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Devon

Rockham Bay

6.9 · Rocks · Devon

A sheltered rocky cove between Morte Point and Bull Point near Mortehoe. Kelp-lined ledges, boulder ground and sand patches provide classic North Devon rough-ground fishing. Best on a flooding tide through mid to high, with a light westerly or calm seas. Float-fished worm or crab and soft-plastic lures work around the kelp for wrasse and pollack; small baits produce mini-species in the gullies. Night sessions can turn up conger and occasional huss. Hazards include Atlantic swell, slippery weeded rock, and cut-off risk around the ledges—fish with care and avoid big seas.

Should you fish Rockham Bay?

53 Fair

Today · Best window

Best window: 06:00-09:00 around the rising tide

Most likely species: Ballan Wrasse and Rock Goby

Fair conditions. Best around 06:00-09:00 around the rising tide. Good chance of Ballan Wrasse and Rock Goby.

NW 5 mph Rain 19% High tide 11:39

Fishable, but pick your timing carefully.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Rockham Bay — 7-day forecast

Scores and best windows are weighted for .

Met Office Met Office · Open-Meteo

Where the data comes from. Weather and sea-state readings come from the Met Office and Open-Meteo forecast models, refreshed several times a day. High and low water are taken from tide-station predictions for this stretch of coast.

How the score works. Each window is scored 0–100 from the signals that most reliably move fish inshore: tide movement (a running tide carries food, so the last of the flood and first of the ebb are usually the prime spells), wind speed and direction (onshore wind stirs food into the surf — up to the point it makes fishing hard), sea state (a little wave and swell movement helps, heavy swell hurts), and weather — rain, temperature and light. Behind the headline number we score bite opportunity and comfort separately, and run a separate safety check on wind and swell. The size of the tide counts too: spring tides move more water than neaps, so the tidal range for this stretch of coast is weighed alongside the tide's direction, your target species and this mark — and unusually big springs strengthen the safety check, because the water rises faster and covers more ground.

Your target species counts. Pick a species below and the score also weights what we know about it — its season, preferred sea temperature, tide stage and sea state, and whether it feeds by day or night.

The rating is guidance, not a guarantee — conditions change fast on the coast, so always judge the sea in front of you before you fish.

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· windows & tide

Spring vs neap tides. Spring tides have a larger difference between high and low water, so more water moves on each tide — usually stronger flow that stirs up food and gets fish feeding. Neap tides have a smaller range and generally gentler movement. The range here is compared with what is normal for this stretch of coast, and the cycle swings between springs and neaps roughly every week, following the moon.

Big spring tides: the water rises faster and covers more ground than usual — double-check access routes and cut-off points before you fish.

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Rockham Bay is a sheltered but serious rough-ground cove where the best fishing usually comes from moving with the flood across kelp gullies, boulder ground and sand–reef edges. It suits short, tactical sessions rather than sitting on one rod rest. Bass, wrasse and pollack are the main daytime targets, with mini-species in the gullies and huss, conger, dogfish and pouting possible after dark when the sea is settled.

  • Know when to work the flood instead of waiting for high water
  • Pick the safer ledges and gullies before the tide traps you
  • Target bass, wrasse and pollack with the right water clarity
  • Use short, snag-aware rigs built for Rockham’s kelp ground
  • Know when Rockham is better left alone in N–NW swell

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Woolacombe 1.4 mi Georgeham 4.0 mi Ilfracombe 4.3 mi Croyde 4.4 mi Chambercombe 4.4 mi

Explore nearby towns: Woolacombe · Georgeham · Ilfracombe · Croyde · Chambercombe

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Forecast tuning currently supports Bass and Mackerel — more species are on the way.

Overall rating

6.9 /10

Blend of catch potential, access, safety, and overall experience.

Category scores

Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 5/10

Ballan Wrasse 8/10
Tip: Crab or rag dropped into kelp gullies on the flooding tide; best Apr–Oct. Use strong tackle and short casts to avoid snags.
Rock Goby 8/10
Tip: LRF with tiny rag or isome in rock pools and gullies from mid to high tide; very reliable in summer. Size 12–16 hooks.
Bass 7/10
Tip: Surface or soft plastics at dawn/dusk along surfy edges and gullies on a rising tide; peeler in rougher seas. Autumn springs best.
Pollack 7/10
Tip: Work soft plastics or small metals over kelp from mid-flood to dusk; keep lures high to dodge snags.
Mackerel 7/10
Tip: Summer shoals in clear, calm water; spin small metals or feather from rocky points on the flood. Avoid big swell.
Shanny 7/10
Tip: LRF with tiny baits in holes and under ledges around mid tide; easy summer mini-species. Barbless small hooks help release.
Pouting 6/10
Tip: Small hooks with worm or fish baits after dark over rough ground; bites from mid-flood onward. Keep rigs short.
Lesser Spotted Dogfish 6/10
Tip: Night ledger with fish/squid on mixed ground; short casts into sandy patches between kelp on a flooding tide.
Tompot Blenny 6/10
Tip: LRF in crevices at mid–high tide with tiny worm or prawn; keep gear light and maintain contact.
Garfish 6/10
Tip: Float small strip or micro metals mid-water on calm summer evenings, best on the flood with clear water.
Bull Huss 5/10
Tip: Big fish or crab baits at night into rough ground on the flood; heavy abrasion-resistant traces needed.
Conger Eel 5/10
Tip: After dark, drop large fish baits into holes around high water; 80 lb mono trace and strong rods to winch from kelp.

Local knowledge

Rockham Bay fishing guide

Practical access, seasons, methods, tides, safety and facilities for this mark.

Rockham Bay sits below Mortehoe on North Devon’s wild Atlantic coast, a sandy pocket cove flanked by kelp-fringed rock ledges and gullies. It’s a scenic, mixed-ground mark that rewards mobile anglers with bass, wrasse and pollack by day, and huss or conger after dark when the sea is behaving.

Rockham is reached on foot via a signed National Trust path from Mortehoe village, with a steep staircase down to the beach. The approach is straightforward in fair weather but the final descent and ledges are uneven and can be slippery.

  • Parking: Pay-and-display in Mortehoe (approx postcode EX34 7DT); National Trust and village car parks are a short walk from the footpath.
  • Walk-in: 15–25 minutes each way on a well-used coast path; allow time for the return climb. Travel light.
  • Descent: A steep flight of steps to the sand; after storms these steps can be temporarily closed or repaired—check National Trust notices locally before committing.
  • Terrain: Mixed sand, boulders and kelp gullies at low tide, with fishable rock ledges on both sides of the cove. The west side trends towards Morte Point; the east side towards Bull Point.
  • Access timing: Arrive around low to mid-tide to choose safe ledges and plan exit routes as the flood encroaches.

Rockham’s mix of reef and sand produces variety through the seasons. Summer and autumn are the most consistent, with opportunist sessions in winter after blows.

  • Spring (Apr–May): Schoolie to mid-size bass on lures and crab baits; wrasse activity starts as water warms; pollack on clearer days.
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Ballan wrasse, corkwing wrasse; pollack; mackerel, garfish and scad on calmer evenings; bass on a push of tide; lesser-spotted dogfish common; bull huss after dark.
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov): Best chance of larger bass in a dropping sea; pollack peak; scad into October; bull huss and conger on big baits at night.
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Generally quiet; dogfish and the odd whiting; occasional codling or coalfish after strong northerly blows; bass possible in rough, coloured water when conditions allow but pick windows carefully.

Both lure and bait tactics work, dictated by tide height, swell and water clarity. Expect heavy, snaggy ground—use abrasion-resistant leaders and weak-link (rotten-bottom) systems for leads.

  • Bass on lures: Surface walkers and shallow divers at dawn/dusk over the reef; weedless soft plastics (10–20 g) ticked through kelp tongues on the flood.
  • Bass on baits: Pulley or pulley-pennel with a weak lead link; peeler crab, sandeel, squid/mackerel cocktail. Cast to sand–reef edges or into gullies on the first half of the flood.
  • Wrasse: Float-fished hard crab or rag/lug over boulders; or short pulley/ledger with 30–40 lb trace, 2/0–3/0 hooks. Strike and turn fish hard to keep them out of kelp; quick unhook and release.
  • Pollack: Weedless soft plastics, slim metal jigs or shallow plugs worked along the outer ledges; also effective under a float with sandeel strip at dusk.
  • Night species: Bull huss and conger on big mackerel/squid baits, 4/0–6/0 strong hooks, 80 lb mono rubbing leader (wire not required for huss). Drop baits into deeper gutters and gully mouths.
  • Mackerel/gar/scad: Small sabikis with a 1–2 oz lead or light metals; keep clear of ledge edges and waves when spinning.
  • Tackle notes: Lure rod 9–10 ft, 10–30 g; bass rod 10–11 ft, 2–4 oz; heavier beachcaster if baiting into rough ground. 20–30 lb braid with 40–60 lb leader; always fit a rotten-bottom lead link.

Tide shape and swell direction are crucial here. A gentle to moderate swell with some colour on a flooding tide is prime for bass; clearer, settled days favour wrasse and pollack.

  • Tide state: Two hours either side of low for accessing gullies/ledges; first half of the flood is often best for bass as water creeps over new ground.
  • Springs vs neaps: Springs open more ground at low but flood faster—higher cut-off risk; neaps give easier presentation but shorter feeding windows.
  • Wind/swell: Often fishable in light–moderate SW/W winds due to partial shelter; exposed to N–NW swells which can rebound dangerously—avoid big northerlies.
  • Water clarity: A slight peat/kelp stain benefits bass; go for clear water for wrasse/pollack presentations.
  • Time of day: Dawn and dusk are the key bite windows; after dark for huss and conger in settled seas.

This is a serious rock venue with steep access, slippery kelp and powerful tides. Plan conservatively and treat swell and cut-off hazards with respect.

  • Personal safety: Wear a modern inflatable lifejacket, cleated or studded boots, and carry a headtorch plus spare light; consider a helmet on rough, weedy ground.
  • Cut-off risk: Identify exit routes before you start; don’t drop onto low ledges you can’t climb off as the tide floods.
  • Swell: Rebounding waves are common—keep back from the edge, especially with northerly swell. If in doubt, don’t go out.
  • Ground: Very slippery kelp/barnacles; use a wading staff for balance and avoid fishing directly beneath unstable cliffs (rockfall risk).
  • Steps: The final staircase is steep and can be closed after storm damage—check current access on National Trust notices locally. Extra care in darkness/wet weather.
  • Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility. Keep dogs on a lead near cliffs/livestock.
  • Emergencies: Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard; state “Rockham Bay, near Mortehoe, North Devon.”

There are no facilities on the beach or rocks, and no lighting—plan to be self-sufficient. Pack out all litter.

  • Parking: Pay-and-display in Mortehoe village (approx EX34 7DT); limited on-road options in peak season.
  • Toilets: Public toilets in Mortehoe (seasonal opening). None at the beach.
  • Food/drink: Pubs and cafés in Mortehoe; wider options in Woolacombe.
  • Tackle/bait: Dedicated tackle shops in Ilfracombe; pre-order fresh worm/sandeel where possible. Basic frozen bait is sometimes available in Woolacombe convenience stores.
  • Mobile signal: Patchy to poor down in the cove; generally better on the clifftop.
  • Lifeguards: None at Rockham; do not confuse with lifeguarded Woolacombe beach.

A mobile, stealthy approach outfishes sitting tight. Think short sessions that track the flood across new ground.

  • Leapfrog the flood: Fish a ledge or gully for 15–20 minutes, then move with the rising water to fresh ground.
  • Lure nuance: Weedless soft plastics dragged then paused across kelp tongues often draw savage bass hits.
  • Dropping sea: 24–48 hours after a blow, with residual colour and a manageable swell, is classic bass time here.
  • Float wrasse: Set the stop so the bait rides just off bottom; a few prawn scraps fed by hand can hold garfish in front of you on calm evenings.
  • Snag management: Use weak links on leads and change retrieve angle to free gear—yanking straight back just wedges tackle deeper. Carry plenty of spare leads.
  • Landing fish: Pick lower, safer ledges at the outset; a long-handled net beats a gaff. If you can’t land it safely, don’t hook it there.
  • Wildlife: Grey seals regularly work the bay—if one appears near you, move spots to avoid spooking fish and stressing the animal.
  • Clean gear: Rinse and dry kit between venues to reduce spread of marine invasives; don’t transfer live bait between catchments.

Rockham Bay lies on National Trust coastline within the Devon & Severn IFCA district and close to/within the Bideford to Foreland Point Marine Conservation Zone. Shore angling by rod and line is permitted. Always check the latest official sources before you fish.

  • Sea bass (recreational): In 2024, the limit is 2 fish per angler per day at a minimum of 42 cm, permitted 1 March–30 November; catch-and-release only outside those dates. Regulations are reviewed annually—confirm current rules via MMO/DEFRA before retaining any bass.
  • MCZ/SSSI context: Hook-and-line angling is generally allowed; avoid disturbing intertidal habitats, nesting birds and seals. Do not move boulders or damage reef features.
  • Other species: No national recreational bag limit for mackerel in England (take only what you need). Consider voluntary catch-and-release for wrasse to protect local stocks.
  • National Trust: Respect signage; no fires or camping; keep to marked paths and take litter home.
  • Protected/large fish: Release tope, shad and unusually large conger or huss in good condition.
  • Bait collection: Follow local byelaws for bait digging/collecting; avoid digging on sensitive reefs and only where it is permitted.
  • General: Observe size limits where applicable, use a measure, and be mindful that some local byelaws can change seasonally.