Blue Shark Fishing off North Devon: What to Expect This Summer
June 9, 2026
The Bristol Channel and the approaches to the Atlantic off the North Devon coast contain an extraordinary number of historic wrecks. Merchant vessels, naval ships, and fishing boats lost over more than a century of maritime activity have become artificial reefs, colonised by marine life and holding some of the most impressive fish populations accessible from any UK charter port.
Wreck fishing is one of the most productive and technically interesting forms of sea angling available from Ilfracombe. Here is what you need to know.
What Species Live on Wrecks?
A well-established wreck holds a full food chain from the structure itself upward. The primary species our clients target include:
- Conger eel: the dominant predator on most deep wrecks. The British record stands at over 130lb and fish exceeding 50lb are encountered regularly on Bristol Channel marks. Conger are nocturnal in their habits but can be taken during daylight on deep wrecks where light penetration is limited.
- Ling: a long, powerful fish that holds tight to the wreck structure. Ling to double figures are common on our marks and provide a strong, determined fight.
- Pollack: typically found higher in the water column above the wreck, hunting baitfish. Pollack exceeding 10lb are regularly taken on lure and bait over wreck marks.
- Large bream: black and red bream congregate on wreck edges in summer. Both species provide excellent sport on lighter tackle.
- Coalfish (saithe): similar to pollack in behaviour, often mixed in the same shoals over deep water.
How Does Wreck Fishing Work?
There are two primary approaches to wreck fishing, and we use both depending on conditions and target species.
Drifting over the Wreck
The boat is positioned uptide of the wreck and allowed to drift across it, with anglers working lures, pirks, or baited rigs down through the water column. This covers more of the wreck on each pass and is particularly effective for pollack and coalfish that are active in the mid-water.
Anchored over the Wreck
For conger and ling, anchoring uptide of the wreck and allowing baits to settle near the structure is often more productive. Whole or half mackerel, squid, and fresh cuttle are the standard baits. Takes are typically strong and unmistakable.
What Tackle Is Required?
Wreck fishing requires heavier tackle than inshore reef work. For deep water pirking and large conger, a stiff 30 to 50lb class rod with a multiplier reel loaded with heavy braid is appropriate. For mid-water pollack on lures, a lighter 20lb class setup gives better sport. All tackle is provided on our charters.
The Best Time of Year for Wreck Fishing
Wreck fishing is a year-round option in the Bristol Channel, but summer offers the best combination of weather windows, species variety, and daylight hours. June through September sees the addition of bream and the most active pollack fishing, while conger and ling are available throughout.
Booking a Wreck Charter
Wreck fishing charters run on full-day and half-day schedules depending on the target marks and weather forecast. We provide all tackle, bait, and skippered knowledge of the most productive marks.
Contact Wild Frontier Charters to discuss dates and availability.