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Devon

Scabbacombe Sands

6.5 · Beach · Devon

A secluded sand-and-shingle cove between Brixham and Kingswear with kelp-fringed rocks at both ends. Mixed ground offers float and lure fishing along the rocky margins and ledgering onto sandy patches from the beach. Best on a flooding tide into dusk; summer brings mackerel, scad and garfish, while wrasse and pollack are reliable around the rocks. A small stream can draw in thick-lipped mullet. Access is via a steep coast path (National Trust), so travel light and watch swell on the rock ledges.

Should you fish Scabbacombe Sands?

60 Fair

Today · Best window

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

Most likely species: Ballan Wrasse and Mackerel

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

W 3 mph Rain 4% High tide 11:47

Fishable, but pick your timing carefully.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Scabbacombe Sands — 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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Scabbacombe Sands is a quiet sand-and-shingle cove that rewards timing and mobility. The central sand is the main option for bass, dogfish, whiting and possible rays or huss, while the kelp-fringed rocks at both ends are the better hunting ground for wrasse, pollack, mackerel, garfish and scad. The strongest all-round plan is to fish the flooding tide into dusk, starting light and mobile, then switching to bottom baits on the sand as the light drops.

  • Know when to fish the sand and when to switch to the rocks
  • Time the flood so you are fishing the cove at its strongest
  • Pick the right Scabbacombe tactic for bass, wrasse or pollack
  • Avoid wasting effort on the ledges when swell makes them wrong
  • Use a simple backup plan before committing to the steep walk out

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Jump to towns around this mark for more marks and guides.

Kingswear 2.4 mi Dartmouth 2.9 mi Brixham 3.3 mi Dittisham 3.8 mi Stoke Fleming 4.3 mi

Explore nearby towns: Kingswear · Dartmouth · Brixham · Dittisham · Stoke Fleming

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

Overall rating

6.5 /10

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

Category scores

Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 5/10
Accessibility 4/10

Bass 8/10
Tip: Work lures or crab baits along surfy gutters on a flooding tide; best at dawn/dusk after a blow; short casts from the sand.
Ballan Wrasse 8/10
Tip: Fish crab or worm baits tight to kelp-covered rocks at either end; mid-tide up in summer-autumn; use strong gear and abrasion leaders.
Pollack 7/10
Tip: Cast soft plastics or metal jigs from the rocky points at dusk into dark; retrieve midwater; best on the flood.
Mackerel 7/10
Tip: Feathers or spinners from the points on clear summer evenings; follow the flood; stay mobile to find shoals.
Pouting 6/10
Tip: Small worm or fish baits into rough ground at dusk/night; short casts near the rocks; fish the flood to high.
Lesser Spotted Dogfish 6/10
Tip: Small fish or squid baits cast onto the clean sand at night; 1-2 hours either side of high water.
Scad (Horse Mackerel) 6/10
Tip: Tiny metals or sabikis tipped with mackerel at dusk/night in late summer-autumn; work midwater from the rocks.
Garfish 6/10
Tip: Float small slivers of mackerel or sandeel over weed lines on the flood in clear water; summer into early autumn.
Whiting 5/10
Tip: Night sessions in late autumn-winter; small fish or squid baits to the sand; best around high water on the flood.
Conger Eel 5/10
Tip: Big fish or squid baits lowered into rocky gullies at night; hold the rod; low to mid tide into the flood.

Local knowledge

Scabbacombe Sands fishing guide

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

Scabbacombe Sands is a secluded, south-coast cove between Brixham and Kingswear in South Devon, reached via the South West Coast Path. Clear water over sand with rocky flanks makes it a versatile mark for bass, rays, huss, wrasse and summer pelagics. It rewards the fit, patient angler with quiet sessions, light-tackle sport and quality night fishing.

Tucked between Sharkham Point and Man Sands, Scabbacombe is best approached via the National Trust car park at the end of Scabbacombe Lane near Hillhead. The final access is on foot: a steep countryside path and steps lead down to the beach, so travel light and plan your return in daylight if you can.

  • Parking: National Trust Scabbacombe Lane car park (limited spaces; free for NT members; narrow single-track approach with passing places)
  • Approach: 15–25 minute walk descending fields and woodland, with stiles/gates and uneven steps; allow extra time on the climb out
  • Terrain: Sandy beach with shingle at the back; rocky ledges at both ends (Scabbacombe Head and the western flank) for wrasse/pollack
  • Public transport: Bus to Hillhead/vicinity, then a lengthy walk on lanes and footpaths; not advised in the dark
  • Night access: Feasible, but paths are unlit—good headtorch, spare batteries and a slow pace are essential

This cove fishes differently by season, with sandy-bottom species in the middle and rock species off the flanks. Expect small stuff by day and better fish at dusk into darkness.

  • Spring: Bass, schoolies; plaice/flounder; dogfish; wrasse starting on the rocks; early smoothhound runs in late spring
  • Summer: Bass (dusk/surf); smoothhound; thornback ray; bull huss after dark; mackerel, scad and garfish; pollack and wrasse off the points; occasional gilt-head bream in settled, clear water
  • Autumn: Peak for bass and huss; thornback ray; mackerel/scad into October in warm years; sole on calm nights; codling are rare but possible in a blow
  • Winter: Whiting, pouting, dogfish; the odd huss; chance of a ray in mild spells; rock marks still give wrasse on milder days (catch-and-release recommended)
  • Occasional visitors: Undulate ray (uncommon here), squid on still, clear nights, red mullet on the sand in late summer/early autumn

Fish the sand for bass, rays and flatfish, and the rocks for wrasse and pollack. Clear water rewards finesse; a bit of colour invites bigger baits for predators.

  • Bottom fishing (sand): 2- or 3-hook flappers with size 2–1 hooks and rag/lug/small squid for plaice/sole/whiting; pulley or pulley dropper with 3/0–4/0 pennels and sandeel/squid/mackerel for rays and huss
  • Bass tactics: In surf, fish a running ledger with peeler crab or sandeel; in clear, calm water try shallow-running plugs or 10–20 g soft plastics along the gutters at first/last light
  • Smoothhound: Light pulley with strong 2/0–3/0 hooks and peeler crab; evening flood tides in late spring/summer
  • Lure fishing (rocks/points): 15–30 g metals for mackerel/scad; weedless soft plastics or small paddletails for pollack; hard lures at dawn/dusk
  • Float fishing: Rag or strips of mackerel for garfish/scad; set shallow (1–2 m) over the kelp edges
  • Wrasse: Simple running ledger or paternoster with size 2–1/0 and crab, prawn or worm baits; avoid stainless hooks and release larger fish
  • Tackle notes: Medium beach rod (4–6 oz) for bottom work on the sand; 8–9 ft lure rod (10–30 g) for the points; 15–20 lb mono or 20–30 lb braid leaders, 20–30 lb snoods for rays/huss

Like many South Devon coves, Scabbacombe fishes best on a pushing tide into dusk, with a modest onshore ripple. Too much swell can pin you back; gin-clear, flat seas call for finesse or lures.

  • Tide state: Flood tide is most productive; last 2 hours of the flood and first of the ebb are strong windows; neaps suit light rigs and flats, springs help bass in surf
  • Wind/swell: Onshore easterly to southeasterly raises surf and colour for bass; light northerlies or westerlies give clear water (good for lures/gar)
  • Water clarity: Very clear at times—use fluorocarbon leaders, smaller hooks and natural baits; add beads/attractors sparingly for plaice
  • Time of day: Dusk into dark for bass, huss and rays; early morning for lures and pelagics; avoid peak swimmer hours in high summer
  • Seasonality: May–October is prime for variety; winter is simpler species-wise but can produce a bonus ray or huss after milder blows

This is a wild, unlifeguarded beach with a steep access path and rocky margins. Treat it like a remote mark and plan conservatively.

  • Steep descent/ascent: Uneven steps, mud after rain and livestock fields—good boots essential; pack light for the climb out
  • Rocks and swell: Weed-slick ledges at either end become hazardous in swell; avoid being cut off by the flood on the points
  • Tidal awareness: The sandy centre is generally safe, but big springs reduce dry sand at high; set up clear of the swash zone
  • Night fishing: Strong headtorch, backup light, and a buddy recommended; pre-walk the route in daylight
  • PPE: Wear a PFD when fishing the rocky flanks; use a wading belt and cleated soles if stepping near kelp
  • Mobile signal: Patchy in the cove; tell someone your plan and timings
  • Access needs: Not suitable for those with limited mobility due to gradient, steps and distance

There are no on-beach amenities, which helps keep Scabbacombe quiet. Go self-sufficient and allow time for the walk back.

  • On-site: No toilets, water, bins or lighting; pack out all litter
  • Nearby: Seasonal facilities in Brixham and Dartmouth (toilets, food, fuel)
  • Tackle/bait: Tackle shops in Brixham, Paignton and Torquay for fresh/frozen bait; limited options in Dartmouth
  • Connectivity: Phone/data can be unreliable in the cove; better on higher ground near the car park

A little local knowledge goes a long way here—read the beach and adjust to the conditions.

  • Work the gutters: The central sand forms shallow bars and troughs—cast along or just beyond the near gutter for bass on a building sea
  • Keep mobile: If the sand is quiet, switch to the points with lures or float gear for pollack/gar/scad
  • Bait choice: Peeler crab is king in late spring/summer for bass/smoothhound; sandeel/squid cocktails pick out rays; small worm baits tempt plaice/sole
  • Tidy rigs: Use grip leads to hold on the flood; shorten snoods if crabs are relentless
  • Quiet times: Early mornings and weekdays see fewer swimmers and dogs in summer
  • Wildlife: Seals occasionally cruise the cove—if one appears, expect a temporary shutdown on the sand but try the rocks with lures
  • Beach culture: The cove can attract occasional naturists in settled weather—heads-up if you’re bringing family
  • Etiquette: Gates as found, dogs under control, and no fires/camping per National Trust guidance

Shore angling is permitted at Scabbacombe Sands. Always follow national and local bylaws, and check for updates before your trip.

  • Bass (recreational, England): As of 2024, 2 fish per angler per day, 42 cm minimum size, open season 1 March–30 November; catch-and-release only December–February (check for any annual changes)
  • Protected species: Return European eel, shad and all sharks/rays if you’re unsure of identification; consider catch-and-release for larger wrasse
  • Minimum sizes: National MLS apply for common species (e.g., cod, bass, mackerel); consult the latest MMO/IFCA size tables before retaining fish
  • Devon & Severn IFCA district: You’re within this IFCA—respect any local shellfish sizes/berried crab protections and nearshore netting restrictions
  • Marine designations: Nearby coastal SSSI/MCZ features protect habitats and birds; do not disturb cliff-nesting birds or seals and avoid scraping bait from living reef
  • Access rules: Land is managed by the National Trust—no fires, no camping, stick to marked paths, and take all litter home
  • General: Don’t interfere with pots or marker buoys; if fishing near the points, give climbers/walkers a wide berth and keep lines clear of the Coast Path
  • Licensing: No licence needed for sea angling, but you must have one to target migratory salmonids; release any salmon/sea trout accidentally caught