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Elphinstone Car Park has long been a popular Plymouth fishing venue with both locals and tourists during the summer months. The easy access and parking add to its appeal and on occasion can throw up the odd decent specimen. ACCESS TO ELPHINSTONE CAR PARK
As the name suggests, you park right by the mark. Although parking isn’t free, those not willing to fork out the extortionate city council parking prices can benefit from having their vehicle so close to their bait box.
I defy any parking attendant to be able to drive in, get out their van, write a ticket and slap it on my van before I’m able to pack up and shift my wagon.  SPECIES FOUND AROUND ELPHINSTONE
Regular Visitors:-
Mackerel, Garfish, Dogfish, Pollack, Wrasse, Mullet and Whiting (winter) Other Species:-
Bass, Plaice, Bream (late summer), Thornback Rays, Gurnard and Cod.  BEST BAITS AND RIGS
Ragworm works well for the wrasse and other mini-species around the nearby rocks and also for the Pollack that cruise along the wall. Fishing light with a ball weight and 4 ft flowing trace should secure fish just off the bottom.
Have a punt on some live eels for the chance of a bass, either on bubble float or spinning. Small lures are also worth a try since you may pick up a Mackerel or Gar anyway. Generally, the Mackerel and Garfish will be caught more easily on a standard float rig (5 ft +/- 2) baited with thin slivers of mackerel (the white belly flesh is always a winner). Bottom fishing a running ledger/wishbone with coloured beads and a ragworm and mackerel cocktail bait could throw up any number of satisfying catches. Possibilities include Gurnard or Plaice (remember: small hooks!) or, if all else fails, a dogfish or 2. If you’re feeling lucky, fish close to the bottom with a multihook paternoster baited with rag tipped with squid – you may even get a Bream in the warmest months. UNDERWATER TOPOGRAPHY
To the east (over the long railing toward the marina) you’re onto mainly clean, sandy ground in about 15-20 feet of water. To the south (facing Mount Batten Pier) the ground is mainly clean with rocky outcrops here and there – which you will no doubt find during the stronger tides! The water is deeper to the south and has more clusters of rocky goodness closer in. Featurewise, the vertical platform wall and the rocks at the base of the platform are worth scratching around to pick up different mini species and the smaller fish. OTHER REMARKS
To get your bait into a decent depth of water requires a big cast from the south facing end. Unfortunately, this southern corner also sees a lot of boat traffic since it’s the main thoroughfare for water craft entering and exiting Sutton Harbour. Casting out will mean you are forever scanning the waterways and hoping the boats miss our line. If you’re out for an easy afternoon’s fishing with the kids, then you could do a lot worse than Elphinstone car park. It’s easy to find, safe (behind the railings), free to park (ahem) and the terrain holds few challenges either in or out of the water. If, however, you want a little peace and quiet and to pit your wits against fish in both greater number and better quality, then it may be worth checking out some of the other Plymouth marks. Of course, you can get the lowdown on these in the other Plymouth Sea Fishing Guides !
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Plymouth Sea Fishing Guide: Elphinstone 
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