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Top Fishing Spots In and Around Dartmouth: A Local’s Guide for Anglers

Situated in the spectacular scenery of South Devon, Dartmouth is not just a mere harbour town with its small twisty streets, pastel houses, and antique castles.

This is also one of the idyllic spots to do recreational fishing, may it be on the beach, when you cast it in the river, or when you get on a boat and do some deep-sea fishing.

Dartmouth should be on the list of destinations you should visit to find some of the best places to fish in the UK.

The area is unique because of its accessibility and biodiversity.

It is located at the entrance of the River Dart, which flows to the English Channel and provides both fresh and saltwater angling to the anglers.

Whether you like curt water upstream or rocky covers and surf beaches in the immediate vicinity, the region offers ample fishing alternatives to anglers of all skills as well as favourite methods.

No wonder Dartmouth can be called one of the prime fishing places in the UK.

You may have been local but would like to visit a new place, or you may be touring the country and fishing some of the angling treasures that the area has to offer; either way, this guidebook will take you through the best fishing spots in and around Dartmouth, as well as some hints and tips on how to keep yourself occupied and enjoying your time on the water’s edge.

Why Dartmouth Is a Great Fishing Destination

Dartmouth is scenic as well as a fruitful fishing destination.

Having a healthy marine environment with the River Dart estuary, the beaches of South Hams, and deep offshore waters, there are simply no fishing opportunities that the size of a town can match.

• Coastal and Estuarine Richness: Within a short distance by foot or by automobile, there is shore fishing, pier fishing, boat fishing, and river fishing.
• Species Variety: Upriver, you may get mackerel, pollock and bass, wrasse, flounder and plaice, and even brown trout.
• Accessible Locations: Many places in and around Dartmouth are easily accessible, child-friendly, and accommodating to individuals with mobility issues.
• Community and Support: Tackle shops, charters, and locals that are easy to get along with. All mean advice or supplies are never far away.

Living in Dartmouth will give any fly fisher (trout chaser) or sea fisher (bass hunter) a run.

Top Fishing Spots in Dartmouth and Nearby

Trying to list some of the favourite fishing locations in and around Dartmouth, here goes:

1. Dartmouth Harbour & Embankment

Type: Quayside fishing and pier fishing

Species: Whiting, pollock, mackerel, mullet and bass

Why Go: Central, convenient to get around, easy for first-timers

A popular location in Dartmouth for fishing is the embankment at the harbor, as it is one of the simplest spots.

This place is to be found popular in the warmer months and particularly in the evening, in catching mackerel on feathers or pollock upon small lures.

Local Tips:

• To get the best results, fish on the incoming tide.
• Watch out for boats and ferry traffic; it is a working harbor.
• It is best at sunset or in the early morning.
• Superb family and wheelchair friendly.

2. Sugary Cove

Type: Rocky shore

Species: Wrasse, bass, pollock

Why Go: Secluded, picturesque, good place to fish with lots of experience

Behind Dartmouth Castle is a little secret Sugary Cove.

It can be reached through a footpath in the district of the castle, and it provides rock outcropping where wrasses and bass can be targeted.

It is not as busy as places in the harbour, so it is a must-visit place for the locals.

Local Tips:

• Wrasse can use soft plastics or ragworms.
• Suitable footwear is essential, as high rocks can be slippery.
• It’s best fished on a rising tide.

3. Castle Cove & Around Dartmouth Castle

Type: Ledge and rock fishing

Species: Bass, pollock, and mackerel

Why Go: An old historical background, a great chance of rock fishing

Fishing is possible around Dartmouth Castle, where ledges and rocks offer shallow water near the shore.

In summer, there are mackerel shoals, and bass and pollock may be taken on live bait or the lure.

The picturesque scenery renders it a popular tourist attraction for local photographers and anglers.

Local Tips:

• Light spinning equipment performs well.
• Bass in the morning or evenings.
• The current in the tides can be very strong, causing you to be a foot or so off your footing.

4. River Dart (Freshwater Stretches)

Type: Fly fishing and light tackle

Species: Brown trout- wild

Why Go: Peaceful freshwater location, conventional angling

Go upstream to Totnes and beyond on the freshwater reaches of the River Dart.

This region is ideal for fly fishing, as it offers the opportunity to catch wild brown trout in swift-flowing, clear water.

Most of this access is controlled by the Dart Angling Association; therefore, permits are required.

Local Tips:

• A day ticket or season pass can be bought at the angling associations.
• Best months: April -September.
• Small nymphs and dry flies work well.

5. Slapton Sands

Type: Beach casting

Species: Bass, plaice, dogfish, rays

Why Go: Long beach, deep water access

Slapton Sands Slapton Sands is another of the finest surfcasting beaches in South Devon, not more than fifteen minutes’ driving distance away from Dartmouth.

This high-shingle beach has nice, deep water nearby and is also great for both day and night fishing.

When summer arrives, they have bass and mackerel, but winter is the time for the whites and dogfish.

Local Tips:

• Fish in the evening at the high tide.
• Lugworm and peeler crab or squid are good baits.
• There is free parking at Tor Cross end.

6. Blackpool Sands

Type: Mixed Beach Fishing

Species: Bass, mackerel, and flounder occasionally

Why Go: Stunning setting, family-oriented

Blackpool Sands is another popular beach near Dartmouth, offering a scenic area where families can enjoy time together and go fishing.

Although not the most productive, it can yield good catches early in the morning or late in the evening.

Local Tips:

• Bass and mackerel are best fished in the summer.
• It has amenities (cafe, toilets), and it is suitable for novices or recreational anglers.
• Paying for parking; do not visit the beach during peak hours.

7. Beesands & Hallsands

Type: Beach casting

Species: Flatfish, bass, dogfish, whiting

Why Go: Peaceful, less pressured in comparison with Slapton

If Slapton sand is too noisy, a good alternative would be Beesands or Hallsands, which are ideal for beach fishing.

They are beaches with good access and a great variety of species available, depending on the season. There is the village charm around, which enhances the experience.

Local Tips:

• At low water, fish two hours before high water and two after.
• Night fishing here can be very productive.
• Check the weather conditions – these places are exposed to the elements.

Know Before You Go: Local Fishing Tips

• Licenses: A freshwater rod license issued by the UK Environment Agency is required to fish. (not needed for sea fishing).
• Tides: Local tide times should always be checked-it is usually better to time the session to coincide with a rising or high tide.
• Safety: Slippery surfaces and changing tides are some of the things rock and beach anglers should bear in mind. Always wear the right shoes and keep your back towards the sea.
• Tackle and Bait: There are many local tackle shops (Totnes and Kingsbridge, to name but two) that can be used to stock up on gear, bait, and local knowledge.
• Catch Limits: You must pay attention to size and bag limits, especially for bass, as they have strict regulations in UK waters.

Conclusion

A local casting line at 6 am or a visitor trying to find a quiet spot along the coast, Dartmouth is well worth the investment in a well-rewarded and exciting fishing experience.

It is a combination of rivers, rocks, harbours, and surf beaches and can be classified as one of the best fishing places in the UK, particularly by those who like to combine a nice view with a nice sport.

It is no wonder that Dartmouth is a favourite location of South Devonian anglers, with a variety of different available fishing spots and places that appeal to every possible form and level of fishing in general.

Therefore, brace your rod, look at the tide, and go on a venture where you may find a new location for fishing.

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