Portland Fishing - Cheyne, Freshwater Bay & East Weares

The area known as Cheyne stretches from Church Ope Cove to Sand Holes and is number four on the British Conger Club list of Conger Eel hot spots in the UK. There is also excellent Wrasse fishing from the cliffs and the area is sheltered during south-westerly winds. Fishing in this area is predominantly onto rough ground so expect to lose gear but there are clear patches, sand holes, which is where the southern end of this stretch gets its name. There are several excellent and flat marks on the cliff edge from which to fish for Wrasse, one of which is Sand Holes Crane, the most northerly working crane. The high angle of the line when fishing from the cliff helps when hauling hard diving Wrasse from the kelp but please do look after the fish and lower them back into the sea using a drop net rather than throwing them as I have witnessed far too many times.

When Conger fishing from these marks you will need to get down to the sea to fish. Be very careful and never fish alone. The cliff paths can be treacherous, especially at night. Please tell the Coast Guard where you will be fishing and let them know when you return as there have been many alarms raised by walkers in this area after seeing fishermen's lights at the waters edge and thinking it was a boat in distress.

Conger to 50lb plus have been caught from both Cheyne and Pulpit Rock so give it a go and be safe.