Bovisand Beach Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Bovisand Beach Fishing Map

Sheltered sandy bay inside Plymouth Sound with rocky points at either end. Clean sand in the middle with patches of broken ground, making it a versatile mark. Best on a flooding tide into dusk. Summer brings mackerel, garfish and scad close in, with bass along the surf line; flatfish come from the open sand, and dogfish and the odd ray show after dark. Wrasse and pollack are available from the rocky margins. Access is via a steep lane and steps from the car park above. Watch for swimmers and dive activity in summer and be mindful of swell on the rocks.

Ratings

⭐ 6.9/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 6/10
Accessibility 6/10

Fish You Can Catch at Bovisand Beach

🐟 Bass 8/10
🎯 Tip: Best on a flooding tide with light surf; work soft plastics or shallow-diving plugs along the gutters and rocky edges. Peeler crab or sandeel after dark.
🐟 Mackerel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer shoals on calm evenings; cast metals or small feathers from the points into deeper water on the flood.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 7/10
🎯 Tip: Fish the rocky ends over kelp on mid to late flood. Hard crab or rag baits, or weedless soft plastics tight to rocks. Daytime, clear water best.
🐟 Pollack 6/10
🎯 Tip: Lures or float-fished sandeel along the rocky points at dusk on the flood; keep gear high to avoid kelp.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Common after dark over clean sand from mid-flood to high; small fish or squid baits in the gutters.
🐟 Garfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring to autumn; float-fish thin strips of mackerel over clean ground on the flood, especially on bright days with a light chop.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Calm, clear days; freeline bread or small baits in the margins and around weed beds. Stealth essential; early morning on neap tides.
🐟 Pouting 5/10
🎯 Tip: Dusk and night near the rocks; small fish baits or rag on two-hook flappers into deeper water.
🐟 Plaice 5/10
🎯 Tip: Spring to early summer on daylight floods; long casts over clean sand with beads/spoons and worm or crab baits.
🐟 Dover Sole 5/10
🎯 Tip: After dark on neaps over clean sand; ragworm or lug on light running rigs with long snoods. Cast short to the first gutter.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 5/10
🎯 Tip: Summer nights; small sabikis or single size 4 hooks under a glow float from the points on the flood.

Bovisand Beach Fishing

Summary

Bovisand Beach sits on the eastern side of Plymouth Sound, Devon, with a broad sweep of clean sand framed by rocky headlands. Sheltered from the worst Atlantic swell yet open enough to draw bait and predators, it’s a versatile mark for bass, flatties and summer pelagics.

Location and Access

Access is via narrow country lanes from Plymstock/Down Thomas to the cliff-top car parks above the bay. A long flight of steep steps leads to the beach; the edges around Fort Bovisand and toward Crownhill Bay are rougher rock platforms.

Seasons

Bovisand offers a good seasonal mix: flatfish and bass over sand, wrasse and pollack on the rough, and summer visitors inside the Sound.

Methods

The mark rewards simple, well-presented tactics with fresh bait. Work the sandy gutters for bass and flatties; switch to the rocks for wrasse and pollack in clear water.

Tides and Conditions

Inside Plymouth Sound, Bovisand is relatively sheltered; tide size and water colour are key. Aim for movement on the flood with a touch of colour for bass, or clear water for wrasse and pelagics.

Safety

This is a beach mark with steep access and rocky ends—treat it with respect. The tide pushes high on springs and the rocks can be cut off.

Facilities

Facilities are decent for a rural beach, but many are seasonal. Plymouth’s full services and tackle shops are a short drive away.

Tips

Little tweaks and timing make a big difference at Bovisand. Read the sand for cuts and keep mobile on the flood.

Regulations

Bovisand lies within the Plymouth Sound and Estuaries protected area network and the Devon & Severn IFCA district. Recreational rod angling from the shore is generally permitted, but you must follow national and local rules.