South Devon Fishing
Sea Fishing
South Devon is popular for sea fishing there is a wide variety of fish to target.
Mackerel
During the summer months shoals of mackerel come to the south devon shores. This predatory fish will take feathers and spinners as well as bait. Fish for Mackerel off the beach at Slapton, Beesands or Hallsands. When the shoals are close to the shore it's not uncommon to catch many fish with one cast.
Bass
Bass is one of the prized fish and is caught throughout the year. Bass wil take spinners plugs and live bait. Dedicated bass fisherman fish for bass at dawn and dusk. Bass will take sand eel, lugworm and ragworm.
Plaice
Plaice fishing starts as the temperature warms during April or May, depending on the weather. Plaice will take crab, worm and sandeel. Plaice are bottom feeders and it's important that your bait is placed on or very near to the seabed. Some anglers use coloured beads to attract the fish's attention.
Other fish caught on South Devon's shores are;
- Pollock
- Whiting
- Bull Huss
- Ray
- Conger Eel
- Flounder
- Lesser Spotted Dogfish
Fishing marks
- Blackpool Sands
- Strete Gate
- Slapton Sands
- Beesands
- Hallsands
- Prawle Point
- East Portlemouth
- Kingsbridge Estuary
Fishing Charters
Based in Salcombe Pheonix Charters offer a range of charters for novice and experienced anglers.
Tackle and Bait
Devon Angling Centre is based in Chillington a short distance from Cotmore. They stock a great range of fishing gear for both sea and course fishing. They also stock live bait.
What to do if you don't catch anything.
Everyone draws a blank now and again and if you don't want to come home empty handed you could stop off at Britannia and buy a line caught bass. Britannia operate a counter at Stokeley Farm shop.A bit of local knowledge always helps and there are often a few old fishermen that congregate in the Cricket Inn for a lunchtime pint. Buy them a pint and you might get a few gems of advice.
