Port spotlight
Charter boats working out of the many marinas situated along the Lymington River provide quick access to some of the best fishing grounds along the south coast
The angling on offer from Lymington, Hampshire.
Throughout the year there are plenty of species for sea anglers to target, but perhaps the most desirable are the nation’s two favourite fish – bass and cod. The famous Needles cod grounds are just a few miles steam from the river, which puts Lymington boats into prime cod fishing territory very quickly.
If it’s too rough to venture out past the Isle of Wight, then the relative shelter of the Solent is always a good backup plan, and in recent years there’s been some tremendous cod sport there.
During the summer it’s bass that are the main quarry, but there is also some great smoothhound sport, along with tope and, of course, summer cod further offshore on the wrecks. The area is also noted for huge catches of black bream, some very good plaice fishing too, along with rays and conger eels.
FOUR MAIN MARINAS
There are four main pick-up points for the charter boats that fish out of Lymington. The first is Haven Quay, which has the Haven Café, Bar and Restaurant on its doorstep.
Then there are the pontoons down by the Royal Lymington Yacht Club at the end of Bath Road; here you’ll find a quality boat launching ramp too if you wish to tow and go, plus toilet facilities.
The next main marina is Berthon, where there is ample parking and even snack machines on the quay. Last but not least is the Town Quay, which is opposite The Ship Inn pub, which serves excellent-quality food and has a huge array of drinks.
TACKLE TIPS
The fishing out of Lymington can be quite varied throughout the year, so you’ll need to contact your chosen skipper to discuss exactly what you’ll be fishing for.
As a general rule, there are three rods that will cover all eventualities; a decent 20/30lb-class boat rod will cope with any downtide fishing
at anchor for species like tope, cod and rays. Then you’ll need to go for either a spinning rod, or a 12lb-class boat rod when drifting for the bass. This can also be used at anchor when targeting black bream.
The only other rod that you will need is 30/50lb-class rod to tackle the many conger eels that can be caught on the wrecks and reefs in the area.
When it comes to selecting terminal tackle, anything goes. Use light kit for the bream and bass, then step up a notch for the winter cod, rays and congers.
We suggest you go for a standard flowing trace tied on 100lb mono with a size 9/0 hook on the end when searching out the big conger eels and cod.