Harry May Fishing Trips

Harry May Fishing Trips offers a straightforward, no-nonsense way to get out on the water and enjoy sea fishing without needing any previous experience or your own tackle. Operating from the harbour at The Cobb in Lyme Regis, this long‑established business has built a strong reputation for family‑friendly trips that mix sightseeing, wildlife encounters and hands‑on fishing in a relaxed, informal setting. While many visitors leave with glowing memories and a bag of fresh fish, there are also a few practical points to weigh up, especially around sea conditions, boat capacity and the busy nature of peak season.

The heart of the offer is simple: short mackerel fishing trips of around an hour and longer deep sea fishing trips of about three hours, run on two purpose‑built boats, Marie F and Sunbeam. Both vessels are roughly 7.3 metres in length and carry modern safety equipment, including life jackets, which helps reassure those who are new to going afloat. Guests consistently comment that the crew talk through how everything works before lines go into the water, making the experience accessible even for complete beginners who have never held a rod before.

A key strength of Harry May Fishing Trips is how approachable it feels for families and mixed‑ability groups. Parents mention that children, teenagers, partners and even first‑time anglers quickly gain confidence thanks to calm, patient instruction and clear demonstrations of how to handle the rods and reels. On the shorter mackerel fishing outings, lines are usually in the water within minutes of leaving the harbour, which keeps younger passengers engaged and reduces the risk of anyone getting bored before the action starts.

These short trips are particularly popular with families who want a taste of boat fishing without committing half a day. Reviews frequently describe children catching their first fish within a very short time and proudly taking home several mackerel for supper afterwards. For many visitors, that simple combination of a coastal cruise, a few fish brought over the side and the chance to cook them later feels like good value and a highlight of their stay.

The longer deep sea fishing excursions are aimed at those who want to spend more focused time at the marks offshore and try for a wider range of species. Guests report catching dogfish, sea bream, whiting, pollack, horse mackerel, bull huss, rays and, on some days, conger eels, which adds a sense of variety and excitement. The crew move between spots if the fish go quiet, explaining what they are doing and helping people adjust their tactics, so even novices feel part of the process rather than just passengers along for the ride.

An appealing extra for many customers is what happens after the fishing ends. The team will generally gut or fillet your catch on the way back to the harbour, which is particularly useful if you have never prepared fish before. Several independent sources mention arrangements with a nearby fish and chip outlet where freshly caught fish can be cooked and served with chips shortly after stepping ashore, turning the trip into a complete sea‑to‑plate experience that many find memorable.

Wildlife sightings are another reason people talk fondly about these trips. Alongside the reliable gulls that gather when fish scraps are thrown, visitors regularly mention encounters with dolphins that choose to swim alongside the boat, sometimes for a considerable distance. While no operator can ever guarantee such moments, they clearly add to the sense of occasion when they happen and are often described as the standout memory of the outing.

The human side of the business is a major part of its appeal. Harry himself, along with skippers such as Bruce and Bob, is often described as friendly, talkative and passionate about the sea, keen to share anecdotes, local history and practical advice. Many reviewers say they felt genuinely welcomed rather than processed, with crew members taking time to chat, encourage nervous beginners and offer tips that help people catch more fish.

That said, the informal, sociable style may not suit everyone. Those who prefer a very quiet, technical sea angling charter focused solely on serious fishing and individual coaching might find the family‑holiday atmosphere less tailored to their needs, particularly on shorter trips where there is a mix of ages and experience levels aboard. For most casual visitors this relaxed approach is a plus, but keen specimen hunters may wish to consider whether a shared charter boat with up to ten passengers aligns with their expectations.

From a practical point of view, the boats do carry groups rather than private parties as standard, so space is shared and the experience depends partly on who else happens to be booked at the same time. Families often appreciate the lively atmosphere and the way people encourage each other as fish come aboard, but anyone hoping for a completely private outing should check options in advance. Because all fishing equipment is included, you do not need to bring your own rods, reels or tackle, which keeps things simple for holidaymakers travelling light.

In terms of location, the trips start from the harbour entrance on The Cobb, which gives quick access out into Lyme Bay and the nearby fishing grounds. The sheltered starting point helps with boarding and disembarking, but sea conditions further out can still be choppy, especially if the weather turns. As with any coastal boat trip, those prone to seasickness or anxious about motion should consider conditions on the day and may wish to opt for the shorter mackerel fishing trip rather than the full three‑hour offshore session.

Another consideration is the dependency on tides, weather and fish behaviour. Although many guests report very successful sessions with plenty of fish landed, there can never be a guarantee of a big catch, and occasionally the fishing will be slower despite the crew’s best efforts to move around and try different spots. Visitors who go in with realistic expectations of a fun fishing trip and coastal outing rather than a guaranteed haul tend to come away more satisfied.

The overall standard of safety and organisation is consistently noted as a positive. Life jackets and safety equipment are carried on board, and the skippers have long experience working from this harbour and navigating the local waters. Guests frequently comment that everything is explained clearly at the start, from where to stand and how to cast to what to do when a fish is on the line, which helps maintain order on deck even when several people are hooked up at once.

Communication before and during trips is also highlighted by many customers. People mention receiving straightforward information about timings and what to expect, with messages if conditions require any adjustment. On board, the skippers keep up a running commentary about what they are targeting and why they choose particular marks, which adds interest for those who want to understand more about coarse sea fishing techniques and local species.

For dog owners, one recurring theme is how welcome well‑behaved dogs tend to be on certain outings, something that not all fishing charter operators offer. This flexibility can make a real difference for families travelling with pets who do not want to leave them behind during their boat fishing trip. That said, bringing dogs on a moving boat will not suit every animal, so owners need to judge their own pet’s temperament and sea‑legs carefully.

Because Harry May Fishing Trips is well known and has been operating for many years, it can be busy at popular times, particularly during school holidays and fine weather. Demand for both mackerel fishing trips and deep sea fishing trips means that last‑minute places may be harder to secure, and some passengers may find the harbour area crowded when boarding and disembarking. Those who prefer a quieter experience often find that early‑season, late‑season or weekday bookings offer a more relaxed pace than peak summer weekends.

For potential customers weighing up the strengths and weaknesses, a balanced picture emerges. On the plus side, the business combines experienced local skippers, inclusive equipment, family‑friendly tuition and the chance to catch and eat your own fish, often with bonus wildlife sightings thrown in. On the minus side, trips are shared rather than private by default, conditions at sea are naturally variable and the lively, mixed‑group atmosphere will suit casual anglers more than those seeking a highly specialised sea fishing charter.

For families, first‑time anglers and holidaymakers who want an accessible taste of mackerel fishing in Lyme Bay and a relaxed introduction to deep sea fishing from a small local operator, Harry May Fishing Trips stands out as a solid option with a long track record. Visitors who book with realistic expectations about weather, fish behaviour and shared boat dynamics are likely to find the experience enjoyable, sociable and memorable, with plenty of opportunities to bring home a fresh catch and some good stories from their time on the water.