Combe Martin Beach Fishing

Summary

Combe Martin Beach sits in a narrow, picturesque cove on North Devon’s coast between Ilfracombe and the Exmoor cliffs. It’s a mixed sand-and-reef venue that can fish very well for bass, wrasse, pollack and summer pelagics, with proper rough-ground options for huss and conger after dark.

Location and Access

Set at the heart of Combe Martin village on the A399, the beach is one of the easiest North Devon rock-and-sand marks to reach. Access is straightforward to the sand; the rock ledges either side of the cove require care.

• Approach via the A399 and follow signs into the village; the beach is at the bottom of the main street by the seafront promenade (The Esplanade).
• Pay-and-display car parks sit immediately behind the beach and along the seafront; spaces fill quickly on fine days and school holidays.
• The walk to the sand is flat and short; expect a few minutes from the nearest car park. Reaching the rock ledges on either headland involves uneven, weeded ground and occasional short scrambles.
• Terrain is mixed: firm sand in the centre, shingle pockets, and extensive reef gullies with kelp and boulders to both flanks.
• Public transport runs between Ilfracombe and Combe Martin; check current bus timetables if travelling without a car.

Seasons

This cove holds a useful mix of resident rough-ground fish and seasonal visitors. Summer brings the most variety; autumn and winter favour nocturnal rough-ground targets when seas permit.

• Common (in season):
  • Bass (Apr–Nov; schoolies common, better fish in on a push of colour)
  • Pollack (Apr–Oct; from rock points, especially into dusk)
  • Ballan and corkwing wrasse (May–Oct; tight to rock/kelp)
  • Mackerel (Jun–Sep; calm, clear evenings; odd scad at night)
  • Garfish (Jun–Sep; light float gear)
  • Bull huss and conger eel (all year; best at night from rough ground)
  • Dogfish and pouting (year-round, especially at night)
  • Thick-lipped mullet (May–Sep; around the stream outflow and harbour corners)
• Occasional/possibles:
  • Rockling (winter), poor cod (winter), whiting (colder months on calmer nights)
  • Codling are rare but possible after prolonged rough spells in late autumn/winter
  • Spurdog occasionally pass through deep water locally in winter; far from guaranteed from the beach

Methods

Combe Martin fishes best with a two-pronged approach: light, mobile lure/float work over the reefs by day, and robust bottom tactics into darkness. Expect snags on the rough ground and rig accordingly.

• Lure fishing (rocks):
  • 7–9 ft spinning/LRF to medium lure rods with 10–20 lb braid and fluoro leaders.
  • Soft plastics on jig heads or weedless Texas/Chebs for wrasse and bass; slim metals and surface/sub-surface plugs for pollack, bass, mackerel.
  • Work the flood and dusk along the headland points; keep lures high over kelp.
• Float fishing:
  • Slim cigar floats set 6–15 ft for wrasse, pollack and garfish.
  • Baits: ragworm, prawn, crab, sandeel strip; present tight to rock faces and kelp lanes.
• Bottom fishing (beach and rocks):
  • Pulley pennel 3/0–4/0 for huss/conger; 2-hook flappers (size 1–2) for mixed species.
  • Use rotten-bottom/weak link lead setups; 5–6 oz leads for holding in tide on springs.
  • Baits: peeler or hard crab, mackerel/squid cocktails, bluey; lug/rag/sandeel for bass on the beach.
• Times and tactics:
  • Daylight: mobile lure/float tactics excel in clear water.
  • Dusk to 3 hours into darkness: best for bass, huss, conger and mixed fish from the rough ground.
  • After onshore blow easing off: surfy colour on the beach can switch bass on.

Tides and Conditions

This is a high tidal-range venue influenced by the Bristol Channel; water movement and swell dictate how it fishes. Plan around the state of tide and recent weather, and be conservative with cut-off risks.

• Tide states:
  • Flooding tide into high water at dusk is prime for bass and huss.
  • Mid to high water helps ledgering from the cove to clear the worst snags; low water opens great lure/float options around exposed kelp gullies (extra caution needed).
  • On very big springs the beach empties a long way; allow plenty of time to retreat.
• Sea conditions:
  • Slight swell and a bit of colour: excellent for bass on the sand and along the reef edges.
  • Clear, calm seas: better for wrasse, garfish and pollack on lures/float.
  • Strong westerly/north-westerly swell can make the rocks unfishable; seek shelter or postpone.
• Time of day/season:
  • Summer dawns and dusks for surface-lure bass/garfish; autumn nights for huss and conger.
  • Winter can produce whiting/pouting on calmer nights; rough spells are dangerous on the ledges.

Safety

Treat Combe Martin as a serious rough-ground venue once you step off the sand. The tidal range, kelp, and rebound swell demand vigilance and the right kit.

• Big tidal range: parts of both headlands and reef platforms are easily cut off; identify exit routes and retreat early.
• Slippery, weeded rock and boulders: wear boots with good grip or cleats; consider a wading staff.
• Swell and rebound: rogue waves can wash the ledges even on seemingly small swells; keep well back, especially at high water.
• Night fishing: headtorch, spare light, and a buddy strongly advised.
• Snag-prone ground: use rotten-bottoms to avoid overreaching near the edge.
• Personal flotation: a waist/chest lifejacket is recommended on all rock marks.
• Accessibility: the promenade and sand are accessible; the rock ledges are not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility.
• Beach use: in peak season the central sand is busy with swimmers; avoid casting among bathers and obey any seasonal zoning or on-site signage.

Facilities

The village sits directly behind the beach, so amenities are close at hand. Tackle supplies are available in nearby towns.

• Public toilets by/near the seafront (seasonal opening hours may apply).
• Cafés, pubs, takeaways and small shops along the seafront and main street.
• Pay-and-display parking behind the beach and along The Esplanade.
• Nearest dedicated tackle shops are typically in Ilfracombe and Barnstaple; check opening hours before you travel.
• Mobile phone signal is generally present but can dip in the cove under steep slopes.
• Bins on the promenade; pack out all line and bait waste if facilities are full.

Tips

A few small tweaks can make a big difference at this mixed ground mark. Think stealth, elevation, and sensible tackle losses.

• Fish elevated rock perches on a flooding tide to clear kelp fronds with lures and reduce snags on bottom gear.
• Carry spare leads and pre-tied rotten-bottoms; 20–30% lead loss is normal on the rough ground.
• For wrasse, present crab or prawn baits right under the rod tip beside kelp lanes—strikes are often immediate.
• After two calm, clear days, downsize leaders and lures; when there’s colour, step up to bolder profiles and scents.
• Mullet often patrol around the stream outflow—loose-feed bread mash and use size 6–8 hooks with thin fluoro.
• Summer evenings can see mackerel and garfish blitz bait tight in; keep a small metal or float rod rigged and ready.
• Keep headlamps low and noise down at night—fish push tight under the rocks in the dark, and residents live close by.

Regulations

Combe Martin lies within the Devon and Severn IFCA district and the Bideford to Foreland Point Marine Conservation Zone. Recreational rod-and-line angling is permitted here, but local rules and seasonal measures can apply.

• Marine Conservation Zone: recreational angling is generally allowed, but avoid damaging sensitive habitats (e.g., seagrass, honeycomb worm reefs) and follow any local guidance on bait collection.
• Devon & Severn IFCA byelaws and Minimum Conservation Reference Sizes (MCRS) apply to all species retained; check current size limits and any local netting/gear restrictions before your trip.
• European bass have specific recreational catch limits and seasons that change from time to time; check the latest government notice for current daily bag limits, size, and any closed periods.
• Some shark species (e.g., tope) and other conservation-listed fish may have retention restrictions; verify current rules and practice prompt release.
• Beach management: where seasonal lifeguard zones or bathing areas are marked, do not fish within the flagged swimming zone and follow any on-site instructions.
• Private/foreshore access: stay within public areas and the foreshore; respect any local signage on cliff access and do not climb fenced sections.
• As always, take only what you will eat, return undersized or unwanted fish promptly, and leave no trace.