Jennycliff Fishing

Summary

Jennycliff sits on the eastern side of Plymouth Sound in Devon, offering easy access rock and shingle fishing with sweeping views across the harbour. It’s a classic mixed-ground mark: kelp-fringed gullies, shallow ledges and pockets of sand that hold wrasse, pollack and seasonal pelagics, with night-time conger and winter whiting for variety.

Location and Access

This section explains how to reach the mark and what the ground is like underfoot.

• Drive via Plymstock to Jennycliff Lane; there is a pay-and-display car park on the cliff-top above the cove (postcode area PL9 9SW). Spaces fill on sunny weekends.
• From the car park, paths and steps drop to the small shingle/pebble beach; rough rock platforms sit at either end. Expect a short, moderately steep walk with some uneven steps.
• The South West Coast Path runs along the top—short strolls find alternative ledges and higher-water spots. Wear sturdy footwear; weed on the rocks stays slippery even in dry weather.
• Public transport runs to nearby Hooe/Mount Batten; from there it’s a 15–25 minute walk along the coast path. Pack light if walking in.
• Alternative parking is available at Mount Batten with a scenic walk round; useful when the main car park is busy.

Seasons

Here are the typical seasonal visitors and residents you can expect at Jennycliff.

• Spring (Mar–May):
  • Ballan and corkwing wrasse (increasing through spring)
  • Pollack on the flood along kelp edges
  • Early bass in mild spells, especially at dawn/dusk
  • Pouting and poor cod over rough patches
• Summer (Jun–Aug):
  • Wrasse in numbers (ballan, corkwing)
  • Pollack, mackerel and garfish in clear water
  • Scad (horse mackerel) at dusk and after dark
  • Bass on lures or crab baits in coloured water
  • Conger eels after dark from the rough ground
• Autumn (Sep–Nov):
  • Mackerel/garfish linger into early autumn
  • Scad often peak at night; occasional squid in calm, clear spells
  • Bass around blowy, coloured conditions
  • Wrasse still steady until the first real cold snaps
• Winter (Dec–Feb):
  • Whiting and pouting on small fish baits
  • Pollack on dark, settled nights
  • Dogfish; conger from the heavier ground
  • Odd codling in cold years, but not reliable

Methods

Mixed ground demands versatile tactics; keep it simple and robust to beat snags.

• Bottom fishing:
  • Pulley rigs or short pulley-droppers with a rotten-bottom link are ideal; 4–5 oz leads usually suffice.
  • Baits: peeler crab (top for bass/wrasse), hardback/shore crab, rag/lug, squid, mackerel strip, or squid/mackerel cocktails for conger.
  • Cast into gullies rather than blasting to the horizon—bite zones are often 20–50 yards out along kelp lines.
• Float fishing:
  • Set 8–15 ft to work over the kelp for wrasse, pollack and garfish.
  • Ragworm, sandeel, prawn or mackerel strip under a streamlined float; feed small slivers to keep fish interested.
• Lure fishing (HRF/LRF and metals):
  • 3–5 inch soft paddletails and weedless Texas rigs for pollack and wrasse around weed and rock.
  • Metals 20–40 g or slim spoons for mackerel/garfish on calm, bright days; vary retrieve speed.
  • Small metal jigs/sabiki under a slow lift-and-drop at dusk/night for scad.
• Night tactics:
  • Big fish baits for conger; fish locked-up with abrasion-resistant leaders.
  • Downsized hooks and small baits will keep whiting/pouting coming through winter.
• General gear notes:
  • Use 30–50 lb leaders and abrasion-resistant snoods; add a weak link for the sinker to save terminal tackle.
  • A long-handled landing net is handy—the height to the water varies a lot with the tide.

Tides and Conditions

Tide state and water clarity make a big difference here.

• Best tide windows:
  • The flood into high water is consistently productive; the last 2 hours of the flood and first hour of the ebb fish well for wrasse and pollack.
  • Night-time top-of-tide is prime for conger and scad.
• Sea conditions:
  • Light to moderate onshore push adds colour and suits bass and bait work, but avoid heavy swell on the rocks.
  • Clear, calm water favours float and lure fishing for wrasse, pollack, garfish and mackerel.
• Time of day/season:
  • Dawn and dusk are the standout windows, especially in summer for pelagics and year-round for bass.
  • Summer and early autumn give the widest species mix; winter nights are better than days for bites.
• Wind and water clarity:
  • Easterly winds tend to flatten the Sound—good for floats/lures but can be too clear; add fluorocarbon and natural baits.
  • After a blow, give it 12–24 hours for the colour to settle—perfect for crab baits to find bass close in.

Safety

The ledges are accessible but exposed; take rock fishing precautions seriously.

• Wear grippy boots or cleats—weeded rock is slick year-round.
• Some lower ledges become cut off on bigger tides; always note your retreat route and avoid being surrounded by water.
• Swell can rebound off the Sound—rogue sets appear even on ‘calm’ days. Keep well back if there’s any lift.
• Steep steps and uneven ground make it challenging for those with limited mobility; handrails are not continuous.
• Cliffs occasionally shed small rocks after heavy rain/frost—don’t sit under crumbly faces.
• A manually inflating lifejacket and headtorch are strongly recommended if fishing the rocks, especially at night.
• Keep clear of watersports users and boat wash; this is a busy stretch of water.
• If any local “no access” or hazard signage is in place on the day, follow it—restrictions can be temporary for works or safety.

Facilities

You’re close to Plymouth’s amenities, with a few useful services right at the top of the path.

• Cliff-top café at Jennycliff (seasonal hours) for drinks and food.
• Public toilets near the car park (often seasonal/daytime opening—check on arrival).
• Pay-and-display parking above the beach; additional parking at Mount Batten if full.
• Good mobile phone coverage on most networks.
• Tackle and bait: several shops within a short drive in Plymouth; ring ahead for live bait availability, especially peeler crab in spring/summer.

Tips

Local patterns and small tweaks make a big difference here.

• Use a rotten-bottom (weak link) for leads—snags are part of the game over kelp and boulders.
• In summer, shore crabs can strip baits fast; switch to tougher baits (squid, cocktail, whole prawn) or use crab wraps/bead stops.
• Float baits just skimming kelp tops get more wrasse than baits dragged on the bottom.
• Try a glow bead or small luminous sleeve above tiny hooks for scad after dark—keep movement slow and steady.
• On bright, calm evenings, garfish often patrol within 10–20 m—no need to bomb it out.
• After a blow, bass patrol the edges; fish crab or big worm baits into the gullies an hour either side of high.
• Keep casts short and controlled—most bites are in front of you and shorter casts save tackle.
• Bring spare rigs and leads; pre-tie a few pulley droppers to maximise fishing time.

Regulations

Angling is generally permitted at Jennycliff, but you are within the Plymouth Sound area where maritime activity is busy and some restrictions can apply nearby.

• Follow any on-site council or safety signage; temporary access closures can occur for path or cliff works.
• Keep clear of commercial and naval traffic lanes and do not obstruct navigation. Be extra cautious when large vessels or patrol craft pass—expect strong wash.
• Minimum sizes and daily limits apply to many species; measure your catch and release undersized fish. Check current rules with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) or the Devon & Severn IFCA before your trip.
• European seabass rules change periodically (closed periods, size and daily bag limits). Verify the current recreational bass regulations for the relevant ICES area before retaining any fish.
• It is illegal to take berried or v-notched lobsters and to remove undersized crabs/lobsters; observe shellfish conservation measures.
• Plymouth Sound includes protected sites (e.g., SAC/MCZ designations). Recreational angling is allowed, but avoid disturbing wildlife and do not tamper with markers, buoys or scientific equipment.
• If divers are in the water (A-flag displayed), give them ample space and do not cast across dive flags or moorings.