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Fishing

South Devon Fishing

You could be forgiven for thinking the landscape of South Devon was made for the specific entertainment of those who like to fish. The estuaries are a varied mix of saline and fresh water, typically in the Dart Estuary, and from the bank or idling in a small boat, you can confidently hope for a respectable catch - depending on when and where you fish - of flounder, cole, whiting, pollack, codling, ray, mackerel, plaice or bass.

If you get tired of fishing in the beautiful estuaries then another lifetime of fishing awaits on the beaches! There are miles of beach well away from the crowds with easy access and abundant seas. And if the beach is too tame then there are opportunities for rock fishing around Start Point, Bolt Head (very dramatic) and elsewhere.

Inland there are lakes and rivers aplenty, and many clubs with day tickets to get you going. Dartmoor in particular has lots to offer. Both Tottiford and Trenchford lakes (a few miles north of Bovey Tracey) offer pike fishing (a 27 pounder was landed in 2005). Kennick is a top rated premier rainbow trout fishery with angling from the banks and boats. Permits can be purchased on site. Avon Dam and Venford, also on the Moor, are popular fishing venues too.

If you want to get out to sea there's inshore and wreck fishing - especially from Dartmouth and Salcombe, where boats can be chartered to suit. And don't forget that fishing is not just for the experts - anyone can enjoy the thrill of catching lunch or dinner on one of the many fishing trips offered all along the South Devon coast, and nothing is quite so special as eating barbecued mackerel that you caught an hour previously.

Lots of detail at Get Hooked or ask for the book at a local Tourist Information Office - or you can telephone the Environment Agency (Fisheries) Office on 01392 316032.