Mountbatten Breakwater, Plymouth.
The breakwater at Mount Batten began its construction in the late 1800s to assist with the management of shipping in the Cattewater area of Plymouth sound. It is perhaps most famous as being directly in view in the background, on most days, of BBC Spotlight’s news reports. The breakwater was used extensively during the World Wars as an air station and during this period it was common to see seaplanes moored at the end of the structure. It wasn’t until the 1990s, when the Plymouth Development Corporation took control of the area, that the breakwater became accessible to the public again. The venue has been refurbished recently and is an excellent place to enjoy a number of water sports. Anglers are certainly catered for shown by the bait cutting points and litter bins found along the length of the venue. Another bonus is that parking is free and it is only a short walk along level ground to get to the fishing areas.
This popular venue provides easy access to some potentially good fishing. Fish can be caught both during the day and at night with the best fishing over high water on an evening tide. High water helps as it is easier to land fish over the boulders that run along the flanks of the structure. The seaward side sees you fishing onto fairly tackle hungry ground but is well known for producing good sized conger eels. This is also a good spot for a bit of float fishing for mackerel, garfish and pollack. The very end of the breakwater, near the lighthouse, sees you casting into the deep water shipping channel if you can hit 80-120yards. The ground here is much cleaner than the seaward side and is one of the most popular spots to fish. Fishing from the inside of the structure is also onto clean ground from about 30 yards out. Be aware that boats come quite close to the shore on this side and can occasionally tangle with your gear. This is a good venue for anglers of all ages and abilities with a number of species available to a variety of tactics.
Likely Species:
Bass, Dogfish, Mackerel, Garfish, Scad, Wrasse, Whiting, Pout, Poor Cod, Pollack, Rockling.
Chance of Catching:
Flounder, Dab, Black Bream, Cod, Conger Eels, Mullet, Huss, Thornback Ray and various mini-species
Best Baits:
Worms (particularly ragworm) and squid work well, big fish baits are best for the congers with prawns best for the thornback rays
Rigs:
2/3 hook flappers, Pennell, Heavy Duty traces for the congers, Floats, Spinning, Plugs.
Directions:
Take the A38 to Plymouth to Marsh Mills roundabout. From here take the A374 towards the city centre. Instead of carrying on into the centre take the Kingsbridge road (A379) over the River Plym. From here take the roads on the right signposted Turnchapel and Mount Batten and follow the signposts to the breakwater.
Dangers:
Watercraft come very close to the structure. The surface can be slippery when wet. Be aware of other people on the breakwater when you’re casting, it is a popular place for people to walk.
This popular venue provides easy access to some potentially good fishing. Fish can be caught both during the day and at night with the best fishing over high water on an evening tide. High water helps as it is easier to land fish over the boulders that run along the flanks of the structure. The seaward side sees you fishing onto fairly tackle hungry ground but is well known for producing good sized conger eels. This is also a good spot for a bit of float fishing for mackerel, garfish and pollack. The very end of the breakwater, near the lighthouse, sees you casting into the deep water shipping channel if you can hit 80-120yards. The ground here is much cleaner than the seaward side and is one of the most popular spots to fish. Fishing from the inside of the structure is also onto clean ground from about 30 yards out. Be aware that boats come quite close to the shore on this side and can occasionally tangle with your gear. This is a good venue for anglers of all ages and abilities with a number of species available to a variety of tactics.
Likely Species:
Bass, Dogfish, Mackerel, Garfish, Scad, Wrasse, Whiting, Pout, Poor Cod, Pollack, Rockling.
Chance of Catching:
Flounder, Dab, Black Bream, Cod, Conger Eels, Mullet, Huss, Thornback Ray and various mini-species
Best Baits:
Worms (particularly ragworm) and squid work well, big fish baits are best for the congers with prawns best for the thornback rays
Rigs:
2/3 hook flappers, Pennell, Heavy Duty traces for the congers, Floats, Spinning, Plugs.
Directions:
Take the A38 to Plymouth to Marsh Mills roundabout. From here take the A374 towards the city centre. Instead of carrying on into the centre take the Kingsbridge road (A379) over the River Plym. From here take the roads on the right signposted Turnchapel and Mount Batten and follow the signposts to the breakwater.
Dangers:
Watercraft come very close to the structure. The surface can be slippery when wet. Be aware of other people on the breakwater when you’re casting, it is a popular place for people to walk.
