Fishing in Plymouth

Plymouth is a good plaice to fish. Pick up a rod and you'll soon be a Dab hand at it.

Seriously though, did you know that the current Rod Caught Shore World Record Conger Eel of 68lbs 8oz was captured by Martin Larkins fishing from Devil's Point, Plymouth, Devon, UK in 1991.
In July 2008 Rob Yorke landed a 43lb conger eel from the River Tamar. So if your into conger fishing the no finer place to come is Plymouth. However there are plenty of other species to be caught in these waters.

Inshore fishing is possible along the waterfront from the Elpinstone Quay car park by the Barbican up to the Waterfront at Stonehouse. Beyond that it becomes the River Tamar. A great days fishing can be had from the rocks just below the Hoe and one big advantage is that you are near the Barbican and the pubs and restaurants in case you get a bit thirsty or hungry.

'Star' Catch of the day

From the shore there are Mackerel, Pollack, Bass, Mullet, whiting and many more species to be caught. You'll also find wrasse in some of the rocky parts. You may also catch the occasional Ling from the shore. This fish is the largest and most prolific member of the cod family and is normally caught by the boat angler. I think I caught one in Cawsand Bay but guess what - it got away!! Bass cannot be caught from a boat in the inner part of the sound from an imaginary line from Mount Batten Pier across to and beyond Drakes Island. This includes the River Tamar. It's a designated Bass nursery area. You can catch Bass all around Plymouth, in the Sound, the Plym or up the Tamar! It is a bit hit and miss though but you could try, Mountbatten Pier, Elphinstone Quay, West Hoe Pier, North Corner, Saltash Pier all of these Marks are accessible and easy to fish. Whitsand bay is a good place for Bass when the tide is running. You can also catch surfers here!!!

The best and most underated mark in Plymouth Sound is Mount Batten Breakwater. From there you can catch, Mackerel, Garfish, Mullet, Pollack, Conger, Bass, Wrasse, Thornback Ray and Dogfish. Float fish live sandeels for the Mackerel, Garfish and Pollack, ledger live Prawn. Float or ledger bread on the Plymouth facing side for the mullet.

For those who want to venture further by boat then try some of these websites.

The Following Boats with skipper are available for hire.
C Cheeta - http://www.plymouthdeepseaangling.co.uk/
Furious - http://www.deepsea.co.uk/boats/furious/
Fish'n'Trips - http://www.fishntrips.com/
Mirage - http://www.plymouthcharterboats.co.uk/mirage.htm
Sea Angler II - http://www.plymouthseaangling.co.uk/
Secret Star Charters- http://www.plymouthseaangling.co.uk/Secret%20Star/Secret%20Star.htm
Size Matters - http://www.deepsea.co.uk/boats/sizematters/

Fresh Water Fishing

Now a good day out is to go to Buckland Abbey first thing in the morning. Buckland Abbey belongs to the National Trust and really is a very interesting place to go. For the afternoon how about a bit of fishing. Upon leaving Buckland Abbey turn left upon exiting. Along this road you will find Coombe Fisheries.

Coombe Fisheries

There are two 1acre lakes set in a beautiful valley with an abundance of wildlife. The top lake has Tench, Roach, Rudd and Ghost Carp that are now getting into double figures. The bottom lake has a few silver fish but is mainly for specimen carp up to 28lbs being 15" deep in places. There is lakeside parking, no close season and is open from dusk till dawn. Night fishing is by arrangement.

Charges are £5.00 per day or £3.50 for the evening. (After 5pm). To find Coombe fisheries leave the A386 at Yelverton and follow the signs for Buckland Abbey (Miltoncoombe). On reaching the Abbey entrance, on your right, keep going staright on for a further 50 yards and the fisheries is on the left. You can park in the stable or drive down to the lakes. Payment can be made in the red letter box. Barbless hooks only can be used and no paenuts or pulses.

Tel: 01822 855585 (evenings) 01822 616624 (daytime) 078 999 584 93 (mobile) Email: schorn@tiscali.co.uk

Being a secluded valley mobiles are not reliable by the lakeside but will generally work at the top car park. A shuttle bus operates from Yelveton and stops near the fishery entrance.