Hi Matthew, I have limited experience with the locations you have mentioned. Close in at Church Ope the current is generally weak (its a swimming area for many and the water quality is tested for this). However head east from there towards Grove Point and the tide can race through. Chesil Cove should be ok close in.
I would recommend two items which may help with tidal stream planning in this area. The first is a tidal stream atlas for the Portland area (to St Albans) which features detailed current information close inshore - I use this when planning trips between Portland to St Albans Head.
If you have a smartphone or tablet, I would recommend the Navionics marine chart app - not only does it feature charts for the whole of the UK (at a reasonable price), but it also includes tidal and current data (including tidal direction, strength of current, slack, peak current times) taken from the nearest tidal buoy to the area you are interested in fishing.
Have attached a sample page from the tidal streams atlas.
My best advice if you are caught in a current is to not panic, work your way across it and have a means of communicating with the coastguard should you encounter difficulties. Also bear in mind that entry and exits in rocky areas may be easier over low water than high water (and vice versa) so factor this in when trip planning.
I would recommend two items which may help with tidal stream planning in this area. The first is a tidal stream atlas for the Portland area (to St Albans) which features detailed current information close inshore - I use this when planning trips between Portland to St Albans Head.
If you have a smartphone or tablet, I would recommend the Navionics marine chart app - not only does it feature charts for the whole of the UK (at a reasonable price), but it also includes tidal and current data (including tidal direction, strength of current, slack, peak current times) taken from the nearest tidal buoy to the area you are interested in fishing.
Have attached a sample page from the tidal streams atlas.
My best advice if you are caught in a current is to not panic, work your way across it and have a means of communicating with the coastguard should you encounter difficulties. Also bear in mind that entry and exits in rocky areas may be easier over low water than high water (and vice versa) so factor this in when trip planning.
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