The Ultimate Seasonal Fishing Calendar for the UK: What to Catch and When

If you’ve ever found yourself standing by the shoreline, sea fishing rod in hand, wondering why the fish aren’t biting, the answer might be simple: You’re fishing for the wrong species at the wrong time! Timing is everything in sea fishing, and knowing when to target specific fish can make all the difference between a blank session and a catch to remember. So, let’s dive into the ultimate UK seasonal fishing calendar—packed with tips on what to catch, when to catch it, and the best rigs and tackle to use.

Winter (December – February) Cod – The Cold Water King

As the temperatures drop, cod come closer to shore, making winter the prime time for cod fishing. If you want to land a big one, now’s your chance.

Best Tactics:

• Use big, smelly baits like squid, lugworm, and peeler crab.

• Opt for a pulley rig to handle the weight of a hefty cod.

• Fish over rough ground or sandy beaches after a storm for the best results.
  

Whiting – The Winter Staple

Whiting thrive in cold waters and often save blank sessions when cod are playing hard to get.

Best Tactics:

• Use light flapper rigs with size 1-2 hooks.

• Baits like lugworm, ragworm, or mackerel strips work wonders.

• Fish during darkness for the best bites.
  

Dabs – The Underrated Flatfish

If you enjoy catching fish with a delicate bite and excellent eating quality, dabs should be on your radar.

Best Tactics:

• Light ledger rigs or two-hook flapper rigs.

• Small hooks with black lugworm or squid strips.

• Target sandy beaches and estuaries.
  

Spring (March – May)

Plaice – The Bright Orange Beauties

As spring warms the water, plaice return to inshore marks, providing some excellent early-season fishing.

Best Tactics:

• Use a flapper rig with small hooks.

• Beads and sequins on the snoods help attract fish.

• Bait up with ragworm, lugworm, or peeler crab.
  

Bass – The Spring Predators

Bass start appearing in numbers along surf beaches and estuaries in spring.

Best Tactics:

• Use a medium-weight sea fishing rod and a running ledger rig.

• Lures work well in daylight, but ragworm and peeler crab are excellent at night.

• Fish in surfy, oxygenated waters for the best results.
  

Smoothhound – The Mini Sharks of Spring

As the crabs begin to peel, smoothhounds move in to feast.

Best Tactics:

• Strong pulley rigs or pennel rigs with crab baits.

• Fish over rough ground or mixed seabeds.

• A fast-action rod helps control these hard-fighting fish.
  

Summer (June – August)

Mackerel – The Summer Frenzy

When mackerel shoals arrive, it’s time for some fast and furious fishing.

Best Tactics:

• Use feathers or daylights for multiple catches per cast.

• Cast into deeper water from piers, breakwaters, or rock marks.

• A light spinning rod keeps the fight exciting.
  

Tope – The Ultimate Summer Predator

For those wanting a real challenge, summer is the time to go after tope.

Best Tactics:

• Heavy-duty sea fishing rods with wire traces and strong hooks.

• Fresh mackerel baits fished on a running ledger rig.

• Target deeper marks off beaches and piers.
  

Gilt-Head Bream – The Golden Prize

A prized catch for inshore anglers, these hard-fighting fish love the summer heat.

Best Tactics:

• Use small hooks (size 4-6) with peeler crab or mussel baits.

• Fish over rough ground or estuaries.

• Light ledger rigs provide the best presentation.
  

Autumn (September – November)

Bass – The Autumn Beasts

Autumn is prime time for big bass as they fatten up before winter.

Best Tactics:

• Use lures in daylight, live bait at night.

• Fish in rough conditions for better results.

• A pulley rig with a whole squid can attract monster bass.
  

Conger Eel – The Night Stalker

As the nights draw in, conger eels become a worthy target for hardcore anglers.

Best Tactics:

• Heavy-duty tackle and wire traces.

• Large fish baits like mackerel or cuttlefish.

• Fish deep water marks or under piers.
  

Codling – The Pre-Winter Warm-Up

Before the big cod arrive, codling can provide great autumn sport.

Best Tactics:

• Use flapper rigs or pennel rigs with lugworm or squid.

• Fish in rough seas after storms.

• Light tackle makes them fun to catch.
  

Conclusion: Timing is Everything

Fishing is all about being in the right place at the right time. With this seasonal guide, you’ll know exactly what to target and when to head out with your sea fishing rods and best rigs. Whether it’s battling bass in the autumn surf, hauling in mackerel during the summer frenzy, or chasing big cod in the depths of winter, understanding the seasonal movements of fish will turn you from an average angler into a seasoned pro.