PORT SPOTLIGHT
Sample the delights of Ilfracombe.
The Victorian seaside town of Ilfracombe nestles between the cliffs of the North Devon coastline. Approaching from the sea, you will be greeted by a huge Damien Hirst sculpture by the name of Verity. Made from bronze and stainless steel, she depicts truth and justice, and though her construction was met with certain controversy, she has proved to be a major attraction.
Once inside the harbour you will be surrounded by all things nautical. In the summer, the harbour area is a bustling community. There is a commercial fishing side with a couple of trawlers and several potting boats operating year-round.
HUGE POTENTIAL
My interest here lies in the huge potential for sea angling because I have fished these waters for many years and experienced some amazing results.
As the Bristol Channel opens up to the west, the waters take on a different demeanour. The silty brown tides of the upper reaches clear as the tidal flow decreases, allowing the silt to fall out, leaving the sea gin clear. This is ideal for species such as pollack, coalfish and bass, all of which are available on the many reef systems and wrecks.
Some 22 miles to the west is Lundy Island, where there are many reefs and wrecks to be explored, along with several sandbanks that invariably will produce rays, flatfish and bass. In summer, mackerel are usually widespread, though in recent years they have proved scarce on occasions.
For the more adventurous and dedicated, there are also sharks. The packs of tope,
which at times can produce catches of more than 100 fish in a single session, can be targeted from June through September. If your sights are set even higher, there are blues and por-beagles. A shark trip can produce good results, but can also produce absolutely nothing.
There are several charter boats operating from the harbour. They offer trips ranging from a couple of hours’ mackerel fishing five minutes outside the harbour, to a full day’s deep-sea fishing. Even though the harbour is tidal, the extensive pier structure allows landing at almost any stage of tide, except for low water on extreme high tides.
Bookings can be made at a small booking kiosk situated on the pier, or by making a phone call direct to the skipper.
ATTRACTIONS
If you are visiting with your family, who may not want to fish, the Ilfracombe Princess operates coastal cruises to view the breathtaking scenery and wildlife.
Whatever form of entertainment takes your fancy, be sure to pay a visit to Ilfracombe Yacht Club. There are good beers on offer, homemade meals and a patio garden overlooking the Bristol Channel. Showers are also available free of charge, though a small donation would not be refused.
There is an RNLI station manned by a voluntary crew. The Shannon-class vessel, The Barry and Peggy High Foundation, and the smaller inshore boat, Deborah Brown II, answer on average 60-70 calls a year.
Though accommodation is widely available, for many years I have stayed at the angler-friendly Royal Britannia Hotel, which sits proudly on the harbourside. ■