Torre Abbey Sands Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Torre Abbey Sands Fishing Map

A wide, gently shelving sandy beach on Torquay’s seafront with clean ground and easy access. Best fished on a flooding tide into dusk or after dark when swimmers have left; summer brings mackerel, garfish and bass to the surf line, while nights produce flatfish, sole and dogfish, with whiting more common in winter. Two-hook flappers and long-snood rigs with rag/lug excel for flats; small metals/feathers or float tactics work for the summer pelagics. Grip leads help in a swell. The rockier ends and gutters can hold bass; the open sand suits plaice/dabs/sole. Expect seasonal daytime restrictions for fishing in peak summer. Parking, public facilities and Torquay station are close by.

Ratings

⭐ 6.9/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 7/10
Accessibility 9/10

Fish You Can Catch at Torre Abbey Sands

🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 8/10
🎯 Tip: Best after dark over clean sand. Small fish baits or sandeel on 2-hook flappers; cast 20–60 m. Year-round, peak May–Oct.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Flooding tide with light surf or after a blow. Shallow lures or peeler/crab or mackerel head. Work gullies and the stream outflow at dawn/dusk.
🐟 Whiting 7/10
🎯 Tip: Winter nights on clean sand. Worm/squid or small fish baits on 2–3 hook flappers; cast 40–80 m.
🐟 Plaice 6/10
🎯 Tip: Spring–summer in daylight. Rag/lug/razor on long snoods with beads/spoons; cast 40–90 m onto clean patches.
🐟 Dab 6/10
🎯 Tip: Late autumn–spring. Small lug/rag baits on light flappers; short casts 20–50 m over clean sand.
🐟 Golden-grey Mullet 6/10
🎯 Tip: Calm summer evenings and nights in the surf line. Tiny fish strips or isome on size 8–12 hooks, long trace; keep noise/light low.
🐟 Dover Sole 5/10
🎯 Tip: Warm nights Jun–Oct. Fish close in (10–30 m) with rag/lug/maddies on long snoods and light leads; gentle surf best.
🐟 Mackerel 5/10
🎯 Tip: June–Sept at dawn/dusk or when birds work. Cast metals/feathers to visible shoals; keep mobile along the beach.
🐟 Garfish 5/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring–autumn. Float small sandeel/fish strip at 2–6 ft or retrieve small metals fast at the surface, esp. first light.
🐟 Small-eyed Ray 4/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional summer–autumn on calm nights. Sandeel/squid on a pulley rig; cast 60–100 m onto clean sand or to the sand/rock edge by Corbyn Head.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 4/10
🎯 Tip: Aug–Oct nights. Slow-retrieved sabikis or tiny metals, often under promenade lights or near the headlands.

Torre Abbey Sands Fishing

Summary

Torre Abbey Sands is Torquay’s central, gently shelving sandy beach, tucked inside the shelter of Tor Bay in South Devon. It’s an easy, urban mark that rewards thoughtful timing: bass and flatfish in the warm months, and dependable winter whiting after dark. With easy access, amenities, and options to fish the clean sand or the slightly rougher ground near the headlands, it’s a productive venue for all abilities.

Location and Access

Set on Torquay’s seafront along Torbay Road, Torre Abbey Sands sits between Corbyn Head (west) and the harbour/Princess Pier end (east). Access is straightforward from the promenade, with trains, buses, and multiple pay-and-display car parks nearby. Expect a simple, flat approach with short walks to your chosen spot along the beach.

Seasons

This is a clean-sand venue with adjacent rough patches, so expect classic sandy-beach species with the bonus of bass and the odd ray. Winter brings whiting and dogfish after dark.

Methods

Classic beach ledgering works well over the clean sand, while lures can shine at dawn/dusk along the edges and near minor rough ground. Keep rigs aerodynamic if distance is needed, but don’t ignore close-in gutters at night.

Tides and Conditions

Inside Tor Bay, the beach is sheltered, so small changes in wind and tide can swing results. Aim for movement without mayhem, and choose your state of tide to line up with the beach’s transient gutters.

Safety

This is a friendly, low-cliff urban beach with excellent access, but it is a busy, lifeguarded bathing area in season. Fish off-peak, read the signs, and give swimmers and water users ample room.

Facilities

Amenity-rich and family-friendly, Torre Abbey Sands has everything close to hand, making longer sessions easy. In peak season expect lifeguards, cafés, and a lively promenade.

Tips

Subtle changes in this sheltered bay matter—a new gutter, a slight colour change, or a baitfish shoal can switch the mark on. Fish smart and mobile rather than planting and waiting.

Regulations

This is a public beach and recreational sea angling is generally allowed, but seasonal bathing management applies. Always follow on-site signage and any lifeguard instructions, and avoid fishing within flagged swimming zones, particularly during the daytime in peak season.