Situated on the south coast in Poole Bay between Hengistbury Head and Boscombe Pier, Southbourne Beach is a phenomenal beach to fish. It offers good fishing all year round and is best suited for Rays, Plaice, Bass and Sole as the beach is sand, shingle and stone and has many bars and banks.
Southbourne is home to a current UK saltwater record in 1989 a Mr R Moore landed a Plaice of 8lb 6oz! What a fish!
The tide does not seem to ever get to viscous at Southbourne because of all the groins so for maximum effect I tend to use a five ounce gripper lead for all my fishing unless I am putting out a sneaky Bass rig towards one of the many groins with a 3 ozs rolling plain lead.
Southbourne is definitely a night time venue because during the day the beach will be swarming with tourists, dogs and swimmers and it would be very dangerous to try to fish there but at night the beach clears and makes the perfect venue for a comfortable nights fishing.
Depending on what time of year it is Southbourne offers great sport, I love to fish for Sole at there as it has a flat sandy bottom and you never get snagged but I would have to say that this beach is my favourite for Rays.
I fished there in the past and have caught 6 good rays in one night using Sandeel and there was a time about two years ago when if was at Southbourne I could guarantee a Ray every night.
Another thing to look out for with this beach is the fact that it is a very good competition venue and you must be aware that you may turn up to fish your favourite section of the beach and be confronted by beach shelter and tripods! I have had this happen to me especially in the early part of the year.
To sum it up Southbourne Beach is a well lit, non snaggy friendly place to catch good quality fish and if you haven’t already fished it, it is well worth a visit.
Alan Shergold
(The above mentioned information was written by Mr Alan Shergold on 14/10/2006. This information is to be used as a guide to help you find places to fish in your local area. Any damage to persons or persons property whether it be fishing gear, transportation or other is at the readers own risk and Mr Alan Shergold will not be held responsible. If you are in any doubt about your permission to fish any spot from Hampshire’s shore line make sure you contact the relevant authorities to check first.)
