Bass Fishing in Dorset
This summer, I had the privilege of experiencing some of the most thrilling bass fishing of my life in the stunning coastal waters of Dorset. With its varied fishing spots, from rocky bays to rugged coastal stretches, Dorset offers something special for anglers. This article recounts my adventures bass fishing in dorset, the tactics I used, and the incredible moments that made these trips unforgettable.
The Bay Adventure
I started my summer bass fishing escapade in a sprawling bay fringed by rocky outcrops. This spot was perfect at high tide, offering shallow, weedy water that called for surface lures. My go-to choice was the Strike King Sexy Dawg Junior, a lure that proved irresistible to the bass lurking just below the surface.
Right from my first couple of sessions, the bay didn’t disappoint. Within minutes of casting, I connected with school bass. While they were small, their energy and eagerness to strike my lure made for an exciting start. Then came a heart-stopping moment: a better fish smashed my surface lure with a ferocity that made my reel sing. It wasn’t just a bass; it was the thrill of surface fishing at its finest.
However, as the days passed, the fishing in the bay became tougher. The bites slowed, and I realised it was time to try a new spot.
The Rocky Coastal Spot
Eager for a change, I packed up and headed 18 miles to a rocky coastal stretch. Unlike the bay, this area was only accessible at low tide when the rocks were exposed. The setting was rugged and wild, promising new challenges and opportunities.
This time, I brought two rods rigged with two different lures: my trusty Strike King Sexy Dawg Junior for surface fishing and a sub-surface lure, the Rattlin Sting, for when the bass were less inclined to hit the surface.
From the first cast, it was clear that the bass were favouring the surface lure. The Sexy Dawg was getting smashed to bits, with bass launching themselves at it repeatedly. The fish here were bigger, averaging 50-55cm, and their power was exhilarating. One particularly memorable session saw me land around ten solid bass in just a few hours.
On my next trip to the rocky spot, I decided to stick with what was working. The Sexy Dawg continued to outperform, and while the fishing was slightly tougher, I still managed to land several quality bass. These fish, hitting up to 55cm, provided the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back for more.
The Thrill of Surface Fishing
Throughout these sessions, the excitement of seeing bass smash a surface lure never got old. There’s something uniquely thrilling about watching the water explode as a bass attacks. Whether it’s the anticipation during the retrieve or the sheer aggression of the strike, surface fishing is an experience every angler should try.
One sunny day stands out as the highlight of my summer. I was fishing from the rocks when a chunky bass over 60cm inhaled my Sexy Dawg. The fight was incredible—powerful runs, headshakes, and the challenge of keeping the fish from diving into the rocks. Landing that bass was a moment I’ll never forget.
When the surface action slowed, I switched to the sub-surface Rattlin Sting, which often produced a couple of extra bites. This versatility ensured that I could adapt to changing conditions and keep the action going.
Transition to Autumn
As summer gave way to autumn, the surface bite became increasingly difficult. The bass seemed less willing to rise for a lure, but switching tactics kept the fishing productive. Soft plastic lures, particularly the Black Minnow by Fiiish, became my go-to choice. Fished closer to the bottom, these lures proved effective at coaxing strikes when other methods failed.
While the thrill of surface fishing remained my favourite part of the season, adapting to autumn conditions reminded me of the importance of versatility.
Reflections on Saltwater Lure Fishing
Most of my fishing experience has been in freshwater, targeting species like perch and pike. However, my adventures in Dorset have opened my eyes to the excitement of saltwater lure fishing. The raw power of bass, the beauty of the coastal scenery, and the unpredictability of the ocean make for an unforgettable experience.
For those who primarily fish freshwater, I highly recommend giving saltwater lure fishing a try. You don’t need to invest in entirely new gear – slightly beefing up your perch setup can often be enough. With the right lures and a bit of patience, you might just discover a new passion.
A Summer to Remember
Looking back, this summer of bass fishing in Dorset was one of the most enjoyable seasons I’ve ever had. From the shallow bay to the rugged rocky coast, the variety of fishing spots kept things exciting. The strikes on surface lures, the battles with strong bass, and the beauty of Dorset’s coastline made every trip a memory to treasure.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or new to saltwater fishing, Dorset’s bass fishing opportunities are worth exploring. Pack your rods, grab your lures, and get ready for an adventure you won’t forget. Who knows? You might just have the best fishing of your life.
Related reading: Dorset Bass Fishing: A Switch to Wrasse, Catching wrasse and sea bass in a Dorset sea fishing adventure, Dorset Wrasse Fishing with Texas Rigged Creature Baits