The UK coastline is home to diverse saltwater species — from summer mackerel shoals to winter cod and year-round bass.
This guide is your starting point for targeting the most popular fish, with tips on where to find them, when to fish, and the techniques that work best.
🐟 Popular UK Sea Fishing Species
Here’s an overview of the main species covered in our detailed guides:
| Species | Best Time | Common Techniques | Read More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bass | April – October | Lure fishing, surf casting | How to Catch Bass from Shore in the UK |
| Mackerel | June – September | Feathering, spinners, lures | Best Techniques for Mackerel Fishing in Summer |
| Pollock | Year-round | Lure fishing from rocks | Targeting Pollock with Lures from the Rocks |
| Cod | October – February | Bottom fishing, large baits | Cod Fishing Tips for Winter Shore Anglers |
🗓️ When to Fish – Seasonal Guide
- Spring (March–May): Bass arrive, early pollock, flounder
- Summer (June–August): Mackerel, bass, wrasse, pollock active
- Autumn (September–November): Bass peak, cod begin to appear
- Winter (December–February): Cod prime season, whiting, dabs
🎯 Techniques That Work
- Lure Fishing: Perfect for bass and pollock – see our UK Lure Guide
- Bait Fishing: Great for cod and flatfish – requires good terminal tackle
- Feathering/Spinners: The easiest way to catch summer mackerel
🔗 Related Guides
Instead of listing products, here’s where to get the gear info:
- 🪝 Lures & Techniques: Ultimate UK Sea Fishing Lure Guide
- ⚙️ Gear & Equipment: UK Sea Fishing Gear & Equipment Guide
- 🎒 Terminal Tackle & Accessories: Linked inside the Gear Guide
📌 Why This Guide Helps You Catch More
Unlike generic fishing tips, this guide is:
- UK-focused – specific to our waters & species
- Seasonally accurate – tells you when to target each fish
- Linked to deep dives –posts expand on every species
🐟 Species-Specific Deep Dives
Each species will have its own detailed guide, covering:
- ✅ Best lures & techniques
- ✅ Seasonal patterns
- ✅ Hotspots (general areas, not GPS marks)
- ✅ Gear tips linked to existing buying guides
🎣 Free Download – UK Shore Fishing Species Guide
Want an easy way to identify your catch and stay within UK fishing laws?
📥 Grab our FREE printable PDF guide covering species ID, legal sizes, bag limits, and seasons.
👉 Download the UK Shore Fishing Species Identification & Regulations Guide