St Osyth Beach
FreeRated by local anglers as a genuinely great ray mark, this quiet stretch of Essex coast just along from Clacton gets a fraction of the footfall its neighbouring pier does, which suits anyone after thornback rays in peace. Summer brings bass working the margins too, while the colder months turn it over to a solid winter run of cod, whiting and dab. It's an easy add-on if you're already fishing Clacton Pier, just a short drive round the coast for a completely different, quieter session.
Access: Free shore access, no rod licence needed for sea fishing
Parking: Roadside and beach car parking along the St Osyth coast road
Last updated: 10 August 2026
Species you can expect
| Species | Best season |
|---|---|
| Thornback ray | Summer, Autumn |
| Bass | Summer |
| Cod / codling | Winter |
| Whiting | Winter |
| Dab | Winter |
Fresh bait is the key to the rays here, peeler crab or squid cocktails fished hard on the bottom will out-fish everything else. Pair it with a trip to Clacton Pier a few miles up the coast for a two-mark day.
Caught something here?
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