Select The Best Baits for Shore Fishing in the Bristol Channel

Thornback rays are one of the most widespread species in the Bristol Channel. To attract these rays, a combination of strong-scented baits works best. Bluey, another name for Pacific Saury, is a highly effective bait due to its oily flesh, which releases a strong scent in the water, making it irresistible to rays. Bluey and squid cocktails are another excellent choice. The squid’s natural scent and tough texture make it an ideal complement to bluey, especially in areas with strong tidal currents where the scent trail needs to travel a long distance. The combination of these two baits mimics the diet of thornback rays, which typically feed on fish and crustaceans.

Bass are one of the most sought after species in the Bristol Channel. These fish are predatory and are drawn to natural, fresh baits. Fresh peeler crab is a top bait for bass, particularly in the early summer months when they are more active. Peeler crabs are crabs that are in the process of shedding their shells, making them softer and easier for bass to eat. The sweet, natural scent of a peeler crab is irresistible to bass, especially when fished close to the shore near rocks and estuaries, which are typical bass habitats.

Smoothhounds are fast, powerful fish that hunt for crabs, shellfish, and small fish. Prawns make for an excellent bait choice due to their scent and texture. Smoothhounds are particularly attracted to the natural oils and aromas that prawns release when they are presented on the hook. Frozen prawns are a great option as they mimic the smoothhound's typical diet of crustaceans and are available in all supermarkets. Fishing with prawns can be effective on sandy, muddy or mixed seabeds, which are common in the Bristol Channel

Conger eels are one of the largest species you can target from the shore, and they thrive in the Bristol Channel. To catch these creatures, fresh whiting is one of the best baits. Whiting, with its firm flesh and strong scent, appeals to the carnivorous nature of conger eels. This bait is particularly effective when fishing the relatively shallow waters of the upper Bristol Channel where the conger will naturally be seeking this resident fish. The distinct flesh of the whiting releases a scent trail, attracting congers from a distance. 

Bull huss are a common catch in the lower Bristol Channel, particularly around rocky shorelines and kelp sea beds. Fresh rockling is an excellent bait for attracting these fish. Rockling, a bottom-dwelling fish, is a natural prey item for bull huss, making it a highly effective bait. The fresh, unique scent of rockling in the water draws the huss in, and the firm flesh and tough skin makes it perfect for presenting on the hook. When fishing for bull huss, be sure to use especially sharp hooks to encourage a positive hook-up.

Tope are a highly prized species for shore anglers in the Bristol Channel. These large predators can be caught using joey mackerel (young mackerel), which is an ideal bait due to its strong scent and size for casting. Tope are drawn to the oily, nutrient-rich flesh of mackerel, which mimics the smaller fish they naturally feed on. Joey mackerel is especially effective when fishing in deeper water where tope tend to hunt. The key to catching tope is to locate a mark that has a reputation for producing fish and then applying as much time as possible.

Cod are less prolific than they once were, but can still be targeted in the depths of winter when a specimen fish could be on the cards. Lugworm is the best all round bait and it produces a unique scent that cod will find irresistible. Present either black lugworm or blow lugworm on wide gape hooks and aim to fish at a location where there is enough tide to enable the scent of the bait to trickle out in the flow. Lugworm baits do get washed out quickly, so be sure to change your bait regularly. Black lugworm are tougher than blow lugworm and will last longer in the tide. 

The inquisitive flounder loves a fresh ragworm bait. These marine worms are naturally present at many locations but incredibly difficult to dig in the harsh terrain that they inhabit. Ragworm should be hooked so that the head of the worm is on the point of the hook. In general, ragworm baits should be presented on size 2 - 1/0 Aberdeen hooks and it is common practice to fish with two or three hooks to increase your chances of attracting a fish. 

Like the flounder, the sole is another species of flatfish that is present in the Bristol Channel. It inhabits muddy, sandy areas, but can also be found over mixed ground. It also shows a preference for ragworm baits, but owing to the unique shape of the sole’s mouth, larger Aberdeen hooks, even up to a size 2/0 should be used. Bites should always be given plenty of time to develop.