From the Fens to the Foam: Why It’s Time to Give Sea Fishing a Go

Luckily for us, we are only a stone’s throw from some of the finest coastline in the UK. The Norfolk coast isn’t just for tourists eating chips on the promenade; it’s a massive, wild playground for anglers who fancy a bit of salt spray and a proper bend in the rod.

If you’ve been sticking rigidly to the coarse stuff, you might be missing a trick. Sea fishing offers a freedom that’s hard to beat. There are no syndicate fees, no waiting lists, and often, no day tickets. Just you, the tide, and whatever is swimming past.

The Norfolk Coast: A Mixed Bag

The beauty of our local coastline is the sheer variety of ground you can fish. You’ve got the shingle banks of Cley and Salthouse, the sandy stretches of the North Norfolk beaches, and the structural fishing off the piers at Cromer or huge concrete aprons at Gorleston.

For those who prefer not to get their boots muddy, skippered charter boats running out of ports like Wells-next-the-Sea or Brancaster offer a cracking day out. It’s a great way to get straight to the fish without needing to learn the intricacies of casting to the horizon.

Seasons of the Salt

One of the best things about the salt is how the target changes with the calendar. It keeps things interesting.

Winter Warriors: Traditionally, this is the time for the cod. While the big shoals aren't what they were thirty years ago, you can still find decent codling and whiting from the beaches when the weather turns rough.
Spring and Summer: As the water warms up, the menu expands. We’re talking about Smoothhounds (which fight like demons), Rays, and Flatfish like dabs and flounder.
The Mackerel Rush: In high summer, the mackerel shoals move in. It’s frantic, fun, and provides the best barbecue food you’ll ever eat.
The Bass Bonanza: This is the big one. Bass fishing has exploded in popularity recently. They are predatory, aggressive, and present a challenge that will test your tackle to its limits.

Tactics

There is a misconception that sea fishing is just about hurling six ounces of lead as far as you can and sitting in a shelter making tea. While bait fishing from the beach is a reliable method, it’s not the only way.

Lure fishing for bass is very similar to pike fishing. You’re roaming, casting hard plastics or soft vibes into gullies and surf. It’s active and exciting. Believe it or not, there’s even a growing band of anglers targeting bass and mullet on the fly. Catching a thick-lipped mullet on a fly rod in a quiet harbour is a skill that requires serious patience, but the payoff is brilliant.

Fuel for the Fire: Our New Bait Range

Of course, if you want to catch, you need the right bait. We know that getting hold of decent frozen bait can be a hassle in the Fens, which is why we’ve stocked up.

To help you tempt those salty specimens, Fenland Tackle Exchange is now stocking a proper range of frozen sea baits. We’ve got:

Squid: The universal bait. Everything eats squid.
Sandeels: Deadly for bass and rays.
Peeler Crab: Arguably the best scent trail in the water.
Mackerel: Perfect for heavy-duty tipping or float fishing.
Frozen Black Lugworm: A reliable staple for the winter months.

It’s all in the freezer and ready for collection from our March trade counter.

Getting the Gear

Now, we’ll be honest with you. We don’t have the space to stock rows and rows of 14ft beach casters alongside our carp and coarse gear. Our showroom is "cozy" (or cramped, depending on who you ask).

However, we do carry a solid selection of essential sea tackle items—rods, reels, and rigs—to get you started. More importantly, because we are an approved stockist, we can secure hardware from the heavy hitters like Abu Garcia, Penn, and Shakespeare specifically to customer order. If you know what you want, let us know, and we’ll get it in for you at a price that makes sense.

Why Pay More?

Whether you need a pack of frozen squid for a weekend at Hunstanton, or you’re looking to trade in an old carp rod to fund a new beach setup, give us a shout.

Remember, we offer free local delivery across the Fenland region on orders over £25. Or, pop in and see us. We’re open for collections by appointment during the week, and we run our warehouse clearance sales every Saturday and Sunday at our City Road premises in March. It’s a good chance to have a rummage and grab a bargain.

Tight lines, and we’ll see you on the beach!

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