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Fishing in Torbay

Living
Foreshore

Bass, pollack, mackerel, wrasse and mullet in the summer.

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9. Livermead Beach, Marks out of 10: 6, Status: Worth a go

The biggest disadvantage here is the fact that this beach is used so much by waterskiers in the Summer. It is, however, one of those spots that is worth keeping an eye on. Late season mackerel, for example, will herd sprats into the little cove when they get a chance, offering fantastic sport on the fly even if distance is limited by the backcast.
   
Shoals of mullet work their way along the shore and, for kayakers, who could launch from Livermead slipway, or anglers prepared to wade, can offer some very good sport. There are bass on occasion but the bottom is snaggy beyond belief so stick to float or fly.

10. Hollicombe Beach, Marks out of 10: 6, Status: Worth a go

This can be a lovely place to fish but you need to keep an eye on the tides. (Don't bother on a really big spring - there won't be any beach showing.) I have fished here on many occasions, catching small plaice, bass, the occasional sole and some decent-sized pout, and quite enjoy it. A couple of times though - and I cannot offer any rational explanation for it - I have had some very strange experiences here. One warm night, around July though I can't remember what year, I was watching my beachcasters when I heard some footsteps and some really laboured, heavy breathing coming closer and closer. I shone my headtorch around, expecting to see a dog walker, but there was nobody there.
   
Thinking someone was taking the Michael I stared straight at where the sound was coming from. By now it was really loud so I could not understand why I could not see anyone. Then, and it did make me feel uncomfortable, the air around me became much colder. My breath was startlingly visible, as if I were fishing in the middle of December, not July, and the footsteps stopped. The breathing was very loud and appeared to be coming from right in front of my face, though I still could not see anything, no matter how hard I looked.
   
I continued to stare at where I thought the sound was coming from but there was still nothing visible. This continued for a couple of minutes and then whatever it was turned away and walked off, the sounds of the footsteps and the breathing slowly disappearing while the temperature returned to normal.
   
What was it? I haven't a clue. As I said, I can offer no rational explanation for it but it was not a comfortable experience. I got the distinct feeling that I should stand my ground but, once it was gone, the uncomfortable feeling went with it and I carried on fishing.
   
Strange experiences aside, Hollicombe Beach can be an interesting place to fish though it is not one of the greatest spots around the bay. If you do decide to have a go, I would recommend ragworms for most of the year and, early morning in the Summer, live sandeels in case there are bass around. For tackle I would stick to a straightforward running leger.

Small plaice, bass, the occasional sole and some decent-sized pout

Some occasional surprises during both seasons.