Sprey Point Fishing

Summary

Sprey Point is the rocky promontory on the sea wall between Teignmouth and Holcombe on Devon’s south coast. It juts into relatively deep water for this stretch, putting you over mixed ground that draws baitfish and predators. It’s a classic summer lure and float-fishing mark with year‑round potential for bottom species in the right conditions.

Location and Access

This mark sits on the coastal sea wall that parallels the mainline railway between Teignmouth and Dawlish. Access is on foot only along the public path on the wall; there is no vehicular access to the point itself.

• Approach from Teignmouth: walk north-east along the sea wall from the seafront/promenade; allow roughly 20–30 minutes at a steady pace.
• Approach from the Holcombe/Dawlish side: join the sea wall path at Holcombe beach (Smugglers Lane) or from Dawlish then head south; allow 15–25 minutes from Holcombe, 45–60 minutes from central Dawlish.
• Parking: use signed pay‑and‑display car parks in Teignmouth or Dawlish seafronts; on-street options are limited and time‑restricted. No parking near the point itself.
• Terrain: mostly flat concrete wall and ramps; Sprey Point is a rough, wave-washed rock/concrete spur with uneven footing and edges without railings.
• Important: Network Rail sometimes closes sections of the sea wall during storms, high seas, or engineering works. If gates are shut or signage indicates closure, do not proceed.

Seasons

This coast fishes best from late spring through early autumn, but there are winter options. Expect mixed ground species with summer pelagic visitors.

• Spring (Apr–May): bass, pollack, wrasse (ball/corkwing), plaice/dabs on nearby sand patches, launce; early garfish in mild years.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): mackerel, garfish, scad, bass, pollack, wrasse, pout, dogfish; chance of black bream on calmer, clear-water days.
• Autumn (Sep–Oct): bass at dusk/night, pollack, mackerel/scad runs, garfish, wrasse (tailing off late), conger after dark.
• Winter (Nov–Feb): whiting, pout, dogfish, conger; odd codling in a blow (uncommon), school bass on coloured seas.
• Occasional: gurnard, small rays on sandy seams, herring in cold snaps near dawn/dusk.

Methods

Sprey Point rewards mobile lure work in clear, settled seas and simple bottom tactics when there’s colour or after dark.

• Lures: metals (20–40 g), slim surface/sub-surface hard lures for bass at dawn/dusk, and weighted soft plastics for pollack along the drop-offs. Size down and work methodically along the edges.
• Float fishing: long-trace floats with mackerel strip or prawn for garfish and mackerel; ragworm or prawn for wrasse and breamy by-catch. Set depth 8–15 ft and adjust to find the layer.
• Bottom fishing: 2‑hook flapper (size 1–2) with ragworm, squid strip, or mackerel for mixed species; pulley/pulley‑dropper (3/0–5/0) with squid/mackerel cocktail or crab for bass/conger.
• Night tactics: scaled-down scratching rigs for pout/whiting; bigger baits hard on the bottom for conger/bass. Keep traces abrasion‑resistant (50–60 lb snoods for eels).
• Feathering: small hokkai/sabiki sets work for mackerel/scad—cast uptide and work them with a steady lift—avoid crowded times and be mindful of other path users.
• Tackle notes: 9–10 ft lure rods cover most daytime work; 11–12 ft beach/estuary rods (3–4 oz) suffice for bottom fishing without needing extreme casting. Use 30–50 lb leaders to cope with rough ground.

Tides and Conditions

The point fishes on most stages but is noticeably better with water under your feet and some movement. Safety takes priority in any swell.

• Tide: mid-flood to the first of the ebb is reliable; two hours either side of high often the peak for mackerel/garfish and bass on lures.
• Sea state: clear, settled seas suit lures and float; a slight chop and light colour can switch on bass. Avoid big onshore swells—the wall overtops here.
• Wind: offshore or light cross-shores are comfortable; strong southerlies/south-westerlies make it dangerous and commonly trigger path closures.
• Light levels: dawn and dusk are prime for bass and pollack; after dark brings pout, conger, and whiting. Daytime summer sun still produces garfish and mackerel.
• Seasonality: May–October is the headline window; winter sport possible but more weather‑dependent and generally scratchier.

Safety

This is an exposed, wave‑washed rock spur with a sheer drop to water and the railway immediately landward. Treat it with the same respect you would a low rock mark.

• Obey all Network Rail path closures, red lights, and signage—sections are shut during storms and engineering works. Do not trespass on railway property.
• The point can be overtopped by waves on spring tides and in any swell; if water is hitting the wall, don’t go out onto the spur.
• Footing is uneven and can be slimy—wear grippy boots; cleats/studs help. Consider a lifejacket, especially if fishing alone or at night.
• No railings at the edge; keep bags well back, use a headtorch after dark, and avoid fishing in heavy rain/swell when spray reduces visibility.
• Rockfall risk exists along the red sandstone cliffs near the wall—don’t linger beneath unstable faces.
• Not suitable for wheelchair users; there are long walks and occasional steps/ramps. Emergency access is limited—carry a charged phone and fish with a partner when possible.

Facilities

There are no facilities at the point itself; plan to be self‑sufficient for the walk-in and session.

• Toilets: available on Teignmouth and Dawlish seafronts during daytime hours; none on the sea wall between.
• Food/drink: cafés, pubs, and shops in both towns; seasonal kiosks on the promenades.
• Tackle/bait: angling shops in Teignmouth and Dawlish typically carry fresh/frozen bait—check opening hours in advance, especially Sundays.
• Mobile signal: generally good on the wall but can dip briefly near cuttings and tunnels.
• Lighting: none on the point—bring a reliable headtorch and spare batteries.

Tips

Sprey Point fishes like a small headland: work the seams, eddies, and depth changes rather than just casting straight out.

• Walk light: a lure sling or compact rucksack makes moving with the tide easier than lugging a box.
• Look for life: if sandeels or whitebait are tight to the wall, start with small metals or surface lures—predators patrol inches from the edge.
• Adjust float depth often: garfish sit high on flood in clear water; drop deeper as light fades for mackerel and scad.
• Use abrasion‑resistant traces: the bottom is mixed; 20–30 lb fluorocarbon for lures/float and 40–60 lb mono for eel traces saves fish and tackle.
• Landing fish: a compact drop net helps on higher states; avoid gaffs. Plan your landing spot before you hook up.
• Train awareness: the wall vibrates when trains pass; secure rods and keep kit away from the edge to prevent knocks into the water.
• After‑blow window: 24–48 hours after a moderate blow, as colour starts to drop out, can be excellent for bass close-in.

Regulations

There is no specific local bylaw that bans angling at Sprey Point, but public safety closures of the sea wall are enforced—if the path is closed, access to the mark is not permitted.

• Access rules: obey Network Rail closures, red warning lights, and any marshalled works—failure to comply can result in enforcement action.
• Bass: recreational bass regulations in the English Channel area typically include a minimum size of 42 cm and a restricted retention season/bag limit. These can change—check current MMO/DEFRA guidance before your trip.
• Minimum sizes/bag limits: follow national and Devon & Severn IFCA rules for all species; return undersized fish promptly.
• Bait collection: some local foreshores have restrictions on digging/collecting—consult Devon & Severn IFCA and local council notices if you intend to gather bait.
• Protected species: handle shad, tope, and any egg‑bearing crustaceans with care and release immediately if captured.
• General: no fishing from or within railway property; do not block escape routes on the sea wall; keep the path clear for other users and emergency access.