Offshore Fishing in North Devon: What to Expect on Your First Charter Trip

North Devon’s waters are among the most productive fishing grounds on the UK’s Atlantic coast. Wrecks and reef systems hold impressive populations of pollock, bass, cod, and ling. The open channel beyond Lundy brings opportunities for tope, shark, and — increasingly — bluefin tuna.
Wild Frontier Charters is based at Ilfracombe harbour, part of the same crew as Ilfracombe Sea Safari and Ilfracombe Princess. If you’ve been thinking about a fishing charter but aren’t sure what to expect, this guide is for you.

What Species Can You Catch?

The honest answer is: it depends on the season, the conditions, and the marks we fish.
Spring and early summer are excellent for pollock — hard-fighting fish that come up from the wrecks. Bass fishing picks up through the summer and into autumn, particularly on inshore reefs and around structure. Cod appear later in the year as the water cools.
Tope — a member of the shark family — provide excellent sport from summer onwards. We also see blue sharks on offshore trips. And the growing tuna presence off the South West coast has become increasingly exciting for serious offshore anglers.

Do You Need to Bring Your Own Gear?

We have rods, reels, and terminal tackle available on the boat, so you don’t need to arrive with your own gear. If you have your own setup and prefer to use it, that’s absolutely fine.
We’ll brief you on the day about the approach we’re taking and what rigs work best for the marks we’re fishing. If you’re new to offshore fishing, the skipper and crew will get you set up and fishing competently — we’re not there just to drive the boat.

Seasickness: The Honest Conversation

We won’t pretend the Bristol Channel is always flat. This is an exposed Atlantic coast and the swell can be significant on some days.
If you’re prone to seasickness, there are medications that work well — take them before you travel, not after you start feeling unwell. Eating something light before departure, avoiding alcohol the night before, and staying on deck and looking at the horizon all help.
We’ll always give you an honest assessment of expected conditions before you commit. We want you to have a good trip.

How to Book

Wild Frontier Charters runs a range of trip formats — half-day, full-day, and overnight offshore trips for experienced anglers. Party bookings and solo places are available.
Get in touch through our website or find us at Ilfracombe harbour. We’re part of the Ilfracombe marine family — the same people you’ll find running sea safaris and coastal cruises from the same pier.