There are plenty of seasoned fishermen in the Ladram Bay team so we thought that we would share their local knowledge. Here we’ve put together a guide that any budding angler might need to know before they cast their lines off our famous pebbled beach.
What you can catch:
For anyone wondering what they can expect to land at Ladram Bay here are a few of the potential catches: bass, mackerel, conger eels, plaice, pout whiting, wrasse, dogfish and pollock.

Obviously attaching the tag ‘prized fish’ to any catch carries a certain degree of subjectivity but landing a bass will earn instant admiration amongst your angling peers. Any anglers we asked also put mackerel and conger eel on their list of preferable catches.
The weather:
The weather effects the way fish behave and subsequently what you can expect to catch. Bass are generally easier to catch in stormy seas, while mackerel are better on a clear day during a high tide.
Timing:
Fish can be caught around the clock making it a great activity for any nocturnal types, if you’re a beginner its probably best to start off in the daytime for obvious reasons.
Record breakers
In 2014 one lucky angler landed an 8¼ pound bass – we have the photo to prove it too.

Mythical Sea Creatures
Shortly after this record-breaking bass was landed, an unnamed local source claims to have landed a mermaid at Ladram Bay however due to their catch and release ethos there is no evidence to back this story up!
Even if you don’t have a day of tight lines your experience can still be special. In the autumn of 2014 a pod of dolphins paid a visit to Ladram Bay, apparently they weren’t shy at all as they swam alongside the fishing boat – they obviously didn’t try and catch them!

Ladram provides a very picturesque fishing location but in East Devon we are fortunate to have numerous locations that are great for fishing, these include; the mouth of the River Otter, the beach of Budleigh Salterton and Littleham Cove in Exmouth. We’ve put together an interactive map so you can spend less time sussing out locations and more time casting lines.
When it comes to equipment anglers generally have their own particular setup. For those new to fishing its best to ask our helpful team at the Seaview Shack. Now you have the knowledge, all that remains is to go and catch something, but just before you head out bear in mind the local saying ‘fish don’t bite so well in the east wind’.
For those that come back with a successful catch you might want to read some of our holiday cooking guides for fish:
Book your half-term holiday at Ladram Bay.
What’s On Over October Half-Term?
Book your Summer stay at Ladram Bay and give the family all of this to look forward to!
We’re excited to welcome you back for a winter of fun with our pool membership. Splash around in the heated pool, entertain little ones in the small pool with play area, host a children’s birthday party, hit an aquafit class or head to the gym for circuits.
Signing up
To sign up, follow this link to download our membership form and email it to info@ladrambay.co.uk with a passport photo attached for your pass. Alternatively, please bring a passport photo for your pass.
How to book
Booking for any activity is essential. Book up to 7 days in advance via this link. To learn more about making a booking, please follow this link to our helpful guide.
Winter Leisure Membership
We know that booking holidays can often feel like a stressful event, with so many options and things to consider. We’ve put together our top tips for perfectly planning your 2024 holiday.
Plan around 2024 bank holidays
Not only are long weekends at Ladram Bay the perfect escape from reality but booking a whole week off around a bank holiday means you get to save a day or two of your all-important holiday allowance and have a nice long (and well needed) break, too.
Book for annual events
Outside of the summer holidays, we host plenty of entertainment around the Easter holidays and Halloween to name but a couple. There’s fun for the whole family – from Easter egg hunts for the little ones to fancy dress parties for young and old. It’s always worth a visit to see what we’ve got going on! Check out or visiting acts, too. With a full entertainment programme all season long, there’ll be something you love.
Book ahead
Save on stress and plan your 2024 holiday well in advance. You’ll thank yourself next year! We offer a deposit scheme that allows you to pay the balance eight weeks in advance of your holiday, which gives you plenty of room to breathe.
Look at off-peak dates
We know the buzz of the summer holidays isn’t for everyone. For maximum R&R, look at dates outside of peak season when the weather is still warm but the little ones are back at school. Our season runs from March to November, so there’s plenty of time to explore the Jurassic Coast in a laid-back fashion.
Check for last-minute staycations
Not a forward planner and fancy a spontaneous getaway? Why not. It’s always worth checking availability online or giving us a call on 01395 568398 – you never know what will be available last-minute in your budget.
Explore different accommodation types
We’ve got lots of different accommodation types here at Ladram Bay depending on what kind of holiday you fancy. If you love being in the great outdoors, bring your tent or tourer and enjoy views out across the bay, or glamp in one of our Otterpods and experience the best of both worlds.
If a little luxury is your idea of a holiday, our sea-view holiday homes and lodges can’t be beaten for the ultimate family getaway. Give it a try and have a holiday you won’t forget.
Booking your 2024 holiday – our 6 top tips