Fishing at Paignton Pier

PierDevon🐾 Seasonal daytime dog ban★★★ family

Paignton's Victorian pier splits the wide sands of Paignton Sands and is generally reckoned the best bass spot on the beach, especially fished either side with peeler crab.

📍 View on the map

What you can catch → Full fish guide

Species	Season	Method
Bass	May–Oct	Peeler crab or live sandeel fished either side of the pier
Mackerel Garfish	Jun–Sep	Feathers or float-fished strip from the pier rails
Grey Mullet	Jun–Sep	Float fished bread around the pier structure
Whiting Smooth-Hound	Autumn–winter	Bottom fished worm or fish bait

Tactics

The pier itself is reckoned the best part of the beach for bass — fish either side of the structure with peeler crab or live sandeel. Early morning and late evening sessions avoid the summer swimming crowds.

Best tide: Any state · Best time: Early morning and dusk

Dogs

Torbay Council bans dogs from Paignton Sands between 1 May and 30 Sept under PSPO and local byelaw, with a dog exercise area provided on the green; dogs can exercise freely on the beach from 1 Oct to 30 Apr. (the page names "Paignton Sands" with exact ban dates but never mentions "Paignton Pier" as a distinct zone - the pier structure itself isn't separately addressed)

Unofficial source: View the supporting source →Not an authority; check current signage.

Access & parking

Victoria car park is a very short walk from the pier. Sat-nav: TQ4 6BW.Get directions → Family rating: ★★★ — Wide flat sandy beach either side of a well-lit, railed pier, good for families.

FAQs

Is Paignton Pier good for bass?

Yes, it's considered the best bass spot on Paignton Sands, particularly fishing either side with peeler crab.

Are dogs allowed on Paignton beach?

Not between 1 May and 30 Sept, when Torbay's PSPO excludes them; they're free to exercise on the beach the rest of the year.

What else can you catch off Paignton Pier?

Mackerel, garfish and mullet through summer, with whiting and smoothhound turning up in autumn and winter.

Nearby marks

Brixham Breakwater · Teignmouth Seafront & Back Beach · Slapton Sands

Last updated 16 July 2026 — sources & disclaimer

Compiled from angling guides, forums and the relevant council's dog byelaws, cross-checked where possible.

Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.