Crabbing in Exmouth: Where and How

Short answer: The marina and the estuary end of Exmouth are the sheltered spots for crabbing. Do not fish from anywhere near the estuary mouth itself, where the currents run hard. The beach is two miles long if the crabs are not biting.

The estuary end, not the sea end

Exmouth sits where the Exe meets the sea, and the two halves of the seafront behave completely differently. The western end towards the marina and the estuary is sheltered — this is where you crab. The open beach facing the sea is not crabbing water.

One warning that matters more here than anywhere else in this guide: the currents at the estuary mouth run genuinely hard and swimming there is unsafe. Keep children well back from the water's edge on that side, and do not treat it as a paddling spot.

The marina

The redeveloped harbour and marina end is the practical place — sheltered water, walls, and the better eating in Exmouth directly behind you. The Point opens at 8.30 and has a dog station with blankets and treats, which is useful when the morning ends damp.

When patience runs out

This is Exmouth's advantage. Two miles of flat sand with a level promenade behind it is about twenty seconds away, and it is the easiest beach in Devon with a buggy or a wheelchair. If the crabbing collapses after fifteen minutes, the day is not over.

When to go

A rising tide, and away from the estuary mouth. Early morning is calmest — the Exe gets busy with boats and paddleboards later on.

What to take

A line rather than a net, a bucket, and bait. Bacon is the traditional choice and works; so does squid from the fishmonger. Fill the bucket with seawater before you start and keep it in the shade.

The rules that matter

• Half a dozen crabs to a bucket, no more — they fight and they suffocate.
• Change the seawater every twenty minutes or so, and keep the bucket out of the sun.
• Never lift a crab by one leg. Pick it up from behind, either side of the shell.
• Put them back where you caught them, gently and close to the water.
• Do not take them home. They will not survive the journey and it is not the point.

If you want rock pools

Head east instead. Orcombe Point at the far end of the beach is the official start of the Jurassic Coast, and the red rocks along there give you something to poke about in. It is also the section where dogs are allowed all year, rather than being banned May to September like the main beach.

Nearby

Budleigh Salterton, ten minutes east, has the Otter estuary and a wetland nature reserve behind the beach — better for birds than crabs, but a good second stop.