The Year on the Bristol Channel So Far
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Published on February 28, 2026
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The Year on the Bristol Channel So Far
Things are moving along nicely
It’s fair to say that January and February are traditionally two of the most challenging months of the year on the Bristol Channel. Short days, cold water temperatures and unsettled weather patterns can all conspire to make life difficult. In actual fact, I can’t recall a wetter start to a year than that we have just endured. However, while there have certainly been quieter spells, the quality of fishing at the right times has more than compensated.
Rays Setting the Standard
The upper Channel, in particular, has produced some excellent ray fishing. Personally, I’ve landed in excess of 20 rays so far this year without too much effort, with the best fish likely nudging double figures. Encouragingly, when rays have been specifically targeted on guided sessions, our clients have consistently enjoyed success, with even new anglers often landing at least one fish per session.
As is so often the case here, timing and conditions are everything. The fishing can be patchy, but when you hit the window correctly, sport can be hectic. One memorable session saw John and myself land a dozen rays between us in just a few hours. The following morning, another John, John Locker, joined by his son James, enjoyed similar action, landing around ten rays in a session that perfectly showcased what the Channel can produce when it switches on. If you didn’t know, John runs the hugely popular Fish Locker channel on YouTube and his ray fishing session features there in a recent video.
Early-Season Bass Promise
The bass fishing is also shaping up nicely. Targeted sessions have produced half a dozen fish so far, not huge numbers yet, but a very encouraging sign for this stage of the year. Securing quality peeler crab has undoubtedly been the biggest challenge. In my experience, fresh peeler remains the premier bait for early-season bass in the Channel. Worm will account for fish and runs a close second, but it simply doesn’t withstand the persistent attention of shrimps and crabs in the same way. There is something about peeler crab that bass find irresistible. Likely, its scarcity, because try as you might, finding more than just the occasional peeler crab here is nigh-on impossible. Strange when you consider the habitat.
With water temperatures now climbing, I fully expect the fishing to improve steadily. Historically, as spring progresses, more fish, and better-quality bass, begin pushing inshore, and all the signs suggest we’re on track for another strong season.
Congers, Flounders and Variety
Conger eels have already made their presence felt. A special mention must go to my pal Kev Legge, who recently landed a true Bristol Channel brute from the lower reaches- an exceptional 37lb 14oz specimen. Eels of that calibre demand patience, solid tackle and no small amount of skill, particularly when it comes to landing these fish in tough conditions. Flounders have also added welcome variety in the upper Channel. Reliable marks such as Aust, Weston Town Beach and Burnham continue to produce fish. For these, small hooks combined with locally dug lugworm remain my preferred approach, a simple but highly effective method that will also pick up bass when they are in the vicinity.
All in all, it’s a fantastic time of year. The Channel is waking up.
Looking Ahead
While our bass sessions are now fully booked, the next chapter in our calendar is smoothhound fishing. It won’t be long before we’re back out on the rocks, waiting for those powerful early runs that signal the start of another exciting hound season. Lighter evenings, warmer weather not having to wear five layers of clothing are something to look forward to.
And don’t forget to take a look at Ben’s sessions on Chesil Beach. It’s a rare opportunity to learn from one of the finest anglers ever to fish that iconic shoreline- we may be slightly biased, but the results speak for themselves.
We hope your year has started strongly on the fish front. If there’s a session you’d like more information about, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
All the best for now,
Jansen
