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Fishing on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is an ideal destination for a fishing holiday, the visiting angler is very well catered for. Most styles of sea and freshwater angling can be done on or around the Island. For freshwater anglers, ponds, reservoirs and streams hold most species including trout, carp, perch, rudd and roach

The sea angler has 64 miles of coastline available for beach and rock fishing, with bass, conger, plaice and rays, to name but a few, that can all be taken in season. For the visiting boat angler, the English Channel and the more sheltered Solent provides huge scope, whether from your own boat or a charter trip. Lake or pier/shore fishing tuition is also available

Nearly all the sea and freshwater fish that can be found in UK waters are represented on the Island’s record lists

Saltwater angling

The Isle of Wight is very much a year round destination, though it must be said that February and March are probably the slowest.

Spring and summer brings good shore sport for Smooth hound, Bass, Rays and Dogfish, whilst many spots for lure fishing for Bass are easily accessible for the visiting angler.

Enquire at tackle shops for up to date news of tactics and bait.

Boat angling picks up through spring also, with inshore Bream, Bass and Ray. Boats venturing out to the Mid-Channel wrecks will find excellent spots with Pollack, Summer Cod and Conger.

Winter sees the start of the Flounder season from the Shore, and, if you’re lucky, Cod, however, for the best chance of a Cod you need to be afloat.

Freshwater angling

Most species are available to the visiting freshwater angler, 

Sites:

Arreton, Hale Manor: 2 ½ acre lake Gunville Lake and Kingfisher Lake (IWFAC) members and day ticket, Tench, Carp, Pike, Roach, Rudd & Bream.

Nettlecombe Farm, Whitwell: Three ponds with some big Carp as well as small fish.

Well stocked with Carp & Roach. River Yar: Contact IWFAC for details, as some stretches require permit or permission from landowner.

Species include Bream, Dace, Roach, Rudd & Perch. Rookley Country park 2 acre lake well stocked with Roach and Carp.