Beesands

Another one of Start Bay¡¯s beautiful stretches of shingle beach Beesands is a very attractive place to wet a line. Situated at the head of a valley between two small headlands, the beach consists of about a mile of shingle backed by a sea wall and rock defences. These defences protect the small and historic village of Beesands itself. First documented in 1588 there can be little doubt that a settlement of some form has existed here for far longer than that such is the quality and abundance of the sea life and the fertility of the valley. Fishing has always been a major industry for the area and a small fleet of shellfish boats still work from the beach to catch crab and lobster whilst Britannia Shellfish are based just outside the village. Nowadays this industry works alongside tourism which flourishes throughout the South Hams area. People come from far and wide to relax on the beach with its views of Start Point and to enjoy a drink in the village¡¯s only pub ¨C The Cricket Inn. Parking is free along the length of the beach with access points to allow only a short walk down onto the shingle.

The beach itself is very much like Slapton which lies just around the small headland at the Eastern end of the beach. Deep water can be accessed with a moderate cast out with the ground being mostly clean and snag free throughout the length of the venue. The fishing too is a lot like that at Slapton, you never know what may turn up although Beesands is highly rated for the quality of its flatfish such as plaice and dab. Fishing during daylight hours can be hit or miss but early mornings are a good time to ambush bass and mackerel as they feed close to the shoreline. Once the sun drops below the horizon the night fishing can be very good with many species coming close to the shore, especially if there is a bit of life in the water. Be aware that in larger swell conditions the entire beach can become swamped showing the need for the sea defences which are in place! Do not risk fishing here in such conditions.

Bass, Black Bream, Dab, Dogfish, Dragonet, Garfish, Mackerel, Plaice, Poor Cod, Pout, Pollack, Rockling, Whiting.

Dover Sole, Huss, Cod, Red Mullet, Scad, Ray

Worms are the top bait for catching the majority of species, particularly the flatfish. Peeler crabs work well for attracting bass after dark. Spinning in the early morning or when the light begins to dim will see you catching mackerel and the odd bass.

Two or three hook flapper rigs are a good all round rig to use for bottom fishing. Pennel rigs with larger baits fished close to the shore are the way to go to target the bass.

Directions

From the A379 at Stokenham follow the road signed for Start Point. Approximately 1 mile along this road there is a junction to the left signed Beeson and Beesands. Take this turning and follow the road to the end. At the end there is a long line of free car parking spaces to the left and some residents and free parking spaces to the right. ¡¡

Strong lateral tide run on spring tides. Large swells can roll in when the wind is blowing from the East. The road to the beach is very narrow with a lot of sharp corners; take it easy when driving down.