Interest in fly fishing for bass has grown massively in recent years, so much so that it’s now a regular part of the fishing calendar for many anglers. As a sport, bass fly fishing has a lot going for it, if you can get to the coast. It’s free, you don’t need a fishing licence, the tackle required is limited and bass are a hard-fighting true game fish.
Key Takeways You'll Learn
- An 8wt or 9wt outfit is ideal for most UK bass fly fishing.
- Late spring to autumn typically offers the best opportunities.
- Intermediate fly lines are the most versatile choice.
- Fish estuaries, surf beaches and rocky shorelines with moving water.
- Baitfish and sandeel patterns are proven bass catchers.
The Best Times Of Year to Fly Fish for Bass
Spring (late April to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most productive months for UK bass fly fishing as this is when the fish are actively migrating and feeding. The summer months between them are still a great time to go, and often more enjoyable given it’s warmer. Bass forage close to shore and are readily caught from surf beaches, estuaries, and rocky shorelines, which allows you to target them when the weather, tide and time are correct. Catching them is mostly all about getting yourself into the right place at the right time.
Understanding Tides and Conditions
Ideally you should try to fish around dawn or dusk and during low light conditions, as bass are sight predators and will be out hunting even in shallow water when the sun is low or the sky overcast. Moving water is key.
Tides play a crucial part in bass fishing, with spring tides (the 3 days before and after a full or new moon) the best times to fish. The first two hours of the flood tide (incoming water) and of the ebb tide (outgoing water) are prime feeding windows, as the rushing water stirs up the crabs and baitfish that bass love to feed on.
Equally wind plays an important part too, as it can help stir up food that bass feed on. However some winds are better than others, with south and west winds generally warmer pushing baitfish into the shallows or bring stable, higher barometric pressure, whereas east and north winds are colder causing the water temperature to drop and the fish to retreat into deeper water. Wind direction interacts with the specific geography of where you’re fishing, so while one area might become unfishable another nearby might become perfect. When wind conditions make the water coloured or murky you might want to try switching to high visibility lures making them easier to see.
Where to Fly Fish for Bass in the UK
In terms of the types of coastal areas best for UK bass fly fishing, think estuaries, rocky shorelines, surf beaches, salt marshes, harbour mouths and shallow reefs. The specific geographical make up of a particular place will impact how productive it can be, although the best “marks” (bass fishing hotspots) will only be productive when the weather and conditions are right.
While you can try bass fishing from pretty much anywhere on the UK coastline, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Hampshire in England and Pembrokeshire in Wales are often considered prime locations.
Recommended Clothing & Tackle for Bass on the Fly
Exactly what bass fly fishing tackle will be best for you will depend on where you will be fishing. My preference is for 9’ 8wt or 9wt fly rod for most applications, but a lighter rods may be useful in some situations eg estuary fishing. The reel needs to hold the fly line plus 100m of backing and ideally have a sealed disc drag unit to prevent saltwater seeping into the drag mechanism. All tackle and equipment must be washed down with freshwater after use near to saltwater and allowed to dry thoroughly before storing.
A choice of fly lines is useful so a floater, intermediate or sink-tip and a faster sinking line for deeper water will cover all eventualities. I generally use fluorocarbon leaders – they offer good abrasion resistance and are nearly invisible in the water. Use a tapered leader with a tippet of fluorocarbon for floating and intermediate lines and a short (1.5m) length of level tippet for the fast-sinking line.
Best Flies for Bass
The choice of flies for bass will generally be a fry pattern that imitates a sand eel or baitfish of some description. It will help if you can match the size and basic colour of the natural food bass are feeding on - you are then matching the hatch!
The most effective fly choices fall broadly into 3 categories:
- Sub-surface jig flies (mid to deep water): these mimic fleeing baitfish and most are weighted making them good at cutting through coastal currents, they include patterns like Clouser Minnows and sandeel imitations
- Sub-surface swim flies (shallow water): mimic a more natural swimming action in the top two feet of water, they include patterns like Deceivers and are usually unweighted to avoid snagging on weeds or rocks
- Topwater lures (surface water): bass love smashing prey on the surface, which makes fishing these flies so exciting (when water conditions permit), patterns include gurglers and crease flies
Remember water clarity and light levels impact what colours will work best, with chartreuse and white your go-to for low light conditions, olive and white for clear water and bright days, and black for nighttime fishing. And don’t forget crab patterns too, these can be just as effective as lures in the right conditions and when the bass are switched onto them.
Saltwater Fly Fishing Clothing & Accessories
Again, your chosen venue will dictate what is right. For shore fishing, waders are very useful. You may prefer walking boots for rock fishing or boat fishing. A good all-around choice would be stockingfoot waders with separate boots – these will give the ankle support you need for rocky ground with a choice of sole for a variety of terrain.
Polarised fishing sunglasses are very important both for eye protection and for looking into the water to spot fish. My preference would be for a copper or amber lens to give the best visibility in a variety of light levels.
A line tray is very useful to prevent stray coils of line catching rocks and getting washed around by waves – this will give you more fishable casts in your session and save you from a lot of frustrating tangles.
I also carry some basic safety equipment and this will include an automatic lifejacket, a head torch, a tide table, a mobile phone and enough freshwater to drink. Ideally, you should fish with a friend or at least tell someone where you are going and your expected time to return.
How to Catch Bass
If bass are in a feeding mood, they are actually quite easy to catch. Knowing a little about their habits will help you achieve the vital ‘being in the right place at the right time’ piece of the jigsaw. You will find clues to all of this by speaking to fellow anglers and putting the time in. This will teach you where to concentrate your efforts and at which part of the tide cycle. A good shortcut to this is to employ the services of a professional fishing guide - you will learn a lot very quickly by doing this.
If you’re in the right place at the right time, experiment with different fly patterns if it’s unclear what they are feeding on until you find what works. Equally remember that how you fish your fly is just as important. Experiment in different depths and by changing retrieval techniques (such as fast strips or slow figure-of-eights), varying speed until the fish respond.
It’s important that you “strip strike” when you feel a take (clamp the line against the handle and pull hard), rather than a traditional freshwater strike (lifting your rod tip to set the hook). This is because it avoids lines stretch and results in a more direct forceful hook set (important given bass have a bony jaw), plus it also keeps your fly in the water giving the bass a second chance to hit it if you miss it.
Bass Conservation
Fresh bass are delicious to eat as most foodies have now discovered. Bass do not freeze well and taste very disappointing after they have been in the deep freeze, even for a short period of time.
You should only take a small number of fish that you can consume almost immediately.
There is also a legal size limit under which juvenile fish must not be taken - this is 42cm or 16.5in.
When returning bass, remember to wet your hands before handling, support larger fish carefully, minimise air exposure and if you are taking photos be quick and try to keep the fish out of the water for the shortest possible time.
UK BASS FLY FISHING ESSENTIALS - YOUR HANDY QUICK CHECKLIST
- 9ft #8/9 fly rod
- Saltwater-resistant reel
- Floating & intermediate fly lines
- Fluorocarbon leader
- Baitfish & crab pattern flies
- Polarised sunglasses & cap or hat
- Stripping basket
- Safety equipment (lifejacket if necessary, suncream, mobile phone, water)
- Wader & wading boots (where appropriate)
Bass are a thrilling species to target on the fly, and careful handling helps ensure healthy populations for future generations. Handle fish with wet hands, minimise time out of the water and always follow the latest local regulations and best practice guidance.
More information on anglers’ rights to target and retain bass can be found on the Briths Sea Fishing website: britishseafishing.co.uk/bass or on ukbass.com
The Latest Bass Fishing Gear
Bass Fly Fishing FAQs
What is the best fly rod weight for bass fishing?
An 8wt or 9wt outfit is ideal for most UK bass fishing situations, providing enough power to cast larger flies into coastal winds while retaining enjoyable sport.
When is the best time to fly fish for bass?
Bass fishing is often at its most productive from late spring through early autumn, with dawn and dusk frequently producing excellent sport.
Do you need a fishing licence to fly fish for bass in the sea?
In England and Wales, a freshwater rod licence is not generally required for sea bass fishing from the shore or boat, but anglers should always check the latest local regulations before fishing.
What flies work best for bass?
Baitfish and sandeel patterns are among the most reliable choices, although shrimp patterns and surface flies can also be highly effective depending on conditions.
Can beginners catch bass on the fly?
Yes. Bass are an exciting species for newcomers to saltwater fly fishing, particularly when using straightforward tackle and focusing on shallow estuaries or beaches during favourable tides.
What leader should I use for bass fly fishing?
A fluorocarbon leader with good abrasion resistance is a popular choice, helping present flies naturally while coping with rough ground and aggressive takes.
Is bass fly fishing possible all year round?
Bass can be present throughout much of the year, but availability and activity vary by season and location, with warmer months generally offering the best opportunities.
What's the difference between floating and intermediate fly lines for bass?
Floating lines excel for surface presentations and shallow water, while intermediate lines allow flies to fish just beneath the surface and are often the most versatile option around the UK coast.
