Estuary fishing information and help

Devon Angling Centre Guide to:
The South Hams Estuaries.

The Rules First

Dartmouth Estuary

This very busy estuary is the largest and deepest of our local estuaries. The lower end near to Dartmouth Castle often fishes very well for Pollack and Wrasse. As will all other estuaries in the South West Bass are plentiful in numbers most times of the year, but you will have noted from the rules the months when most of us fish excludes boat fishing for them. However, shore fishing is permitted, but we would encourage the return of as many fish as possible. And that goes for all species. Dartmouth quay can often produce some good fish, but care must be taken when casting with regards to pedestrians and passing and moored boats. This quay is a firm favourite for mackerel fishing in the summer, especially when the weather is not so good. Further up past the upper ferry, the river is quieter and can often produce some stunning specimens of ray, plaice, Pollack, mullet and flounder.

Salcombe - Kingsbridge Estuary
Salcombe Estuary, unlike Dartmouth has very little fresh water flowing into it. The estuary is predominantly filled by inflowing tidal water. Bass are plentiful but as with Dartmouth the area is designated as a nursery area and the restrictions mainly prohibit boat fishing for bass. With large areas of mud flat revealed at low tide the consistently wet areas limit some fishing at low water. The fishing is seasonal in terms of species to be caught Bass, Gilt head bream, plaice, Pollack, Wrasse, Ray -Thornback, Small eyed, blonde and spotted species. The winter months between the start of October to mid March can produce some excellent Flounder.

Catch Plaice from boats	Catch Mackerel from boats
Local Rock Marks	Local Wreck and inshore
Local Coarse Lakes -soon	Local Carp Lakes -soon
Local Beaches	Estuary Advice

SEA TACKLE SHOP