Summary
Froward Point sits on the east side of the River Dart entrance near Kingswear, South Devon, and offers dramatic rock-ledge fishing into deep, kelpy water. Strong tidal flow, clean ground pockets and reefy gullies make it a prime venue for lure fishing, wrasse sport and night sessions for conger and huss. It’s a stunning but serious mark that rewards good preparation and respect for the sea.
Location and Access
Access is via National Trust land around the Brownstone Battery and Daymark above Dartmouth’s eastern headland. Expect a scenic but demanding walk with steep gradients and uneven paths to reach the rock ledges below the point.
- Park at the National Trust Brownstone car park; the nearest useful postcode is TQ6 0EQ (Coleton Fishacre area) then follow local signs for Brownstone/Battery.
- Walk time is typically 15–30 minutes each way depending on fitness and the exact ledge; the return is a stiff uphill.
- Terrain is coastal path, steps and rough footpaths; final approaches to some ledges involve narrow, exposed tracks and scrambles.
- Footwear with good edging and grip is essential; pack light and keep hands free for the descent.
- Public transport is limited; most anglers drive to Kingswear and continue by narrow lanes to the NT car park.
Seasons
This is a classic rough-ground headland with year-round pollack and seasonal surface fish. Summer brings wrasse variety; autumn improves bass and scad; winter can see bigger pollack and conger.
- Spring (Apr–May): pollack, early mackerel, garfish, ballan wrasse, occasional bass on lures.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): mackerel, garfish, pollack, ballan and corkwing wrasse, bass on lures or bait, scad at dusk/night, pouting, conger.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): larger pollack, bass peak, mackerel and garfish tailing off, scad runs at night, conger and bull huss.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): pollack (often better size), pouting, conger, rockling; odd whiting possible in settled conditions.
- Occasional: squid on calm, clear autumn nights; very rare codling in heavy northerly spells.
Methods
Deep water tight to the rocks and strong run favour mobile lure work and robust rough-ground rigs. Keep end tackle streamlined and expect some losses around kelp.
- Lure fishing: 20–60 g metals for mackerel/pollack; weedless soft plastics (20–40 g) for working kelp edges; long fluorocarbon leaders (20–30 lb) to resist abrasion.
- Float fishing: set 10–18 ft, adjust to just above the kelp; baits include sandeel, mackerel strip and prawn; great for garfish and summer pollack.
- Bottom fishing (rough ground): pulley or pulley-dropper with 80 lb rubbing leaders and 4/0–6/0 hooks; use a weak-link/rotten-bottom to save gear; 4–6 oz leads depending on tide.
- Wrasse tactics: ledger or float with hardback crab, peeler, rag/lug; avoid stainless hooks and go barbless/flattened barbs for safe release.
- Night sessions: big fish baits (mackerel head/half, squid) for conger and huss; bring long-nose pliers and heavy traces.
- LRF/HRF: around battery walls and gullies for mini-species, small pollack and blennies in calm seas.
Tides and Conditions
Tide flow is pronounced off the headland; fish the edges of the main run rather than the full bore. Water clarity and swell direction dictate tactics.
- Tide state: mid-flood to high and the first of the ebb are productive; neaps or moderate tides are easier than roaring springs.
- Wind and swell: best with light W–NW winds and a low swell; southerly to easterly swell makes ledges dangerous and kills presentation.
- Water clarity: clear for lures/float; a touch of colour can help bait for bass/huss; chocolate brown water is usually poor.
- Time of day: dawn/dusk for bass, pollack and mackerel; after dark for conger, huss and scad.
- Seasonality: summer–autumn for surface fish and wrasse; late autumn–winter for better pollack and nocturnal conger sport.
Safety
This is an exposed, committing rock mark with steep access and no easy escape if conditions turn. Treat it as a serious venue and plan conservatively.
- Not suitable for young children, dogs or those with limited mobility; final approaches are narrow and can be slippery.
- Wear a modern auto-inflating lifejacket, grippy boots, and carry a headtorch plus spare; helmet recommended on scrambly descents.
- Check swell height and period; avoid any southerly/easterly swell or large spring tides which create surges and backwash on lower platforms.
- Some ledges can be cut off by the flood—assess at low water and build an exit plan; never fish right at the waterline on building swell.
- Falling rocks and crumbling edges exist near the battery and cliff bases; keep clear of overhangs and do not rely on old handlines/ropes.
- Phone signal is patchy; tell someone your plan and carry a charged mobile and whistle; consider fishing with a partner.
- Respect seasonal wildlife signs (nesting seabirds, occasional seal loafing spots) and keep to established paths on National Trust land.
Facilities
There are no facilities at the mark itself; it’s a remote headland. Prepare as if there is nothing on site and pack out all litter and line.
- Parking: National Trust Brownstone car park (pay and display; free for NT members) is the usual start.
- Toilets: none at the point; seasonal facilities at Coleton Fishacre (NT) when open; public toilets in Kingswear/Dartmouth.
- Food & drink: cafés, pubs and shops in Kingswear and across the river in Dartmouth; nothing on the path or headland.
- Tackle & bait: buy in Brixham/Paignton/Torbay area or Dartmouth before you walk in; no local supply on site.
- Mobile signal: variable to poor around the cliffs; better on higher ground near the Daymark.
Tips
Froward rewards mobility and clean presentation; don’t anchor yourself to one gully if it’s not happening. Read the flow lines and work the seams.
- Watch for bird activity marking mackerel/scad lines just off the race; cast across the edge rather than straight into the fastest water.
- For pollack, count down metals/soft plastics to different layers and retrieve with lift-and-fall; hits often come on the drop near kelp spikes.
- Use abrasion-resistant leaders and check the last metre frequently; kelp and rock chew through tired mono/fluoro quickly.
- A small drop-net can save fish (and lures) on higher ledges; gaffs are unnecessary and can be unsafe on rock.
- Summer wrasse: bait hard and close—bait banded crab or bunches of rag lowered into gullies; keep steady pressure to steer fish clear of weed.
- Night conger: fish tight to structure, keep drag locked and rod high; pre-tie traces and keep the deck tidy to avoid tangles in the dark.
- Expect tackle losses; bring spare leads, weak-links and a ready-made rig wallet to maximise time in the water.
Regulations
Froward Point sits on National Trust coastal land and near designated marine conservation areas. Shore angling is generally permitted, but several rules and good practices apply.
- National Trust: no camping or fires; keep to paths and respect any seasonal wildlife or access notices around the Brownstone Battery (a protected historic site). Do not damage structures or place fixed gear/bolts in rock.
- Devon & Severn IFCA: local byelaws apply for the South Devon coast, including minimum sizes and protections for some shellfish (e.g., berried lobsters/crawfish). If hand-gathering shellfish, check current D&S IFCA size limits and closed seasons before retaining anything.
- Bass: recreational bass retention is subject to national seasonal/bag/size limits that can change annually. Check the latest MMO/DEFRA notice before keeping any bass.
- Protected species: release spurdog, tope and any shad or eel species if encountered, in line with current national protections; verify up-to-date rules before your trip.
- Waste and wildlife: take all line and litter home; avoid disturbing nesting seabirds and seals. Use barbless or flattened barbs where practical to aid quick release.
- Always consult current regulations from the MMO and Devon & Severn IFCA prior to fishing, as rules may change during the year.
