The harbour at Torquay is protected by two stone breakwaters, Princess Pier to the North and Haldon Pier to the South. Haldon Pier’s construction was completed in 1870 although it took another 20 years to fully finish the structure. It was built during a period when Victorian interest in taking holidays by the sea in England’s fast growing ‘Riveria’ was at its height. Today Haldon Pier is very much a more ‘working’ pier than its sister structure with a number of working vessels using the pier at various times. The pier is accessed via the newly revamped Beacon Quay area which boasts many facilities including pontoons, slipway access, shops, cafes, the Harbour Master’s Office and the famous Living Coasts. With only a short walk to the lower half of Torquay town centre this venue has a lot going on around yet is under fished compared with many other venues in the area.

The pier itself is a lot like Brixham Breakwater with large boulders protecting the seaward side eventually dropping away to sandy clean ground from about 50 yards out. The first third of the pier’s length is much more snaggy than the last two thirds and landing fishing is a bit easier the further down the structure you care to venture. Unlike at Brixham you are not permitted to fish into the harbour. With plenty of features and deep water close to the pier throughout the tide this venue is a fantastic place to fish all year round for a variety of species using many different techniques. Daylight fishing is good during the summer and autumn for mackerel, garfish and wrasse with bass, mullet and the odd, rare shad turning up as well. After dark almost anything can turn up with conger eels, which can grow to a good size, being a target for many anglers. With easy access and flat walking from the car park this is a place that anglers of all abilities can enjoy. Unfortunately the high outer wall means that some disabled anglers can only fish the very end of the pier where the boats move in and out of the harbour (be aware that boat traffic should always take priority). The outer and inner sides do not have any railings and extreme care must be taken to avoid taking a long drop into the water or onto the rocks below.

Likely Species

Bass, Conger Eel, Dab, Dragonet, Dogfish, Mackerel, Garfish, Pout, Pollack, Whiting, Silver eels, Various species of Wrasse, Red Mullet, Various mini species.

Chance of catching

Black Bream, Flounder, Plaice, Scad, Shad

Best Baits

Ragworm is the best all round bait for the majority of species. Big fish baits are the things to use for the conger eels. Razorfish works well after an easterly blow has stirred the sea up. Live prawn is a good bet for the bass fished under a float. Mackerel strip under a float for mackerel, garfish, Pollack and scad.

Rigs

A multi hook rig with small to medium sized hooks will work well for the majority of bottom feeding fish. A heavy duty mono trace with large hook will be required to tackle the conger eels. Float fishing and spinning work well for the mid water feeding species such as mackerel.

Dangers

It’s a long drop from the top of the wall to the sea below. During strong Easterly gales the swell will crash over the top of the wall. Be aware of boat traffic. Always watch out for passers by when casting.