Kingswear Castle Point Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Kingswear Castle Point Fishing Map

Rocky promontory by Kingswear Castle at the mouth of the River Dart. Deep, fast water close in with kelp-lined gullies and ledges. Strong tidal run on springs and frequent boat wash from vessels entering/leaving Dartmouth; neaps and the flood or early ebb are easiest. Productive year‑round for rough-ground species, with best action for pelagics and lure fishing in late spring through autumn. Expect snaggy ground—use abrasion‑resistant leaders and rotten‑bottom links. Access is via the coastal path to the castle, then careful scrambling to lower ledges; check swell and avoid casting when boats pass.

Ratings

⭐ 6.9/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 5/10

Fish You Can Catch at Kingswear Castle Point

🐟 Pollack 8/10
🎯 Tip: Work metal jigs or weedless soft plastics tight to the kelp-fringed rocks at dusk on the flood; keep lures deep in the tide run off the point.
🐟 Mackerel 8/10
🎯 Tip: Summer, especially evenings on the flood. Feathers or small metals cast from the point into the deep run; watch the strong tide.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Rising tide at dawn or dusk with a bit of swell. Shallow divers or paddle-tails swept past the point; free-line live sandeel if available.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 7/10
🎯 Tip: After dark late summer/autumn. Size 6-8 sabikis under a small glow float or slowly jigged through the tide run near the surface.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 7/10
🎯 Tip: Calm summer days. Ragworm or crab on a rotten-bottom rig dropped into kelp gullies; fish mid-flood for best.
🐟 Pouting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Year-round, best at night. Small strips of mackerel on size 2-4 hooks fished just off bottom in the tide.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small ragworm or prawn on size 6-8 hooks lowered into the weedy margins; best on neap tides in daylight to control the tide run.
🐟 Conger Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: After dark into the rocks. Big mackerel or squid baits on an 80 lb trace; fish slack or start of the ebb to reduce snags.
🐟 Garfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring to autumn on a flooding tide. Float-fish a sliver of mackerel or small sandeel at 2-4 ft; keep moving along the point.
🐟 Whiting 4/10
🎯 Tip: Winter nights on the flood. Two-hook flappers with small fish or worm baits cast into the deeper run.
🐟 Three-bearded Rockling 4/10
🎯 Tip: Dusk/night in kelpy holes. Small rag or squid slivers very close in; lift-and-drop to avoid snags.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 4/10
🎯 Tip: Evenings over mixed ground. Fish or squid baits on light grip leads; aim for sandy pockets between kelp to avoid snags.

Kingswear Castle Point Fishing

Summary

Kingswear Castle Point sits on the Kingswear side of the Dart estuary mouth, opposite Dartmouth Castle in South Devon. It’s a classic headland mark with fast tides, deep water close in and kelpy, boulder-strewn ground that holds wrasse, pollack and bass. Lures and floats excel in the clear water, with bigger fish possible after dark on natural baits.

Location and Access

This mark lies just south of Kingswear village, reached via the South West Coast Path that skirts around the castle. Access is straightforward along the main path, but getting down to productive ledges involves steep, uneven trods and occasional scrambles. Some ground around the castle itself is private—stick to signed public paths and do not enter the holiday property.

Seasons

This headland fishes best from late spring to autumn, with winter options in settled spells. Expect rough-ground species with predators working tide lines on the flood and ebb.

Methods

Fast-flowing seams and rough ground reward mobile lure work and careful bait presentation. Float fishing over kelp is deadly for wrasse and garfish when the water is clear.

Tides and Conditions

The tide races hard past the point; plan around manageable flows and short slack windows. Neaps are friendlier for bait, while springs can be superb for lures if you fish the edges of the run.

Safety

This is a committing rock mark with steep approaches, slippery kelp and very strong tidal movement. Treat swell forecasts and tide heights with respect, and never drop below safe exits on a rising sea.

Facilities

Facilities are centred on Kingswear village, a short walk from the mark. Dartmouth across the water has more options via the ferry.

Tips

This spot rewards stealth, light feet and a willingness to move with the tide. Travel light, fish the seams and don’t force bottom rigs into the heaviest kelp unless you accept losses.

Regulations

Kingswear Castle Point falls under the Devon & Severn IFCA district and Dartmouth Harbour byelaws. Shore angling is generally permitted from public access areas, but private land must be respected and harbour safety rules apply. Always verify the latest rules before your trip.