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Devon

Westward Ho!

6.5 · Beach · Devon

Wide west-facing surf beach backed by the Northam Burrows pebble ridge on Bideford Bay. Shallow, shifting sandbars create gutters that hold fish on the flood and first of the ebb. Best results at dusk or after dark on a rising tide; target the first and second gutters and any rip lines. Summer brings bass, small-eyed rays and the odd smoothhound; winter sees plenty of whiting and occasional codling. Thornbacks and various flats appear year-round. Easy access and parking, but heavy surf, strong rips and the cobble ridge demand caution.

Should you fish Westward Ho!?

49 Low

Today · Best available

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

Most likely species: Mackerel and Bass

Poor conditions. Best available around 06:00-09:00 around the rising tide, but no window reaches the strong threshold today. Good chance of Mackerel and Bass.

NW 5 mph Rain 19% High tide 11:37

Consider a backup mark if conditions do not improve.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Westward Ho! — 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.

Wednesday looks better than today. Unlock the week to see its score and exact window.

· 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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Westward Ho! is a wide, west-facing surf beach where the key decision is not simply distance, but which gutter is working. The most consistent plan is to fish the flood into dusk or darkness, targeting the first and second surf channels, rip lines and the cleaner sand beyond the outer bar for rays. In rougher coloured water, bait fishing for bass can be strong; in clear, calmer spells the rock fringes around Kipling Tors and toward Abbotsham give a different option for pollack, mackerel and wrasse, but only with careful tide planning.

  • Find the gutter that actually holds fish on the flood
  • Know when short casts beat distance at Westward Ho!
  • Target rays beyond the outer bar with the right tide window
  • Switch between surf beach and rock fringes with a clear plan
  • Avoid the weed, rips and shore dump mistakes that ruin sessions

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Westward Ho! 0.8 mi Northam 1.1 mi Appledore (Torridge) 1.7 mi Instow 2.5 mi Bideford 2.5 mi

Explore nearby towns: Westward Ho! · Northam · Appledore (Torridge) · Instow · Bideford

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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 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 5/10
Accessibility 8/10

Bass 9/10
Tip: Surf beach; fish peeler crab or sandeel in the white water at dawn/dusk on a flooding tide. Spring tides and a light chop fish best in summer–autumn.
Small-eyed Ray 8/10
Tip: Target at range over clean sand on the flood into dusk/night May–Oct. Sandeel/squid cocktails; look for gutters beyond the outer bar. Big spring tides produce best runs.
Lesser Spotted Dogfish 7/10
Tip: Very common after dark year-round. Small fish/squid baits on 2-hook flappers over clean sand; best on the flooding tide.
Starry Smoothhound 7/10
Tip: June–Sept, dusk into night on peeler crab. Fish the mid–high tide along sand gullies; minimal grip lead to let bait roll. Keep mobile.
Whiting 6/10
Tip: Nov–Feb after dark. Cast to first/second breakers on the flood with small mackerel/squid strips and size 2–1 hooks.
Flounder 6/10
Tip: Autumn–winter in surf gutters on lug/rag. Short casts into the first channel on a flooding or ebbing tide; slow retrieve to search.
Mackerel 6/10
Tip: July–Sept in clear water from Kipling Tors rocks on the flood. Spinners/feathers at dawn/evening; watch swell.
Pollack 5/10
Tip: From the Tors and rough ground at dusk on a flooding tide spring–autumn. Work soft plastics or metals tight to kelp edges.
Spotted Ray 5/10
Tip: Late summer–autumn over sand. Long-cast sandeel or squid on the flood into dark; aim for gutters beyond the surf line.
Ballan Wrasse 5/10
Tip: Rocky scars at low–mid tide, summer–early autumn. Fish crab or prawn straight down among kelp; stout gear needed.
Three-bearded Rockling 4/10
Tip: Winter nights around kelpy rocks and gullies. Short casts with small fish/worm baits on the flood and first of the ebb.
Golden-grey Mullet 4/10
Tip: Calm summer evenings. Tiny rag or sandeel slivers in the surf fringes; sight-fish sandy gutters at low–mid water with small hooks.

Local knowledge

Westward Ho! fishing guide

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

Westward Ho! (North Devon) is a classic surf beach backed by the famous Pebble Ridge, with rocky fringes at Kipling Tors and toward Abbotsham. It sits on the edge of the Bristol Channel’s huge tidal range, creating shifting gutters and powerful currents that draw in bass, rays and smoothhound. With both clean sand and rough ground within walking distance, it rewards mobile lure anglers and patient bait fishers alike.

Access is straightforward via the A39 to the B3236 into Westward Ho!, with multiple car parks close to the promenade and within Northam Burrows Country Park. The terrain ranges from firm sand to unstable boulders and rock platforms, so plan your route with the tide in mind.

  • Parking: Large pay-and-display along the seafront/promenade and at Northam Burrows Country Park (seasonal toll on the access road). A handy central postcode is EX39 1LL for the main front.
  • Approaches:
    • Beach/Pebble Ridge: short walk from the promenade; the Pebble Ridge is hard going with a barrow and becomes steep after storms.
    • Kipling Tors (east side): signed coastal path from the village; short but uneven walk to low rock ledges.
    • Northam Burrows/Skern: easy, flat walking on the common, but soft ground in places near channels.
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate on the beach; moderate over the Pebble Ridge; moderate to tricky on rock ledges (weed and uneven footing).
  • Notes: Northam Burrows vehicle gates can be locked outside stated hours in some seasons—check current opening times locally.

This stretch offers a good mix of surf and rough-ground species. Seasonality matters due to water temperature, bait availability and the Bristol Channel’s turbidity.

  • Spring (Mar–May):
    • Bass (increasing Apr–May, surf and rock marks)
    • Smoothhound (late May on, especially near rough/clean edges)
    • Small-eyed ray (settled seas, May peak)
    • Dogfish, bull huss (nights)
    • Wrasse from rocks (Apr onward)
  • Summer (Jun–Aug):
    • Bass (all methods), schoolies to better fish in onshore surf
    • Small-eyed ray, occasional turbot and gurnard from clean sand
    • Smoothhound (Jun–Jul best)
    • Mackerel and garfish from rock fringes when clear and calm
    • Pollack from rough ground on lures; wrasse reliable
    • Thick-lipped mullet in the Skern on still days
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov):
    • Bass peak (Sep–Oct), including lure fishing along the surf line
    • Small-eyed ray continue in calm spells
    • Whiting arrive (Oct–Nov nights), huss on rough patches
    • Very occasional codling after a strong northerly blow
  • Winter (Dec–Feb):
    • Whiting, dogfish, rockling on the beach at night
    • Flounder mainly inside the estuary arms rather than open beach
    • Huss possible from rock marks; bass mostly catch-and-release only by regulation at this time

Both static bait and mobile lure styles produce here, with your choice guided by sea state and water clarity. Keep terminal tackle streamlined to cope with tide and weed.

  • Surf/clean ground (beach and gutters):
    • Rigs: Pulley pennel (3/0–4/0) for rays and bass; up-and-over for distance with long snoods; clipped rigs to cut drag.
    • Leads: 5–6 oz wired grips to hold in tide; go heavier on big springs.
    • Baits: Fresh lug/rag, peeler crab (prime for bass and hounds), sandeel and squid cocktails for rays; small sandeel/strip for turbot.
  • Rough ground/rock fringes (Kipling Tors/Abbotsham side):
    • Wrasse: Simple running ledger or paternoster with strong hooks; crab, rag, mussel and limpet.
    • Pollack/mackerel/gar: Spinning with metals, float-fished strips; soft plastics on 20–30 g heads when the water is clear.
    • Conger/huss (after dark): Heavy mono trace (80 lb for conger), big fish baits, locked-down drag and snag leader.
  • Lure fishing for bass:
    • When: Dawn/dusk or in overcast chop; flooding tide along the surf line and around rocky points.
    • Lures: Shallow divers, surface walkers, weedless soft plastics (pearl/ayu in clear, darker tones in colour).
  • Mullet in the Skern:
    • Light float or freelined bread; stealthy approach; long fluorocarbon traces.
  • General tackle notes:
    • Mainline 20–25 lb mono or 30–40 lb braid with 60–80 lb shock leader for casting 5–6 oz leads.
    • Carry spare rigs and a long-handled disgorger—dogfish and whiting can be relentless at night.

The Bristol Channel’s range and energy define this mark. Reading the surf, gutters and colour will decide your plan.

  • Best tide windows:
    • Bass: Last 2 hours of flood and first of ebb along the surf line and gutter at the base of the Pebble Ridge.
    • Rays: Mid to late flood into high on settled days with a gentle roll; neaps help with presentation.
    • Smoothhound: Dusk into dark on mid-to-large tides in late spring/early summer.
    • Rock marks: Often best from mid-ebb to low when platforms are exposed, then leave before the push.
  • Sea state and clarity:
    • Mild onshore chop + coloured water = great for baited bass; too much weed after a blow can make it unfishable.
    • Clear, calm evenings suit lures, wrasse and mackerel/gar from the rocks.
  • Seasonality:
    • Late spring to autumn is prime overall; winter nights focus on whiting/dogs with the odd bonus fish.
  • Local patterns:
    • After storms the Pebble Ridge shifts, creating new gutters; re-scout regularly.
    • Big springs create strong lateral pull—clip down and step up lead size.

This is a high-energy coastline with fast-flooding tides and heavy surf. Choose conservative positions and give yourself exit time.

  • Tidal risk: Huge range and fast push—rock platforms and sandbars can be cut off quickly. Leave rock marks well before the flood.
  • Surf/shore dump: Powerful dump on mid-to-high tides; avoid wading and keep clear of backwash, especially in darkness.
  • Pebble Ridge: Unstable, ankle-turning boulders; use sturdy boots and headtorch at night.
  • Slippery rocks: Weed-covered ledges at Kipling Tors/Abbotsham are treacherous when wet—cleats or spiked soles advised.
  • Weed and debris: After onshore blows, expect heavy kelp and flotsam; keep lines high and be ready to cut free.
  • Lifeguarded zones: In season, do not fish within flagged bathing/surfing areas; move well away from water users.
  • Accessibility: Promenade and some ramps offer easy access to the sand, but the Pebble Ridge and rocks are unsuitable for limited mobility.
  • PPE: A modern lifejacket is strongly recommended on any rock mark; carry a charged phone and fish with a partner where possible.

Westward Ho! is a busy resort with good amenities right behind the beach. Expect summer crowds and seasonal services.

  • Toilets: Public conveniences along/near the promenade (seasonal opening hours may apply).
  • Food and drink: Multiple cafés, takeaways and pubs within a short walk of the front.
  • Tackle/bait: Summerlands Tackle in Westward Ho!; additional shops in Bideford/Appledore for fresh/frozen bait.
  • Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguard patrols operate seasonally on designated bathing/surfing zones.
  • Parking: Promenade car parks (pay-and-display) and Northam Burrows Country Park (seasonal toll).
  • Mobile signal: Generally good across networks on the seafront; can dip in low ground behind the ridge.
  • Public transport: Regular buses link Westward Ho! with Bideford and Barnstaple.

Local knowledge here is about reading the surf and working around crowds and weed. Travel light and keep mobile.

  • Find the first gutter: On a dropping or early flood tide, the gutter tight to the Pebble Ridge often holds bass—short casts with crab or lug can beat big whacks.
  • Clip down and step up: Strong lateral tide rewards aerodynamic rigs and 5–6 oz wired leads; a tripped grip can walk your bait into position.
  • Crab is king: Peeler transforms catches in late spring/early summer—prime for hounds and quality bass.
  • Lure windows: Dawn/dusk with a light onshore ripple; cover ground from the Tors toward the first rocky fingers.
  • Weed watch: After a blow, give it 24–48 hours for the worst kelp to clear; neaps are kinder for presentation.
  • Rock routine: For wrasse, fish into the kelp but lock up and use abrasion-resistant leaders; release wrasse quickly.
  • Dogfish management: Scale down to smaller baits for a bit of fun, or use bigger crab/fish baits to punch through the dogs when ray/bass hunting.
  • Burrows gates: If driving onto Northam Burrows, check gate times to avoid being locked in.

Rules here are a mix of national sea fishing measures, local IFCA byelaws, and beach/park management. Always check the latest notices on-site and official sources before you go.

  • Bass (recreational): Minimum size 42 cm. Retention commonly allowed 1 March–30 November (up to two fish per angler per day), with catch-and-release only outside those dates. This can change annually—check current government guidance before retaining bass.
  • Minimum sizes/bag limits: National MMO conservation reference sizes apply to species like cod, bass, mullet, rays, etc. Know your sizes before retaining fish.
  • IFCA jurisdiction: Westward Ho! falls under Devon & Severn IFCA. Expect byelaws covering netting, estuary nursery protections and bait collection—review current byelaws, especially if fishing near the Taw–Torridge estuary/Skern.
  • Estuary/bass nursery: Parts of the Taw–Torridge system are designated Bass Nursery Areas with restrictions on certain netting methods; shore angling is generally permitted—observe any posted signs.
  • Northam Burrows Country Park: Vehicle access may be charged/limited by gates; follow site byelaws, keep off protected dune/saltmarsh habitats, and respect dog/zone restrictions.
  • Beach use restrictions: During lifeguard hours, do not fish within flagged bathing/surfing zones; give wide berth to water users at all times.
  • Bait collection: Sensitive SSSI habitats around the Skern—avoid damaging saltmarsh and observe any local restrictions or guidance on bait digging.
  • Litter and fish care: Take all litter and old line home; consider voluntary catch-and-release for wrasse and large breeding rays.