St Catherine's
St. Catherine’s Breakwater
One of the most famous shore marks in Jersey, the breakwater has produced specimen, and even British Record fish of several species, over the years. The vast length of the structure means that it can accommodate many anglers from both the front and back wall, but there are specific hot-spots to fish depending on the species targeted. The very end is naturally quite popular with locals who feather for the seasonal Mackerel shoals, but also produces some huge Undulate and Blonde Rays to ledgered fish baits. The slip at the start of the breakwater is renowned for its quality Bass fishing. Because of the strong tidal run that affects the mark, most fishing is done during the slack water periods that precede and follow high and low water.
The breakwater is very popular for night fishing, and over the years some memorable catches have been made.
Species
The mark is home to many, many species throughout the season, with early spring seeing shoals of Mackerel and Garfish being caught in numbers from the end of the structure. Bream are the next to arrive and feed avidly for a couple of months after spawning. Pouting and Dogfish are ever present, as are several species of Ray including Blonde, Small-eyed, and Undulate (for which the mark holds the British record). There is also a seasonal run of Smoothhound, which provide excellent sport and can be landed to specimen size on a variety of baits. Bass of similar proportions are liable to turn up at any time and any state of the tide, but most fall to anglers baits at low water from the slipway at the start of the breakwater. Conger anglers generally target the rough ground at the back of the wall, from where Cod occasionally intercept baits meant for other species.
Bait
Whole squid, Mackerel fillet, and small Pouting mounted on pulley rigs work well for Rays. Small green shore crab on float or ledgered close to the wall will take Wrasse to specimen size.
Worm baits of all types will take a variety of species, and Hermit crab is a local favourite for Smoothhounds and Bass.
Tackle
Medium to heavy beachcasters are required to cast the heavy leads needed to place baits in the strong tide, and the mixed ground calls for sturdy rig construction. A large drop net is an absolute essential to land fish at any point on the wall.
Getting There
From St. Helier travel east on La Grand Route de la Cote ( coast road), as far as Gorey and stay on the main road up on over the headland above the castle. As you follow the road the breakwater will be seen in the distance. Stay on the coast road until you come to a right hand turn to La Route de St. Catherine which will lead you to the car parking area at the start of the wall. Parking is on a pay and display basis, but there is a cafeteria on site, as well as public toilets.
Tackle
Halfway along the breakwater is the ‘Morning Watch’ tackle shop which carries fresh and frozen bait, and a limited supply of various tackle items. Rod and reel hire is available at a small cost.
Belval Cove
This mark forms part of St. Catherine’s Bay which is dominated by the massive structure of the breakwater further down the coast. The area is normally neglected in favour of its more famous neighbour, but the quality of fishing that it offers demands more respect from both locals and visiting anglers. Like much of this area of coastline, it is rock giving on to sand and shingle and as it is situated well away from the main tidal flow, it provides sanctuary for lots of immature bait fish, and has a very healthy stock of both worm and crab that can be easily gathered.
Bass are the prime target here, along with the much- prized Red Mullet at certain times of the year. If ever there was a mark suited to fishing at first light and from dusk into darkness, then this is it. Best tactic is to commence fishing at low water and then back up the beach with the tide, fishing various spots as you go. Fishing at high water from the slipway and the rocks to the left and right of the cove can also be productive, with larger Bass more likely on either fish baits or artificials.
Species
Bass are the prime target species, although Red Mullet can be caught in September and November. Small Pollack can be a nuisance when fishing at night.
Bait
Worm baits such as white harbour rag and king rag work well for Bass and Red Mullet. Larger fish baits such as Mackerel and sand-eel will produce fish at high water, when Squid is also worth a try.
Tackle
Medium beachcasters, or Bass rods will cope with any of the fishing from this mark, coupled with two and three hook paternosters for worm baits, and simple running ledger for fish and squid baits.
Getting There
From Gorey, take the B29 Route De La Cote up over the hill by the castle and stay on this road as it follows the shoreline past Anne Port and Archirondel. At the end of the bay there is a T junction at which you turn right toward St. Catherine’s on the B29. Carry on past the Martello Tower and small slipway on your right, and then climb uphill until you find a car park set into the cliff. Either park here, or by the small slipway which is across the road, and gives access to the mark.
