Fishing at West Bay
A small working harbour at the mouth of the River Brit, with piers either side of the entrance giving sheltered summer sport and a livelier winter mark when bass push through the harbour mouth.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch → Full fish guide
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | May–Oct | Float fished or lure fished around the harbour mouth, especially in a lively sea |
| MackerelGarfish | Jun–Sep | Float fished with feathers or a strip of mackerel from the piers |
| Black Bream | May–Sep | Ragworm or fish strip fished on light gear inside the piers |
| Flounder | Oct–Feb | Ragworm on a simple running leger inside the harbour |
Tactics
In summer it's worth float fishing for garfish, mackerel, bass or mullet around the pier heads; ragworm is the favoured bait for bottom fishing but squid or fish strip work too. Night sessions after dark can turn up conger and dogfish from the pier ends.
Best tide: Two hours either side of high water · Best time: Summer evenings
Dogs
Official source: View the rule at source →
Access & parking
West Bay Road car park sits right by the harbour and both piers. Sat-nav: DT6 4EL.Get directions → Family rating: ★★☆ — Piers have railings and easy flat access but there's a working harbour and boat traffic to watch for.
FAQs
Can you fish from West Bay piers?
Yes, both the East and West piers either side of the harbour mouth are popular and easily accessible.
Are dogs allowed on West Bay beach?
Not on the main East & West Beach between 1 May and 30 Sept, though the ground beyond the rock groyne is unrestricted year-round.
What's the best bait at West Bay?
Ragworm for bottom species, with squid and fish strip also working well; float-fished mackerel strip takes bass and garfish in summer.
Nearby marks
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.