Bantham Beach Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Bantham Beach Fishing Map

A wide, exposed sandy surf beach at the mouth of the River Avon with a fast-running tidal channel along the estuary side. Bass are the main draw in the surf and channel, with flounder and thick‑lipped mullet inside the estuary, plus summer smoothhounds on crab. Night sessions bring dogfish and the odd sole; winter can see whiting. Summer can produce garfish and mackerel when baitfish push in. Best on a flooding or first of the ebb around the channel edges. Strong rips and rapidly flooding tides around the river mouth demand caution. Access is via the Bantham beach car park and a short walk over sand; avoid busy surfing times.

Ratings

⭐ 6.6/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 5/10
Accessibility 8/10

Fish You Can Catch at Bantham Beach

🐟 Bass 9/10
🎯 Tip: Surf and estuary mouth. Fish flooding tide at dawn/dusk; white-water close in. Shallow divers, metals, or peeler crab/sandeel on pulley rig.
🐟 Flounder 8/10
🎯 Tip: Inside estuary channels on neap to mid tides. Ragworm or lug on light running rig; cast short and let bait roll. Best autumn–spring.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 7/10
🎯 Tip: Common on clean sand after dark. Small fish baits or squid on 2-hook flappers; fish last of flood into ebb.
🐟 Smoothhound 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer over sand near the river mouth; peeler crab essential. Fish evening flood; use grip leads to hold in tide.
🐟 Small-eyed Ray 6/10
🎯 Tip: Calm, clear spells on clean surf tables. Sandeel or small launce on pulley; range cast on mid–low to flooding tide, May–Sept.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Work the estuary margins on the flood in settled seas. Bread flake or small prawn under a float; stealthy approach. Best in summer.
🐟 Whiting 5/10
🎯 Tip: Winter nights in the surf; small fish or worm baits on 2–3 hook flappers. Fish mid–high on a running tide.
🐟 Plaice 5/10
🎯 Tip: Clean sand beyond the surf; long cast with beads/flash and lug/rag cocktails. Best on daylight floods in spring.
🐟 Golden-grey Mullet 5/10
🎯 Tip: Surf edges on calm summer evenings; small rag or isome on size 8 hooks, or tiny metals worked in the breakers.
🐟 Garfish 4/10
🎯 Tip: Summer over the channel on the flood; float-fish strips of mackerel or sandeel shallow, especially at dusk.
🐟 Weever Fish (Lesser) 4/10
🎯 Tip: On clean sand in summer; tiny worm baits on small hooks close in. Handle with care—venomous spines.

Bantham Beach Fishing

Summary

Bantham Beach sits on the west side of the Avon (Aune) estuary opposite Bigbury-on-Sea in South Devon’s South Hams. It’s a classic surf beach with shifting sandbars, a fast tidal channel and clean ground, offering excellent bass prospects and summertime sport in lively water. If you time the tides and avoid the busy daytime surf zones, it’s a rewarding and scenic shore mark.

Location and Access

Set at the mouth of the River Avon near Kingsbridge, access is straightforward but the final approach is via narrow Devon lanes. The beach and parking are managed by the Bantham Estate, with seasonal charges and gate hours. Expect a short, easy walk over sand dunes to reach the surf and estuary channel.

Seasons

Bantham produces classic surf species, with estuary influence adding seasonal variety. Expect bass to headline, with mullet and flatties in calmer spells.

Methods

Match your approach to the state of tide and water colour. Surf tactics and mobile presentations excel for bass, while lighter gear shines in calmer, clearer windows.

Tides and Conditions

The mark is highly tide- and surf-dependent. The estuary channel creates strong flows, banks and gutters that move with each set of springs.

Safety

This is an exposed surf beach with a fast estuary. Treat the river mouth with caution and plan safe exit routes—sandbanks can shift between visits.

Facilities

Facilities are good by South Hams standards, especially in summer. Services reduce out of season.

Tips

Think ‘mobile bass fishing’ rather than set-and-wait. Read the sand, keep baits moving and work the tide lines.

Regulations

Fishing from the beach is generally permitted, but several rules may affect what, when and where you can fish. Always check on-site signage and current byelaws before you start.