Angling
There are more than 60 different species recorded on rod and line in local waters. Many of these are British record fish. Where else can you find that variety of angling, and so easily accessible? The furthest you could possibly have to drive to find a new mark is 9 miles and virtually the whole shoreline is fishable. With easy access to the best spots you could practically cast from the comfort of your car!!
Why drive hundreds of miles through the night, or rough it cross channel in a charter boat when you can have access to some of the best fishing afloat or ashore that Britain can offer on your hotel doorstep?
Useful Information
Please note that the dialling code from the UK is 01481. The international code is +44 1481. When using mobile numbers internationally, the 0 should be dropped and the international code added.
Emergency Services:
Dial 999 or 112
Police: +44 (0) 1481 725111
St John Ambulance Marine Ambulance and Cliff Rescue :+44 (0) 1481 725211
Weather:
Weather reports available on island only 8080
Shipping forecast on island only +44 (0) 6969 8800
5 day forecasts are available online
www.bbc.co.uk/weather
Current weather reports and tidal information
www.thisisguernsey.com
For details on Angling Boat Trips, Fresh Water Fishing, Shore Fishing and other activities please click here.
For a map of good angling sites in Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm please click here.
Some initial advice
You can fish anywhere you like from the shore in Guernsey, except in any Marina, the reclamation site at St Sampson, or the Fisherman's Quay in St. Peter Port.
The most commonly caught species are bass, bream, conger, dogfish, garfish, mackerel, mullet, pollack and wrasse.
Because of the island's exposed position and the large tidal ranges, please observe the following basic safety points. Always tell somebody where you are going, and when you will return. Try to fish in company, especially at night. Make sure you leave a mark in good time to get off. Ask for local advice if necessary - and take it!
Please show consideration for other shore users (human and otherwise). Take litter and discarded fishing tackle home with you and dispose of unwanted bait into the sea - don't leave it to rot on the rocks or in rock pools.
The enclosed maps show good areas to try for particular species. Generally speaking, bottom fishing from most marks is more productive during the spring, late autumn and winter months or at night during the summer. During the summer months, float fishing and spinning are the most popular methods and can be very productive. As a rule, long casting is not required, although it can be useful in places. On many of the deep water marks groundbaiting with a mixture of bread and fish will bring most species almost to your feet. Float fishing and spinning enable you to use light tackle for the best sport, and increased catches. Any rocky headland jutting into the tide is worth a try. There are very few places where it is impossible to catch anything, particularly the ubiquitous wrasse.
Summary of fishing Laws in Guernsey
Relevant Legislation:
Certain regulations covering fishing activity are now contained within the Fishing Ordinance 1997 and associated orders, which came into force on 1st November 1997. This legislation contains several changes from previous ordinances and laws and these are outlined below. For detailed information on all fishing controls, please refer to the above ordinance or contact the Sea Fisheries Department on +44 (0) 1481 234567.
Note:
The territorial waters of Guernsey, Alderney and Sark extend respectively to three miles from the nearest shore at low tide, or from any drying islet or rock within the envelope of the Island in question. Each Island has its own fishing legislation for its territorial waters.
Minimum Sizes:
The following clauses refer to Guernsey and Herm only.
It is an offence to take, land or possess any of the following fish, which is less than the size specified:
1. Length (in centimetres) of whole fish measured from tip of snout to extreme end of tail.
Fish Size
Bass
|
36
|
|
Black Sea Bream |
23 |
|
Brill |
30 |
|
Cod |
35 |
|
Conger Eel |
58 |
|
Dab |
15 |
|
Flounder |
25 |
|
Grey Mullet |
20 |
|
Red Sea Bream |
25 |
|
Saithe |
35 |
|
Shad |
30 |
|
Turbot |
30 |
|
Whiting |
23 |
|
Witch Flounder |
28 |
|
Haddock |
30 |
|
Sole |
24 |
|
Hake |
30 |
|
Horse Mackerel |
15 |
|
Lemon Sole |
25 |
|
Mackerel |
20 |
|
Megrim |
25 |
|
Plaice |
25 |
|
Pollack |
30 |
|
Red Mullet |
15 |
Breadth (in centimetres) of whole fish, measured across the broadest part of the back.
|
Scallops |
10 |
|
Wild Ormer |
8 |
|
Brown Edible Crab (chancre) |
14 |
|
Skate/Ray |
36 |
|
Lady Crab |
6.5 |
Crawfish - 23 centimetres, measured from the tip of the beak to the extreme end of the tail, when held as flat as possible.
Spider Crab - 13 centimetres measured from between the two horns protecting the eye sockets to the rear of the carapace along the centre line of carapace
Lobster - 8.7 centimetres measured from the rear of either eye socket to the war end of the carapace along a line parallel to the centre line of the carapace.