Rillage Point Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Rillage Point Fishing Map

Exposed rocky headland east of Ilfracombe/Hele Bay with deep water close in over kelp, ledges and mixed rough ground. Strong tidal run around the point; best on neaps or the last couple of hours of the flood and first of the ebb. Summer–autumn suit lures and float fishing for pelagics and pollack; bait in the gullies finds wrasse and pouting. After dark produces conger and huss; winter can see whiting with the odd coalfish/codling. Access via the South West Coast Path from Hele Bay with a steep, uneven descent to ledges. Very exposed to swell and slippery weed—avoid big seas and wear appropriate safety gear.

Ratings

⭐ 6.7/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 7/10
Safety 3/10
Accessibility 5/10

Fish You Can Catch at Rillage Point

🐟 Pollack 9/10
🎯 Tip: Work soft plastics or metals along kelp-lined gullies on the flood; dawn or dusk best. Cast parallel to the rock face into the tide run.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 8/10
🎯 Tip: Crab or prawn baits under a float or lightly ledgered into rough ground; fish the flooding tide in summer-autumn. Keep tight to kelp edges.
🐟 Pouting 7/10
🎯 Tip: Small strips of mackerel or squid on size 2-1 hooks, 2-hook paternoster; fish at night close to the ledges over rough ground, best on the flood.
🐟 Mackerel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer shoals hit the tide rips; feather or spin small metals. Dusk on a rising tide gives flurries; stay mobile along the point.
🐟 Conger Eel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Big fish baits dropped into deep holes at night on strong gear; first of the flood into high water is most productive. Expect snags.
🐟 Bass 6/10
🎯 Tip: Surface lures or soft shads in white water around the point on a rising tide at dawn or dusk; or peeler crab in gullies after a blow.
🐟 Bull Huss 6/10
🎯 Tip: Whole squid or mackerel fillets on pulley rigs; cast into rough ground after dark. Fish the flooding tide; use heavy leaders.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: Ragworm or small crab on size 4-2 hooks under a float tight to weed beds; fish mid to high on the flood in settled seas.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 5/10
🎯 Tip: Small sabikis or size 6 hooks with mackerel strip under a light; late summer nights on the flood, retrieve slowly through mid-water.
🐟 Garfish 5/10
🎯 Tip: Float thin mackerel strips or small sandeels set shallow over the tide run; late spring to autumn, best in clear water on the flood.

Rillage Point Fishing

Summary

Rillage Point is the rugged headland on the eastern side of Ilfracombe, flanking Hele Bay on North Devon’s Atlantic coast. It’s a classic rock mark with deep kelpy gullies, fast tide run, and clear water windows that draw in pollack, wrasse, bass, and summer pelagics. For experienced rock anglers it offers superb sport, especially at dawn, dusk and into darkness.

Location and Access

Rillage Point sits between Hele Bay and Samson’s Bay, reached via the South West Coast Path from Ilfracombe or Hele. The approach is scenic but the final steps to fishable ledges involve steep, uneven ground and occasional scrambles.

Seasons

This headland fishes across the seasons with classic North Devon rough-ground species. Clear water and tide movement are key.

Methods

Rillage Point rewards mobile lure work in clear water and stout bottom tactics after dark. Fish the water in layers and be ready to adapt to the tide.

Tides and Conditions

Being a tide-swept headland in the Bristol Channel, movement is pronounced and colour can change quickly after weather. Plan sessions around manageable flow and safe swell.

Safety

This is an exposed rock mark with steep, uneven approaches and wave hazard. It is unsuitable for inexperienced anglers or anyone with limited mobility.

Facilities

You’re close to Ilfracombe and Hele Bay, so amenities are within a short drive or a decent walk. There’s nothing on the point itself.

Tips

Local anglers treat Rillage as a mobile, read-the-water venue—if a ledge isn’t producing, move. Keep your kit lean and your approach stealthy.

Regulations

Rillage Point lies within the Devon and Severn IFCA district and close to designated conservation areas along the North Devon coast. Shore angling is permitted, but you must comply with national and local rules.