Summary
Woody Bay sits on the wild Exmoor coast of North Devon between Lynton and Combe Martin, a steep-sided cove of boulders, rock ledges and kelp-fringed gullies. It’s a classic rough-ground mark with deep water close in, producing wrasse, pollack, bass and night-time huss and conger for mobile, safety-conscious anglers. Expect a strenuous walk, dramatic scenery, and highly rewarding sessions when the sea and tides align.
Location and Access
Woody Bay is reached via a National Trust path descending from the A39 side of Exmoor near Martinhoe, with a long, steep walk down to the shore. It’s remote and exposed; plan your exit route and travel light.
- Parking: National Trust Woody Bay car park, signposted from the A39 between Lynton/Lynmouth and Combe Martin; limited spaces in summer
- Approach: Well-used but steep path and zig-zags; allow 20–30 minutes down and more coming back up
- Terrain: Large boulders, uneven rock platforms, barnacle- and kelp-covered ledges; not suitable for trolleys or heavy boxes
- Alternative foot access: South West Coast Path sections link from Heddon Valley/Martinhoe, but add time and ascent
- No vehicular access to the beach; carry only what you need and wear sturdy footwear
Seasons
This is classic Exmoor rough ground: wrasse and pollack in the gullies, bass on the push, and bigger predators after dark. Expect variety through the year with peaks at dawn, dusk and into darkness.
- Spring (Apr–May): Ballan and cuckoo wrasse, pollack, early bass, dogfish; occasional bull huss; chance of spurdog on big night tides
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Wrasse, pollack, mackerel, garfish, scad; bass on lures; conger and huss after dark; pout common at depth
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Bass peak, chunky pollack, huss and conger, late mackerel and garfish runs; whiting begin to show on night tides
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Whiting, pout, rockling, conger and huss; odd spurdog on springs; codling are very rare on this stretch
Methods
Rough ground demands robust tackle and simple, strong presentations. Lure fishing shines in clear water; big natural baits sort out the nocturnal predators.
- Lure fishing: 9–10 ft rods rated ~20–40 g; weedless soft plastics (SPs), metal jigs, surface/sub-surface minnows for bass and pollack at dawn/dusk
- Float fishing: 12–15 ft leaders, sliding float with stop knot; depth 8–15 ft over kelp edges; baits: ragworm, prawn, strips of sandeel for wrasse/pollack
- Bottom fishing: Pulley or pulley-dropper with a rotten-bottom weak link; 4–6 oz leads; 40–60 lb leader to cope with abrasion
- Baits (bottom): Mackerel/squid cocktails, whole sandeel, crab for bass and wrasse, large fish baits after dark for huss/conger
- Hooks and traces: 1/0–3/0 for general work; 4/0–6/0 pennels for big baits; 80 lb mono rubbing leader or short wire for conger if required
- Times: First/last light for lures; dusk into 3 hours after high water for huss/conger; wrasse best over flood and early ebb in daylight
- Tackle care: Use strong snoods and a sacrificial weak link to the lead to beat snags; keep rigs short to reduce tangles
Tides and Conditions
Tidal range is large on the Bristol Channel coast, and tide run can be fierce. Time your session for fish movement and safe ledge access.
- Tide state: Flood tide is prime, especially 2 hours up to high water; wrasse also feed well from mid-flood into early ebb
- Springs vs neaps: Neaps are kinder for lures and float; springs push bait scent and can switch on huss/conger at night
- Sea state: Light swell with clarity suits lures; a bit of colour after a blow favours big fish baits
- Wind: Southerly/easterly tends to flatten this north-facing coast; strong northerly/westerly swells can make it unfishable
- Water clarity: Clear in settled periods—downsize lures and use fluorocarbon; after surf, try darker SPs or scented baits
- Time of day: Dawn and dusk for bass/pollack; full dark for huss/conger; mackerel/garfish in bright, settled summer spells
Safety
This is a remote, committing rock mark requiring fitness and solid sea-sense. Many ledges can be cut off—recce at low water and leave plenty of margin.
- Steep descent/ascent: Long, strenuous walk; not suitable for limited mobility or young children
- Slippery rocks: Barnacles, weed and surge; wear grippy boots/cleats and consider a rock-fishing lifejacket
- Cut-off risk: Some platforms flood early; always keep a dry escape route and monitor the swell
- Swell and rebound: Cliff faces create surges; keep back from the edge and never turn your back on the sea
- Falling rocks: Keep clear of the base of unstable cliffs; avoid sitting beneath overhangs
- Comms: Phone signal is patchy to none in the cove; tell someone your plan and carry a headtorch, spare light and whistle; a small VHF/PLB is sensible
- Night fishing: Only for those who’ve recced in daylight; minimal gear, tidy footprints, and clear exits
Facilities
There are no facilities on the shore—treat it as a backcountry session. Stock up before you leave the car and pack out all litter.
- On-site: No toilets, bins, water or lighting; no shelter on the beach
- Nearby amenities: Cafés, pubs, and toilets in Lynton/Lynmouth and Combe Martin; seasonal options at Heddon Valley
- Tackle and bait: Reliable supplies in Ilfracombe; limited options in Lynton/Lynmouth—check opening hours in advance
- Parking: National Trust car park (pay-and-display where applicable) with limited spaces; arrive early in good weather
- Phone signal: Often weak or absent at shore level; better higher up near the car park
Tips
Woody Bay rewards stealth, mobility and tidy tackle management. Fish light when you can and heavy when you must.
- Use a short rotten-bottom link to save rigs—accept you’ll lose leads in the kelp
- Work weedless SPs tight to the rocks for bass and pollack; bites often come within a rod length of the edge
- For wrasse, try natural baits like prawn or crab under a float just off the bottom; move between gullies until you find fish
- After a summer blow, expect drifting kelp—switch to float or big static baits rather than mid-water lures
- A single lure rod plus a compact bait setup covers most options; keep moving until you find life
- Porpoises and gannets often betray mackerel or launce shoals—be ready with a metal jig or small surface lure
- Dusk into the first hours of dark with a whole mackerel or squid-flapper can find huss; keep the drag set and rod secured
Regulations
Angling is generally permitted at Woody Bay on the National Trust coastline; always follow any on-site signage or temporary restrictions. This stretch falls within the Devon and Severn IFCA district and national MMO rules apply.
- National Trust: Respect conservation designations and nesting birds; stick to marked paths and avoid disturbing cliff ledges
- Size/bag limits: Adhere to UK minimum conservation reference sizes (MMO) for sea fish; measure and release undersized fish promptly
- European bass: Subject to seasonal catch-and-release/retention rules and daily bag limits—check current MMO guidance before your trip
- Bait collection: Do not damage vegetated areas or pry rocks from the shore; only take what you need and observe local byelaws
- Protected species: Return any protected species immediately and unharmed
- Keep it clean: No fires on the beach, remove all litter and line; leave the site as you found it
- Always check: Devon & Severn IFCA and MMO websites for the latest recreational sea angling regulations and any local notices
