Spearfishing in the UK offers a diverse and exciting challenge for both experienced spearfishermen and beginners alike. The country’s unique coastal environments, from the cooler waters of Scotland to the more temperate shores of the south coast, host an array of fish species that can be targeted throughout the year. Understanding the seasons and how they influence marine life is crucial for planning successful spearfishing outings.
This guide breaks down the best times of year to target different species and offers insights into the UK’s varying marine conditions.
Spring (March to May)
As the waters begin to warm up after winter, the coastal marine environment comes to life. Spring is a great time to begin targeting fish as many species move inshore to spawn or feed.
- Grey Mullet (Chelon Labrosus): Right up in the shallows the mullet move in with the first calm sunny days in spring. Especially in the vicinity of estuaries, large spawning aggregations can be found and they will be full of roe until May. Mullet are a resilient fish and do not mind the cold, but they do seem to prefer feeding in the shallows when the waves and swell drop and the sun shines!
- Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax): Bass begin moving into shallow kelp forests as early as late March. By May, their numbers increase significantly, especially along the southern and southwestern coasts. They are then abundant in shallow waters until November / December when they will trickle offshore to deeper water. Targeting bass during these months is highly rewarding as they come closer to shore, feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans. Although they can be found all year round, pay attention to the closed season which usually coincides with their spawning period over winter.
- Pollock (Pollachius pollachius): Another springtime favourite, pollock are found near rocky areas and kelp forests. From March, they start moving closer to the coast, making them a prime target for spearos in the west and north of the UK. Larger examples tend to be found a bit deeper in around 15 to 20 meters of water, but double figure fish can be found in a kelp forest 3 meters deep! In winter, these fish move to offshore pinnacles and wrecks to breed.
- Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa): This flatfish species is often abundant in sandy, shallow areas in spring, especially in areas with good tidal flow. The waters off Sussex, Hampshire, and Norfolk are ideal hunting grounds during this period. Plaice can be thin in February and March, but by May and June time some lovely fat examples can be found.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the prime spearfishing season in the UK. The water temperatures rise, marine life is more active, and visibility often improves, especially in the south.
- Grey Mullet (Chelon Labrosus): Grey Mullet can be found almost anywhere along the coast during summer, as the large schools break up and they spread along the coast feeding in the shallows on stringweed and gutweed.
- Bass: Bass fishing reaches its peak in the summer months. Spearfishermen can find them just about anywhere on the coast patrolling rocky areas, kelpy reefs, stringweed forests and wrecks. Mid-summer bass tend to be more aggressive feeders, increasing your chances of landing a sizable catch.
- Mackerel (Scomber scombrus): Mackerel migrate to the UK’s coastal waters in large schools from June onwards, making them an exciting and fast-moving target. Found in most UK waters, they are abundant around the southwest and along the Welsh coast.
- Pollock: Pollock fishing is still strong during summer. Large examples often follow the mackerel shoals and sardines right inshore.
- Red Mullet: A fish fit for an emperor, these beautiful striking red fish feed in sandy bays on summer evenings, but can be tricky to get near!
- Grey Triggerfish: Once a rare sight, these days it is not unusual to bump into these weird and wonderful fish in the height of summer. They are most common on the west coast of Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Cornwall in areas of very rough ground, especially near mussel beds.
- Plaice: Having fattened up on clams through the spring plaice are great to target in the summer months on the fringes of kelp beds on the sand or on cockle or mussel beds.
- Black Bream: Black bream are nesting during spring so we must avoid spearing them then or the young may die, but during the summer months they are an exhilarating fish to hunt.
- Gilthead Bream (Sparus aurata): Although these fish are a rare and highly prized catch for spearos, during the summer months they begin to turn up around sandy bays, stringweed forests and in the tidal races off headlands. They especially like beaches where there are lots of mussels growing on the rocks!
Summer wetsuits
5mm wetsuits are the perfect neoprene thickness for diving through summer.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is a transitional period in UK waters, but it can be an incredibly productive time for spearfishing, particularly for those targeting species that remain active as the water cools.
- Bass: As temperatures cool, bass remain an excellent target, especially during September and October. They are often found close to shore, preparing for winter by feeding heavily on baitfish.
- Grey Mullet: Mullet are plentiful along the southern coasts in the early autumn months. They are commonly found around estuaries, harbors, and rocky shorelines. These fish are known for their skittish nature, so patience and stealth are essential.
“Mullet are some of the trickiest fish to spear in UK waters. Their keen sense of danger and rapid movement make them a challenge for even experienced spearos.” – UK Spearfishing Association - Flatfish (Solea solea, Pleuronectes platessa): Both sole and plaice are active in autumn, especially in shallower waters. They can be found in sandy areas around the southern and eastern coasts of the UK, particularly around Sussex, Norfolk, and Kent. On the south west coast, they often move onto Mussel beds at this time of year.
- Red Mullet: In the South West, Red Mullet numbers tend to peak during Autumn.
- Pollock: Larger individuals seem to move closer to shore in the Autumn, with ten pound fish being a prized and delicious catch among spearfishers.
- Gilthead Bream (Sparus aurata): Autumn is the best time to find gilthead bream, particularly in warmer southern waters like those off Cornwall and Devon. They are a tricky fish to find however; a rare but highly prized catch for spearos in the UK.
Winter (December to February)
Winter spearfishing in the UK is not for the faint-hearted, but it can be rewarding for those willing to brave the cold waters. Many species move offshore or become less active, but there are still opportunities to be had.
- Cod (Gadus morhua): Winter is cod season. From November through February, cod migrate closer to the UK’s shores, particularly along the east coast, from Northumberland to East Anglia. These colder months are the best time to target large cod.
- Flounder (Platichthys flesus): Flounder are another winter species worth targeting. Found in estuaries and sheltered bays, they become more active during colder months. The Bristol Channel and areas around the Solent are prime locations.
- Whiting (Merlangius merlangus): Often overlooked by spearfishermen, whiting are abundant in the colder months. They can be found in large numbers off the east coast, particularly around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
Essential Considerations for UK Spearfishing
Tidal Conditions and Visibility
Tides play a crucial role in spearfishing, especially in the UK where tidal ranges can be significant. A rising or high tide often brings fish closer to shore, increasing your chances of a successful outing. However, tidal surges can also impact visibility, particularly after storms or during spring tides. Always check the weather and tidal conditions before heading out to ensure safe and productive fishing. During neap tides, we tend to find the best visibility and smallest currents, which usually means a more successful and enjoyable hunt!
Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs)
As a spearfisherman, it’s essential to be aware of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) around the UK, which are designated to protect sensitive marine environments. Certain MCZs may have restrictions on fishing or spearfishing, so it’s crucial to research local regulations before planning your trip. Full information and MCZ maps.
Spearfishing Equipment Tips
The changing seasons in the UK also mean varying water temperatures, so ensuring you have the right wetsuit is key to a comfortable spearfishing experience. In spring and autumn, a 7 mm wetsuit is typically sufficient, while in summer, many spearos opt for a 5mm wetsuit. Winter spearfishing, however, demands thicker suits, with 7mm wetsuits more being necessary for enduring the cold.
Spearfishing in the UK is a year-round endeavour, provided you are prepared for the seasonal shifts in both species availability and marine conditions. By understanding what to target and when, you can plan your outings to maximise success and enjoyment, whether you’re after a bass in the height of summer or braving the winter cold for cod.
