Mackerel Fishing Trips

The quintessential South Devon family fishing trip: fast-paced, accessible, and brilliant fun for all ages. Sailing directly from Exmouth Marina onto active shoals in the bay, everything you need is supplied—from simple handline/rod tackle to full tuition—and you get to keep what you catch for tea.

Mackerel Fishing Trips in Exmouth, Devon

Head out along the South Devon coast from Exmouth Marina on a hands-on, 2-hour sea angling adventure targeting hard-fighting summer mackerel shoals across Lyme Bay.

What to Expect on Board

Mackerel fishing is an active, fast-paced style of coastal angling perfect for getting straight into the action:

• Vertical Feathering & Jigging: We use traditional multi-hook feather traces and modern tinsel rigs. Our crew will show you how to lower your line, find the feeding depth, and work the tackle with a steady jigging motion to trigger simultaneous strikes.

• Target Species: Trips focus primarily on Atlantic mackerel, alongside seasonal opportunities for garfish and scad (horse mackerel) hunting near the surface off the Jurassic Coast.

• Active Surface Sport: Mackerel hunt in dense, fast-moving shoals. When the boat locates a feeding pack, the fishing is instant, energetic, and provides plenty of bending rods across the deck.

• Keep or Release: Any legal-sized mackerel you land are yours to take home fresh for the barbecue, or you can practice quick, safe catch-and-release.

Who Can Join

• Families & Children: An ideal family-friendly activity in Devon, offering constant action and short sailing times to keep youngsters engaged and entertained throughout.

• Novices & First-Timers: Complete tuition is provided on deck. The skipper and crew supply all rods and tackle, demonstrate the basics, untangle lines, and help unhook every catch.

• Experienced Anglers: A relaxed, fun way to enjoy light-tackle sport, test personal rigs, or stock the freezer with fresh bait for future coastal sessions.

• Spectators: Non-anglers are welcome to step aboard, soak in the panoramic views of the red sandstone cliffs, and enjoy the maritime atmosphere.

Practical Information for Your Trip

• Seasonal Window: Mackerel arrive in Lyme Bay as the coastal waters warm in spring and remain through late autumn. Trips run frequently throughout this peak summer period.

• Weather & Clothing: The Southern Angler is a traditional open sea-fishing boat offering 360-degree casting space without overhead cabin cover. Please wear warm layers, a waterproof outer jacket, and flat, non-slip shoes.

• Facilities on Board: The vessel is equipped with an onboard toilet, and basic refreshments are available for purchase during the trip.

• Dogs: Well-behaved dogs and assistance dogs are welcome to join you on board.