Oddicombe Beach.
Looking down from the high cliff tops on the edge of Babbacombe Downs, Torquay, through the tree tops you may catch a glimpse of a small beach beach tucked away under the imposing red sandstone cliffs. This is Oddicombe Beach, a small stretch of sand, shingle and the odd boulder backed by a small promenade and the cliffs. Accessed either by walking down the steep, winding cliff paths, along a spectacular walkway from Babbacombe or via a ride on the famous cliff railway (built in 1926) Oddicombe is a beautiful location to wet a line. Between October and April it is possible to drve down the narrow winding road to the beach where parking is free but in the summer months this is not allowed and the beach can only be reached by the other options detailed above.
Towards the right hand side of the beach is a small slipway where small boats can be launched. To the right of this as you look out to sea the ground is very heavy and tackle hungry if you chose to place a bait on the bottom. Losing gear is almost inevitable from this side of the beach. To the left of the slipway the ground becomes more mixed and cleaner making bottom fishing easier and less expensive on the gear lose front. Daylight sessions can see lots of wrasse of various species to worm baits and mackerel to spinners or feathers as well as the odd bass. Winter nights see the beach dominated by whiting and dogfish. The beach is very well sheltered from prevailing West or South West winds. Being so small the beach quickly fills up with holiday makers during the summer as well as large numbers of people taking to the water in kayaks, small boats and inflatables, get there very early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Likely Species:
Bass, Dogfish, Mackerel, Whiting, Wrasse
Chance of Catching:
Flatfish, Black Bream, Garfish, various mini species
Best Baits:
Ragworm is the top bait for the majority of species, especially the wrasse. Fish baits will attract dogfish after dark. Spinning in the early morning or when the light begins to dim will see you catching mackerel and the odd bass.
Rigs:
Two or three hook flapper rigs are a good all round rig to use for bottom fishing.
Directions:
From the clock tower in torquay (beside the harbour) you will need to follow the road for babbacombe. Keep following this road for approx 1 mile. You will see a sign for Babbacombe beach, directing you into Babbacombe downs Road. Do not turn off dow to Babbacombe beach, follow the road around and past the theatre. Continue along this road, and you will see a small junction off to the right stating "No Parking, April - September" This is the road that leads down to Oddicombe beach. Should you wish to park between April and September then you need to follow the signs for Babbacombe Beach and park in the car park by the dive centre. Prices are quite frightening but it allows a level walk to Oddicombe.
Dangers:
Rock falls from the cliffs are a serious danger at this venue. At high water most of the beach can get covered so be aware if you are fishing the far end, as you can get cut off by the incoming tide. Large swells can roll in when the wind is blowing from the East.
Towards the right hand side of the beach is a small slipway where small boats can be launched. To the right of this as you look out to sea the ground is very heavy and tackle hungry if you chose to place a bait on the bottom. Losing gear is almost inevitable from this side of the beach. To the left of the slipway the ground becomes more mixed and cleaner making bottom fishing easier and less expensive on the gear lose front. Daylight sessions can see lots of wrasse of various species to worm baits and mackerel to spinners or feathers as well as the odd bass. Winter nights see the beach dominated by whiting and dogfish. The beach is very well sheltered from prevailing West or South West winds. Being so small the beach quickly fills up with holiday makers during the summer as well as large numbers of people taking to the water in kayaks, small boats and inflatables, get there very early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Likely Species:
Bass, Dogfish, Mackerel, Whiting, Wrasse
Chance of Catching:
Flatfish, Black Bream, Garfish, various mini species
Best Baits:
Ragworm is the top bait for the majority of species, especially the wrasse. Fish baits will attract dogfish after dark. Spinning in the early morning or when the light begins to dim will see you catching mackerel and the odd bass.
Rigs:
Two or three hook flapper rigs are a good all round rig to use for bottom fishing.
Directions:
From the clock tower in torquay (beside the harbour) you will need to follow the road for babbacombe. Keep following this road for approx 1 mile. You will see a sign for Babbacombe beach, directing you into Babbacombe downs Road. Do not turn off dow to Babbacombe beach, follow the road around and past the theatre. Continue along this road, and you will see a small junction off to the right stating "No Parking, April - September" This is the road that leads down to Oddicombe beach. Should you wish to park between April and September then you need to follow the signs for Babbacombe Beach and park in the car park by the dive centre. Prices are quite frightening but it allows a level walk to Oddicombe.
Dangers:
Rock falls from the cliffs are a serious danger at this venue. At high water most of the beach can get covered so be aware if you are fishing the far end, as you can get cut off by the incoming tide. Large swells can roll in when the wind is blowing from the East.
