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Without doubt, the disused quarry at Berry Head
is one of South Devon’s most popular sea angling venues. With nearby
parking, disabled access, a decent range of fishing spots, varied
underwater topography and reasonably deep water within the reach of
most, its easy to understand that popularity.
 ACCESS TO BERRY HEAD FISHING GROUNDS
There
is a visitor’s car park at the top of the hill and also a gate allowing
disable access and parking closer to the fishing areas. In this case,
badges must be on display. As of April 2008, a full days parking in
either car park costs £3.50.
From the car park, simply follow
the paved pathway along and then down a steepish hill and you’re right
on the different fishing spots.
COMMON SPECIES FOUND AROUND BERRY HEAD
Pollack
may be picked up in a number of different ways here. Light lining close
to rocky outcrops/underwater features with head hooked ragworm is
always a favourite on the slow retrieve, although they may also be
taken with fish baits (less common) and by lure fishing also. Retrieving
small red gill lures (approx 2 inches long) on a lengthy trace
sometimes does the job, but nothing beats the real thing – and fishing
with live sand eels will also bump up your chances of picking up the
illusive bass. During the summer
months (in fact, all year round sometimes) mackerel and garfish appear in hefty numbers. Float fishing with anything between a 6 – 15
foot trace should secure you one or the other. Bait of choice would
have to be thin, white, belly strips of mackerel hooked once through
one end. Garfish can generally be found closer to the surface than
mackerel, so set traces according to what you prefer to catch. Since they are both predatory species, spinning also works a treat. Incidentally, Berry Head garfish are renowned for their size. Feathers are also a viable option for these summer species, but with light line and a single hook they can be a lot more fun!
Although
Berry Head isn’t best known for its Wrasse fishing, it can sometimes
throw up a hefty specimens approaching double figures. Fishing right
under your nose close to sea walls and other features proves
worthwhile, and even if the big ones don’t show there should be more
than enough action to keep you busy. Fishing tight to walls
and/or just off a rocky bottom will put you amongst the fish. Don’t
worry about loading the hook with bait, 1 – 2 inch segments of ragworm
will still work if you are just out for a bit of fun, although a
complete, fat worm will send them into a frenzy!
Both
on the sand or over the rocks, you are always in for a chance of a
dogfish when bottom fishing with the right rig and bait. Bigger, smelly
baits such as the ragworm & mackerel cocktail works well, so load
it onto something like an up and over or a pennell pulley rig, cast it
out and wait for the bites.
From time to time, Berry Head can
also throw up the odd surprise species. During the warmer months there
is always the chance of the odd bass if you are lucky, and plaice and
smoothies may also make an appearance on occasion. Ask in your local
tackle shop what been fishing well there recently, and don’t forget to
talk to other folks when you get there, too. BERRY HEAD FISHING MARKS
The
first and most popular mark after the walk down the hill is the wide
concrete platform on the left. Casting from here will put you into
about 50 feet of water and onto patches of sand and rock. The platform
itself has no guardrails, so care is needed when fishing…as it a rod
rest! Following the path
around to the right will take you past an old observation post and down
onto the next mark after the wall on your left. It’s a small rocky
outcrop suitable for 1 or 2 anglers maximum, although there is another
lower area directly to its left if someone should you be beaten to it.
From here and further right (south) you will mainly be fishing over the
rocks (again, around 50 ft depth), so tackle up accordingly. The
next mark along – over a small ridge from the rocky outcrop, is the
wide expanse of the plateau. There’s plenty of room here for a fair few
anglers, although fewer people actually use it. The ‘peg’ farthest to
the right as you look out to sea is the most favourable here since it
is the most versatile. Casting straight out will put you in deeper water than the previous marks at approx 70 feet, but still over rock. This mark has the added bonus of a
small corral to the right which is great for some protected float
fishing/spinning for Pollack and bottom fishing for wrasse. Another great
feature of the plateau is its natural rod rests. Dotted along its
length you’ll find small holes perfect for standing your rod in while
you wait for bite. You’ll be thankful for them at the end of the
session when you don’t have to cart everything plus a rod rest back up
the hill! Another mark worthy of
mention is the peninsular. It’s a bit iffy to get to, and great care
must be taken to get onto it safely since there is a steep climb needed
to access it. The climb down brings you out on top of the corral that
is just as easily fished from the plateau. The only real bonus is the deeper
water within easy casting range. Personally though, I don’t feel that risk equals reward on this
occasion – you’re just as well fishing the more accessible marks,
especially if you have a full burden of shore fishing gear with you. 
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"and don’t forget to talk to other folks when you get there, too.".... my 'talking to them' usually is along the lines of taking their stinking rubbish home with them !