Sea fishing can be done from the coast or from a boat and requires sturdy equipment, suitable bait, and knowledge of the right fishing spots. You do NOT need a fishing license or permit at sea. Fish such as mackerel, sea bass, sole, and cod are popular. Summer is the best time to start sea fishing.
What exactly is sea fishing?
Sea fishing is fishing in saltwater, usually on or near the North Sea. You can fish from beaches, piers, breakwaters, or from a boat. Because the conditions are different from freshwater fishing, you need different equipment: robust, rust-resistant, and powerful.
Do you need a fishing license for sea fishing?
No, a fishing license is only required for fishing in inland waters. For sea fishing, you do NOT need a permit. This makes it an accessible way to fish.
Which fish species can you catch at sea?
The North Sea is full of fish. Here are some popular species:
-
From the coast: plaice, sole, sea bass, flounder, whiting, dab
-
From a boat: mackerel, cod, pollock, herring, flatfish
Many of these species are also perfectly edible.
Best time to go sea fishing
The summer months (May through September) are ideal for sea fishing. The sea is calmer, temperatures are pleasant, and many fish species are more active. You mainly catch mackerel and sole in the summer. In winter, you have a better chance of pollock and whiting.
How to start sea fishing?
1. Choose your fishing spot
-
From the coast: beaches, breakwaters, groynes
-
From a boat: book a day trip from e.g. Scheveningen or Neeltje Jans
2. Choose the right equipment
| Fishing spot | Rod type | Recommended length |
|---|---|---|
| Coast | Beach rod | 3.60 - 4.50 m |
| Boat | Boat rod | 1.80 - 2.40 m |
Use sturdy reels, 35/00 to 40/00 nylon line and sinkers of 100-250 grams (depending on the current).
3. Use the right bait
-
Natural bait: lugworms, ragworms, razor clams, pieces of fish or squid
-
Artificial bait: shads, pilkers, feather paternosters (especially from the boat)
Always ensure fresh bait — this greatly increases your chances of catching fish.
Sea fishing from the shore
Sea fishing from the beach or a pier is ideal for beginners. Use a paternoster rig with an anchor sinker. Cast your line, place your rod in a holder, and watch for movement in the rod tip: that is usually a bite.
Tips for shore fishing
-
Use a long rod to cast over surf or rocks
-
Use anchor sinkers so your line stays in place
-
Fish on rising or falling tide for the most action
Sea fishing from a boat
Boat fishing gives access to deeper waters and more fish species. You usually fish with short rods and vertical rigs. Pilker fishing or fishing with shads are popular techniques.
Popular fishing techniques from a boat:
-
Pilking: moving metal lures up and down
-
Wreck fishing: targeted fishing for cod and pollock around wrecks
-
Mackerel fishing: with paternoster and silver paper feathers
Often you rent a spot on a charter boat, where rods and bait are provided.
Common beginner mistakes (and how to avoid them)
-
Using too light equipment ➤ use sturdy, saltwater-resistant gear
-
Wrong bait ➤ match your bait to the fish species
-
Poor preparation ➤ check tides, weather, and location
-
No sinker variation ➤ adjust your sinker weight to the current
Handy checklist for beginners
✔ Long beach rod or short boat rod
✔ Robust reel and nylon line (min. 35/00)
✔ Sufficient sinker weights (100-250g)
✔ Bait: lugworms, ragworms, artificial bait
✔ Rod holder for shore fishing
✔ Bucket, pliers, and fish knife