A visit to the New Forest is a chance to explore so many different landscapes, places and activities. With its vast woodland and wild open moors, its historic and characterful towns and villages, and easy access to the coast, this very special part of the world has something for everyone to enjoy.
What’s more, the vibrant village of Milford-on-Sea is a great place to visit, and amongst its other attractions is brimming full of wonderful opportunities for fabulous fishing. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or don’t yet know one end of a rod from the other, let’s cast our line and discover what’s on offer.
Everton Grange Lake Fishery is located near Milford-on-Sea and is open seven days a week until sunset. Perhaps one of the best spots for fishing in Milford-on-Sea, you’ll want to get your hands on a day ticket as it’s got a great reputation as one of the best fisheries in the South. There are two lakes, the largest of which is stocked with several species of Carp and Tench.
Orchard Lakes in Bashley is about 15 minutes away from Milton-on-Sea on the Everton Road. Its six lakes are stocked with 12 different species of fish. They offer match fishing, with bags of fish weighing in at over 300 lb, to species hunting, with large carp, bream and tench to be caught. One of the smaller lakes, Jake’s Pool, is ideal for children and beginners.
Travel a few miles down the road towards Milton, and you’ll come to Hordle Lakes. This family-run fishery has been well-established for over 25 years. Its seven lakes are located within an attractive and peaceful mature complex, offering sport for specialist carp and coarse anglers.
If you’re feeling the call of the sea and visiting Milford-on-Sea, Hurst Castle is one of the main fishing spots in Milford-on-Sea. You can walk a mile or so along the shingle bank to enjoy some beach fishing from here and in the warmer months, there are lots of young families and children nearby crabbing, fishing and enjoying the sun. Fishing the bay facing the Solent can produce plenty of flounder, sole, bass, eels and plaice, and in the deep water of Hurst Hole, it’s even possible to catch rays, dogfish, conger eel, pouting, bass and smoothhound! You may also catch garfish and mackerel by float fishing in the Summer, and Winter fishing produces cod and whiting.
Tide runs here are fierce and fishing is easiest on the ebb during neap tides, however, weed in the water can be a real problem at times. Casting short will help by reducing the amount of line in the water for the weed to get on.
For those looking for a little more adventure out on the ocean wave, Greg Pitt Sea Fishing, just around the corner in Keyhaven, is a family-run business offering private charter fishing and boat trips for groups of up to six people. The fishing boat here is the gorgeous “OSPREY II”, a 33ft Lochin skippered by Greg Pitt himself. Osprey II is licensed and insured to carry up to 8 passengers and is fitted with full life-saving equipment as required by the MCA code of practice. Gregg Pitt sea fishing in Milford-on-Sea specialises in mixed species inshore fishing trips around the Needles area at the western end of the Isle of Wight for smaller groups of anglers, families and friends.
Another great Milford-on-Sea beach fishing spot is Last Laugh in New Milton. Last Laugh offers charter fishing all year round, with tuition and private trips available. Booking in advance is highly recommended, as these popular trips fill up quickly. For inshore fishing (up to 3 miles south of the Needles), you can expect catches of Bass, Bream, Cod, Whiting, Congor eels and Rays. As well as offshore fishing opportunities and even some competitions!
A short drive towards Beaulieu brings you to Lazy Days Fishing Charters, which offers trips along the Beaulieu River and beyond, as well as fishing in the Solent area, and trips further out to sea. Lazy Daze is a 25ft motorboat moored at Bucklers Hard, Beaulieu. The boat is available for a 2hr river trip up to 12 hour fishing adventure. There is free parking, pontoon access, and a café and pub on site. Lazy Daze is owned and skippered by Jeff Semple, who has been fishing and boating in the Solent area for many years. Beach fishing in Milford-on-Sea truly is a spectacular experience, especially at Lazy Daze.
Fun2Fish, based out with our friends at Orchard Lakes in Bashley, offer carp fishing and sea fishing courses, as well as fishing lessons to beginners of all ages.
Loni’s (their tagline, Loni’s Tackle Anything…) is a long-established business based in nearby New Milton offering all things tackle and fishing-related. Lots of expert knowledge there too, for new fisher people just getting started, and more experienced anglers alike.
The New Forest is the perfect base for a fishing break, with all of our New Forest Collection locations offering superb accommodation and a comfortable place to relax after a long day’s fishing near Milford-on-Sea.
Burley Manor is a pleasant 25-minute drive to Milford-on-Sea along Everton Rd, whilst it’s a trip of around half an hour along the A337 from both Bartley Lodge in Cadnam and Forest Lodge in Lyndhurst. Even closer, Beaulieu Inn is only 15 miles along the A337, so you can easily reach Milford-on-Sea in time for the first catch.
And if you’re staying at Beaulieu, The Drift is the warm, welcoming and relaxed country pub next door offering an award-winning menu of modern British classics, from a hearty breakfast to see you through a morning out at sea, through to lunch and delicious dinner.
And not just The Drift, but all the superb New Forest Collection hotels offer stunning plates of locally sourced and seasonal food, so you can always sample their freshly caught fish of the day if yours was the one that got away!
Milford-On-Sea Things To Do, Milford-On-Sea Beaches, Milford-On-Sea Walks, Milford-On-Sea Shops, Milford-On-Sea Hotels, Milford-On-Sea Restaurants, Milford-On-Sea Pubs, Milford-On-Sea Taxis
Sign up for the latest news, events and best rates
