Summary
Budleigh Salterton is a classic steep shingle beach on Devon’s Jurassic Coast, backed by a tidy promenade and flanked by the Otter Estuary nature reserve. It offers clean to mixed ground within easy casting range, quick depth, and year‑round opportunities from mackerel in summer to whiting and pout in winter. For mobile lure anglers and patient bottom-fishers alike, it’s an accessible, productive mark when you line up the tides and weather.
Location and Access
Set between Exmouth and Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton is simple to reach and park, with short walks onto the shingle. Expect a steep bank of rounded pebbles that shelves into deep water, so pack light or use a trolley.
- Parking: Large pay‑and‑display at the eastern end by the River Otter (Lime Kiln car park) and spaces along the seafront/promenade; additional town car parks a short stroll away.
- Approach: From the promenade, multiple slips and gaps between beach huts lead straight onto the shingle; no steps needed but the pebbles are energy‑sapping.
- Terrain: Steep, shifting shingle with mostly clean ground in front of the town, grading to mixed/weedier patches toward the headlands.
- Estuary side: Paths and boardwalks access the Otter Estuary reserve; fishing is from the beach only—do not enter protected reedbeds or mudflats.
- Public transport: Regular buses run to the town centre; it’s a few minutes’ walk to the seafront.
Seasons
Budleigh fishes through the year, with classic Lyme Bay species and a few welcome surprises. As always, match tactics to season and water clarity.
- Spring (Mar–May): Plaice and dabs on worm baits; school bass as the temperatures lift; early garfish. Mullet show around the estuary mouth in calm water.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Mackerel, scad, garfish on feathers/float; bass in surf or near the estuary plume; sole after dark at short range; smoothhound runs on crab baits; occasional black bream and gurnard in clear, settled spells.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Mixed bag—bass remain on baitfish; mackerel linger during warm Septembers; rays (thornback/small‑eyed) possible on sandeel/squid; plaice and sole continue on night tides.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Whiting, pout, dogfish on settled nights; the odd codling in severe easterlies is possible but rare; rockling close in on small baits.
- Estuary fringe: Thick‑lipped mullet (sight‑feeders in calm, bright conditions) and flounder inside the system (permits/rules apply inside the river—see regulations).
Methods
A versatile beach where both static and mobile tactics work. The steep bank and quick drop-off make distance useful but not essential—soles and bass often patrol within 30 yards after dark or in surf.
- Bottom fishing: Two‑hook flapper (size 2–1) with rag/lug/maddies for flats and mixed species; up‑and‑over or pulley‑pennel (2/0–4/0) with crab, squid, or sandeel for bass/hounds/rays.
- Distance work: Clipped‑down rigs and 5–6 oz grip leads help hold in a swell and reach cleaner sand seams at range.
- Lures: Metals and slim minnow plugs for mackerel/garfish/scad; surface or shallow-diving lures for bass at first/last light, especially around light chop or the estuary plume.
- Float fishing: Mackerel strip or sandeel for garfish and mackerel in clear, calm water; set 6–12 ft depending on depth and swell.
- Night tactics: Small, neat worm baits for sole and plaice at short range; bigger crab/squid cocktails for bass on a building tide.
- Practical kit: A sturdy tripod on the shingle, shockleader for power casts, and spare grip leads—rolling leads drift quickly on the bank.
Tides and Conditions
Like many steep shingle marks in Lyme Bay, Budleigh responds to movement in the water without being blown out too easily. Timing and water clarity dictate species.
- Tide state: Productive 2 hours either side of high water; low‑water sessions can shine for plaice/sole on long casts to clean patches.
- Wind/sea: Gentle onshore push (SE–SW) with light colour for bass; clear, calm spells suit mackerel, garfish, bream. Strong easterlies can make it uncomfortable but sometimes bring bonus fish.
- Time of day: Dawn/dusk for lure fishing and bass; after-dark sessions for soles, rays, and winter whiting/pout.
- Seasonality: Peak mixed fishing from late spring through autumn; winter is steadier at night and on settled days after a blow.
- Estuary influence: After heavy rain the Otter carries colour and debris—great bass cue, but reduce lure visibility; fish slightly larger, scented baits.
Safety
This is a straightforward open beach with a few important caveats. The steep shingle, surge on big tides, and soft cliffs at either end demand respect.
- Shingle bank: Steep and unstable in places—expect strong undertow on a swell; avoid wading and keep kids well back from the wash.
- Cliff edges (ends of the beach): Periodic rockfalls after rain/frost; don’t sit or stash gear under the cliffs.
- Swell and surges: Spring tides and onshore winds create powerful shore dumps—wear a PFD when conditions are lively and keep a safe, high stance.
- Estuary: Strong currents near the mouth on springs and after rainfall; do not enter mud/saltmarsh or restricted reserve areas.
- Footing and lifting: Pebbles roll—use boots with good ankle support and lift with care; consider a trolley for long carries.
- Accessibility: The beach is not wheelchair‑friendly; however, the promenade is flat with benches and windbreaks for companions.
- Comms: Generally good mobile signal on the seafront; call 999 and ask for the Coastguard in any emergency.
Facilities
Budleigh is well‑served immediately behind the beach, making it a convenient day or evening venue. Most amenities are a short walk from your rod rest.
- Toilets: Public conveniences near the seafront and at the eastern car park (check seasonal opening hours).
- Food & drink: Cafés, kiosks, pubs, and takeaways along/just off the promenade; summer offerings extend into the evening.
- Bait & tackle: No dedicated tackle shop on the seafront; options in Exmouth and Sidmouth typically carry fresh/frozen bait—phone ahead in summer weekends.
- Water & bins: Public bins along the prom; bring water in shoulder seasons as kiosks may close early.
- Lighting: Promenade lighting helps set up but bring a headlamp for safe night fishing.
- Misc: Pay‑and‑display parking; no general pier/harbour rules to worry about as this is open beach.
Tips
Regulars treat Budleigh like a roaming venue—short sessions, move with the fish, and capitalise on windows. Small tweaks make a big difference here.
- Be mobile: If you don’t see signs of life in 45–60 minutes, move 50–100 yards to find a new seam or gully.
- Read the bank: Fresh ‘steps’ on the shingle from recent swell often mark feeding lanes for bass on the flood.
- Short range at night: For sole and schoolies, fish under your feet—20–30 yards with delicate worm baits often out-fishes a big chuck.
- Estuary plume: On building tides with colour, present crab or sandeel just downtide of the plume for bass passes.
- Feathers sparingly: Two‑ or three‑hook strings are safer in a crowd; swap to single metals when mackerel shoals are close in.
- Lead choice: Use 5–6 oz fixed‑wire grips in a push; breakout wires can drag on the rounded pebbles.
- Net it: A long-handled net or a plan to back up the bank helps land fish cleanly on the rolling shingle.
- Crowds: Summer days get busy—fish dawn/dusk or slide toward either end of the beach for space.
Regulations
Recreational sea angling is generally permitted from the beach at Budleigh Salterton. However, the adjacent Otter Estuary is a protected nature reserve and the river itself is subject to separate fishery rules.
- Protected areas: Do not enter reedbeds, mudflats, or any fenced/boardwalk areas of the Otter Estuary reserve; respect local signage and seasonal restrictions for wildlife.
- River vs sea: Fishing inside the River Otter (upstream of the beach) is controlled by riparian/club permits and EA bylaws—sea angling from the open beach is separate. Do not fish into the river channel where signage prohibits it.
- Bass rules: England-wide recreational bass measures apply—retention typically restricted by season and bag limit with a 42 cm minimum size. These rules are reviewed annually; check current MMO/UK Gov guidance before your trip.
- Local IFCA: Budleigh falls within the Devon & Severn IFCA district. Netting, potting, bait collection, and some species sizes/limits may be regulated locally—consult D&S IFCA bylaws for up‑to‑date detail.
- Crustaceans: If gathering crabs/lobsters, size limits, berried/spent protections, and gear marking rules apply—see IFCA bylaws.
- General: No open fires on the beach, take all litter and line home, give space to swimmers and water users, and follow the Angling Trust Code of Conduct.
- Always verify: Regulations change—check the latest from the MMO, Environment Agency (for estuary/river), and D&S IFCA before retaining fish or collecting bait.
