Many opportunities await sea anglers visiting Cowes Harbour and the River Medina. Several species can be caught during the year from the shore, or from afloat around Cowes. The quay walls to the west of the Royal Yacht Squadron will provide easy access and a good chance of catching fish. Youngsters (and the young at heart) can try crabbing off Town Quay or The Parade walls in Cowes, as well as catching blennies and wrasse.

Fishing is not permitted from public landing facilities as lines will obstruct vessels wishing to use the facility. Areas where you will not cause a problem, providing that you take care not to hook pedestrians whilst casting or overcast onto passing or moored boats, are as follows:

• The Parade walls
• From the Royal Yacht Squadron around to Gurnard
• Along East Cowes Esplanade both south and north of the Shrape Breakwater but not from the breakwater itself
• Town Quay walls, not pontoons
• Along any of the riverbanks south of No. 8 buoy providing that there is public access; access is generally good from the cycle track on the west bank and south of the Folly Inn on the east bank

Charter Boat Angling

Charter boats can be booked from the contributing charter agencies in Cowes. They cater for sea anglers going for three hours, four hours, all day and evenings. All boats are properly licensed.

Boats can cater for novices and will hire out rods and tackle for a small extra fee. Novice anglers are well looked after and there is no reason why you should not get a result. If you’re a specimen hunter it’s an idea to ask at the tackle shops what is the best time to try. They will always offer friendly advice.

Links for more information: the Go Fishing website and Wheretoseafish.com.