Spearfishing in United Kingdom
Including Cornwall South Coast, Devon Coast, and Orkney Islands Waters. On the map.
The vibe
Hunting through kelp beds and rocky gutters for bass and pollack requires patience in moody, low-visibility waters that reward local knowledge over flashy gear. Summer and early autumn provide the most forgiving conditions and the highest chance of encounters along the kelp lines. It is a solitary, low-key pursuit where you stalk the shallows on your own steam, keeping well clear of crowded tourist zones.
You check local bag limits and minimum landing sizes.
Cornwall South Coast
England
Jonathan Billinger / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Offering dramatic granite headlands, kelp-fringed reefs, and clear Atlantic swells, the Cornish coast is a premier British destination for shore-diving spearfishermen. Divers frequently target bass, pollack, and mullet hiding among the rocky outcrops and kelp beds.
Access. Mainly a DIY shore-diving destination with access via coastal footpaths and beaches. Specialized spearfishing charter boats and guided shore days can be arranged through local instructors in towns like Falmouth and Newquay.
Notes. No special licence is required for recreational spearfishing in England and Wales, but strict minimum landing sizes, bag limits, and seasonal closures apply to species like European sea bass. Avoid designated Marine Conservation Zones and no-take areas.
Devon Coast
England
Roger Kidd / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The rugged coastlines of North and South Devon provide challenging and rewarding grounds for UK spearos, featuring rocky reefs, drop-offs, and rich tidal currents. It is a favored spot for hunting large pollack, wrasse, and flatfish.
Access. Accessible predominantly via shore dives from rocky coves and beaches, or by launching small private ribs from local harbors. Dedicated spearfishing charters are limited, so most trips are self-guided.
Notes. Recreational spearfishing is legal from the shore and private vessels. Adhere strictly to UK minimum landing sizes and local bass regulations. National parks and specific marine reserves prohibit all fishing.
Orkney Islands Waters
Scotland
Roger McLachlan / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Positioned where the Atlantic Ocean meets the North Sea, the Orkney archipelago offers dramatic underwater topography, strong tidal currents, and exceptional visibility during calm summer windows. It is suited for seasoned cold-water spearos seeking large demersal fish.
Access. Reachable via ferry from the Scottish mainland. Mostly a DIY destination requiring local knowledge of intense tidal movements and boat support for offshore islets.
Notes. Spearfishing is legal in surrounding coastal waters without a licence. Strict adherence to local conservation limits and avoidance of protected historic wrecks and marine reserves is mandatory.
Pembrokeshire Coast
Wales
ceridwen / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Flanked by dramatic cliffs, islands, and offshore rocks, West Wales offers some of the clearest waters and most prolific marine life in the United Kingdom. Spearfishermen explore kelp forests and rocky gullies for bass, thick-lipped mullet, and pollack.
Access. Shore access can be rugged and requires careful tidal planning. Rib charters operating out of local harbors like Milford Haven or St. Davids provide access to offshore reefs and islands.
Notes. Legal for recreational spearos using handheld gear. No licence is needed, but adherence to Welsh marine bylaws, minimum fish sizes, and local no-take zones (such as parts of the Skomer Marine Conservation Zone) is strictly enforced.
Scottish Highlands West Coast
Scotland
Iain Lees / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Deep sea lochs, rugged peninsulas, and offshore islands create a wild and remote playground for experienced cold-water spearfishermen. The nutrient-rich waters support impressive sizes of pollack, cod, and large wrasse.
Access. Highly remote with limited local infrastructure for spearfishing gear or guided tours. Best approached as a DIY expedition via campervan or private boat from small coastal settlements.
Notes. Recreational spearfishing is legal in Scottish coastal waters. No licence required, but anglers must respect seasonal protection rules and avoid designated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) with specific fishing restrictions.