Fishing in North Devon
North Devon is quite the angler's paradise. Graham Sleeman, editor of Get Hooked magazine gives us the inside track on the best fishing spots.
Sea fishing
Not only does North Devon have miles of pristine Atlantic coastline with renowned angling ports such as Ilfracombe and Clovelly but also two superb estuaries where the rivers Taw and Torridge combine. There are charters fishing inshore and well into the Bristol Channel. These experienced skippers can put you on the top marks at any time of year to give you the best chance of superb catches. For a shorter trip take the family for an hours mackerel fishing or perhaps try for some bass or flatfish.
Coarse Fishing
Stillwaters will be your best bet as the river Exe this far north is primarily game fishing as are the Taw and Torridge. Day ticket waters provide sport for most coarse species from silver fish ponds to specimen lakes. South West Lakes Trust have small reservoirs at Bideford and Torrington offering carp to 30lb and the chance of large bags of silver fish. The renowned Stafford Moor near Dolton offers a huge variety on nationally renowned fishing on one site.
Game Fishing
From salmon and sea trout to pristine crimson flecked brownies. North Devon is a popular location for Game Fishing. There are the trout stillwaters, offering fishing to suit most abilities. Really large specimens are a distinct possibility where trout are being reared on site and venues such as Blakewell offer truly excellent sport. They will supply tackle and tuition and will clean and pack the trout you catch for you to take home! Reservoir fishing for rainbow trout is available from South West Lakes Trust at Wistlandpound near South Molton.
Tackle
You're likely to need tackle or bait and there are plenty of tackle shops to provide all you require. The tackle shops are, of course, also an excellent source of information. They will be able to advise on where is fishing well and the best tactics and tackle to use. The ones nearer the coast will be better suited to supplying information on sea fishing, to advise on charters, best marks and sorting your tackle and bait.
The larger coarse fishing venues may have bait and tackle available on site, particularly if they offer accommodation. Perfect for the keen angler as you can really spend the maximum amount of time actually fishing. The larger trout stillwaters may also have flies and tackle to buy.
