Broadsands Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Broadsands Fishing Map

A broad, gently shelving, south-facing sandy bay between Paignton and Brixham with clean sand in the middle and rocky ledges/rough ground at both ends (toward Elberry Cove). Summer into early autumn is prime for surface-feeding species, with wrasse and pollack from the rocks. The shallow gradient means longer casts help reach fish over the sand, especially on the flood. Mullet often work the margins and stream outflow in calm, clear conditions. Night sessions can produce scad, pouting, dogfish and the occasional conger from the rockier ends, while winter brings whiting. Easy access via a large pay-and-display car park and level paths; family-friendly but very busy in peak season, so fish early/late. Best on a flooding tide and at dawn/dusk. Beware weed on the ledges and slippery, kelpy rocks when the tide ebbs; avoid on strong easterlies when the surf and weed can make it unfishable.

Ratings

⭐ 7.5/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 7/10
Accessibility 8/10

Fish You Can Catch at Broadsands

🐟 Bass 8/10
🎯 Tip: Best at dawn/dusk on a flooding tide; fish the surf line with sandeels or shallow diving lures when there's a bit of swell. Work the ends near rocks after a blow.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 7/10
🎯 Tip: Very common after dark over the sand; simple ledger with mackerel or squid. Fish 1-2 hours either side of high.
🐟 Mackerel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer shoals within casting range; metals or feathers from the headlands evenings on a flooding tide. Clear water needed.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 7/10
🎯 Tip: Target the rocky fringes at either end; float crab or rag tight to kelp on mid to high tide. Daytime, Apr-Oct.
🐟 Pollack 6/10
🎯 Tip: Work soft plastics or metal jigs along the rocky points at dusk into dark on the flood; keep lures high to avoid kelp.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Dusk into dark, small sabikis or Isome on size 6-10 hooks; slow retrieve under the surface from the headlands, mid to high tide, Aug-Oct.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small hooks with rag or prawn under a float close to weeded rocks; mid tide up, calm seas, May-Sep.
🐟 Conger Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Night fishing from the rocks; big mackerel or squid baits on strong gear into gullies on the flood. Watch swell and snags.
🐟 Garfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Float a small strip of mackerel or sandeel 3-6 ft down over the clean-to-rock edge on a rising tide; best late spring to early autumn in clear water.
🐟 Golden-grey Mullet 5/10
🎯 Tip: Work small rag or Isome on light rigs in the surf gutters over sand on a flooding evening tide in summer. Keep tackle fine.
🐟 Black Bream 5/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional summer fish from rough ground; small squid strips on size 4 hooks, long snoods, gentle lob from the rocky ends on mid to high tide.
🐟 Plaice 4/10
🎯 Tip: Clean sand in the bay; long cast with lug or rag tipped with squid on flowing traces; daylight on clear neap tides in spring.

Broadsands Fishing

Summary

Broadsands is a broad, gently shelving beach between Paignton and Brixham in Torbay, Devon, with rocky headlands leading towards Oyster Cove (west) and Elberry Cove (east). Its mix of clean sand, weed-fringed reefs and clear, sheltered water offers varied shore fishing from family-friendly sessions on the sand to more technical rock fishing. It’s a classic fair-weather, dawn-and-dusk venue that really comes alive from late spring through autumn.

Location and Access

Broadsands sits off the Dartmouth Road (A379) with a large pay-and-display car park behind the beach and easy, level access to the sand. The rock marks are reached on foot from either end of the bay along the South West Coast Path.

Seasons

The mix of clean sand and reef holds a good spread of seasonal species. Expect more variety from late spring to autumn, with rock marks producing even in calm, clear water.

Methods

Different parts of Broadsands favour different approaches. Use light, stealthy tactics in the clear water and step up gear only when fishing into rough ground.

Tides and Conditions

Torbay is sheltered, so water clarity is often high. Movement is key—target tide-run along the headlands, and use coloured water windows for bass on the beach.

Safety

It’s an accessible family beach, but the rock marks demand care. Plan your route, wear suitable footwear, and give swell the respect it deserves.

Facilities

Broadsands is well-served in season, making it easy to combine a family beach trip with a short session. Out of season, facilities may be limited.

Tips

Small tweaks make a big difference in Torbay’s clear water. Think finesse, stealth and timing—then add fresh bait.

Regulations

There is no blanket ban on angling at Broadsands, but normal national and local rules apply. Always read on-site signage before setting up.