Short answer: The Back Beach on the estuary side is the sheltered spot, with working boats on the sand and old pubs behind. Better still, take the ferry across to Shaldon, where the quay is specifically known for crabbing.
Teignmouth has a seafront and a Back Beach, and the difference decides your morning. The seafront faces the open sea with the railway running along it — dramatic, but not crabbing water. The Back Beach, round on the estuary side, is sheltered, calm and where the working boats are pulled up on the sand.
It also has a large car park that is cheaper than the seafront, food shacks and two old pubs a few steps away, and the ferry to Shaldon leaving from it.
This is the pick. Shaldon is directly across the river and its quay is specifically singled out by visitors as a lovely quay to crab from. The village is prettier than Teignmouth, the beach beside it has rock pools, and the whole thing is a few pounds on the passenger ferry rather than a drive up to the bridge and a second parking charge.
The tidal currents in the Teign estuary are strong and Shaldon Beach is explicitly not a swimming beach. That is fine for crabbing — you want a wall, not a swim — but keep children away from the water's edge and do not let anyone paddle out.
A rising tide. The estuary empties a long way at low water and you will be looking at mud. Early morning is best, before the ferry gets busy.
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.
Ness Cove, reached through the Smugglers' Tunnel cut down through the cliff at Shaldon, has red sand and stones, big clam shells and cormorants diving offshore. Dog friendly all year. There are no facilities on the beach and it is not buggy or wheelchair accessible, but the tunnel alone makes it the most memorable thing to do here with children.
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