Heybrook Bay Fishing

Summary

Heybrook Bay sits on the rugged south Devon coast just west of Wembury, a short hop from Plymouth. It’s a classic rock mark of ledges, kelp-filled gullies and small coves that reward careful anglers with wrasse, pollack and bass. Expect spectacular scenery, tricky ground, and sessions that favour good water reading over brute casting distance.

Location and Access

Access is via the small village of Heybrook Bay (south of Plymouth, PL9 area), with the South West Coast Path dropping to rocky platforms and pockets of shingle. Parking is very limited, so plan ahead and tread lightly around residents.

• Drive from Plymouth via the A379 (Elburton) toward Wembury/Heybrook Bay; final approach is along narrow lanes with passing places.
• On-street parking in the village is scarce and sensitive; arrive early, park considerately, and expect a short walk.
• No formal public car park at the bay; nearest larger options include Wembury Beach (National Trust, PL9 0HR, fee/seasonal) or Bovisand (seasonal), then use the coast path if you don’t mind a longer walk.
• Footpaths down to the water are steep in places and can be muddy or slick after rain. Good boots are essential.
• Terrain is uneven rock, weed and barnacles; not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Seasons

This is mixed rough ground with kelp and broken rock, so expect reef species with some pelagics in season and nocturnal predators after dark.

• Spring (Mar–May):
  • Ballan and corkwing wrasse as the water warms.
  • Pollack on lures and float-fished sandeel.
  • Early bass after a blow, especially in coloured water.
• Summer (Jun–Aug):
  • Wrasse in numbers (ballan/corkwing).
  • Pollack from dusk, mackerel and garfish on calm clear days, scad at night.
  • Bass on onshore winds and fizzing surf; occasional bull huss and conger after dark.
• Autumn (Sep–Nov):
  • Peak bass time on building seas; pollack still reliable at low light.
  • Scad and garfish linger into early autumn evenings.
  • Pouting and dogfish increase after dark.
• Winter (Dec–Feb):
  • Whiting and pouting on bottom rigs in settled windows.
  • Conger from the rough stuff at night; the odd codling is possible but uncommon here.

Methods

The rough ground rewards tidy presentation and tackle that copes with kelp and rock. Lure and float tactics shine; bottom fishing needs sacrificial components and abrasion resistance.

• Lure fishing:
  • Weedless soft plastics (Texas/Cheb rig, 10–20 g) for wrasse; work slowly through gullies and boulder fields.
  • Slim soft shads or metal jigs (20–30 g) for pollack and mackerel; fish dawn/dusk and over tide movement.
  • Surface/sub-surface hard lures for bass when there’s lively but manageable swell and colour.
• Float fishing:
  • Ragworm, prawn or peeler crab for wrasse and corkwing tight to kelp edges.
  • Sandeel or mackerel strip set to mid-water for pollack and garfish.
• Bottom fishing:
  • Pulley (or pulley pennel) with a weak-link/rotten-bottom to save gear in snags.
  • Baits: peeler or hardback crab for wrasse/bass, squid or mackerel for conger/huss, sandeel for bass/pollack.
  • Use tough abrasion-resistant leaders (50–60 lb) and keep fish moving to avoid kelp lock-ups.
• General tips:
  • Fish short: many bites come under the rod tip along kelp lines and drop-offs.
  • Dusk into the first two hours of dark is prime for pollack, scad and conger.

Tides and Conditions

Depth and water movement are key. Most ledges fish best with water on them, and the mark changes character quickly with tide and swell.

• Tide state:
  • Mid-tide flooding to high water is often the sweet spot for wrasse and bass; last of the ebb can be good where gullies drain into deeper water.
  • Neap tides offer control and less surge in the kelp; big springs can be productive but increase snags and risk of cut-off.
• Sea state and clarity:
  • Slightly coloured, lively seas on a SW–W onshore push are classic bass conditions.
  • Clear, settled water favours wrasse and pollack, especially with sun on the water and a gentle swell.
• Time of day/season:
  • Dawn/dusk are reliably better for pollack, mackerel, scad and garfish.
  • Late spring through early autumn is the prime window; winter needs calmer spells between storms.

Safety

This is a committing rock mark with real hazards. Treat it with respect and avoid in heavy swell or poor visibility.

• Slippery weed, barnacles and awkward steps; wear cleated boots or rock shoes and consider a buoyancy aid/lifejacket.
• Risk of being cut off on some ledges—always note your exit route and rising tide times.
• Atlantic groundswell can wrap into the bay; rogue waves are possible even on seemingly moderate days.
• Use a headtorch with a red beam at night and keep hands free; gloves help when handling wrasse and conger.
• Not suitable for those with limited mobility; no railings or level platforms.
• If unsure, fish higher safer ledges rather than low slick rocks.

Facilities

There are few facilities at water level; think self-sufficient and plan around nearby villages and beaches.

• Pub: The Eddystone Inn in Heybrook Bay (check hours; parking for patrons only).
• Toilets: At Wembury Beach (National Trust, typically seasonal opening) and at Bovisand during season. None at the rock mark.
• Food/cafés: Options at Wembury/Bovisand in season; more choice in Plymstock/Plymouth.
• Tackle and bait: Head to Plymouth for shops and fresh bait.
• Mobile signal: Generally good on higher ground; can be patchy down in coves and under cliffs.

Tips

Small adjustments make a big difference here. Fish smart, fish light, and keep presentations close to structure.

• Use rotten-bottom links or weak wire for sinkers to save rigs in the kelp.
• Weedless hooks and compact soft plastics dramatically reduce snagging for wrasse.
• Free-lined or lightly weighted crab drifted down a gully can tempt better bass in fizzing water.
• Carry a short-handled gaff is not appropriate here—use a long reach landing net only where safe, or handline carefully with gloves; release wrasse quickly and low to the water.
• Watch for late-summer scad shoals at last light; small metals or glow-sabikis excel.
• After big blows, give it 24–48 hours for the swell to settle but keep some colour—ideal for bass.
• Keep noise and light to a minimum near houses; use a red-light headlamp and pack out all litter.

Regulations

Shore angling is permitted at Heybrook Bay. The coastline sits within wider conservation designations, so be mindful of protected habitats and local byelaws. Always verify the latest rules before your trip.

• Marine designations: The area is within/adjacent to the Wembury & Yealm Marine Conservation Zone and the Plymouth Sound & Estuaries Special Area of Conservation. These do not automatically ban line angling, but some activities (e.g., certain types of netting or collecting) can be restricted by byelaws.
• Devon & Severn IFCA: Check current byelaws on bait collection, netting restrictions, potting, and any seasonal protections that may apply along this stretch.
• Bass rules: Recreational bass fishing has specific seasonal retention periods, daily bag limits and a minimum size. Consult current UK government/MMO guidance before retaining any bass.
• Size/bag limits: Follow national minimum conservation reference sizes and local IFCA byelaws for all species; practise catch-and-release for wrasse to protect resident stocks.
• Access etiquette: Respect private property and any local signage; some car parks are for patrons only. Avoid collecting shore life in rockpools where local conservation bodies request ‘look, don’t take.’
• Safety and liability: No formal lifesaving cover; you fish at your own risk—carry appropriate safety gear and inform someone of your plans.