Corton offers a variety of fishing because the beach extends around a headland.
Wooden groynes continue from Hopton and the sea comes right up to the barrier at high tide. You can fish over the top, but it’s tricky when rough. The beach then rounds a slight headland and a concrete sea wall protects the cliffs. Fishing can be difficult, especially due to many broken sections of old sea wall above and beyond the low tide mark.
The sea wall finishes at an area called Tramp’s Alley, where fishing is possible in most conditions.
SPECIES
Big soles are feature from June to September, with whiting and dabs from September to December. A good spot for cod between October and April, sometimes into May. The snaggy areas attract plenty of bass, but are hard work to catch.
BEST BAITS
Lugworms catch cod, with lug and fish cocktails for whiting. Whole squid and peeler crabs are needed for bass. Use ragworms for the soles. Peelers are unbeatable for codling in April and May.
TACKLE
Distance casting is rarely needed, but the tide can be fierce so a 170g lead may be required. A good surf rod with a fixed-spool or multiplier reel loaded with 18lb mainline and pulley rig helps defeat the snags when fishing for cod and bass. Two or three-hook flappers are fine for flatfish and whiting.
GETTING THERE
Leaving Lowestoft, head north on the A12 and take a right into Corton Long Lane before the A12 becomes a dual-carriageway. Turn right at the T-junction and, after going through a wood, the road has a dip. At the bottom is a footpath to the beach. Park opposite the pitch and putt car park. Alternatively turn left at the T-junction and go into the village. The road is quite straight then turns left. Here there is a concrete access slope, but parking is limited.
Directions : Leaving Lowestoft, head north on the A12 and take a right into Corton Long Lane before the A12 becomes dual-carriageway. Turn right at the T-junction and after going through a wood the road dips. At the bottom is a footpath to the beach. Park opposite the pitch and putt car park
Season : Cod from October to April, sole from June to September, whiting and dabs from September to December
