West Bay is one of Dorset’s traditional fishing harbours and offers an enjoyable introduction to sea fishing along the Jurassic Coast. Fishing trips depart from the historic harbour and head into Lyme Bay, where visitors can enjoy everything from family-friendly mackerel fishing to longer deep sea fishing trips.
Although West Bay has fewer charter boats than larger ports such as Weymouth or Poole, its location provides quick access to productive fishing grounds and spectacular coastal scenery. With experienced local skippers and equipment usually provided, sea fishing from West Bay is suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Whether you’re hoping to catch your first mackerel or spend several hours fishing offshore, West Bay offers a memorable way to experience Dorset’s coastline.
Google map West Bay
Fishing Trips at a Glance
| Experience | Best For |
|---|---|
| Mackerel Fishing | Families and beginners |
| Deep Sea Fishing | Anglers wanting a longer trip |
| Private Charter | Groups and experienced anglers |
Popular Fishing Operators
Jolly Dodger Charters
Jolly Dodger Charters offers sea fishing trips departing from West Bay Harbour, taking anglers to the productive fishing grounds of Lyme Bay. Trips are suitable for a range of experience levels, with opportunities to target a variety of seasonal species depending on weather and sea conditions.
For booking phone 01308 421800
Jurassic Boat Trips
Website: https://jurassicboattrips.com
Jurassic Boat Trips is best known for its sightseeing cruises along the Jurassic Coast from Lyme Regis but also advertises 4, 6 and 8-hour private fishing charters departing from West Bay. Charter trips can be tailored to target a variety of species in the productive fishing grounds of Lyme Bay.
At the time of writing, fishing charter availability from West Bay appears to be limited. It’s worth contacting the operator directly to check current services and departure dates before making travel plans.
Mackerel Fishing
Mackerel fishing is one of the most popular sea fishing trips from West Bay, especially during the summer months when large shoals move into Lyme Bay.
These shorter trips are ideal for families, children and first-time anglers. Using feather rigs, it’s often possible to catch several fish at once when the mackerel are feeding, making for an exciting introduction to sea fishing.
Most operators provide rods, reels, tackle and bait, allowing visitors to simply turn up and enjoy the experience.
Deep Sea Fishing
Longer offshore fishing trips travel further into Lyme Bay in search of a wider variety of species.
Depending on the season and fishing conditions, anglers may catch bass, pollack, bream, cod, rays, conger eel and other local fish. These trips generally last several hours and provide more opportunities to target larger species than the shorter mackerel trips.
Private Fishing Charters
Some boats are available for private charter, allowing groups to enjoy an exclusive day on the water.
Private charters are ideal for families, groups of friends and fishing clubs, with the skipper able to tailor the trip according to the group’s experience and the prevailing fishing conditions.
What Can You Catch?
The species available vary throughout the year, but commonly caught fish include:
- Mackerel
- Bass
- Pollack
- Bream
- Cod
- Conger eel
- Rays
- Wrasse
Local skippers will advise which species are fishing well before departure and choose the most productive fishing grounds for the day’s conditions.
Things to Consider Before Booking
Choosing the right trip – Short mackerel fishing trips are ideal for families and beginners, while longer offshore trips offer the chance to catch a greater variety of species.
Equipment – Rods, reels, tackle and bait are usually provided, although experienced anglers may wish to bring their own equipment.
Weather – Trips are weather dependent and may occasionally be cancelled if sea conditions are unsuitable.
Keeping your catch – Most operators allow passengers to keep their catch, subject to legal size limits and fisheries regulations.
Clothing – Conditions at sea are often cooler than onshore. Waterproof clothing and non-slip footwear are recommended, even during the summer months.