seasonal (May-September) dog exclusion on part of Selsey Beach; check local signage for the exact zones.

Nearby marks

Bognor Regis Pier · Hayling Island Seafront (South Beach/Eastoke) · Littlehampton West Beach & East Bank

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.