Atherfield, Isle of Wight

Atherfield, Isle of Wight. Another Mark to be found on the A3055, Military rd. Coming from Blackgang drive past the carpark for Chale, parking is on the grass verge just before Atherfield Holiday camp The footpath is sign posted and is via Shepherds Chine, reasonably easy descent to the beach.

This is a steep shingle beach stretching from the rocks of Atherfield ledge in the east to Dutchmans point,a very deep water mark in the west.

Many excellent fish have been taken from this section of coast in recent years including several 40lb plus conger, with a best of 64lb. Also Rays can be caught fom the entire length of the beach, though not as good a venue for them as Chale, though the Island record Undulate Ray came from Dutchmans being just over 17lb. Bass are another frequent species with many good specimens taking baits intended for conger.

The seabed is extremely rocky in places but it is often possible to find a clear spot by moving a few yards along the beach.

The chance of connecting to a large conger is a real possibility, so it is wise to use gear capable of handling one,a good beachcaster and a heavy reel loaded with line of at least 25lb breaking strain should be used. I use a pulley rig with 150lb mono hook snood with at least 8/0 pennel.


This sort of tackle should also be capable of casting a large fish bait. Popular baits are fresh Pouting, cuttlefish, squid and mackerel. Some anglers take a 2nd rod, baited with ragworm or mackerel strip in order to catch a supply of fresh pout for bait.

Fishing tends to be most productive after dark and on the flood tide but wrasse and mackerel are caught during daylight.
Use ragworm or crab baits for the wrasse and fish the area around Atherfield ledge,but beware of the incoming tide cutting you off. For conger the best area is around Dutchmans, with the conger feeding best at slack water.

The Rays will move in shore from mid April, depending on the weather, the Bass will arrive about the same time, although Conger can be caught all year round September till Christmas will give the best chance of success, fish a calm warm dark night on a neap tide.