Because all the Fife coastline of the South and West makes up a part of the Forth Estuary, the sea fishing is predictably estuarine, but none the worse for that!

The principal species are codling, flounder and coalfish, with occasional others in specific areas. The marks are generally fished over mud, sand or rocks and occasionally a mix of all three.

The list of shore marks in the table below is not comprehensive, but offers a good selection of locations which are generally easily accessible and safe. Of course, safety is a relative concept, and the shore angler is advised to pay attention to the tide tables, weather forecasts and to be aware that nowhere is safe when children are involved.

As with the venues of South and West, the saltwater shoreline marks of the North Fife coastline are all part of a major estuary - in this case it is the Tay Estuary. The beaches tend to be made up of mud and sand with a sprinkling of rocky ground mixed in. The principal species are flounder and coalfish and the popular baits are fish strip, peeler crab, lug and rag worm.

The Eastern coastline, from St Andrews round to Crail is a more rocky prospect, and different species such as wrasse, put in an appearance. Rock marks carry inherent risks and great care must be taken, particularly in wet, rainy weather. Rained-on rocks are lethally slippery, and appropriate footwear is essential, and rubber-soled shoes should be avoided like the plague. If youngsters are involved, a double dose of caution won't go amiss.

Boat angling in Fife is mainly carried out from St Andrews, Crail, Anstruther and Pittenweem. Charter Boats accommodating up to twelve anglers are available for hire, and enquiries should be made at the pier or by telephone.

The catches are largely made up of codling, ling, coalfish and wrasse. June and July are the most productive months, during which large catches can be made, primarily of codling. The favoured baits are similar to those used from the beach marks, i.e. lug and rag, fish strip and shellfish.

Click on the links in the table below to visit the saltwater venues in Fife or, take a look at our Map and view them from there.