Sea fishing is one of the last true escapes in fishing. With the varied coastlines around the UK and no two fishing marks the same, each session presents refreshing challenges and different species to catch.
The real beauty of sea fishing, which sets it apart from other forms of angling, is the complete unknown of what your next bite will be. Yes, you can target certain species, and as you improve, you will be able to somewhat predict what will take your bait. However, the next fish could be literally anything, and that is as exciting as fishing can ever be.
Going sea fishing for the first time can be daunting. As mentioned, you can fish from rocks, piers, beaches, estuaries, and for so many species that it can be difficult to know where to start. But once you hear the waves breaking and feel the fresh sea air, you will almost forget you're fishing.
In this article, we will delve into all the tackle you could possibly need to start, while including various tips to get you out and catching. Another bonus is that sea fishing doesn't require a rod licence, so you can enjoy your angling without worrying about that.

Sea fishing rods
A quick search on Google will often give you access to information about what species certain areas of the UK are likely to produce, as well as tactics and specific marks to try. The most common method of fishing around the UK is beach casting, which involves fishing from the shoreline. The rods used for this are often quite substantial to allow you to cast heavier leads of around 4-8 oz, and the lines and reels are larger to handle the extra stress of retrieving larger fish and end-tackle.
If you plan on trying sea fishing for the first time the likelihood is you will need a new rod. While you can use carp rods for some sea fishing disciplines, the extra punishment fishing in the sea puts on your tackle will lead to breakages. A general beach casting rod is perfect for most of the UK coastline, and you want to aim for a rod around 12-14ft in length as this will help you cast the distances required to reach the fish, as well as keep the line above the waves to help keep your rigs in place.
As with all styles of angling, you can spend as much as you want on tackle, but for a beginner or someone who wants to try sea fishing, there are some great budget options to buy to see how much you enjoy it.


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The Daiwa Crosscast Surf is an excellent rod for anyone new to fishing or those who want a good all-round casting rod, so much so that I have a set of these myself. The rods are nice and light and not built on a cumbersome blank that many anglers associate beachcasters to feel like. I have used them to catch cod during storms at Chesil Beach, to catching big undulate rays and smooth hounds on the South coast, they really can do it all.
The hybrid tip really improves bite detection and even the smallest of fish will be highlighted when they take the bait. The rod comes in two sizes a 13ft 10” and a 14ft 10” model both with a casting weight of 100-225g, which is ideal for the majority of the beach angling in the UK.
The premium carbon blanks are crisp, responsive, and easy to load. Thanks to their slightly longer length, they effortlessly propel leads out to the fish. If you're a skilled caster, you'll really benefit from these rods.
The rods are finished in a lovely silver which is unusual to see and as with most Daiwa rods is great quality, the blank actually comes with a 12-month guarantee for peace of mind. The eyes are all stainless fuji guides to make sure they aren’t damaged when scraped across gravel or sand and they prevent corrosion too. For the price, these rods really take some beating.
Pros
- Great for casting.
- Hybrid Tip shows up bites really well.
- Perfect for most styles of UK beach fishing
Cons
- Not really designed for using with a multiplier

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If you're on a budget or just looking to do a bit of sea fishing occasionally, the Shakespeare Salt XT Beachcaster is an excellent choice—and it's easy on the wallet too. Many sea anglers start out with Shakespeare tackle, as the brand has a great reputation for producing durable, high-quality gear.
In fact, it's not uncommon to see 20+ year-old Shakespeare rods still in action on the beaches today!
This rod is ideal for targeting most UK species, including bass, flatfish, and rays. The blank is stiffer than more expensive rods, which can slightly dull bite detection and the fight, but it won’t stop you from enjoying your fishing, and thanks to the construction it will happily take some abuse being leant against pier walls, rocks or in the sand and shingle.
Pros
- Ideal for beginners
- Durable construction
Cons
- The blank is a little heavy which will impact the fight of smaller species
Sea Fishing Reels
Due to the extra demands on your tackle—heavy leads, big baits, and often large, hard-fighting fish—your reels need significantly more power than a standard coarse reel. They also must be built to withstand corrosion and the harsh effects associated with saltwater fishing. You can choose to use either braid or monofilament for sea fishing, with 15-20lb optimum for most scenarios, but you will need to couple them with a heavy shock leader to withstand casting.
Since you're not holding the rod all day, you can afford to use a larger reel without worrying about fatigue. However, if you use an underpowered reel, even retrieving a few times from long distances will quickly wear you out.
You may have heard of multiplier reels being popular in sea fishing, and while they do bring benefits, the problems that can arise with tangles and crack offs make them unsuitable for beginners. Personally, I use a fixed spool reel and have never had any notably better sessions using a multiplier.
Choosing the right reel is essential—especially with all the fish you'll be catching after reading this guide!


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The Penn Surfblaster Reel is revered in sea fishing and has been one of the best-selling and most popular fixed spool reels ever. You’d be hard-pressed to walk along a busy fishing beach without seeing these reels attached to anglers' rods. They are incredibly smooth and boast impressive cranking power, making it effortless to reel in big fish, heavy end tackle, or even the dreaded seaweed.
The large handle is ideal for cold conditions, providing plenty of grip, while the chunky bail arm stays open when casting—preventing premature closure that could snap your line. The slow oscillation ensures perfect line lay, which helps in reducing tangles while improving your casting distances. Plus, the spool holds plenty of line and works well with both braid and mono, depending on your preference.
Pros
- Super smooth reel
- Perfect line lay
- Plenty of cranking power
- Saltwater resistant
Cons
- The drag could be a little more responsive

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If you want a reel that looks as good as it performs, the Sonik SKS Black Surf Reel is a superb choice, offering great value for money too, priced at under £50. The reel is designed to withstand the harsh conditions of sea angling and is built to last. While it is an entry-level reel, many anglers, including us, find it hard to believe they cost as little as they do!
The full metal spool won’t break or crack, and the large handle is comfortable for both kids and adults. What we particularly like is that the reel isn’t huge, as some cheaper fixed spools can be, so it perfectly accommodates the majority of rods without feeling cumbersome in the hand.
The drag is lovely and smooth, and with the power the reel offers, it’s great for catching larger fish like rays, smooth hounds, and even tope!
Pros
- Superb looking reel
- Full metal construction
- Smooth drag
Cons
- It is prone to scratching
Lure fishing combos
Lure fishing can be a really effective and exciting way to catch fish from the sea. If you aren't one to sit behind rods for prolonged periods and like to stay active while angling, lure fishing is perfect for you. It is a great way to introduce beginners to fishing, and some surprisingly big fish can be caught using lures. Additionally, it allows you to travel light, so you can always pack a rod and tackle box in the car for a few hours of fishing in the morning or evening.
Many popular species around the British coastlines can be caught with lures, with mackerel and bass being two of the more popular and easy-to-catch fish. Generally, mackerel are fished for from beaches and rock marks using feathers, which comprise 3-6 hooks dressed in sparkling material made to look like small baitfish. Multiple mackerel can be caught on every cast, and sometimes the action can be frantic. However, a word of caution: please only catch the fish you want to keep, as mackerel don't release very well.


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Many anglers get their first taste of sea fishing by trying to catch mackerel from the shore during the summer. The Leeds Mackerel Combo has everything you need to get started, and when these fish are feeding, you can catch multiple fish on every cast.
While it’s not always like this, the constant casting and reeling in keeps new anglers engaged—especially kids. And when you feel that thump of a mackerel hitting the feathers, you’ll be hooked too!
Pros
- Kit has everything you need to go fishing
- Lightweight rod is great for beginners and kids
Cons
- The kit is fairly basic so you may want to buy more feathers and weights

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If you travel often or like to keep a rod in the car for any opportunity, the Abu Garcia Diplomat Travel Combo is a fantastic choice. It packs down to fit in most suitcases and even comes with a hard case for added protection. The reel is both durable and smooth, making this setup perfect for bass and pollock.
I personally own one of these rods and have taken it with me on my travels, as well as using it here in the UK when lure fishing for bass. It has handled everything from huge tarpon and nurse sharks to schoolie bass, and for the money, there’s nothing better on the market!
Pros
- Packs away to fit in a suticase or the boot of you car
- Well built
- Great for lure fishing from the shore
Cons
- The blank can twist due to the 4 section build, so make sure they are well pushed together
Other sea fishing essentials
There are various other items you are likely to need when sea fishing. While some are transferable from your freshwater angling gear, many items for saltwater fishing need to be more robust and larger.
In your tackle box, you will want a mixture of leads, from gripper-style weights to plain leads, along with swivels, beads, and a range of hooks. Preferably, use circle hooks if you plan to return what you catch, aiming for sizes between 1/0 and 5/0 to cover the majority of the species you might target.
You can buy lots of great ready tied rigs now which take the hassle out of making your own while you learn the ropes. It can also be helpful to take a cool bag to keep frozen baits like squid and worm baits cool, especially in the summer.
As many sea fishing spots require a decent walk to reach, a good-quality rucksack or tackle box is essential. It will keep all your tackle together and allow you to walk as far as needed without being weighed down. Since many anglers keep their catch, a good-quality filleting knife will help you prepare any fish you have caught to eat with minimal fuss or wastage.


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You won’t find a popular fishing spot on the UK shoreline, without seeing a Shakespeare Seatbox in tow. These boxes are simple, practical, and incredibly durable, making them the perfect choice for storing all your fishing tackle. Many anglers use them purely for storage, but they also double as a sturdy seat—especially with the foam cushion that comes with the fully loaded version.
Thanks to their strength and durability, you’ll usually only need to buy one, and it will last you for years.
Pros
- Practical storage solution
- Easy to use
- Very durable
Cons
- They are a little bulky to walk really long distances with

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The Sonik Sea Rucksack is a durable and comfortable bag with plenty of room for all the essentials you'll need on your sea fishing adventures. It features a fully waterproof base and PVC fabric to keep your tackle dry, as any water ingress can cause hooks and other gear to rust quickly.
The padded straps ensure comfort on long walks, preventing them from digging into your shoulders, while the handy sternum strap helps distribute weight—perfect if you're carrying a lot. Side pouches provide easy access to frequently used items like reels, hooks, leads, and bait elastic, and they can be covered up quickly if it starts raining. The oversized ring zippers make accessing the contents easy in cold or wet weather too.
The bag also looks great, and thanks to its bright colour, you won’t lose it or accidentally leave it behind—which, trust us, happens more often than you'd think!
Pros
- Quality rucksack, well built and designed to last for ages
- Plenty of room and well padded to prevent straps digging into your shoulders
Cons
- Toggles on the zips could be slightly stronger

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If you don't have the know how or the time to make your own rigs, why not buy some of the Sonik Ready rigs instead. All the rigs are made from high quality components so you needn't worry if they will be upto the job. There are rigs to cover all aspects of sea fishing too, from mackerel feather rigs to pulley rigs for larger fish like bass and smooth hounds. They all come with handy information about which fish they are suitable for making the process even easier!
Pros
- Quality components.
- Very well-tied rigs.
Cons
- You will need spare rigs or components if you lose anything.

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When sea fishing, it’s important to keep your rods as high as possible to prevent waves from affecting bite indication and to help keep your leads in position. That’s why the Imax Surf-Lite Tripod is essential for beach casting.
Most of the UK shoreline is unsuitable for a bank stick or rod spike, making a tripod the best option for securing your rod in the optimal position. In fact, unless you're fishing from a pier where your rod can rest on a railing, a tripod is almost impossible to fish without.
Pros
- Makes fishing over any terrain practical
- Easy to use and setup
- Robust and stable
Cons
- Legs dont extend further as they do on more premium models

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As we all know, the weather in the UK can be dreadful at the best of times, and along the exposed coastline, conditions often feel even worse. That’s why having a good place to take shelter is essential, and the Daiwa Sandstorm Shelter is a great way to escape the elements.
These shelters are robust, easy to set up, and feature a skirt that allows you to secure them in place by dragging shingle or sand over it—especially useful in windy conditions. While they aren't essential they will make fishing far more comfortable, especially in the autumn and winter months.
Pros
- Makes fishing far more comfortable
- Easy to setup
- Strong and spacious
Cons
- The yellow colour might now suit everyone

And that is about it. Unless you are lure fishing, you will just need some bait, and you are ready to fish. Baits like worms (rag and lug) can be dug up or bought from a tackle shop and are great for most species, alternatively, you can use larger baits like squid or sandeels to target bigger fish. Sea fishing can be tricky at times, but it can also be very rewarding.
Most of the UK shoreline will produce fish, but you will learn more about how a mark fishes on particular tides. Ask local anglers, tackle shops and look online for information and write down if you were successful to see if a pattern emerges. It is amazing how certain times of the tide will bring fish on the feed. Please just pay extra attention to the tide when fishing and never turn your back on the sea!
As mentioned, you never really know what your next bite is going to be, which makes it all the more magical, so get out there and have a go!

Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Digital Editor at Angling Times.