South Devon Fishing

This rugged and beautiful coastline is a treasure trove for fishing enthusiasts. Imagine battling a feisty bass on the rocks of Prawle Point, or feeling the tug of a flatfish in the picturesque Salcombe estuary.

Top Spots to Reel Them In (with Marks!)

  • Prawle Point: This is the place bass lovers dream of! Expect to encounter mackerel, pollack, and those beautiful wrasse too.

  • Salcombe: Enjoy a laid-back day fishing from the shore of this charming town, or hop on the ferry to East Portlemouth for spots like Ditch End and Wolf Rock. You might just hook yourself a tasty bass, mullet, or flounder.

  • Start Bay: Cast your line into the deeper waters of this vast bay, packed with a huge variety of fish. Try Slapton Sands for its beautiful beach with easy access and parking, or head for Blackpool Sands for a more sheltered experience.

  • Torbay: Piers, beaches, and plenty of chances to land bass, mackerel, and pollack - what's not to love?

Get the Most Out of Your Adventure

  • Timing is Key: Those tides and currents matter! Check local conditions so you can fish when they're in your favor.

  • Know the Rules: Always check local regulations so there are no surprise fines taking the joy out of your catch.

Insider Tips to Boost Your Success

  • Go Lightweight: Pack a lighter-weight rod and reel for the best feel in these waters.

  • Tiny Baits, Big Results: Don't be afraid to use small fish or worms on a float – those little morsels entice plenty of South Devon inhabitants.

  • Prime Time: Fish during the magical golden hours of early morning or late evening – that's when they get hungry!

  • The Joy of Persistence: Don't get discouraged, keep at it and you're sure to have bragging rights soon enough!

Resources:

Tight lines out there!

East Portlemouth

This corner of the Salcombe Estuary is all about flatfish, but don't be surprised if some feisty flounder, a torpedo-shaped thornback ray or a plucky bass crash the party.

The Journey: Be Prepared

Think of the drive as part of the charm. Those narrow country roads add a sense of discovery to your mission! To maximize your fishing time and minimize frustration, embrace those early morning starts or late-night sessions - especially when the summer crowds roll in. And low tide opens up spots like Mill Bay, so do your tide research.

Where to Cast a Line

  • Ditch End (North & South): Variety is the name of the game here. The North is family-friendly with its shallows, while the South promises deeper water and bigger fish. Keep an eye out for bass, they love to mix it up!

  • The Ferry Slip: Under the cover of darkness, this place transforms into thornback ray central. Be sure your gear matches the challenge!

  • Wolf Rock: The plaice promise land! Bring your big baits and patience – there's potential for a monster out here. Just steer clear of that shipping marker – it's a tackle graveyard.

  • Sunny Cove: Your backup plan when Wolf Rock gets busy. Same tactics, just a little more breathing room.

Secrets to Success

  • Think Like a Flatfish: Add sparkly beads and sequins to your rigs – a little bling catches curious eyes!

  • Watch That Wind: Things get less pleasant with strong southerlies and westerlies, so check the forecast.

  • Be a Good Neighbor: Remember, this is a tight-knit community. Respect the local anglers and pick up your trash - we want to keep access open for future fishing adventures!

Need Help with Tackle and Rigs? Hit me up! I'm happy to share the best setups for targeting those tasty flatties, and maybe even give you the lowdown on how to tempt those thornbacks.

Rod and Reel: You don't need to go super fancy for this kind of fishing. A decent beachcasting rod that can comfortably throw some light weights will do the trick. Pair it with a reel that feels good in your hand, and load it with some basic fishing line. You'll likely be chucking baits a short distance, so casting power isn't everything.

  • Rigs: Keep it simple! For grabbing those flatties like plaice and flounder, think small hooks with some flashy beads to get their attention. A couple of these on a basic rig and you're ready to go. If you're feeling adventurous, a simple running ledger rig gives you a little more feel for those bites.

  • Bait: Ragworms and lugworms are your go-to baits – they work for pretty much everything. For the bigger plaice, grab some peeler crab – it's like candy to them! And if you want to tempt a ray, a whole fresh peeler is hard to beat.

Don't Forget:

  • A comfy rod rest: You don't want to hold your rod all day.

  • Headlamp for night missions: So you can actually see what you're doing!

  • Some tools for unhooking: It makes life easier for you and the fish.

Best Tip: The local tackle shop is your friend. They'll sort you out with the freshest bait and tell you exactly what the fish are biting on right now.

Lannacombe to Slapton: Your Essential Sea Fishing Guide

The coastline between Lannacombe and Slapton in South Devon is a sea angler's dream. With diverse beaches, coves, and even a unique underwater 'village', there's something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned veteran or a curious beginner.

Prime Fishing Locations

Let's delve deeper into the spots that make this region so special:

  • Lannacombe Bay: This sandy haven is your best bet for prized turbot. Its gently sloping beach also yields excellent catches of plaice, dab, codling (in winter), and the ever-present dogfish. Fish tend to be closer in here, so long casts aren't always necessary.

  • Beesands: This long shingle stretch is a bass hotspot. Structure-loving bass are drawn to the shingle, especially where it meets areas of sand. Mackerel, plaice, and various ray species will also make an appearance.

  • Hallsands: The remnants of the lost village create an artificial reef teeming with life. Wrasse, pollack, bass, and even the occasional conger eel find shelter here. Be cautious if fishing directly near the ruins, as snags are possible.

  • Torcross: Part of the Slapton Ley Nature Reserve, this spot offers deeper water and a mixed seabed. Bass are the stars, but rays, dogfish, plaice, and mackerel all frequent the area.

  • Strete Gate: Another shingle beach, Strete Gate has a reputation for specimen-sized bass. Cod are a good winter target, while summer brings plaice, rays, and the sleek smoothhound sharks.

Seasonal Strategies

Timing is important for success. Here's a general guide:

  • Spring: The focus is on flatfish – plaice, dab, and turbot. Look for warmer, calmer days after a bit of rough weather has stirred up food sources.

  • Summer: Bass are the stars, along with smoothhounds, various rays, and mackerel shoals that can appear close to shore.

  • Autumn: Flatfish are still around, joined by the first codling and whiting as temperatures drop.

  • Winter: Hardy codling dominate, with whiting and dogfish always likely. A big bass is always a possibility!

Bait and Techniques

  • The Classics: Ragworm and lugworm are all-round winners. Peeler crab entices larger flatfish and bass. Mackerel or sandeel strips tempt bass and codling.

  • Lure Power: Don't underestimate lures. Spinners and plugs work brilliantly for bass and pollack around structure. Soft plastics can imitate sandeels for bass or wriggle enticingly for wrasse.

  • Tide and Time: The best fishing is often two hours either side of high tide. Night fishing brings in cod, larger bass, and smoothhounds, but take extra safety precautions.

Gear Up

A 12-13ft beachcaster with a fixed spool reel loaded with 15-20lb mainline is a versatile setup for this area. Rigs can be simple flappers for closer work or pulley rigs when you need to reach the distant sandbanks.

Important Reminders

  • Parking: Check restrictions beforehand, as some beaches have seasonal parking limits.

  • Local Knowledge: Tackle shops are goldmines of information. Get the latest on catches, bait hotspots, and any temporary beach restrictions.

  • Conservation: Practice responsible fishing. Respect size limits, consider catch-and-release, and always leave the beach cleaner than you found it.

With this guide in hand, you're well on your way to fantastic fishing adventures between Lannacombe and Slapton!

Blackpool Sands fishing info:

So, you're looking to catch some fish at Blackpool Sands? Great choice! It's a cracking spot, especially if you're after whiting, pouting, or maybe a bull huss for a fight. There's always a chance of a bass too, especially around the rocks.

Here's the thing: those rocky bits on either side of the beach are your best bet. More fishy stuff hanging around there for the taking. Aim to fish during the last bit of the rising tide (flood) or the first bit of the falling tide (ebb) - that's when the fish tend to be more active.

As for bait, ragworm and lugworm are popular choices. If you're after a bass, try using bits of mackerel or sandeel.

Targeting Flounder & Bream: An Expert's Guide to the Kingsbridge & Salcombe Estuaries

These productive estuaries offer excellent opportunities to pursue the prized flounder and hard-fighting gilt-head bream. To maximize your success, understanding their habits and preferred habitats is crucial.

Flounder Fundamentals

  • Habitat: Concentrate on sandy areas adjacent to channels, mudflats, and creek edges. These ambush predators rely on the tide to deliver prey.

  • Baits & Rigs: Opt for small, natural baits like ragworm, lugworm, or pieces of fish on bottom-fishing rigs. A slow and methodical presentation is often most effective.

  • Timing: Focus your efforts between low and rising tides, as flounder move into shallower water to feed.

Bream Bonanza

  • Habitat: Seek out areas with structure such as piers, jetties, bridge supports, or rocky outcrops. Bream favor locations with cover and potential food sources.

  • Baits & Rigs: Peeler crab is a top choice, but ragworm and maddies are also productive. Light float fishing rigs allow for precise bait presentation.

  • Timing: Dawn and dusk often provide the best bite, as bream become more aggressive in low-light conditions.

Prime Locations

  • Batson Creek (Kingsbridge): A diverse mix of mud, sand, and channels creates ideal flounder habitat. Target the incoming tide, and look for bream near the creek mouth.

  • Southpool Shallows (Salcombe): A renowned flounder hotspot, especially on the rising tide. Light rigs and live prawns can produce exceptional results.

  • The Bag (Salcombe): Offers rocky areas and weed beds, attracting good numbers of bream. Downsize your baits for these fish.

Additional Strategies

  • Chumming: Introduce a limited amount of mashed crab or fish to draw both flounder and bream to your fishing area.

  • Scent: Prioritize fresh, aromatic baits, especially when targeting bream.

  • Finesse: Employ light tackle and sensitive rigs to detect subtle bites. Bream, in particular, can be wary feeders.

Remember: Persistence and refined technique are key to consistent success. Large flounder and specimen bream are possible rewards for the dedicated angler.

Please share your catches and experiences in the comments!

Tight lines, Kevy