Hampton is the quieter, western end of Herne Bay and has a small concrete and railed pier with parking facilities. It offers anglers a good day’s fishing. The original pier, 350 yards long, was built in 1863 for the landing of oysters. Its construction increased beach erosion and the tides gradually eroded the old pier. Part of the pier was later rebuilt.

SPECIES

Summer is good for big bass, eels and flounders. Winter fishing produces whiting and flounders.

BAIT AND TACKLE

Use ragworms and crabs in summer, switching to lugworms and mackerel strip in winter. You can dig lugworms all year at Hampton.

For bass, try floatfishing a live sandeel using a bass rod. You need a beachcaster for all-year-round fishing, using a two or three-hook paternoster. Fixed leads are best for this venue.

GETTING THERE

Leave the M2 at junction 7, joining the A299 towards Ramsgate. Turn on to the A291 for Herne Bay and drive to the sea front, turning left on to Central Parade and on towards Western Esplanade. There is plenty of parking near Hampton pier.

TACKLE SHOP

Ron Edwards Fishing Tackle, 52 High St, Herne Bay, tel: 01227 372517.
Opening times: Monday-Wedneday 7.30am-5.30pm, Tuesday and Saturday 7.30am-noon, Sunday 7am-noon.
Bait: Fresh lugworms and ragworms, plus frozen bait.