Weymouth is widely regarded as one of the best destinations for sea fishing on England’s south coast. With easy access to the rich fishing grounds of Lyme Bay and the English Channel, the town offers everything from family-friendly mackerel fishing trips to full-day deep sea fishing, wreck fishing and private fishing charters.
Most fishing trips depart from Weymouth Harbour or nearby Portland Marina, with experienced local skippers providing all the equipment needed for beginners as well as opportunities for experienced anglers to target a wide variety of species throughout the year.
Whether you’re hoping to catch your first mackerel during the summer or spend a day fishing offshore wrecks, Weymouth offers trips to suit almost every level of experience.
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Fishing Trips at a Glance
| Experience | Best For |
|---|---|
| Mackerel Fishing | Families and beginners |
| Deep Sea Fishing | Mixed experience groups |
| Wreck Fishing | Experienced anglers |
| Reef Fishing | Beginners and regular anglers |
| Private Charter | Groups and dedicated anglers |
Popular Fishing Operators
Snapper Charters
Website: https://www.snapperweymouth.com
Snapper Charters is one of Weymouth’s best-known fishing charter operators, offering a wide variety of trips including half-day, full-day, evening and specialist wreck fishing excursions. Fishing takes place aboard a modern, stable catamaran, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers. Private charter bookings are also available for groups wanting a more personalised fishing experience.
Weymouth Shellfish Charters
Website: https://www.weymouthshellfishcharters.co.uk
Weymouth Shellfish Charters offers a slightly different experience from many of the town’s fishing boats, combining traditional sea angling with the opportunity to learn about Dorset’s commercial shellfish industry. Depending on the trip, visitors may see lobster and crab pots being hauled alongside opportunities to fish in the productive waters of Lyme Bay.
The company offers private charters and tailored fishing trips for anglers of all experience levels, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy a more hands-on day at sea while learning about local fishing traditions.
Amarisa Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Website: https://www.amarisaweymouth.co.uk
Operating from Weymouth Harbour, Amarisa has been taking anglers to the productive fishing grounds of Lyme Bay and the English Channel for many years. The company offers family-friendly fishing trips as well as longer offshore excursions, with rods, reels, tackle and bait available for visitors who do not have their own equipment.
Types of Sea Fishing Trips
Mackerel Fishing
Mackerel fishing is one of the most popular fishing trips in Weymouth, particularly between late spring and early autumn when large shoals move into Lyme Bay. These shorter trips are ideal for families and first-time anglers, with rods, tackle and bait normally included.
Fishing is usually carried out using feather rigs, making it possible to catch several fish at once when the shoals are feeding.
Deep Sea Fishing
Deep sea fishing trips travel further offshore in search of larger species. Depending on the season and fishing conditions, anglers may catch species including cod, pollack, bass, bream, conger eel, rays and smoothhound.
Trips typically last several hours or a full day and are suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers, with skippers selecting fishing marks according to the conditions.
Wreck Fishing
Weymouth is famous for its offshore wreck fishing, with numerous historic shipwrecks providing habitats for large fish.
These trips generally target species such as pollack, cod, ling and conger eel and are usually aimed at more experienced anglers, although some charter boats also welcome enthusiastic beginners.
Reef Fishing
The reefs and rocky ground around Portland Bill and Lyme Bay provide productive fishing throughout much of the year.
Reef fishing often produces species including pollack, wrasse, bream and bass, making it an enjoyable option for anglers looking for steady sport without travelling too far offshore.
Private Fishing Charters
Several Weymouth charter boats can be hired exclusively for private groups, allowing anglers to choose the type of fishing they wish to do and the duration of the trip. Private charters are popular with fishing clubs, corporate groups and families wanting a more personalised experience.
What Can You Catch?
The species available vary throughout the year, but commonly caught fish include:
- Mackerel
- Bass
- Pollack
- Cod
- Bream
- Conger eel
- Rays
- Smoothhound
- Wrasse
- Ling
Skippers will normally advise which species are fishing well before departure and adjust locations according to seasonal conditions.
Things to Consider Before Booking
Choosing the right trip – Short mackerel fishing trips are ideal for beginners and families, while full-day offshore trips are better suited to anglers wanting to target larger fish.
Equipment – Most operators provide rods, reels, tackle and bait, although experienced anglers often prefer to bring their own equipment. Check what’s included before booking.
Weather – Fishing trips are weather dependent and may occasionally be cancelled if sea conditions are unsuitable.
Seasickness – If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication before travelling, particularly on longer offshore trips.
Keeping your catch – Many operators allow passengers to keep their catch, although size limits and fisheries regulations apply. Some skippers will also clean fish before returning to harbour.
Clothing – Even on warm summer days it can feel much cooler offshore. Waterproof clothing and non-slip footwear are recommended.