Predator 2 charters

Predator 2 charters is focused on taking anglers straight to productive grounds rather than offering a simple sightseeing trip, and that approach is clear from the way the operation is run and described by returning customers. The business is built around a purpose-designed charter boat and a skipper who has spent decades fishing the same marks, which is a strong starting point for anyone who wants more than a casual boat ride. At the same time, potential clients should be aware that this is a relatively small, specialist operation with limited public feedback so far, so expectations need to be based on the nature of a dedicated fishing charter rather than on mass tourism or luxury cruising.

The heart of Predator 2 charters is its emphasis on serious yet accessible sea fishing charters for individuals and groups who want to target real fish rather than just dangle a line. The trips are deliberately structured around different methods and target species, from lure sessions to bait and specimen outings, which appeals to anglers who already know what kind of experience they want. For newcomers, that variety can be a positive and a challenge at the same time, because choosing the right trip requires a bit of thought about stamina, sea conditions and previous experience. The skipper is described as patient and supportive, which helps to bridge that gap for people who are not seasoned boat anglers.

The boat and on-board comfort

The charter uses Predator 2, an Evolution 38 mono-hull boat designed with deck space and angling practicality in mind. This type of vessel offers a solid platform with room for anglers to spread out along the gunnels, which reduces tangles and makes it easier to work lures or baits effectively. The boat is licensed for ten passengers, giving scope for clubs or family groups to hire it as a full charter while still keeping numbers low enough for everyone to get time at the rail. There is an on-board toilet, which is a small but important detail for longer sessions and for less experienced guests who might otherwise feel uncomfortable being at sea for several hours.

Compared with some larger boats in other ports that focus more on mixed sightseeing and angling, Predator 2’s set-up is straightforward and functional rather than luxurious. You can expect a practical deck, rod-friendly rail space and a layout geared to fishing efficiency, not plush indoor seating or catering. For many anglers, that emphasis on function is exactly what they want from a specialist fishing charter boat, but anyone expecting a cruise-style experience with extensive facilities should adjust their expectations. The relatively intimate capacity can also mean that busy dates book up quickly, so planning ahead is usually essential in peak season.

The skipper’s experience and approach

Predator 2 charters is skippered by Dan, an angler with over forty years of experience fishing the North Devon coast from boats. That background matters, because knowledge of tides, underwater structure and seasonal movements of fish often makes the difference between a slow day and steady action. Over the last decade he has placed particular emphasis on light lure techniques and specimen hunting, using his own boat to refine approaches to pollack, bass and larger predators. For many visiting anglers, that mix of traditional experience and modern lure tactics is a major selling point.

Customer comments consistently highlight Dan’s friendly, supportive manner and practical advice, especially for those new to boat angling or to this particular style of fishing. Guests mention that he and his crew offer help on rigs, playing fish and reading bites, which is reassuring for anyone worried about “doing it wrong” in front of more experienced anglers. At the same time, this is still a working fishing trip, not a classroom; the skipper expects guests to listen, adapt and take some responsibility for their own success, which is standard for serious charter fishing trips. Anglers looking for a very laid-back, hands-off sightseeing focus might find that emphasis on technique more than they were expecting, while those who enjoy learning will likely see it as a major positive.

Types of trips and target species

Predator 2 charters offers several distinct trip formats that reflect the variety of marks available from Ilfracombe and along the Bristol Channel. For many visitors, the lure fishing trips are a highlight, focusing on reefs and wrecks where light rods and fine braid are used to work soft plastics and metal lures for pollack, bass and wrasse. The fish are not always big, and that is important to understand, but the gear and tactics are designed to make even modest fish enjoyable to catch, which suits anglers who value action and finesse over pure size.

Bait trips typically last between four and eight hours and can be booked as full-boat charters or on an individual basis, giving flexibility for solo anglers and small groups. These sessions often target species such as tope, bull huss, rays and eels, with the possibility of other Bristol Channel species showing up as conditions change. Because the area features strong tides and mixed ground, results can vary from steady mixed bags to more selective fishing where a few quality fish are the main reward. This variability is normal for genuine deep sea fishing rather than controlled “put-and-take” style experiences, and prospective customers should approach the trips with realistic expectations about the role that conditions and angler skill play.

For anglers chasing standout personal bests, Predator 2 charters also runs bespoke specimen hunting days. These are typically full-boat charters, aimed at targeting large tope or sharks and requiring longer runs and more focused tactics. Reports from the boat mention tope exceeding seventy pounds and porbeagle sharks over three hundred pounds, which underlines the potential for genuinely memorable captures for those willing to commit the time and accept the uncertainty that comes with targeting big fish. These trips are best suited to experienced anglers who understand that specimen hunting can involve long periods of waiting punctuated by very intense action, and that big-fish fishing is never guaranteed.

Later in the year, Predator 2 charters offers species hunting days and competitions that suit anglers who enjoy variety and a bit of friendly rivalry. The North Devon coast offers a mix of sandbanks, reefs and wrecks, which means that by scaling down tackle and moving between marks it is possible to pick up a surprising number of species in one outing. This style of trip is particularly appealing for those who like light tackle and the challenge of identifying new species, and it can also be a good option for small group events where the focus is on shared fun rather than purely on size. On the other hand, anglers who only care about big specimens may find species hunting days less aligned with their priorities.

Fishing grounds and scenery

The range of grounds accessible to Predator 2 charters is a strong advantage for the operation, adding interest even when fishing itself is slow. From Ilfracombe, the boat can reach the rich waters around Lundy Island, North Cornwall reefs, wrecks scattered across the Bristol Channel, and the striking sea cliffs off Exmoor as well as sandbanks in Barnstaple and Bideford Bay. This variety allows the skipper to adjust plans in response to swell, wind and tide, which is crucial for both comfort and catch rates on a given day. For many visitors, the combination of productive waters and rugged coastal views is a key attraction, even though the primary focus here remains catching fish rather than sightseeing alone.

Anglers who are used to more sheltered waters should note that the Bristol Channel is known for strong tides and occasionally lively seas, especially when wind and tide oppose each other. While Predator 2’s design helps to cope with these conditions, some trips may feel demanding for those prone to seasickness or unused to Atlantic-facing coastlines. It is sensible for customers to prepare with appropriate clothing, seasickness remedies if needed, and a realistic understanding that serious boat fishing trips are weather dependent; occasionally, trips might be altered or postponed in the interests of safety and comfort. This is a normal part of charter angling in such waters and not specific to this operator.

Customer feedback and reliability

Publicly available reviews of Predator 2 charters currently point to a very positive experience, with comments emphasising enjoyable days afloat, helpful guidance and productive fishing. Guests mention successful species hunts, personal best fish and a friendly atmosphere on board, which suggests that anglers feel well looked after and see good value in the trips. Several customers choose to rebook for the following season, which is often a more telling sign of satisfaction than a single enthusiastic comment.

It is worth noting, however, that the volume of published reviews remains relatively modest compared with some long-established mass-market charter operators. For cautious new customers, that means there is slightly less third-party feedback to rely on when judging consistency over a long period. On the other hand, the smaller number of reviews appears to reflect the focused, angler-led nature of the business rather than any obvious issues with reliability. In the context of other charter options locally, Predator 2 charters sits firmly at the specialised angling end of the spectrum rather than among the high-volume tourist boats, which is important to bear in mind when assessing expectations and potential trade-offs.

Strengths for different types of anglers

For dedicated anglers, one of Predator 2’s clear strengths is the way the trips are tailored, whether that means light lure sessions, bass fishing, general bait trips or more focused specimen days. The skipper’s long experience on these specific marks, combined with modern techniques, gives enthusiasts a realistic chance of both variety and quality when conditions align. The structured approach to methods and the option of full-boat charters make it appealing for clubs, groups of friends and serious anglers planning a targeted trip.

For less experienced visitors or families, the operation offers both opportunities and limitations. On the positive side, the crew’s willingness to help, the availability of general bait trips and the chance to join shared charters means that newcomers can get a genuine taste of offshore charter boat fishing without needing to organise a whole group. However, the focus remains firmly on genuine fishing rather than on combined wildlife cruises or short, very gentle introductory trips that some tourist-oriented boats provide. Those looking for a brief, ultra-relaxed outing with guaranteed calm conditions and constant entertainment might find the experience more demanding than expected, especially on longer or more specialised trips.

Practical considerations and balanced view

Booking ahead is strongly advised, particularly for peak seasons and for bespoke specimen or species hunting days, because the boat’s limited capacity and focused schedule reduce the number of available places. Anglers should think carefully about which type of trip best suits their fitness level, experience and goals, and be honest about any concerns related to seasickness or mobility. Because the charter works in a tide- and weather-dependent environment, flexibility around dates and expectations is helpful; no operator can control the fish, and even the best-regarded sea fishing trips can occasionally be quiet when conditions are unfavourable.

Overall, Predator 2 charters presents itself as a serious, angler-led operation with a strong emphasis on method-focused trips, experienced skippering and varied local grounds, and current feedback supports that image. The main positives are the skipper’s long-standing local knowledge, the range of trip formats and the boat’s fishing-oriented design, all of which appeal to those who prioritise catching fish and improving their angling skills. The principal limitations are the inherently changeable nature of Bristol Channel fishing, the small but growing pool of public reviews and the absence of a heavily tourist-oriented, cruise-style approach. For potential customers who want authentic, technique-driven fishing charter experiences out of Ilfracombe and who understand the realities of UK sea angling, Predator 2 charters is a credible option to consider.