Fishing in Gosport
Sea fishing from the shore and by boat in the Solent
Gosport's position on the western side of Portsmouth Harbour, with the Solent to the south, makes it a solid location for sea fishing. There is no coarse or game fishing to speak of in the borough itself, but the saltwater fishing from the shore and by boat is varied and productive at the right times of year.
Stokes Bay is the most popular shore fishing spot in the borough. The beach is shingle with sandy patches at low tide, and casts from the beach can reach clean ground that produces bass, sole, plaice, and smoothhound depending on the season. Summer months from May through to September are the best for bass and smoothhound, with evening and night sessions often the most productive. The western end of Stokes Bay towards Gilkicker Point tends to fish better than the central stretch, as the current runs more strongly there.
The Haslar sea wall, running along the edge of the former Haslar Hospital site, has long been a popular mark for local anglers. Fishing from the wall gives access to deeper water close in, and species such as wrasse, pollack, bass, and flounder are caught here. Access arrangements have changed over the years as the Haslar site has been redeveloped, so it is worth checking current access before heading there.
Portsmouth Harbour itself offers fishing from various points, though much of the western shoreline is restricted due to naval and MOD installations. The harbour holds flounder, bass, and mullet, particularly in the warmer months. Mullet can be seen in the shallows around Hardway and the creek areas, though they are notoriously difficult to catch.
Boat fishing in the Solent is excellent. Charter boats operate from Portsmouth and other nearby harbours, targeting species ranging from bass and bream to tope, rays, and conger eel. Wrecks in the eastern Solent and the deeper water towards the Nab Tower produce pollack, cod in winter, and ling. Gosport does not have its own charter fleet, but the short ferry crossing to Portsmouth gives access to boats operating from Camber Dock and the marina area.
Small boat owners launch from Stokes Bay, where there is a slipway, or from the various slipways and pontoons around the harbour. A small dinghy or kayak opened up the harbour marks and the inshore reefs off Stokes Bay, which hold bass and other species close to the kelp beds.
Tackle shops in the area carry bait and local knowledge. Fresh bait such as ragworm, lugworm, and squid is essential for most shore fishing, and the tackle shops can advise on what is fishing well. Frozen bait is available more widely.
Fishing from the piers and sea walls in Gosport does not require a licence, as sea fishing in England is licence-free. However, anglers should be aware of local byelaws, minimum size limits for various species, and seasonal restrictions, particularly for bass, which have strict bag limits.
The Solent is a busy shipping lane, and boat anglers need to be aware of commercial traffic, the naval movements in and out of Portsmouth Harbour, and the strong tidal currents that can make conditions challenging. Safety awareness is essential, particularly for small boat users.
Winter fishing from the shore is quieter but still productive. Whiting, dabs, and the occasional cod are caught from Stokes Bay in the colder months, though the fishing is less consistent than in summer.