Fishing at Saunton Sands

BeachDevon🐾 Dogs allowed — with rules★★☆ family

A huge, three-mile Atlantic surf beach in North Devon backed by dunes, giving heavy-ground fishing for conger, huss and rays alongside quality surf bass — one of North Devon's most popular and productive shore venues.

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What you can catch

Species	Season	Method
Bass	Apr–Oct, peak season	Crab, squid or sandeel cocktail on a pulley pennel fished in the coloured surf, especially first push of the flood and last of the ebb at dawn/dusk.
Small-eyed / thornback ray	Apr–Oct	Fish bait fished at range on a rising tide.
Smoothhound	May–Aug	Peeler crab fished hard on the bottom.
Conger / bull huss	Jun–Oct, at night	Heavy bait fished on the bottom over any broken ground for these bigger species.
Whiting / dab	Nov–Feb	Worm/fish-strip cocktails, best on calmer winter days or after onshore blows.

Tactics

Bass feed hardest in the first push of the flood and the last of the ebb, especially at dawn and dusk — a big crab or squid/sandeel cocktail on a pulley pennel in coloured surf is the classic approach. Switch to heavier gear after dark for conger and huss over any broken ground.

Best tide: First push of the flood; last of the ebb · Best time: Dawn and dusk for bass; after dark for conger/huss

Dogs

Dogs are banned north of the slipway at Saunton Sands year-round; south of the slipway dogs are allowed all year, though owners are asked to keep dogs on a lead if the beach is busy. This is a landowner rule rather than a North Devon Council seasonal PSPO.

Access & parking

Park at the large Saunton Sands car park just off the B3231. Sat-nav: EX33 1LG.Get directions → Family rating: ★★☆ — A huge, open surf beach with dunes and a car park right behind it, but genuine Atlantic surf and rip currents mean supervision is essential, especially for young children in the water.

FAQs

Are dogs allowed on Saunton Sands?

Dogs are banned year-round north of the slipway; south of the slipway they're allowed all year, with a request to leash them if the beach is busy.

What's the best time to fish Saunton Sands for bass?

The first push of the flood and the last of the ebb, especially at dawn or dusk, using a crab or squid/sandeel cocktail in coloured surf.

Can you catch conger at Saunton Sands?

Yes, at night over broken ground with heavy bait — bull huss are also a realistic night catch alongside conger.

Nearby marks

Ilfracombe Pier · Westward Ho! · Woolacombe Beach

Last updated 7 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.