Hopes nose.
Hope’s Nose is arguably the most famous fishing venue in the South Devon area. This rocky headland is on the northern tip of Tor Bay on the Torquay side of the bay. Along with Berry Head it is one of the headlands that define the Bay itself. The mark, like many other rock venues in the area, is a former limestone quarry but is now a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest for its flora, fauna and mineral deposits. The site is now managed by Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust who have put in a lot of work to improve the common ground which you have to walk through to get down to the mark itself. Part of this work includes using breeds of ponies and sheep to graze the land to keep certain plant life in check to preserve rarer species of plant and animal. Be aware that all gates must be closed after you use them and keep to the well worn paths.
The reputation and popularity of this venue are understandable as over the years it has produced numerous quality fish and a massive variety of species. It is very rare to suffer a blank here. The list of species it is possible to catch here is almost endless. The state of the tide doesn’t matter a great deal here as, in general, fishing is into very deep water and both daylight and night fishing will produce fish. The fishing can be split up into three main areas; Hope Cove, The High Ground and the Old Sewer outlet. The Cove is on the left as you walk down. The fishing here is mostly onto clean ground from about 30/40 yards out. Some of this area gets covered by water at high tide so check the tide tables before you make your trip to ensure you don’t get cut off. Fishing from the High Ground, straight in front of you as you come down the hill, is into very deep water and quite strong currents. A good cast, 80 yards or so, is needed here to clear the reefs and reach sandy areas that can hold good flatfish amongst other species. A grip lead is normally essential and a lead lift to help get your gear up in the water quickly can be very useful. The area around the Old Sewer outlet and further west is much snaggier and gets more so the further you fish around to the west. Putting up with tackle losses can be rewarded with some excellent fish for congers and huss. The whole area is fantastic for float fishing and spinning. In the summer huge shoals of mackerel are often well within casting distance. During these times the mark can become incredibly overcrowded so fishing very early in the morning or at night are the best times to get a spot. The walk down from the car parking spots is quite long and steep so those who have health problems may not be able to tackle the slope. As with most rock marks it can be dangerous if it’s wet and it is always advisable to fish with someone else, especially at night.
Likely Species
Bass, Black Bream, Cod, Conger Eels, Dab, Plaice, Dogfish, Huss, Mackerel, Garfish, Scad, Wrasse, Whiting, Pout, Pollack, Red Mullet, Dragonet, Weever Fish, Smoothound.
Chance of Catching
Flounder, Mullet, Rockling, Sole, Shad, Trigger Fish, Gilthead Bream, Gurnard, various species of Ray, various mini species amongst a very long list!
Best Baits
Chose to bait to best target the species you wish to catch but in general worms, peeler crab, squid and fish baits will all work.
Rigs
Pulley, 2/3 hook flappers, Pennell, Floats, Spinning, Plugs.
Directions
From Torquay harbour side (clock tower) take the A379 towards Babbacombe. Follow the road up hill and take a right turn, signposted for Kent’s Cavern. Take the road past the Caverns and take the next available left, called Ilsham Marine Drive. Remain on this road as it winds its way up hill and along the cliff top. Hope’s Nose is at the bottom of the cliff. AT the crest of the hill is a stile on the left. Take the path over the stile and follow the clear path down to the fishing spots. The final 30 feet down onto the fishing platform is tricky so take care!
Dangers
Rocks get very slippery when wet, very steep walk back to the car, overcrowding during the summer, deep water and strong currents underneath your feet, in certain weather conditions the whole mark can be swamped by the swell, do not fish here during these times.
The reputation and popularity of this venue are understandable as over the years it has produced numerous quality fish and a massive variety of species. It is very rare to suffer a blank here. The list of species it is possible to catch here is almost endless. The state of the tide doesn’t matter a great deal here as, in general, fishing is into very deep water and both daylight and night fishing will produce fish. The fishing can be split up into three main areas; Hope Cove, The High Ground and the Old Sewer outlet. The Cove is on the left as you walk down. The fishing here is mostly onto clean ground from about 30/40 yards out. Some of this area gets covered by water at high tide so check the tide tables before you make your trip to ensure you don’t get cut off. Fishing from the High Ground, straight in front of you as you come down the hill, is into very deep water and quite strong currents. A good cast, 80 yards or so, is needed here to clear the reefs and reach sandy areas that can hold good flatfish amongst other species. A grip lead is normally essential and a lead lift to help get your gear up in the water quickly can be very useful. The area around the Old Sewer outlet and further west is much snaggier and gets more so the further you fish around to the west. Putting up with tackle losses can be rewarded with some excellent fish for congers and huss. The whole area is fantastic for float fishing and spinning. In the summer huge shoals of mackerel are often well within casting distance. During these times the mark can become incredibly overcrowded so fishing very early in the morning or at night are the best times to get a spot. The walk down from the car parking spots is quite long and steep so those who have health problems may not be able to tackle the slope. As with most rock marks it can be dangerous if it’s wet and it is always advisable to fish with someone else, especially at night.
Likely Species
Bass, Black Bream, Cod, Conger Eels, Dab, Plaice, Dogfish, Huss, Mackerel, Garfish, Scad, Wrasse, Whiting, Pout, Pollack, Red Mullet, Dragonet, Weever Fish, Smoothound.
Chance of Catching
Flounder, Mullet, Rockling, Sole, Shad, Trigger Fish, Gilthead Bream, Gurnard, various species of Ray, various mini species amongst a very long list!
Best Baits
Chose to bait to best target the species you wish to catch but in general worms, peeler crab, squid and fish baits will all work.
Rigs
Pulley, 2/3 hook flappers, Pennell, Floats, Spinning, Plugs.
Directions
From Torquay harbour side (clock tower) take the A379 towards Babbacombe. Follow the road up hill and take a right turn, signposted for Kent’s Cavern. Take the road past the Caverns and take the next available left, called Ilsham Marine Drive. Remain on this road as it winds its way up hill and along the cliff top. Hope’s Nose is at the bottom of the cliff. AT the crest of the hill is a stile on the left. Take the path over the stile and follow the clear path down to the fishing spots. The final 30 feet down onto the fishing platform is tricky so take care!
Dangers
Rocks get very slippery when wet, very steep walk back to the car, overcrowding during the summer, deep water and strong currents underneath your feet, in certain weather conditions the whole mark can be swamped by the swell, do not fish here during these times.
