Magazine Lane Sea Fishing Mark
Venue information
During periods of winter storms this deep water mark, which is in the shadows of Southampton container port, offers some excellent sport in relative comfort with the prevailing south-west wind coming from directly behind.
With massive container ships coming within casting distance of the sea wall, fish can be taken at both night and day. Night sessions are best with the last two hours of the flood and the first two hours of the ebb favoured.
The ground is fairly snaggy close in with boulders protecting the wall from the wash produced the shipping, but a 50-yard cast will put you in 50ft of water. There are a few snags mainly created by lost tackle as it is dragged up the steeply-shelving sides of the shipping channel.
SPECIES
Pouting are always present along with whiting and even the odd late Dover sole and dogfish during the winter. Towards the northern end of the venue, where it shallows up before entering a creek, some plump flounders to 2lb can also be expected.
BAIT AND TACKLE
Ragworms normally out-fish any other bait along this stretch for any species. Lugworms will take a few whiting, while fish baits attract the odd dogfish. Casting is not really an issue here with fish showing anywhere from 30 yards to 100yd, but a lead lift is a real bonus to lift terminal tackle clear of the shelving channel. Opt for 18lb mainline, a shockleader and fast-retrieve reel, although others use 30lb mainline straight through. A long five-metre rod is also a bonus because it helps to lift tackle clear of the inshore boulders. A three-hook flappER rig armed with size 2 hooks will score for all species. A 5oz grip lead will be required, unless you are targeting flatfish from the shallows when a 3oz plain lead will suffice.
GETTING THERE
Exit the M27 at junction 3 and go towards Southampton docks and then take the A35 heading west from the port. Go over the River Test and then take a left at the first roundabout and left the first set of lights. This leads directly to the waterside. Magazine Lane will be on your left, just past the recycling centre. There is small free car park at the end of the lane and the venue is just 200 yards further upstream.
