A 20ft locally built traditional wooden boat – licensed and insured for ten passengers. She is safe and stable operating in the normally calm Torridge Estuary, therefore, no need to have concerns if you are not a good sailor.

Fishing for Bass and Mackerel

Bass and Mackerel are caught in and around the Estuary at Appledore, also Flounder, Gurnard, Bream, Garfish etc. Only the best bait is used, i.e. lugworm, sand eel and peeler crab. Fishing is on the bottom, over sandbanks, pits and rocks. During a four hour trip at least two hours are spent trolling with artificial lures.

Learn about the local wildlife

Shelduck, Teal, Heron Egret, Sandpiper, Oyster Catcher, Cormorant, Shag, Redshank, Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Kingfisher are all normally seen and also rarities such as Black Swan, Avocet and Spoonbill. Deer and Foxes may also be seen in the woods and if you are very lucky – Tarka the Otter.

Learn about some local history

The pleasure cruise commences at Appledore and proceeds up the River Torridge for 7-8 miles.  The Estuary is steeped in history with many points of interest.  Hear and learn of

• The importance of the railways and shipbuilding
• The reason for burning limestone in the many local kilns and of the significance to North Devon
• The involvement of Bideford during the Elizabethan period and the Armada
• The settlers in America
• The ships, past and present, their cargos and destinations.
• The local trawlers and their catch
• And lots more…

To book: Please book your your trip at The Sea Chest, 20a Market Street, Appledore. Tel 01237 476191