Here's an overview of some of the popular recreational sea angling marks between Exmouth and Salcombe.

​

The area is blessed with a wide choice of fishing from both boat and shore.  Sheltered fishing can be found in most conditions.

 

The fish to be caught range over twenty or more species.  In the 2012 Torbay Sea Angling Festival, 134 specimen fish of 100% or over specimen weight were recorded by the many anglers who enjoyed this event.

 

Whatever your preferred fishing, it is catered for within the coastline stretching from Exmouth to Salcombe.

 

From shore you can choose to float fish, spin, or cast from the rocks or beach.  Shore marks are many and varied, offering a broad choice of fish including Mackerel, Garfish, Pollack, Plaice, Thornback Ray, Wrasse, Flounder, Conger and Bull Huss.  For the specialist, Mullet and Bass are the prime targets.

 

Afloat you have the best wreck fishing to be found anywhere.

 

Inshore marks include the "Skerries Banks", renowned for its Plaice fishing and Blonde Ray.  The British Record Blonde Ray was caught here on Sunday 30th April 2006 and weighed in at 39 lbs 10 ozs, exceeding the previous record for this species by 1 lb 1 oz.  If reef fishing is more to your liking, that is also available.

 

Boat enthusiasts can expect great sport from charter boats, or their own craft, with catches as diverse as Conger, Pollack, Cod, Ling, Pout and Bream from wrecks, and Bass, Plaice, Dab, Conger, Bull Huss, Wrasse, Bream, Blonde, Small Eyed, Spotted and Thornback Ray from inshore marks.

 

Whatever your choice, the fishing will be outstanding.

 

Bolt Head, Salcombe

 

This is the western limit for shore anglers.  Bolt head is a long walk, even for the sure footed.

 

Day: Wrasse Mackerel, Garfish and Pollack.

Night:  Dogfish, Bull Huss, and Ray.

 

 

 

Bolt Head - Salcombe

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starehole Bay, on West side of
Entrance to Salcombe Harbour

Photo courtesy of Mike Millman

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salcombe Harbour

 

Too many marks to list!  Favourite places to fish include:

 

East Portlemouth-Where the British Shore Record Thornback Ray of 22lbs 11ozs 10 drms was caught by Mike Johnson in 2008 and Snape Point.

Day:  Thornback Ray, Plaice, Wrasse, Pollack, Coalfish, Gilthead Bream, Mullet, and Flounder.

Night:  Ray, Sole and Plaice.

​

​

​

East Portlemouth Beach, looking across
Harbour towards Salcombe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Lingham shows his shore caught
specimen Plaice 3 lbs 8 ozs 8 dr
caught from East Portlemouth, Salcombe
during Dartmouth Plaice Festival

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

 

 

 

 

 

Kingsbridge Estuary

​

A sheltered estuary (actually it's really an inlet which runs off the main body of Salcombe Harbour) with a reputation for quality fish.

Thornback well into double figures, Small Eyed Ray, Plaice, Dabs, Flounder, Wrasse, and Pollack all make an appearance.

 

 

 

The Kingsbridge Estuary
pictured from above the
Pumping Station Beach

Photo courtesy of Mike Millman

 

 

 

 

 

Prawle

 

The most southerly point on the coastline of Devon.  Many marks are quite easy to get to, though you will have a steep climb on your return!

Day:  Wrasse, Mackerel, Garfish, Pollack and Bass.

Night:  Ray, Conger, Bull Huss and Rockling.

 

 

​

​

 

Looking back towards Prawle Point
Devon's most southerly landfall

​

​

​

​

​

Start Point

​

Start Point is one of the most exposed peninsulas on the English Coast, running sharply almost a mile into the sea on the South side of Start Bay, to the west of Dartmouth. The Lighthouse, sited at the very end of the headland, has guided vessels in passage along the English Channel for over 150 years.

Fish the gullies for Bass and Wrasse.  Live Sandeel and Live Prawn for Bass and Pollack.  Peeler or Hardback Crab for the better Wrasse.  Early morning or evening best time for Bass.

 

 

 

 

 

Start Point and Lighthouse

​

 

 

​

​

South Hams Beaches

​

These beaches frame the shoreline of Start Bay, a short distance to the west of Dartmouth.  Easy Parking and fishing.  Prime beach locations are Slapton, Hallsands and Beesands, about 9 miles West of Dartmouth.

South Hams District Council enforce car parking charges by "Pay and Display" at Slapton, even if you hold a "Disabled" badge.

Day:  Dabs, Plaice, Mackerel, Garfish and Bass.

Night:  Dogfish, Pout, Whiting and Bass.

 

​

​

​

Slapton Beach

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beesands

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

South Hallsands
where the houses collapsed
into the sea during a
raging storm

​

​

​

​

Blackpool Sands

 

A private beach.  about 4 miles west of Dartmouth, near the village of Stoke Fleming.  Plenty of parking available.  Busy during the day.  Fish evenings either end for  LSDs, Dabs, and Bass.  Float fish for Mackerel and Garfish.  Please observe notices.

 

 

 

 

 

View down to Blackpool Sands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Matthew's Point, Blackpool Sands
looking West

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

 

​

​

​

​

 

Dart Estuary

 

There are many productive marks scattered throughout the Dart, from the outer entrance on both the Kingswear and Dartmouth banks of the River, right up to Totnes.

Day:  Ray, Mullet and Wrasse.

Night:  Rockling, Ray and Dogfish.

 

 

 

 

Anglers fishing from the South Embankment
Dartmouth Town

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Bailey plays a Dart Mullet,
up river at Totnes

Photo courtesy of Mike Bailey

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compass Point

​

On the western entrance to the River Dart.  A long walk.  Rocky ground, mostly Wrasse.  Float fish for Mackerel and Garfish.

 

Dartmouth Castle, Castle Cove

 

Rocky ground, mostly Wrasse.  Float fish for Mackerel and Garfish.

 

 

 

 

Dartmouth Castle

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Castle Cove, Dartmouth

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

 

​

​

​

​

​

Outer Froward Point

 

The outer landfall to the east of the entrance to the River Dart.  A very long hard steep walk. Rocky ground, mostly Wrasse.  Float fish for Mackerel and Garfish.  Ledger at night for Bull Huss and Rockling.

 

 

 

​

Outer Froward Point

 

​

​

​

​

​

Battery Point

 

A rocky mark at the eastern entrance of the River Dart.  Fish into deep kelp filled gullies for Wrasse.  Fish to specimen size a possibility here.  Float fish for Bass, Mackerel and Garfish.  Baits - Hardback Crab, Peeler Crab, Live Prawn, and Ragworm.

 

Scabbacombe Area

 

Just west of Brixham, on the way to Dartmouth.  A long walk along cliff paths, with a steep part at the end.

Day:  Pollack, Wrasse and Mackerel.

Night:  Rockling, Ray and Dogfish.

 

 

 

 

View from Scabbacombe Point

​

​

​

​

​

​

Berry Head

​

A favourite mark.  Access to the Quarry is on foot only, unless you have a "Disabled" badge displayed on your vehicle.  A parking fee must be paid in the car park at the top.

Day:  Mackerel, Garfish and Scad.

Night:  Scad, Mackerel, Conger, Rockling, Codling, Whiting.

 

Berry Head Quarry

 

Access to this old quarry is by foot only.  Steep walk back.  Float fishing excellent for Mackerel, Garfish, and occasional Pollack.  Mullet fishing also productive.  Fish from the quay wall or the flat rock ledges to the far right.  Casting will produce Dabs and a few odd species; after dark, Whiting and Pout.  It is possible to fish the front of Berry Head, but it would be advisable to go with an angler that knows the area well.  Baits for ledgering, Peeler Crab, Lug and Ragworm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Berry Head, Brixham
Aerial View

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Berry Head, Brixham

 

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

Brixham Breakwater

 

Although the Fish Quay, Oil Jetty, enclosed Harbour and Marina are "Out of bounds" for shore anglers in the Torbay Festival, Brixham Breakwater is one of the easiest and largest local marks to fish.

This half mile long breakwater guarding Brixham is excellent for float fishing along most of its length, but the top area is on the end, by the lighthouse.  Fish inside or outside from the middle to the end for Mackerel and Garfish and the occasional Pollack and Scad.

Pot markers might be a problem.  Bass and Conger caught near the old fuelling jetty late evenings and early mornings.  Mullet fishing is excellent from the inside, opposite the "paint" floats.  Please do not obstruct the RNLI Torbay Lifeboat fairway.

Day:  Mackerel, Mullet, Garfish, Dab, LS Dogfish, Wrasse, and Pollack.

Night:  Conger, Rockling and LS Dogfish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outer end of
Brixham Breakwater

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Early morning anglers
on Brixham Breakwater

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brixham Breakwater Garfish
with its delighted young captor

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Torbay, between Brixham and Torquay

 

Many marks with easy access.  Fishing similar to Brixham.  Local harbours at Brixham and Torbay enforce their own "No Fishing" policy for shore anglers.  Access to fish from shore into Brixham Harbour from the Breakwater is AOK.  No fishing into Paignton Harbour.  Anglers fish from their own boats in both venues, though fishing on foot from any pontoons is forbidden.

 

Torquay Harbours and Piers

​

Please observe notices.  There are a few restricted areas.  Princess Pier, the stone arm, approached from the Princes Theatre, is popular for float fishing for Mackerel and Garfish.  Early mornings and evenings best.

Haldon Pier is not so popular.  Pollack sometimes caught.  Excellent Mullet fishing but areas to fish are restricted.

 

Torquay Harbour

 

MOST FISHING IS BANNED IN TORQUAY HARBOUR FOR THIS YEAR'S TORBAY FESTIVAL. However, special permission has been given to competitors of this years Festival that they may fish in the Banjo area of Torquay outer harbour for Mullet only and only with certain restrictions applying:

1) Fishing midnight to 9.00am only.
2) No overhead casting.
3) Split shot weights only.
4) No mess please.
5) You must carry your Festival Entry form with you as you might be asked to show it. If you don't have it you will be asked to leave.

ANY OTHER FISH WEIGHED IN FROM TORQUAY HARBOUR WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. THE ANGLER WILL ALSO BE SUBJECT TO A BAN BY THE COMMITTEE FROM FUTURE TORBAY FESTIVAL.

Paignton Harbour

 

Competitors may NOT fish into the Harbour during the Festival.  They will not be permitted to fish from any pontoons, steps, or slipways within the harbour.  They will not be permitted to cast feathers or other heavily weighted fishing tackle.  Competitors are kindly reminded to exercise due care when fishing and respect must be given to passing vessels and other members of the public using the Harbour.

Brixham Harbour 

 

Competitors are not allowed to fish within any part of the enclosed Harbour.

 

Hope's Nose & Sandy Point

 

As you walk down the slope to Hope's Nose, Sandy Point is to the right side and Hope's Nose to the left.

The fishing at Sandy Point is not as the name sounds.  It must have been named by a tackle dealer!  It is mainly rock, although Hope's Nose has a sandy bottom.

Day:  Mackerel, Garfish, Wrasse, Mullet, Plaice, Dab, LS Dogfish, Bass, and even an occasional Smoothound.

Night:  Conger, Whiting, Codling, Rockling and LS Dogfish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope's Nose, Torquay

Photo courtesy of Mike Millman

 

​

​

​

​

 

 

Meadfoot Beach and Thunder Hole

 

The rocks off the slipway, the middle of the road, and the small car park slipway produce Bass when conditions are right.  Use live Sandeel, Peeler Crab, or spin with Rapalas or other lures.

Thunder Hole is located at the end of Meadfoot Promenade.  Climb over the rocks.  Mostly float fishing for Mackerel and garfish.

 

Babbacombe Pier

 

Located at the bottom of one of the steepest hills in this area.  Fortunately, you may drive down to it.

Day:  Mackerel, Garfish, and Scad.

Night:  Conger, Codling, Mackerel and Whiting.

 

 

 

 

 

Looking down from Cliffs
towards Babbacombe Pier

Photo courtesy of Ted Tuckerman

 

 

​

​

​

River Teign

 

Regarded as the prime Flounder River.  September is not a top month, but reasonable sized Flounder can be caught.  Top marks include Back Beach, Loxton Steps, Red Rocks, Gasworks, Flow Point, Charlie's, and Coombe Cellars.

You are only allowed to cross the railway line which follows the east bank of the River Teign in permitted places.

Float fish for Mackerel and Garfish from the beach in the estuary.

Fishing is not permitted from Dock property or Shaldon Bridge.

Day: Flounder and Mullet.

 

 

 

 

 

Angler on River Teign

Photo courtesy of Mike Millman

 

​

​

​

 

 

 

River Exe

 

Popular spots include Starcross, the Lock, Green Buoy and Lympstone.

Day: Flounder and Mullet.

 

Exmouth Beach

 

A sandy beach with a lot of tidal flow.

Day: Plaice, Flounder and Bass.

 

Boat Fishing

 

There are many varied and productive fishing marks both in-shore and off-shore available to anglers aboard charter boats or their own private small craft out of our local Ports.

 

 

 

 

Mike Johnson holds a Flounder
caught from the River Exe in his
own small boat

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colin Bryant from Gloucester proudly holds his
specimen Ling 34 lbs caught from
a mid-Channel wreck mark aboard
Dave Harrison's Dartmouth charter boat
"Gemini 2", while fishing a blue
"Storm Shad" lure on 15 lb class tackle

Photo courtesy of Dave Harrison

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pete Sumner holds aloft
a quality Bass 12 lbs 12 ozs

Photo courtesy of Mike Millman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dave Trevarthen proudly holds his
Conger 78 lbs 1 oz 8 dr

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joules Hewson from Watford
proudly holds his specimen Cod 23 lbs 8 ozs
caught from a mid-Channel wreck mark, while
aboard Kevin Tate's Torquay based charter boat
"Anne Clare"

Photo courtesy of Kevin Tate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Local angler Bill Harkness
proudly holds his specimen
Pollack 18 lbs 8 ozs caught
on a "Shad" aboard
Dave Harrison's Dartmouth
charter boat "Gemini 2"

Photo courtesy of Dave Harrison

​

 

 

 

 

f you want to find your own off-shore wreck marks, take a look at this web site, created primarily for diving enthusiasts, which lists many favoured wrecks holding huge, Conger, Pollack, Cod and Bass. It is a subscription site but the information it holds is worth it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Start Bay

 

Home of the famous "Skerries" Banks off Dartmouth.  Renowned for their quality Plaice and Rays which are regularly caught by Boat Anglers.

 

 

 

Steve Underwood a member of Paignton SAA
proudly holds his magnificent Blonde Ray,
a female which weighed-in on calibrated scales
at the clubhouse at 39 lbs 10 ozs.

It is a British rod caught record for
this species from Steve's own private boat "Predator"
hooked off Dartmouth on an "uptide" rod
baited with a fillet of fresh Launce

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jason Chitty a member of Brixham SA
proudly holds his specimen Brill 7 lbs 7 ozs 12 dr
caught from a private boat on the Skerries
off Dartmouth

Photo courtesy of Jason Chitty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roger Barge, a member of Torbay & Babbacombe ASA
proudly holds his specimen Plaice 4 lbs 4 ozs 8 dr
caught from boat on the "Skerries" off Dartmouth on a
Ragworm bait tipped off with Squid

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Martin proudly holds his
Turbot 25 lbs 12 ozs
caught from his private small boat
off Dartmouth

Photo courtesy of Mike Concannon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boats can be launched at any time from the following slipways.  Fees may be payable.  Towing vehicles and trailers must be parked where designated and parking fees paid if applicable.  Parking of towing vehicles and trailers can sometimes be difficult and inconvenient.

Torquay Harbour, Beacon Quay.

Paignton Harbour.

Brixham Breakwater slipway.

Dartmouth, next to Higher Ferry slip.

Galmpton Boatyard, 4 miles up River Dart.

Salcombe, Boat Quay.

Teignmouth, Polly Steps.

Boats cannot be launched from beaches within Torbay. 

​