Tuna Off the South West Coast: Is 2026 the Year to Chase Tuna from North Devon?
April 16, 2026
North Devon’s offshore waters are among the most varied and productive fishing grounds in the UK. From inshore reef marks teeming with pollack and wrasse to deep-water wrecks holding huge conger eels, and summer blue water that delivers shark, tuna, and big game species — the range is extraordinary.
At Wild Frontier Charters, we specialise in taking anglers to the best marks in the Bristol Channel and beyond. Here’s what the 2026 season has in store.
May: Reef Fishing and Spring Species
May is an excellent month to start the offshore season. Pollack are feeding actively on the reef marks off the North Devon coast, and cod — now a seasonal treat rather than a staple — are still present on some marks. Bream (black and red) are coming up from the reef edges as water temperatures climb. Cuckoo wrasse are abundant and will take a bait almost anywhere on a rocky mark.
For lure anglers, May reef fishing can produce multiple specimen pollack. Working soft plastics over the top of reef structures at depth is consistently productive.
Summer: Sharks, Tuna, and Blue Water
From June, the offshore summer season begins in earnest. The Bristol Channel and the waters to the west of North Devon are part of the UK’s shark fishing heartland. Blue sharks arrive following the mackerel from late June, and properly organised shark trips — with experienced skippers who know the grounds and the handling protocols — are an extraordinary experience.
Recent seasons have also produced bluefin tuna encounters off the North Devon and Cornish coasts. While targeting tuna requires a specific licence and approach, their presence in inshore waters is one of the most exciting developments in UK sea fishing in a generation.
Wreck Fishing
The Bristol Channel and approaches hold a significant number of historic wrecks, many of which now serve as artificial reefs hosting conger eel, ling, pollack, and in summer, large bream. Wreck fishing at depth requires appropriate tackle — heavier pirks and large hokkais worked on a big-capacity reel — but delivers some of the most exciting mixed-bag fishing available from any UK port.
Our Vessels and Charter Options
Wild Frontier Charters operates fully equipped, seaworthy vessels with experienced skippers who know these waters. Day charters, half-day trips, and dedicated species targeting (shark, wreck, reef) are all available. All tackle and bait included.
Book your charter at wildfrontiercharters.co.uk or contact us to discuss your trip.