Atherfield

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.
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 aheavy reel loaded with line of at least 25lb breaking strain should be used. This sort of tackle should also be capable of casting a large fish bait.Popular baits are fresh Pouting,cuttlefish,squid andmackerel.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.