Ostend is one of the most popular fishing destinations in Belgium. Thanks to the combination of beach, harbor, piers, canals and the Spuikom, there are opportunities for sport fishermen all year round. Whether you want to fish for sea perch fishing gear, whiting, plaice or eel, in Ostend you will always find a suitable fishing spot.
In this guide you will discover the best fishing locations in Ostend, which Fish Species you can expect and which permits are required.
Why fish in Ostend?
Ostend offers unique fishing opportunities that you will not find anywhere else in Belgium.
Advantages of fishing in Ostend:
- Fishing at sea without a permit
- Wide variety of Fish Species
- Suitable for beach anglers and predator fish anglers
- Many accessible fishing spots
- Opportunity to join a sea fishing boat
Westerstaketsel
The Westerstaketsel is probably the best-known fishing location in Ostend.
This long pier extends into the sea and offers excellent chances for Sea Fishing.
Fish Species
- Sea perch
- Whiting
- Gul
- Stone bullhead
- Flounder
- Dab
Best period
Spring and summer
- Sea perch
- Gray mullet
Autumn and winter
- Whiting
- Gul
- Cod
The Westerstaketsel is accessible all year round and very popular among sport fishermen.
Oosteroever
The Oosteroever has grown in recent years to become one of the best fishing locations on the Belgian coast.
Why fish at the Oosteroever?
- Good accessibility
- Free parking options
- Direct access to beach and harbor channel
- Interesting currents
Fish Species
- Sea perch
- Flounder
- Whiting
- Dab
- Plaice
Oosteroeverstrekdam
This modern breakwater protects the harbor and forms an excellent fishing spot.
Here you can fish for:
- Sea perch
- Gul
- Whiting
- Stone bullhead
In stormy weather the breakwater can be closed off.
The Spuikom
The Spuikom is often called the "inland lake of Ostend".
This large brackish water area attracts both Coarse Fishing and predator fish anglers.
Fish Species
- Carp
- Bream
- Roach
- Zander
- Perch
- Eel
Permit
For the Spuikom you need a valid Flemish fishing license.
Harbor channel of Ostend
The harbor channel is one of the most productive fishing locations on the Belgian coast.
Due to the constant current and abundance of food, many Fish Species pass by here.
Popular catches
- Sea perch
- Flounder
- Dab
- Whiting
Always pay attention to local safety rules.
Beach of Ostend
The beach of Ostend offers excellent opportunities for shore fishing.
Best zones
Oosteroever Beach
Quieter than the center and popular with beach anglers.
Mariakerke Beach
Known for the presence of breakwaters.
Raversijde Beach
One of the best beach spots in the region.
Fish Species
- Plaice
- Flounder
- Whiting
- Sea perch
During the summer season you are not allowed to fish in supervised swimming zones.
Raversijde
Raversijde is popular with experienced Sea Fishing anglers.
The breakwaters provide structure that attracts a lot of fish.
Expected species
- Whiting
- Gul
- Sea perch
- Plaice
Especially during rising tide, fishing here can be very good.
Canal docks of Ostend
The canal docks offer calmer water than the open sea.
Popular species
- Zander
- Perch
- Carp
- Bream
- Eel
For some parts a Flemish fishing license applies.
Fishing from a boat in Ostend
Those who really want to explore the North Sea can join one of the sea fishing charters.
Possible catches
- Cod
- Sea perch
- Pollack
- Whiting
- Mackerel
No experience is needed; equipment is often available on board.
Which Fish Species are in Ostend?
Sea Fishing
- Sea perch
- Whiting
- Gul
- Dab
- Flounder
- Plaice
- Stone bullhead
- Mackerel
Predator Fish
- Zander
- Perch
Coarse Fishing
- Bream
- Roach
Other species
- Carp
- Eel
- Gray mullet
Fishing permit in Ostend
No permit needed
For:
- Beach fishing
- Fishing from piers
- Sea Fishing from the coast
Permit required
For:
- The Spuikom
- Inland waters
- Some canal docks
For this you need a Flemish fishing license.
Best period to fish in Ostend
Spring
- Sea perch
- Gray mullet
Summer
- Sea perch
- Dab
Autumn
- Whiting
- Gul
Winter
- Cod
- Whiting
Summary
Ostend is one of the best fishing destinations in Belgium. With popular locations such as the Westerstaketsel, the Oosteroever, the Spuikom, the Harbor Channel and Raversijde, there is a suitable spot for every angler.
Whether you choose beach fishing, fishing in the harbor or a day at sea, Ostend offers excellent opportunities all year round.