Foraging and Fishing at Reculver and Hampton with the Tribe

We decided to hit the Kent coastline for a relaxing day of beach fishing. Our goal was simple: enjoy the outdoors, catch a few fish, and have a laugh along the way. Our stops for the day were Reculver Towers and Hampton in Herne Bay, two spots known for their beautiful scenery and potential for good surf fishing.

We met up just before low tide at Reculver Towers, giving us the perfect opportunity to explore the area and collect some bait. Reculver is stunning at low tide, with wide sandy beaches and plenty of spots for digging worms. Connor and Aaron immediately set to work digging worms, the lifeblood of any good surf fishing session. Meanwhile, I wandered along the shoreline collecting limpets. Limpets are excellent for topping off baits and can really help improve your chances of attracting fish.

Aaron had brought along his dog, Percy, so our little fishing party suddenly had two mascots. Penny and Percy got on famously, darting around the sand and keeping us entertained. Watching them play while we prepared our tackle was a highlight of the morning — sometimes the dogs provide more excitement than the fishing itself!

With our bait collected, we packed up and moved to the right-hand side of Reculver Towers to fish the flood tide. The conditions were near perfect: the wind was blowing straight over our heads, the water looked calm, and the tide was just starting to rise. We set up two to three groynes down the beach, hoping to catch some whiting or other typical Kent coast species.

The first part of the session was relaxed and enjoyable. We chatted about fishing plans, swapped tips, and occasionally threw a ball for the dogs. Fishing can be a test of patience, but these quiet moments by the sea are part of the charm. Unfortunately, despite our optimism, the fish didn’t cooperate. Not a single knock came through on any of our rods.

It’s frustrating when the fish aren’t biting, but it’s also a chance to appreciate the surroundings. The view of Reculver Towers against the rising tide, the sound of the waves, and the dogs running along the beach made the day special — even if the fishing wasn’t going according to plan.

After a couple of hours without action, we decided to change our luck by heading east to Hampton in Herne Bay. The goal was simple: fish for a couple more hours and see if we could salvage the session. Unfortunately, the coast seemed dead here as well. Despite trying different spots and adjusting our tactics, the rods remained quiet.

Aaron decided to call it a day and headed home, leaving Me and Connor to fish a little longer. Just as we were about to pack up ourselves, I felt a small tug on the line — a tiny baby whiting! It wasn’t the biggest catch, but it saved the day and gave me the unofficial title of “hero of the session.” Moments like these make all the patience and preparation worthwhile, even if the catch is small lol.

For those interested in the technical side of the session, here’s a quick rundown:

Rigs: 3-hook flappers with size 2 hooks

Bait: A mix of worms (lug and rag) and two different species of limpets

These setups are simple but effective for surf fishing along the Kent coast, and the combination of worms and limpets is usually a reliable choice for attracting a variety of species.

Even though the catches were small, this trip reminded us that fishing isn’t always about the size or quantity of the fish. It’s about the experience — spending time with friends, enjoying the outdoors, exploring new spots, and even the small victories like landing that tiny whiting. The dogs, Percy and Penny, added a layer of fun that made the day memorable.

We left the beach happy and relaxed, already planning our next outing. Sometimes, it’s the quiet, uneventful days that make the best memories.

If you want to see the full fishing adventure, including our bait collection, the dogs in action, and that tiny whiting that saved the day, check out the full video below. You’ll get to experience the session as it happened, complete with all the laughs, patience, and seaside scenery.

Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to leave a comment if you’ve ever had a quiet day fishing turn into a memorable one, and be sure to subscribe to Tides and Tribe for more coastal fishing adventures.

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