Best Fishing Spots in South Devon for Every Angler

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Top Fishing Spots in South Devon: Cast Your Line in Nature’s Paradise

There is a real treat for England’s south coast and south Devon: rolling countryside, charming seaside towns, and beautiful sweeping coastlines that will please any fishing holidaymaker.   

South Devon has a wide variety of freshwater lakes, estuaries, rivers, and access to the sea, making this a very diverse fishing area for anglers of all varieties.   

No matter if you prefer bass, trout, mackerel, or whatever, you’ll shortly discover some of the best fishing spots the UK must provide.  

South Devon’s saltwater scenes will be distinctly different from those of inland fishing lakes, and it is a rich must-have for anyone considering angling holidays or a simple weekend by the water.   

South Devon has a lineup that caters from coarse to sea fishing, seasoned pros to curious beginners. 

Therefore, pick up your tackle and prepare your gear. We’ll wander down some of the best spots to get a line out in this nature lover’s paradise. 

1. Start Point and Beesands (Sea Fishing) 

Fish You’ll Find 

• Mackerel 

• Bass 

• Wrasse 

• Pollock 

Bass fishing is excellently encouraged at Start Point, a rugged headland that is well worth the rocky epic strain and offers some of the best shore fishing in South Devon.   

As close as mackerels come to shore in summer, Beesands nearby beach is equally popular. 

Accessibility 

• Car park near Start Point (some walking). 

• The beach is easily accessible at Beesands, and there is a public car park. 

Best Time to Visit 

• Mackerel and bass are at their peak from summer to early autumn. 

• Tides between early morning and evening are more productive.

Local Tips 

• Lugworms and sand eels are highly effective here. 

• Start Point can get rough, so always keep an eye on tide times and weather. 

Nearby Attractions 

• Southwest Coast Path hiking trails. 

• Traditional pub and seafood options at Beesands. 

2. Slapton Sands (Beach and Surf Fishing) 

Fish You’ll Find 

• Bass 

• Dogfish 

• Whiting 

• Plaice 

Perfect for surf casting and night fishing is this long shingle beach. One part recreates Slapton Sands back onto Slapton Ley, a freshwater lake, forming a unique ecosystem. 

Accessibility 

• Large beachside car park. 

• Gentle access from the car park to the beach. 

Best Time to Visit 

• Summer for bass and autumn for flatfish. 

• Night fishing is particularly productive. 

Local Tips 

• The best results are achieved using light surfcasting gear. 

• Casts close in to try bass near high tide. 

Nearby Attractions 

• Slapton Ley Nature Reserve. 

• Dining and supplies are a short drive from Dartmouth. 

3. River Dart (Totnes to Dartmouth – River/Estuary Fishing) 

Fish You’ll Find 

• Sea trout 

• Flounder 

• Bass (near estuary mouth) 

• Mullet 

One of the most picturesque fishing experiences in South Devon is that which River Dart provides.  

The route to Dartmouth passes through woods, fields, and historic towns. 

Accessibility 

• Riverside paths and a variety of boat hire points are available. 

• There are public parking and access points to Totnes and Dartmouth. 

Best Time to Visit 

• Spring and autumn for sea trout. 

• Summer for mullet and bass near the estuary. 

Local Tips 

• To fish for trout, a day or weekly rod license is necessary. 

• The best time to go is as early morning as possible, round the Totnes weir. 

Nearby Attractions 

• Totnes town centre and Dartmouth town centre. 

• River cruises and kayaking rentals. 

4. Salcombe Estuary (Estuary and Boat Fishing) 

Fish You’ll Find 

• Bass 

• Garfish 

• Pollock 

• Mackerel 

Salcombe Estuary is known for its clear waters and stunning scenery, and it is also a haven for anglers.  

Regardless of whether you are fishing off the shore, in a rented boat, or in a kayak, you can catch something worth bringing back to your spinning reel. 

Accessibility 

• There is shore fishing, which is available from beaches and rocks. 

• In Salcombe town, boat hire and charters are available. 

Best Time to Visit 

• Summer and early autumn. 

• Best during a flooding tide. 

Local Tips 

• Drift from a small boat for bass. 

• You can use feathers or mackerel strips for pollock and garfish. 

Nearby Attractions 

• Salcombe shopping, dining, and eating out. 

• Nearby coastal paths and sandy beaches for family fun. 

5. Brixham Breakwater (Pier/Jetty Fishing) 

Fish You’ll Find 

• Conger eel 

• Wrasse 

• Pollock 

• Mackerel 

Fantastic and accessible for anglers, Brixham’s breakwater is over 400 meters long.   

It is suitable for all experience levels and is generally crowded with both tourists and local fishers during mackerel season. 

Accessibility 

• Easy access with car parking nearby. 

• Families and beginners will consider walking as the ideal surface. 

Best Time to Visit 

• Early summer through late autumn. 

• Specifically, sunset and sunrise sessions are productive. 

Local Tips 

• Mackerel and garfish are well worth floating fishing. 

• Conger eels will take bigger baits at night. 

Nearby Attractions 

• Brixham Harbour, fish market, and seafood eateries. 

• A simple walk at Berry Head Nature Reserve, going for a hike and views. 

6. Teignmouth Pier (Pier Fishing) 

Fish You’ll Find 

• Bass 

• Pollock 

• Mackerel 

• Pouting 

Treating itself as a classic British seaside fishing experience, Teignmouth Pier offers much.   

It's a relaxed but productive place to fish with the open sea in front of you and with the lively town in your wake. 

Accessibility 

• Walkable from the town centre and train station easily. 

• Along the seafront, parking is possible. 

Best Time to Visit 

• Mid-summer for mackerel and autumn for bass. 

• The best action is those that come in after the evening tides. 

Local Tips 

• The best light tackle and bait is ragworm or squid strips. 

• Be aware of the changes in tide and sea conditions. 

Nearby Attractions 

• Amusement arcades, cafés, and Teignmouth Back Beach. 

• Ferry trips across to Shaldon. 

7. Dawlish Warren (Beach and Estuary Fishing) 

Fish You’ll Find 

• Whiting 

• Bass 

• Flounder 

• Mullet 

Dawlish Warren is in a nature reserve and is an excellent place for tranquil fishing, including from the beach and estuary.  

This is a good location for fly fishing and light tackle enthusiasts. 

Accessibility 

• Large parking area and easy beach access. 

• Footpaths across the dunes and estuary sides. 

Best Time to Visit 

• Late summer is the time for bass and spring for the flounder. 

• Early morning and late evening are the best. 

Local Tips 

• The best bait is either peeler crab or ragworm, and light rigs are used. 

• Understand that zones that have been created for conservation have been set aside for conservation to be free of fishing there. 

Nearby Attractions 

• Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve. 

• Family-friendly beaches and arcades. 

Conclusion 

From the windy beaches to the quiet water of rivers and estates, South Devon is a paradise, providing the angler with a wide choice of surroundings and species.   

As for territory, the region boasts stunning landscapes, friendly communities, and rich marine biodiversity that offers some of the best fishing spots the UK provides.  

South Devon's charm and variety are like whatever you are looking for – sea bass under dramatic cliffs, trout in peaceful rivers, or mackerel fishing on the pier in the evening – it’ll be unforgettable.   

This region ticks all the boxes for those looking for the best fishing lakes in the UK or an untamed coastline full of life.  

Therefore, stow your rod, check that tide time, and prepare to cast your line into one of the UK’s greatest natural playgrounds; South Devon is ready. 

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