Saltern Cove Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Saltern Cove Fishing Map

A small, scenic SSSI cove of rough, rocky ground and kelp gullies between Goodrington and Broadsands. There are a few firm ledges with moderate depth at high water and pockets of sand between reefs. It fishes best on a flooding tide into dusk in calm to slight seas. Expect prolific wrasse and other rough-ground species in summer, with mackerel/garfish and night-time scad runs; winter brings more pout and rocklings. Access is via the South West Coast Path from Goodrington South; the final descent is steep with uneven steps/scramble. Rocks can be very slippery with weed and some lower ledges can be cut off on bigger tides.

Ratings

⭐ 7/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 6/10

Fish You Can Catch at Saltern Cove

🐟 Pollack 8/10
🎯 Tip: Dawn/dusk on a rising tide; work 10–30g metals or weedless soft plastics along kelp edges. Keep lures mid-water to avoid snags.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 8/10
🎯 Tip: Crab or hardback baits on size 2–1/0; fish kelp-filled gullies on the flood in summer–autumn. Use a rotten-bottom to beat snags.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: After a bit of swell over boulders; plugs or soft plastics in gutters on a flooding spring. Low light or dusk best.
🐟 Mackerel 7/10
🎯 Tip: June–Sept; spin metals or use small feathers from deeper points on an evening flood. A drop net helps landing.
🐟 Pouting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Dusk into dark; small strips of mackerel/squid on size 2–4 close to kelp. Simple running ledger tight to rock.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Night on the flood; small fish/squid baits on 2/0 over mixed ground. Expect steady bites; use rotten-bottom to minimise losses.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: Size 6–8 hooks with rag/shrimp; drop into kelp pockets on the flood in summer. Keep tackle light but abrasion-resistant.
🐟 Conger Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: After dark; big mackerel/squid baits lowered tight to rock holes. Heavy gear and rotten-bottom; slack to first of flood.
🐟 Garfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Clear, calm evenings; float-fish slivers of mackerel/sandeel set 1–3 m deep over the reef on a rising tide.
🐟 Bull Huss 5/10
🎯 Tip: Night over rough ground; big fish baits on strong mono or wire with a rotten-bottom. Neaps or slack water help control snags.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 5/10
🎯 Tip: Aug–Oct after dark; small sabikis or 1–2 g metals under a headlamp glow from the points on a steady flood.
🐟 Goldsinny Wrasse 5/10
🎯 Tip: Size 6–8 hooks, rag/small crab; lower into tight kelp holes on the flood in summer. Lift bites quickly from snags.

Saltern Cove Fishing

Summary

Saltern Cove sits between Goodrington and Broadsands on the Paignton stretch of the English Riviera, backed by low cliffs and flanked by kelp-fringed reefs. It’s a classic South Devon rough-ground mark that rewards careful presentation with wrasse, pollack, bass and summer visitors in beautifully clear water. Anglers come for the intimate scale, snorkel-clear visibility in settled weather, and reliably fishy gullies at short range.

Location and Access

Set within the Torbay coastline, Saltern Cove is reached on foot via the South West Coast Path from either Goodrington or Broadsands. Expect a pleasant walk and a short, steep descent to the cove; the fishing is from rock platforms and the small shingle beach at lower states of tide.

Seasons

This is a rough-ground, kelp and reef habitat that fishes best from late spring through early autumn, with winter options after dark. Expect wrasse and pollack in clear water, with bass and pelagic visitors in the warmer months.

Methods

Rough ground and clear water call for tidy rigs, abrasion-resistant leaders and presentations that can be fished tight to kelp edges. Travel light and cover ground to find feeding fish.

Tides and Conditions

Depth is limited at low water, so think ‘flood and high’ for most styles. The cove excels in settled, clear conditions for sighty species; a touch of colour can switch on the bass.

Safety

This is a natural, rocky venue with steep access and no lighting. Plan your session around the tide, wear the right footwear, and keep an eye on swell and cliff stability.

Facilities

You’re close to Torbay amenities but the cove itself is wild. Treat it as a self-sufficient rock mark, then enjoy facilities back at the beaches.

Tips

Saltern fishes ‘small and precise’: present cleanly in the right gully and you’ll get bites. Think stealth, movement and tight control rather than static camping.

Regulations

Saltern Cove sits within the Torbay Marine Conservation Zone and the Saltern Cove Site of Special Scientific Interest. Shore angling is generally permitted, but additional protections apply to habitats and certain species—always follow posted notices and current byelaws.