Sea Fishing
South West
The River Tamar separates Devon from Cornwall, it runs some 61 miles from Morwenstow in North Cornwall to its final destination where it empties out in to Plymouth Sound.
At its deepest point there can be some 40 meters and with fierce tides it can be an awesome place to fish.
Over the years many incredible fish have come from the River Tamar, Bass well into double figures, Cod to near 30lb, Gilthead Bream to over 7lb and not forgetting Martin Larkins British Record Conger Eel of 68lb 8oz. Other fish which can be caught are Whiting, Pouting, Thornback Ray, Flounder, Mullet and many more, the list is truly endless.
In this feature I aim to give you an overview of the marks, tackle, bait’s and tides required for targeting some off the fish possible from this amazing river.
Thornback Ray, Cod & most fish !
Tackle - A 13’ rod capable of casting 7oz lead plus bait will suffice, reel wise a Daiwa Saltist 20 or Saltist 30 loaded with 20lb mainline topped off with an 80lb leader will deal with most situations. Alternatively if you prefer a large fixed spool would also be adequate.
Rig wise a Pulley Rig is tried and tested, I tend to use components from Veals Mail Order. I have used their gear for many years now and have complete faith it (see below for a shopping list and diagram for making the Pulley Rig).
Bait can be down to individuals choice but my number one is live prawn, this I find will out fish any other bait. Other top baits are frozen prawns, crab (peeler or soft backs), Garfish, Mackerel or Squid.
Clockwise from top left - Cuttlefish, Mackerel & Squid, Peeler Crab & Prawns.
A good catch of Codling from further up the Tamar.
And a larger fish taken from the deep water at Devils Point.
Conger
Tackle - A stiff actioned rod, something like a Ron Thompson Axcellerator which is capable of casting 10oz plus a large bait is what is required. Again reel wise the Daiwa Saltist 30 is hard to beat, this reel loaded with 40lb line will land anything you’re likely to encounter.
End tackle couldn’t be much easier, either a running ledger or fixed patternoster depending on the ground I am fishing over. This is generally made from 18” of 250lb mono terminated in a Mustad O’Shaungnesy at one end with a strong crane swivel at the other.
Rough ground Eel Rig.
A low twenty from the rough ground at the mouth of the River Tamar.
Other species available
The only other tackle required to get the most from the River Tamar is a pair of light Bass rods or Carp rods which paired with a 5000 sized fixed spool can be used for flounder or the exotic Gilthead Bream.
Also a coarse feeder or float rod is a worth while addition in case you fancy a shot at the Mullet which inhabit many of the creeks within the Tamar.
A Flounder in prime condition from the upper reaches of the Tamar.
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The Marks
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Devils Point - Smaller tides give more fishing time, tides over 5.0 mtrs limit fishing time. Normally fished over low water. Species - Good for Cod, Ray, Whiting, Pouting & Eels.
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Cremyll Foreshore - Same as the above. Species - Cod, Eels & Bass.
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Mutton Cove - Smaller tides give more fishing time, although tides over 5.0 mtrs are fishable for longer in the ebb. Species - Good for Cod, Ray, Whiting, Pouting & Eels.
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Millbrook - Any size tide is fishable, although I find tide up to 5.0 mtrs fish best. Species - Flounder, Bass, Mullet & Gilthead Bream.
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St. Johns Lake - Tides up to 5.0 mtrs are fishable, any bigger and you run the risk of running out of beach. Species - Flounder & Bass.
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The Lawns - Same St. John’s Lake.
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River Lynher - Tides of around 5.0 mtrs seem best, depending on where you fish it will normally be over the top or bottom of the tide. Species - Flounder, Bass, Mullet, Ray & Cod.
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Saltash - Tides around the 5.0 - 5.2 seem to produce best.
12lb 9oz Thornback Ray & a 17lb 2oz Cod, both caught at Devils Point on live Prawns.