The UK offers a variety of spearfishing spots, from the rugged coastlines of Scotland to the clear waters of Cornwall. Read our seasonal guide to spearfishing in the UK and then look below at some of the top locations for spearfishing:
1. Cornwall
Cornwall is renowned for its clear waters and abundant marine life, making it a popular destination for spearfishing. Key spots include:
- Falmouth: Known for its sheltered waters and diverse marine life, including bass, mullet, and pollock. If the wind is blowing West or North West, beaches in this area can still have calm waters and fantastic spearfishing. Swanpool, Maenporth, Porthallow or Coverack are just some locations along this stretch which hold some giant Bass and Mullet alike!
- Newquay: Offers rocky reefs and kelp forests teeming with fish, but is definitely a place for divers with plenty of experience and knowledge of waves and currents. Take extreme care with the weather conditions and swell forecast as the North coast is very exposed. Never go spearfishing in large swells as they make it not only dangerous but also pretty much impossible to dive. Check the surfline swell report for the area you intend to dive. However, the height of summer offers some spectacular diving when the swell drops off to nearly zero on some occasions, with some of the best visibility in the UK along with the chance of Triggerfish and Gilthead Bream which feed among the mussels on the surf beaches.
- Lizard Peninsula: Nestled along the Lizard Peninsula are some of the most remote yet beautiful coves in the UK. Crystal-clear waters and a variety of fish species make this a favourite spot, with catches of record pollock waiting to be had! If planning to dive near the Lizard Point take extreme care of strong currents!
2. Dorset
Dorset’s Jurassic Coast provides excellent spearfishing opportunities:
- Portland Bill: Known for its deep waters and strong currents, it’s a great spot for experienced spearos.
- Swanage: Offers easier access and a variety of fish species, suitable for beginners.
- Chesil Beach: A famous spot for catching flatfish and bass.
3. Devon
Devon’s coastline features stunning kelp forests and clear waters:
- Plymouth: Often regarded as one of the best places to go spearfishing in the UK. Home to numerous wrecks and reefs, ideal for exploring and hunting. Try Heybrook Bay, Bovisand or Portwrinkle for some epic shore dives.
- Torbay: Offers sheltered bays with an abundance of fish and shellfish. Check out Meadfoot, or Ellbury for a shore dive. Take care of currents either side of the bay around Berry Head and Hopes Nose.
- Exmouth: Known for its bass, bream and mullet populations. Budleigh Salterton is well known for producing some very large bass!
4. Scotland
Scotland’s rugged coastlines and clear waters are perfect for spearfishing:
- Oban: Offers deep waters and a variety of fish, including some very large pollock and brown crab!
- Isle of Skye: Crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life make this a top spot. Look out for giant skate on the seabed among the scallops and crabs.
- Loch Fyne: Known for its scallops.
