This steep shingle beach forms the eastern edge of Porlock Bay. It marks the boundary of the Bristol Channel’s murky waters and given calm conditions the water becomes reasonably clear. The sea bed is fairly snaggy, with the spots in front of the car park and directly under Hurlstone Point the worst. Bottom fishing will produce fish during daylight if the water is coloured after a strong west wind, but night fishing is far more productive in clear conditions. Morning and evening high tides are the best times for fl oat fishing and spinning.

SPECIES

Dogfish, smoothhounds, conger eels, bass, mackerel, garfish, pollack, plus a few huss and rays.

BEST BAITS

The dogfish will take most baits, but match anglers find sandeels to be the best. Big mackerel or squid baits sort out the bigger species with crabs being needed for the smoothhounds. A thin strip of mackerel works well under a fl oat, while the most popular lures are Toby and wedges.

TACKLE

Standard beach gear with 18-25lb line and a selection of 5oz and 6oz grip leads will cover most of the bottom fishing requirements.
Pulley rigs are favoured and rotten-bottom clips help reduce tackle losses. Feathers will pick up mackerel, but light fl oat or spinning tackle is more fun.

GETTING THERE

Bossington is signposted on the right-hand side of the A39 between Minehead and Porlock. Follow the narrow lanes into Bossington where there is a car park. The beach is about 10-minute walk down a rough track. It is possible to drive down this track, but it is narrow and badly potholed so care is needed.

TACKLE SHOP

West Coast Tackle, The Quay, Minehead, tel: 01643 705745.

Directions : Bossington is signposted on the right-hand side of the A39 between Minehead and Porlock. Follow the narrow lanes into Bossington where there is a car park. The beach is about 10 minutes walk down a rough track
Season : Dogfish all year, whiting, pouting late bass, codling, pollack and wrasse in winter, other species in summer