Sidmouth
Sidmouth comprises of a couple of beaches based on the seaward side of the East Devon Regency town of Sidmouth. The Town Beach begins at the mouth of the River Sid in the East and runs the length of the promenade to a small headland at its Western fringe. Jacob’s Ladder beach begins at the other side of the headland and runs West culminating in towering cliffs. Sidmouth is known as ‘the gateway to the Jurassic Coast’ – a World Heritage Site typified by huge cliffs and thousands of fossil remains. Existing close to the centre of a major tourist town these beaches, understandably, become very crowded in the summer, particularly over low water. Night sessions and early mornings are therefore the best times to fish to avoid summer crowds.
The beaches are composed of large grain shingle banks which drop down onto fine, flat sand that becomes exposed from about three hours before low water. The Town Beach is protected by a series of artificial rock islands which were established after storms in the 1980s washed away a lot of the shingle. The islands have created a series of channels over high water and can be accessed at low water – be careful as they get cut off by the rising tide. Both beaches provide equally good fishing, particularly at night. Fishing between the groynes on the Town Beach on an evening rising tide is a great spot to try. The beaches of East Devon are known for producing big fish including bass, Smoothound, plaice and rays.
Likely Species
Bass, Dogfish, Pout, Eels
Chance of Catching
Flounder, Dab, Plaice, Smoothound, Whiting, Cod, Small-eyed ray, Mackerel, Garfish
Best Baits
Ragworm will catch many of the species on offer, particularly if tipped off with a strip of squid. Sandeels, live or frozen, will take the bigger bass and the rays. Peeler crab is the top bait if you wish to target Smoothound or cod. Spinning and lure fishing over high water should produce mackerel and garfish and bass. An early morning plugging session over low water could be good for bass from the islands.
Rigs
2/3 hook flappers for the smaller species, use size1 or 2 hooks. A pennel or pulley with 3/0 or bigger should be used if you wish to target the larger species.
Dangers
Landslides from the sandstone cliffs are a common occurance. DO NOT get cut off by the tide if you venture onto the islands. The beaches are exposed to large swells from both the East and South West.
Jacobs Ladder.
Jacobs Beach.
Town Beach.
