Mothercombe Beach Fishing

Last updated: 5 days ago

Mothercombe Beach Fishing Map

A scenic sandy beach at the mouth of the River Erme with rocky fringes on both sides. The estuary channels, surf lines and adjacent rocks offer varied fishing through the seasons. Expect fast tidal movement near the mouth, soft sand underfoot and big sandbars; time sessions around the flooding tide for best results. Estate parking nearby (check opening/tide times).

Ratings

⭐ 6.9/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 6/10
Accessibility 6/10

Fish You Can Catch at Mothercombe Beach

🐟 Bass 9/10
🎯 Tip: Prime in surf by the Erme mouth on a flooding tide at dawn/dusk. Shallow divers, soft plastics or sandeel/peeler. Beware strong currents and soft sands.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 7/10
🎯 Tip: Reliable after dark over clean sand; squid or mackerel strips. Cast 60–90 m. Best mid to last of the flood.
🐟 Starry Smoothhound 7/10
🎯 Tip: Late May–Sep; peeler crab on clean patches and channel edges. Best 2 hrs either side of high on a gentle swell. Use strong snoods and circles.
🐟 Flounder 6/10
🎯 Tip: Autumn–winter in the channel; lug/rag or soft crab on size 2 flappers. Cast uptide and let it sit. Neap tides help presentation.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 6/10
🎯 Tip: In the river mouth on the flood; bread flake or small rag under a float. Stealth and light gear. Best on clear neaps.
🐟 Golden-grey Mullet 6/10
🎯 Tip: Summer over surf tables; small rag/Isome or tiny fish strips on size 8s, or bread under a float. Clear, calm evenings—keep mobile to find shoals.
🐟 Pollack 5/10
🎯 Tip: Work metals or weedless soft plastics along rocky points at dusk on a flooding tide; keep lures high to avoid kelp.
🐟 Whiting 5/10
🎯 Tip: Late autumn–winter nights; small mackerel/squid strips at range on two-hook flappers. Best after dusk on the flood.
🐟 Dover Sole 5/10
🎯 Tip: Aug–Oct nights; short cast rag or crab to firmer sand at the channel edge. Slack water into first push often scores.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 5/10
🎯 Tip: From rocky ends either side; fish crab or weedless soft plastics tight to kelp. Daytime on the flood. Use abrasion-resistant leaders.
🐟 Plaice 4/10
🎯 Tip: Spring on clean sand; long casts with blinged rigs and worm/shellfish baits. Daylight on neap tides.
🐟 Garfish 4/10
🎯 Tip: May–Sep; float-fish small mackerel strips or use slim spinners over the flood in clear water along the surf line.

Mothercombe Beach Fishing

Summary

Mothecombe (often written Mothercombe) Beach sits at the mouth of the River Erme in South Hams, Devon, on the privately owned Flete Estate. It’s a sheltered, sandy bay flanked by rocky shoulders and a dynamic estuary channel — prime ground for surf bassing, estuary flounder and summer smoothies. Quiet, scenic and very tidal, it rewards mobile anglers who read the gullies and seams.

Location and Access

Access is straightforward but involves a short downhill walk to the sand. The beach is near Holbeton, with estate-managed parking above the bay and footpaths down to the water.

Seasons

The Erme mouth and adjacent surf produce a mix of estuarine and open coast species. Expect fast changes with tide and weather.

Methods

This is a venue where reading the water matters more than casting to the horizon. Adjust tactics to tide height, swell and water clarity.

Tides and Conditions

Tide state is critical at Mothecombe. The ground transforms from ankle-deep gutters to fast, filling channels within minutes.

Safety

This is a beautiful but highly tidal estuary mouth with shifting sands. Plan conservatively and wear appropriate safety gear.

Facilities

Expect minimal but welcome facilities, mostly seasonal. This is a rural estate beach with limited services.

Tips

Local patterns repeat: find the seams, stay mobile, and let the tide do the work.

Regulations

Angling is generally permitted at Mothecombe, but it sits within sensitive coastal designations and a privately managed estate. Always follow posted signs and current fishery rules.