Hastings

Hastings is a historic Cinque port town with a thriving beach launched fishing fleet. There are two sea angling clubs in the town, and a staggering 8 places where you can buy tackle and bait (details on the right).

Both Hastings clubs (see details in the panel on below right) have well maintained club houses on the sea front with well run bars and catering. There are secure boat pens and well maintained winches for beach launching boats. Both clubs have regular competitions and thriving memberships.

Boat fishing from Hastings (and nearby Bexhill which also has a thriving sea angling club for boat anglers) is very good for most of the year with Plaice being a staple catch on the sand banks, mussel beds and claystones within 3 – 4 miles of the shoreline. There are numerous productive wrecks within 20 minutes of both Hastings and Bexhill and reefs and rocks between Bexhill and Eastbourne that hold large Bass in numbers throughout the summer months.

Beach fishing is also good all along the shoreline and although Hastings Pier is now closed until refurbishment commences the East Harbour Arm at Rock-a-Nore is good for fishing all year. Main beach catches are Bass in summer, Dabs, Flounder and Whiting in the winter with Codling making occasional appearances.