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Devon

Devil's Point

7.2 · Rocks · Devon

Rocky headland at the entrance to the Hamoaze, west side of Plymouth Hoe, with immediate deep water and a powerful tidal run. Productive year-round: summer brings mackerel, scad and garfish in the tide lines; dusk and night produce pouting, poor cod and conger; pollack and bass work the rips on lures; wrasse patrol the kelp fringes on calmer days. Best on the flood and into dusk, or first of the ebb on neaps. Access via Devil’s Point Park paths and steps; ledges are uneven and can be wave-washed—use a rotten-bottom and carry a long-handled net. Parking nearby at Devil’s Point and Royal William Yard.

Should you fish Devil's Point?

58 Fair

Today · Best window

Best window: 06:00-09:00 around the rising tide

Most likely species: Ballan Wrasse and Mackerel

Fair conditions. Best around 06:00-09:00 around the rising tide. Good chance of Ballan Wrasse and Mackerel.

NW 3 mph Rain 0% High tide 11:29

Fishable, but pick your timing carefully.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Devil's Point — 7-day forecast

Scores and best windows are weighted for .

Met Office Met Office · Open-Meteo

Where the data comes from. Weather and sea-state readings come from the Met Office and Open-Meteo forecast models, refreshed several times a day. High and low water are taken from tide-station predictions for this stretch of coast.

How the score works. Each window is scored 0–100 from the signals that most reliably move fish inshore: tide movement (a running tide carries food, so the last of the flood and first of the ebb are usually the prime spells), wind speed and direction (onshore wind stirs food into the surf — up to the point it makes fishing hard), sea state (a little wave and swell movement helps, heavy swell hurts), and weather — rain, temperature and light. Behind the headline number we score bite opportunity and comfort separately, and run a separate safety check on wind and swell. The size of the tide counts too: spring tides move more water than neaps, so the tidal range for this stretch of coast is weighed alongside the tide's direction, your target species and this mark — and unusually big springs strengthen the safety check, because the water rises faster and covers more ground.

Your target species counts. Pick a species below and the score also weights what we know about it — its season, preferred sea temperature, tide stage and sea state, and whether it feeds by day or night.

The rating is guidance, not a guarantee — conditions change fast on the coast, so always judge the sea in front of you before you fish.

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· windows & tide

Spring vs neap tides. Spring tides have a larger difference between high and low water, so more water moves on each tide — usually stronger flow that stirs up food and gets fish feeding. Neap tides have a smaller range and generally gentler movement. The range here is compared with what is normal for this stretch of coast, and the cycle swings between springs and neaps roughly every week, following the moon.

Big spring tides: the water rises faster and covers more ground than usual — double-check access routes and cut-off points before you fish.

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Devil's Point is a deep, fast-water rock mark at the mouth of the Hamoaze where timing and presentation matter more than distance. It fishes best when the tide is moving, especially the last of the flood into high water for lures, mackerel and garfish, and after dark for pout, whiting, scad and conger. The trade-off is heavy tide, snags, vessel wash and uneven ledges, so fish tidy, use strong tackle, and choose safe, dry stances behind railings where possible.

  • Know when the tide run helps — and when it ruins presentation.
  • Pick the point, seams or kelp edge for your target species.
  • Use the right rigs to lose fewer leads on Devil's Point rough ground.
  • Time dusk and darkness for pout, scad, whiting and conger.
  • Know when to abandon the lower ledges and move plan.

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Plymouth 1.5 mi Torpoint 1.9 mi Millbrook 2.1 mi Cawsand and Kingsand 2.4 mi Heybrook Bay 3.6 mi

Explore nearby towns: Plymouth · Torpoint · Millbrook · Cawsand and Kingsand · Heybrook Bay

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Forecast tuning currently supports Bass and Mackerel — more species are on the way.

Overall rating

7.2 /10

Blend of catch potential, access, safety, and overall experience.

Category scores

Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 5/10
Accessibility 7/10

Pouting 8/10
Tip: Drop small strips of mackerel or rag on 1–2 hook paternoster into the deep tide run; best from dusk, autumn–winter. Use grip lead to hold and expect snags on rough ground.
Pollack 7/10
Tip: Work metals or soft plastics along kelp edges at first/last light on a flooding tide, or float-fish sandeel tight to the rocks. Keep lures down but clear of snags.
Mackerel 7/10
Tip: Spin from the point on the flood or ebb during summer, at dawn/dusk. Small metals or feathers; cast across current and retrieve fast. Beware strong cross-tide.
Scad (Horse Mackerel) 7/10
Tip: Night in late summer–autumn; float or slow-jig mid-water with small sabikis or size 6 hooks. Let rigs swing in the tide run; glow beads help.
Ballan Wrasse 7/10
Tip: Fish hard crab or rag on a short paternoster into kelp-filled gullies at mid–late flood; daytime, spring–autumn. Strong gear to bully fish from rough ground.
Conger Eel 7/10
Tip: After dark over slack into first of the flood; big mackerel/squid baits on heavy traces dropped tight to rock ledges. Expect savage takes and snags; lift fish quickly.
Bass 6/10
Tip: Surface or shallow lures on the flood around current seams and rougher seas; or big crab/sandeel baits after dark. Best on spring tides.
Whiting 6/10
Tip: Winter nights; small fish baits tipped with worm on 2–3 hook flappers. Cast slightly uptide into deeper water and keep rigs just off the bottom to reduce snags.
Rock Goby 5/10
Tip: LRF close in by the steps and boulders; size 12–16 hooks with tiny worm/squid pieces, minimal lead. Best at slack or neap tides in daylight.
Garfish 5/10
Tip: Float-fish thin mackerel strips 1–2 m deep on summer floods; steady retrieve across eddies off the point. Use long shank size 6–8 hooks.

Local knowledge

Devil's Point fishing guide

Practical access, seasons, methods, tides, safety and facilities for this mark.

Devil's Point (Western King Point) sits at the mouth of the Hamoaze where the Tamar meets Plymouth Sound, between Firestone Bay and Royal William Yard in Plymouth, Devon. It offers deep, fast water within easy reach, regular bait fish movement, and a real chance of quality lure and bottom fishing in dramatic surroundings.

This is an urban, well-signposted mark reached via Durnford Street, Stonehouse, with short, straightforward walks on paved paths into Devil's Point Park. The final fishing spots are on railings and rock ledges overlooking very deep, fast-running water.

  • Parking: Small pay-and-display car park at Devil's Point/Firestone Bay end of Durnford Street; overflow and additional parking at Royal William Yard. Useful sat‑nav postcodes: PL1 3DL (Durnford St end) and PL1 3RP (Royal William Yard).
  • Approach: Paved, mostly level park paths; final few metres can be uneven with rock shelves and steps. Minimal walk from the car park (2–5 minutes).
  • Terrain: Mixed—railed promenade sections and rugged rock platforms. Surfaces can be slick with spray and weed.
  • Public transport: City buses run to Stonehouse/Durnford Street; the mark is a short walk from there.
  • Access notes: Avoid private areas inside Royal William Yard and any signed no‑fishing zones on ferry landings or bathing steps.

Species here reflect fast, deep tidal water funnelling bait past the headland. Expect classic summer predators and reliable winter scratching.

  • Spring (Apr–May): Pollack, ballan and corkwing wrasse, early bass; odd mackerel on warmer pushes; occasional thick‑lipped mullet nosing around Firestone Bay.
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Mackerel, garfish, scad (horse mackerel) at dusk/night; pollack and wrasse from the kelp fringes; bass on the flood; occasional squid on calm, clear evenings.
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov): Bass peak on spring tides; scad in numbers after dark; pollack continue; conger eels on big baits; late mackerel runs in settled spells.
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Whiting, pouting, poor cod after dark; strap conger; the odd bonus codling in cold snaps (infrequent).
  • Always possible bycatch: Dogfish, small gurnards; schoolie bass year‑round.

Fast tides and depth reward tidy rigs, robust tackle, and thoughtful lure work. Prepare for snags with rotten‑bottoms and have a drop net for landing.

  • Lure fishing:
    • Pollack/wrasse: Weedless soft plastics (10–20 cm, 10–20 g heads/texas) worked tight to the kelp lines; darker patterns in murk, naturals in clear water.
    • Bass: Surface and sub‑surface hard lures on the flood; 20–40 g metals when bait fish show; white sandeel patterns are consistent.
    • Mackerel/gar/scad: 20–40 g metals; minimal‑hook sabikis (2–3 hooks) to cope with cross‑tide.
    • Squid (calm, clear evenings): Size 2.5–3.0 egi jigs, count‑down and slow lift‑and‑drop.
  • Float fishing: Balsa/waggler with 8–12 ft depth set; small strips of mackerel or ragworm for garfish, pollack, wrasse.
  • Bottom fishing:
    • Rigs: Pulley or pulley‑pennel (4/0–5/0) for bass/conger; 2‑hook flapper (size 2–4) for whiting/pout. Always use a weak‑link/rotten‑bottom to save leads.
    • Leads: 4–6 oz typically; step up on big springs. Use grippers when fishing static baits.
    • Baits: Fresh mackerel/sandeel, squid, peeler/soft crab (summer bass/wrasse), lug/rag for general scratching.
  • Tackle: 9–10 ft lure rods (20–40 g) or 12–13 ft beach rods for bottom work; 20–30 lb braid with 40–60 lb leader around rocks; carry a drop net for safe landing from height.

The point fishes to running water; slack periods are short. Springs can be ferocious, so plan tide state carefully.

  • Tide state: Best 2 hours before to 1 hour after high water for mackerel/gar and lure work; first of the ebb also productive for bass and pollack. Neaps are easier to hold bottom; springs move bait but are harder to present in.
  • Sea state: Light W/SW winds are fine; strong westerlies create swell and rebound off the rocks. Easterlies flatten and clear the water—good for lures and squid.
  • Time of day: Dawn and dusk are prime; after‑dark sessions bring scad, whiting, pout, and conger.
  • Water clarity: After storms the water muddies—switch to darker lures and strong‑scent baits; in clear water, natural sandeel patterns excel.
  • Seasonal notes: Bass peak late summer to autumn; wrasse/pollack strongest Apr–Oct; winter nights for whiting/pout.

This is a serious tidal headland beside a working port channel. Treat it with respect and fish within your limits.

  • Strong currents and overfalls at the point—do not climb down to water level; fish from secure, dry stances behind railings.
  • Swell and wash: Ferry and naval vessel wash can surge—step well back when ships pass; never cast across a vessel’s path.
  • Slippery rock and weed; wear grippy boots. A flotation aid/lifejacket and headtorch (after dark) are strongly recommended.
  • Use a drop net for landing; do not attempt to handline or gaff fish from height.
  • Bathing area: Firestone Bay is a popular swimming spot—give swimmers wide berth and avoid feathering or heavy leads near the bathing steps/pontoons. Obey any seasonal lifeguard or council signage.
  • Mobility: Paths to the railings are largely level and paved; some fishing spots have steps/uneven rock, which may limit wheelchair access. The railings area can suit seated/rail‑rest fishing with assistance.
  • Weather: Avoid big springs in strong winds; wind‑against‑tide can create turbulent, unpredictable water.

Urban convenience is a big plus here, with amenities a short stroll away. Expect crowds in good weather.

  • Parking: Pay‑and‑display at Devil's Point/Firestone Bay; additional parking and eateries at Royal William Yard. Check local tariffs/hours.
  • Toilets: Seasonal/public toilets at the park or nearby; reliable facilities and refreshments inside Royal William Yard.
  • Food and drink: Multiple cafés, restaurants, and a pub at Royal William Yard; kiosks appear seasonally by Firestone Bay.
  • Tackle/bait: Several tackle shops in Plymouth (10–15 minutes by car); call ahead for fresh bait.
  • Connectivity: Strong mobile signal (4G/5G common). Lighting from the city helps but bring a headtorch for night sessions.
  • Bins/seating: Litter bins and benches in the park—pack out line and unwanted tackle.

Patterns here hinge on timing your presentation to the tide race and kelp edges. Travel light, fish tidy, and expect snags.

  • Run‑and‑gun luring: Walk the railings/edges and cover water on the last of the flood—pollack often sit tight to the drop‑off.
  • Keep sabikis short (2–3 hooks) to avoid twist in the cross‑tide; metals with single inline hooks reduce tangles and damage to fish.
  • Use bait elastic and tougher baits (squid/mackerel belly) in summer to beat crabs; re‑cast regularly.
  • A weak‑link lead clip saves money—snags are part of the game here.
  • Drop net is gold: Saves fish and tackle when you hook a better bass or conger from height.
  • If porpoises or seals show, bites often slow—switch marks or methods for 20–30 minutes.
  • After a blow, the first clear evening can be dynamite for scad/whiting on small baits and for bass on big, dark lures.
  • Be courteous: It’s a busy public spot—keep feathering away from bathers and dog walkers; locals appreciate tidy anglers.

Devil’s Point is within Plymouth Sound, a busy port and a designated marine protected area, but line fishing from the shore is generally permitted. Always follow posted signs and current fisheries rules.

  • Harbour/port byelaws (Plymouth): Do not obstruct navigation; keep clear of ferry landings and do not cast when vessels are approaching or transiting. Obey any local no‑fishing signs on steps, pontoons, or private property (e.g., parts of Royal William Yard).
  • Bass regulations: Minimum size 42 cm; seasonal bag limits and retention periods apply to recreational anglers—check current DEFRA/MMO guidance before you go.
  • Minimum sizes/bag limits: Observe national/IFCA rules for species you intend to keep. Many anglers release wrasse due to their ecological role.
  • Bait collection/netting: Devon & Severn IFCA byelaws apply in the area—consult D&S IFCA for up‑to‑date restrictions on netting and any bait‑gathering controls within estuarine waters.
  • Protected sites: Plymouth Sound and Estuaries designated sites do not generally ban rod‑and‑line shore fishing, but do not damage features, disturb wildlife, or remove protected species.
  • General: Take litter and discarded line home; respect seasonal swimming zones at Firestone Bay. Check parking hours and local council notices for any temporary restrictions.