Home / Fishing Tackle Shop / Nick’s Fishing Trips

Nick’s Fishing Trips

Back
Harbour Entrance, Harbour, The Cobb, Lyme Regis DT7 3JJ, UK
Boat rental service Boat tour agency Travel agency
9.8 (107 reviews)

Nick's Fishing Trips offers small-boat sea angling experiences from the harbour, focusing on relaxed, hands-on outings that suit both complete beginners and more seasoned anglers. The set-up is informal but organised, with trips typically running for around three hours and concentrating on giving guests plenty of time with a rod in hand rather than rushing from spot to spot. Many visitors mention that they arrive with little or no previous experience and still come away having landed their first fish, which says a lot about how the crew structure the time on the water.

One of the biggest strengths of Nick's Fishing Trips is the way the skippers balance instruction and independence. Guests are shown how to bait up, cast and handle the tackle safely, and then supported only as much as they need. For people who have always been curious about booking a boat to try sea fishing but are nervous about looking out of place, this friendly approach makes a noticeable difference. The crew are used to mixed groups, from families with teenagers to groups of friends on a short break, and they adapt how much help they give accordingly so no one feels left behind.

The trips tend to focus on accessible species such as sea bream and dogfish using straightforward rigs and bait. This is not a specialist charter for trophy hunters; instead, it is a practical way to experience boat fishing without needing your own gear, local knowledge or specialist skills. The location gives relatively quick access to productive marks, so you spend more time with lines in the water and less time motoring, which is appreciated by those who only have a few hours free during a holiday.

Many customers pick out the crew, particularly Nick and Captain Matt, as a key reason they would return. They are often described as patient, approachable and good-humoured, the kind of skippers who will show you how to unhook a fish ten times if needed and still keep the mood light. For nervous anglers or younger guests, this tone makes the difference between feeling intimidated and feeling part of the day. It also means that questions about the local area, the species being caught and the tackle being used are welcomed rather than brushed off.

From a practical point of view, the experience is built around short, focused outings. A three-hour trip is long enough to travel to a mark, settle into a rhythm of rod and reel work and give everyone a fair chance of a bite, but not so long that younger children or first-timers become tired and bored. This format suits holidaymakers who want an activity to fit around other plans rather than committing to a full day at sea. For anglers who are used to longer sessions, it means expectations should be adjusted; you are booking a concentrated experience rather than an endurance test.

The catch rates reported by guests are generally positive. Groups with no previous experience regularly mention landing multiple fish between them, with some individuals talking about catching close to ten fish on a single outing. This is encouraging for anyone considering their first taste of deep sea fishing, since nothing builds confidence faster than actually feeling bites and bringing fish to the net. That said, as with any fishing charter, the results naturally depend on tide, weather and season, so no operator can guarantee a particular haul.

An added attraction on some trips is the chance of wildlife sightings. Several guests mention seeing dolphins during their time afloat, which adds a memorable extra dimension to the experience, particularly for families. While this can never be promised and should be treated as a bonus rather than a central feature, it shows that these boats are spending time in waters where marine life is active and visible when conditions align.

In terms of atmosphere, Nick's Fishing Trips leans towards a relaxed, sociable style rather than a highly technical or competitive environment. Conversation, humour and informal chat about the coast and its history tend to run alongside the fishing itself. For visitors who want to combine light sea angling with sightseeing and photo opportunities, this can be ideal. Those who prefer a very focused, results-driven day targeting specific species with advanced methods may find the format a little simple for their tastes.

Customer communication before and after trips is frequently highlighted as a positive point. From initial booking through to confirming weather conditions and start times, guests often describe the process as straightforward and responsive. For holidaymakers working around limited dates, this reliability can be important. It also reduces the stress that sometimes comes with arranging a fishing trip in an unfamiliar place, especially when you are trying to coordinate several people.

Another practical advantage is that all necessary fishing tackle is provided. Rods, reels, rigs and bait are set up on board, so you do not need to source or transport your own equipment. For travellers, this keeps things simple, and it means that complete beginners are using gear that has been chosen to suit local conditions. On the flip side, more experienced anglers who are used to bringing their own specialised fishing rods and sea fishing gear may feel a little restricted if they are hoping to experiment with particular techniques or setups.

Value for money is often mentioned favourably. While exact prices are subject to change and depend on the season and demand, many visitors feel they receive a solid return in terms of time on the water, instruction, and the amount of action they experience. Being able to share the cost across a small group makes the outing accessible as a holiday activity, especially when you consider that everything from tackle to local knowledge is bundled into the price. Nonetheless, prospective customers should always check current rates and what is included so that expectations match what is offered on the day.

On the strengths side, several factors stand out repeatedly: patient guidance for novices, consistent efforts to ensure everyone has a chance to catch, and a friendly, easy-going crew. The short-trip format also fits well with family holidays and mixed groups, and the opportunity for scenic views and occasional wildlife adds variety beyond pure sport fishing. These aspects make Nick's Fishing Trips a good option for people who want a first, low-pressure introduction to fishing from a boat.

However, there are also limitations that potential customers should consider. The emphasis on accessibility and fun means that highly experienced anglers looking for technical offshore fishing or very specific target species might find the trips too general. The group nature of the outings also means that the pace is set to suit the whole party, so those who like to fine-tune rigs, move frequently between marks or experiment with advanced lures may need to compromise. In busy periods, availability can be limited, so last-minute planners could struggle to secure their preferred time.

Like any small-boat operation, comfort is influenced by sea and weather conditions. On calm, sunny days the trips can feel gentle and relaxed, with plenty of time to look back at the coastline and enjoy the surroundings. When the wind picks up or the swell increases, motion on board becomes more noticeable, which can be challenging for anyone who is prone to seasickness or unused to boats. Guests are generally encouraged to dress appropriately, bring layers and consider sea-sickness remedies where necessary.

Safety is an underlying consideration on all such trips, and Nick's Fishing Trips operates with an emphasis on clear instructions and attentive supervision. Lifejackets and essential safety briefings are standard, and the crew keep a close eye on how guests handle hooks, lines and fish. For parents or group organisers, this gives reassurance that first-time anglers are being looked after while still being allowed to participate actively in the experience.

Overall, Nick's Fishing Trips positions itself as an approachable, customer-focused option for people who want to try sea fishing trips without needing to invest in their own equipment or extensive planning. Its greatest appeal lies in the combination of hands-on instruction, relaxed atmosphere and a format that delivers a taste of coastal fishing in a compact time frame. For holidaymakers who simply want to feel a fish on the line, enjoy time on the water and perhaps create a highlight memory such as a first catch or a dolphin sighting, it can be a strong choice, provided they understand that this is a friendly, mixed-ability charter rather than a highly specialised, advanced sport fishing charter.

Other businesses you might be interested in

View All