Wonwell Beach Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Wonwell Beach Fishing Map

Wonwell Beach sits on the eastern side of the River Erme mouth, a tidal sandy beach with clean ground, shifting channels and some rocky margins near the entrance to Bigbury Bay. It fishes best on a flooding tide into dusk or at first light, with bass and flounder working the gutters and mullet grazing along the quieter creeks. Expect strong currents on the ebb, quickly rising/falling water, soft patches and occasional weed; plan exits carefully and avoid attempting to wade across the estuary except at very low tides. Access is via narrow lanes with limited parking; scenery is superb and the beach is quiet with few facilities.

Ratings

⭐ 6.7/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 5/10
Accessibility 5/10

Fish You Can Catch at Wonwell Beach

🐟 Bass 9/10
🎯 Tip: Work shallow lures in the surf and estuary mouth at dawn/dusk on a flooding tide; or fish peeler crab/lug in the gutters. Go mobile after a blow as seas drop.
🐟 Flounder 7/10
🎯 Tip: Best late autumn–winter. Ragworm or lug on long-snood flappers in the river channel on the ebb and first push of flood; target muddy edges and sandbanks.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 7/10
🎯 Tip: Chum with mashed bread; present bread flake or small harbour rag under a float in slack margins on neaps and at high water; fine gear and stealth.
🐟 Dover Sole 6/10
🎯 Tip: May–Oct evenings; ragworm or lug cocktail on 2-hook flapper with long snoods over clean sand 20–40 yd out. Best from dusk into dark on a gentle flood.
🐟 Smoothhound 6/10
🎯 Tip: Summer evenings; peeler or hardback crab cast to sand gullies just beyond the surf line on the flood. Pulley rig with 3/0 circle; quick release.
🐟 Mullet (Thin-lipped) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Warm months; small spoons with rag teaser or tiny spinners worked through the channel on the first of the flood; cover ground quietly.
🐟 Golden-grey Mullet 6/10
🎯 Tip: Summer; tiny rag strips on size 8–10 under a float or light ledger over clean sand in gentle surf. Best at dusk on a making tide.
🐟 Small-eyed Ray 5/10
🎯 Tip: Calm clear nights May–Sep; sandeel or launce on a pulley dropper to outer sandbars; fish low water into first flood. Avoid weedy patches.
🐟 Garfish 5/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring–autumn; float-fish small sandeel or mackerel strip 1–2 m deep at the river mouth on a flooding tide in clear water; fast retrieves also score.
🐟 Plaice 4/10
🎯 Tip: Spring on clear days; long trace with beads/spinners and rag/lug cocktail cast to clean sand at range. Best on the first of the flood.

Wonwell Beach Fishing

Summary

Wonwell Beach sits on the eastern side of the River Erme mouth in South Devon, opposite Mothecombe. It’s a quiet, tide-dominated sand-and-channel mark that rewards mobile, thoughtful fishing. Expect schoolie bass, flounder and mullet in the estuary, with occasional surprises on the fringes when the sea is gently lifting.

Location and Access

Wonwell is accessed via narrow Devon lanes above the east bank of the Erme, with a short walk onto firm sand at low to mid tide. There is no bridge to Mothecombe; treat the estuary as a barrier and plan your route back on the same side you arrived.

Seasons

The Erme mouth is a classic small estuary-surf interface, so species reflect both brackish channels and open-sand influences. Expect better results from late spring through autumn.

Methods

Mobility and timing are key here: track the channels as they flood and empty, and fish where current forms clean edges. Lure work for bass and light bait tactics for flounder are the mainstays.

Tides and Conditions

This is a tide-led mark. The shifting bars and gutters dictate fish position; fish where current meets slack water and where bait is funneled.

Safety

Treat the Erme like any exposed bar estuary: channels shift, rips form quickly, and the tide rises fast. Conservative decisions and simple plans keep you safe.

Facilities

Wonwell is undeveloped and feels remote, which is part of the appeal—but it means planning ahead. Bring everything you need and pack it back out.

Tips

Small patterns and local knowledge go a long way here. Think like a foraging bass: follow the food along the seams.

Regulations

This area includes sensitive estuarine habitats and is subject to a mix of national and local rules. Always check the latest guidance from the MMO and Devon & Severn IFCA before you go.