Wrasse

    Wrasse Fishing Dorset Adventures

    Nov 21, 2024
    Wrasse Fishing Dorset Adventures

    The Jurassic Coast in Dorset is one of the most breathtaking places in the UK, with its rugged cliffs, turquoise waters, and an air of timeless beauty. It’s not just a place for sightseeing – it’s a paradise for anglers too. My recent wrasse fishing Dorset adventures was nothing short of incredible. From catching vibrant fish to sharing laughs with my mate Dan, it was an experience that blended fishing, fun, and food into a memorable escape.

    Wrasse Fishing Dorset
    Happy place … outside in the fresh air fishing!

    The First Trip: A Green Giant

    My first visit to the Jurassic Coast was an exciting solo adventure. Armed with creature bait lures rigged Texas-style, I planned to target wrasse at low tide. Wrasse are known for their strong fight and stunning colours, and I was eager to see what I could reel in.

    wrasse on texas rig
    Mini Craw on a 18g Texas Rig

    The Mini Craw by Strike King has been a fantastic fish catching lure for both wrasse, perch and chub!

    dorset sea fishing
    Taking a rest, enjoying the scenary!

    The rocky coastline provided the perfect setting. I cast out my lure and worked it carefully along the bottom, mimicking the movements of a small sea creature. After some patience and a few near misses, I finally felt a strong tug. The rod arched, and the battle began. After a spirited fight, I landed a stunning wrasse—a big one, shimmering with intense green hues. It was a sight to behold and a perfect way to kick off the trip.

    wrasse dancing ledge
    Just an incredible looking wrasse – like the hulk!
    big wrasse in dorset
    A very special fish for me!

    With that success, my first session ended, and I couldn’t wait to return. It would be a few weeks before I could get back, but I was already planning my next adventure.

    Return to the Coast: Fishing and Friendship

    The second trip was even more special because I brought along my good mate, Dan. Dan and I always have a blast together, so I couldn’t wait to show him the spot where I’d caught the green wrasse. Of course, our fishing adventures are never just about the fishing.

    sea fishing poole
    A couple of idiots!

    We kicked off the day in style, donning our trademark silly hats (a must for our fishing outings) and heading to a local café for breakfast. Over hearty plates of eggs, bacon, and toast, we fueled up for the day ahead while cracking jokes and planning our tactics. Fishing with Dan is as much about the laughs as it is about the catches.

    fishing in poole quay
    Can’t fish on an empty belly!

    After breakfast, we prepped our gear—carefully rigging our creature bait lures and checking our tackle. Then, it was off to the rocks.

    fishing in poole harbour
    Erm … is that beer at breakfast?

    Fishing on the Rocks

    Dan was blown away by the scenery. The Jurassic Coast’s rocky cliffs and clear waters are truly a sight to behold. Even as a returning visitor, I found myself mesmerized once again.

    fishing dancing ledge
    Dan first few casts – be lucky mate!
    fishing rocks in dorset
    Absolute bliss 🙂
    lure fishing for wrasse
    Texas Rigs at the ready!

    We started fishing, both using creature bait lures, and it didn’t take long for the action to begin. Dan was the first to get a bite, and he landed a beauty—a wrasse with colours that seemed to pop right out of a painter’s palette. The fish’s vivid oranges and reds were simply stunning.

    big wrasse fishing in dorset
    Love the spotty ones!

    Not long after, it was my turn. I cast my lure out far and worked it slowly back. A sudden strike jolted my rod, and I knew I had a decent fish on. After a bit of a struggle, I brought in another wrasse – different in colour from Dan’s but just as impressive. Each fish seemed to have its own unique personality, with colours that made them feel like living treasures.

    wrasse fishing spots in dorset
    I followed up with a nice one too!
    lure fishing for wrasse poole
    A fine brace of Dorset wrasse!
    fishing adventures nick marsh
    Success!!! It’s like we’ve never caught a fish before! Like two kids at Christmas!

    Changing Tactics

    As the session went on, the fishing started to slow down. Wrasse can be finicky, and sometimes you need to switch things up to keep them biting. We decided to lighten our tackle and switch to dropshot rigs, using small pieces of isome worm as bait. It turned out to be a great move.

    wrasse fishing dropshot
    Small but perfect! Loving our Wrasse Fishing Dorset.

    The bites came thick and fast, and though the fish were smaller, they were still beautifully coloured wrasse. Their energy made them a joy to catch, and the variety in their patterns and hues kept things interesting. After about an hour, we’d landed plenty of fish. We had enjoyed the rocks and wrasse fishing in Dorset, but decided it was time for a change of scenery.

    wrasse on dropshot
    Switching to dropshot kept the bites coming!

    Harbour Hilarity in Poole

    We packed up and headed to Poole Quay, a bustling harbour area not far from our fishing spot. With drop-shot rods in hand, we explored the quay, casting into nooks and crannies and seeing what we could catch. The harbour’s waters were teeming with life. We caught wrasse, gobies, blennies, and a host of other small but fascinating fish.

    wrasse poole quay
    What a hero! A perfect little wrasse.

    Fishing in the harbour was a more relaxed affair, and we spent as much time laughing and joking as we did focusing on the fish.

    fishing in poole quay
    We had plenty of Gobies!
    blennie poole quay
    Crazy looking Blennie.

    The lively atmosphere of Poole Quay added to the fun, with its mix of boats, locals, and visitors creating a vibrant backdrop. Eventually, the draw of the nearby pubs proved irresistible. We found a spot outside, ordered a couple of beers, and reflected on the day’s highlights.

    poole harbour fishing
    Time for a nice, cold slurp!!!!

    Ending the Day in Style

    The day ended back at camp, where we treated ourselves to a feast. Dan manned the hot plate, cooking up juicy steaks and an assortment of sides while we recounted the day’s adventures. There’s something special about ending a day of fishing with good food, a crackling fire, and the company of a close friend.

    As we tucked into our meal, the sounds of the coast provided the perfect soundtrack. The gentle crash of the waves and the cool evening breeze reminded us of why we love these trips so much.

    camping in wareham
    Dan on the hot plate!

    A Memorable Adventure – Wrasse Fishing Dorset, it’s a wrap!

    This wrasse fishing adventure in Dorset was one for the books. From the thrill of the catch to the camaraderie and laughter, it was a perfect blend of everything that makes fishing such a rewarding pastime. The green wrasse from my first trip, the laughs with Dan, the stunning scenery, and the variety of fish we caught all combined to create a trip I’ll never forget.

    For anyone considering a fishing trip to the Jurassic Coast, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just looking for a fun way to connect with nature, this coastline offers an experience that’s hard to beat. Just don’t forget your silly hat and a good friend to share the adventure with!

    Related reading: Dorset Wrasse Fishing with Texas Rigged Creature Baits, Dorset Wrasse Fishing: More Saltwater Memories, Wrasse Fishing in Dorset: A Perch Anglers Adventure