How to Catch Cod from the Shores of the Bristol Channel in Somerset: A Sea Angler’s Guide

Cod are bottom-dwelling fish that are often found over mixed ground, reefs, and areas where the seabed changes from sand to rock. In the Bristol Channel, cod tend to move inshore during the colder months, particularly around autumn and winter when they come closer to shore to feed. Cod are opportunistic predators, feasting on smaller fish such as sprats and whiting, crabs, and shellfish.

Fishing for cod is most effective when there is significant tidal run and this should be considered key to finding the fish.

To successfully catch cod in the Bristol Channel, you need the right tackle. Cod are often caught from marks that offer deep water, fast tides and rough sea beds, so robust tackle that will cope with challenging terrain and conditions is the order of the day. 

Rod and Reel

For cod fishing, a 13-14ft beach caster that will cast up to 7oz plus a good size bait is ideal. Pair your rod with either a fixed spool or multiplier reel. Both types work well, but many anglers are now realising the benefits of using a modern fixed spool reel. The super fast retrieve and slow oscillation which creates perfect line lay that leads to longer smoother casts are just two of the reasons they are finding new found favour with sea anglers. Spool up with an 18-20lb mainline and a shock leader to suit the weight you will be casting (ie 7oz lead, 70lb shock leader).

Pulley Rig with Pennel Rig

One of the most effective rigs for cod fishing is the pulley-pennel rig. A pulley rig made from 100lb rig body with an 80lb hook snood will give you the durability and strength you need when fishing over the rough. For hook sizes, choose 3/0 to 6/0, depending on the bait you’re using. Larger hooks are necessary for bigger baits like squid, while smaller hooks of around 1/0 to 3/0 are ideal for lugworm and peeler crab. A pennel rig, which features two hooks in tandem, is an excellent choice as it increases your chances of hooking a cod when using a bigger bait.

Rotten Bottom

Using a rotten bottom is also highly recommended when fishing for cod. A rotten bottom is a weak link in your rig designed to break only the lead weight off under pressure, preventing you from losing your entire setup. This added safety measure is particularly useful when fishing in areas with rough ground or underwater obstacles and could mean the difference between landing or snagging up your dream fish.

Cod are keen feeders and will go for a variety of baits, especially those that mimic their natural prey. Some of the best baits for cod fishing in the Bristol Channel include:

• Lugworm: This classic bait is a cod favourite. Its strong scent makes it irresistible to cod.

• Squid: Another great option, squid is especially effective when cod are feeding on smaller fish. 

• Peeler Crabs: When in season, peeler crabs are one of the most effective baits for catching cod, especially during the spring months. Their natural scent in the water makes them irresistible.

The Bristol Channel offers several great locations to target cod from the shore and although numbers are drastically down, it’s still possible to catch if you persevere. Some of the best spots to try include:

1. Sandpoint: This long rock promontory just north of Weston-super-Mare is a favourite mark for cod anglers. Concentrate on fishing two hours before low water and one hour of the flood. 
2. Brean Down: High water on a spring tide, fishing in to Weston Bay presents the chance of a cod in the middle of winter. Don’t cast too far, use big baits and lob them around thirty yards where the rocks meet the mud. 
3. Hinkley Point: The reefs here can be fished over low water and as with most of the low water marks in the upper Bristol Channel, they fish best on a neap tide. Always be mindful of the flooding tide here and make sure you have a safe exit from the advancing tide. 
4. Battery Point: This is one of the deepest marks in the upper Bristol Channel and has produced massive cod in the past. Fish here on a neap tide and be prepared to lose some tackle to the snaggy sea bed. 

• Log your Catch: Make a note of the stage of the tide, size of the tide and weather conditions. This will greatly assist you when figuring out the best time to fish.
• Monitor the Tides: Cod fishing is all about timing. Pay close attention to tide times and try to fish when the tide is running.
• Keep your ear to the ground: Keep an eye on catch reports that may help you figure out where the fish might be feeding. The Bristol Channel is a big place and narrowing down the search will help a lot. One published fish may not seem a lot, but it may suggest that fish are in the area.