Summary
Man Sands is a quiet shingle and sand cove on the South Devon coast between Brixham and Kingswear. Sheltered by rocky headlands with a wildlife-rich wetland behind, it rewards patient anglers with bass, summer baitfish, and mixed-ground species in a scenic, secluded setting.
Location and Access
Reaching Man Sands takes a little effort, which helps keep it uncrowded. It sits on the coast path south of Brixham; access is via narrow country lanes to a National Trust car park and then a steep valley path down to the beach.
- Approach from Brixham or Kingswear via single-track lanes signed for Man Sands; allow extra time for passing places.
- Park at the National Trust Man Sands car park on the hill above the bay; limited spaces and no overnight camping.
- Expect a 10–20 minute walk down (and a stiffer climb back up) on an uneven, sometimes muddy track. Good footwear is essential.
- The beach is predominantly shingle with sand patches; rocky ground and kelp beds fringe both ends beneath the headlands.
- No lighting and minimal waymarking after dark; bring a headtorch and spare batteries.
- If using sat nav, search for Man Sands National Trust car park rather than relying on a postcode.
Seasons
A mixed-ground venue that fishes differently through the year. Expect bass and summer baitfish in settled weather, with traditional winter species after dark.
- Spring:
- School bass around the surf line and stream outflow.
- Wrasse from the rocky margins on clearer days.
- Early smoothhound during late spring if crabs are active.
- Summer:
- Bass (dawn and dusk in light surf).
- Mackerel and garfish on calm, clear days; scad after dark.
- Pollack from the headland edges, especially at dusk.
- Wrasse tight to rock and kelp.
- Occasional small-eyed or spotted ray on clean patches at night.
- Odd gilthead bream possible in warm, settled spells.
- Autumn:
- Peak bass fishing with bait or lures in coloured water.
- Scad and mackerel linger; conger from rough ground after dark.
- Rays continue on neap tides and settled seas.
- Winter:
- Whiting, pouting and dogfish on night tides.
- Flounder near the stream mouth in calm conditions.
- Bull huss from rougher corners; codling are rare but not impossible in prolonged northerlies.
Methods
Man Sands rewards flexible tactics. The central shingle fishes like a modest surf beach; the ends are classic rough-ground spots for wrasse and pollack.
- Bottom fishing on the central beach:
- Pulley or pulley–dropper rigs with 1/0–3/0 hooks; include a weak link if casting toward rough patches.
- Baits: lug and rag for general catches; peeler or hard crab for bass and hounds; sandeel or squid/sandeel cocktail for rays; mackerel strip for whiting and scad.
- Night sessions often outfish daylight for rays, huss, and whiting.
- Lure fishing:
- Surface walkers, shallow-diving minnows and weedless soft plastics for bass at first and last light.
- Slim metals and small jigs for mackerel and scad when shoals show.
- Soft plastics or small paddle tails for pollack along the headland seams.
- Float fishing from rocky edges:
- Rag, prawn or crab for wrasse; strips of mackerel or sandeel for gar and mackerel.
- Keep rigs shallow over kelp and adjust depth frequently.
- Tackle notes:
- A 10–12 ft lure rod covers roaming work; a 12–13 ft surf rod (4–6 oz lead) handles bottom fishing.
- Use abrasion-resistant leaders and rig tubing when fishing near kelp and rock.
- Bait elastic helps withstand crab activity; clip-down rigs improve range in onshore breezes.
Tides and Conditions
Tide state, swell direction and water clarity dictate results here. Time your sessions to coincide with moving water and a manageable sea.
- Best tide windows:
- Flood tide into high and the first of the ebb are productive on the beach.
- Neaps make presentation easier for rays and huss; springs push a strong lateral run.
- Sea and wind:
- A moderating west or southwest sea with some colour is prime for bass.
- Clear, calm days suit mackerel, gar and lure fishing along the headlands.
- Persistent easterlies flatten the surf; switch to wrasse, pollack and scratching tactics.
- Time of day and season:
- Dawn and dusk are the standout windows for bass and pollack.
- After-dark sessions excel for rays, huss, whiting and conger.
- Reading the beach:
- Target the colour change where the stream outflow meets the sea.
- Look for gentler troughs between shingle bars after blowy spells; these funnel fish along the beach.
Safety
This is a wild, unlifeguarded beach with shingle, dumpy shore break and slippery rocks. Plan conservatively and wear appropriate gear.
- Steep, uneven path to the beach; not suitable for those with limited mobility.
- Shingle shelves can create strong undertow and sudden dumpers, especially on onshore winds.
- Rocks and kelp at either end are slippery; swell wraps around the headlands and can catch you off guard.
- Avoid being cut off on ledges; keep an eye on the flood, particularly when exploring rocky margins.
- The wetland behind the beach is a sensitive habitat; stick to paths and avoid disturbing birds.
- Livestock may be present in valley fields; keep dogs on leads where signed.
- Phone signal can be patchy in the valley; tell someone your plan.
- A headtorch, cleated footwear and a personal flotation device are strongly recommended for rock or night fishing.
Facilities
Man Sands is intentionally undeveloped; bring what you need and pack everything out.
- No toilets, bins, water or lighting at the beach or car park.
- Nearest public toilets, cafés and shops are in Brixham; basic amenities also in Kingswear.
- Tackle and bait: several shops in Brixham and Paignton; buy bait before you set out.
- Mobile reception is variable; generally better on higher ground near the car park.
- No lifeguards, no slipway and no vehicle access to the beach.
Tips
Little venue quirks make a big difference here. Travel light, move often and fish the features.
- Work the stream outflow at dusk with crab or a white soft plastic for bass.
- If crabs are rampant, switch to tougher baits (squid wraps, sandeel) and use bait elastic; check baits frequently.
- On calm evenings, fish a small metal or casting jig high in the water for scad once it gets properly dark.
- For rays, aim for clean sand tongues between kelp beds; a gentle lob often outperforms a long chuck.
- Float-fish prawn for wrasse along the kelp lines; keep moving to locate active fish.
- Bird activity over the bay frequently signals mackerel pushing bait tight to shore.
- The walk back is steep; pack a headtorch and keep loads minimal.
- Respect National Trust signage, livestock and wildlife; leave no trace.
Regulations
Man Sands is under Devon and Severn IFCA jurisdiction and general UK recreational sea fishing rules. Regulations change, so check the latest official sources before your trip.
- Minimum sizes and daily limits: observe current UK and IFCA minimum conservation reference sizes for all species; measure and return undersized fish promptly.
- European seabass: bag limits and open seasons are reviewed periodically; confirm the current bag limit and any seasonal restrictions before retaining bass.
- Tope: it is illegal to retain rod-caught tope; release carefully.
- Spurdog and undulate ray: subject to strict protections or advisories; best practice is catch-and-release.
- Wrasse: no angling ban, but sustainable handling is encouraged; promptly return larger breeders.
- Bait collection: follow local byelaws; do not dig or disturb sensitive habitats around the wetland or dunes.
- General: no fires or camping on the beach; respect National Trust rules, private land, and any seasonal wildlife restrictions.
