Cornwall
Places to fish in Cornwall
Last updated: 1 month ago
Fishing Marks in Cornwall
Bamaluz Beach
A small, tidal beach tucked between Smeaton’s Pier and Porthgwidden at St Ives. Bamaluz fishes best on a flooding tide when kelp-lined gullies fill and bait fish move in. The ground is mixed—sand pockets between rough rock and weed—ideal for wrasse, gobies and scorpion fish, with summer pelagics (mackerel/garfish) over...
Bass Point
An exposed rock headland on the Lizard peninsula with deep, clear water, kelp-filled gullies and strong tidal movement. Multiple ledges around the NCI lookout give access to depth quickly, making it a prime lure and float-fishing venue in settled seas. Best results typically come at dawn and dusk on a...
Basset’s Cove
Basset’s Cove is a high-cliff rock mark on the North Cliffs between Portreath and Godrevy. Ledges overlook deep, kelpy gullies with strong tidal run and full Atlantic exposure. It fishes best on a flooding tide in settled to moderate seas—clear water for mackerel/garfish and light fizz for pollack and bass....
Battery Rocks, Penzance
Rocky ledges beside Jubilee Pool and the harbour mouth, offering mixed rough ground with kelp beds and occasional sand patches. Best in calm to moderate seas on the flood, especially dawn or dusk in summer. Expect prolific wrasse and mini-species close in, with seasonal mackerel, garfish and scad on clearer...
Bedruthan Steps
An exposed Atlantic rock mark beneath the Carnewas/Bedruthan Steps cliffs between Mawgan Porth and Porthcothan. Deep, kelp-filled gullies, fast tide run-offs around the sea stacks and ledges, and quick-flooding platforms. Best in calm to moderate swell with clear water from late spring to early autumn; winter swells usually make it...
Bessy’s Cove
A small, sheltered rocky cove within the Prussia Cove group between Perranuthnoe and Praa Sands. Bessy’s Cove offers mixed rough ground with kelp-filled gullies and patches of clean sand in clear water. It suits float fishing, LRF, and light lure work, with best results at dawn/dusk on a flooding tide...
Fishing in Cornwall
Summary
Cornwall’s 400+ miles of coastline mixes high Atlantic cliffs and surf beaches on the north coast with more sheltered coves, reefs and big estuaries on the south. It’s a premier sea-angling county, offering everything from bass in rolling surf to wrasse and bream on rocky headlands, plus productive estuaries like the Camel, Fal, Helford and Tamar. Consistent sea temperatures, rich reef systems and varied ground make it a year-round destination for both lure and bait anglers.
Location and Access
- North Coast (Bude to Newquay): Open Atlantic surf beaches, rugged headlands and deep gullies. Surf bass, small-eyed and occasional blonde rays on clean ground; pollack, wrasse and conger off the rocks; summer mackerel and gar from headlands. Access ranges from easy resort beaches to serious cliff paths around Tintagel and Port Isaac.
- St Ives Bay and North Penwith (Hayle to Land’s End): Long sandy bays (Godrevy/Hayle) for surf bass and occasional turbot; exposed granite ledges west of St Ives and around Zennor for pollack, wrasse, bull huss and conger. Big Atlantic swell and long-period waves require caution; water can be very clear between blows, suiting lure work.
- West Penwith & Land’s End (north and south of the tip): Deep, tidal rock marks with reefs, kelp and channels. Pollack, wrasse, mackerel, garfish and scad in summer; huss and conger year-round at night. Occasional tope encounters from select deep ledges. Access often strenuous with committing descents.
- Mount’s Bay to The Lizard: Mixed clean-to-rough ground, sheltered compared to the north in prevailing SW winds. Bass over surf and shingle, thornback rays over sand patches, bream and wrasse on reefs, plus summer lure sport for pollack and gar. The Manacles and Lizard headlands have fierce tides and demand experience.
- Falmouth Bay, Fal & Helford: Deep natural harbour and branching estuaries with extensive reefs, sand bars and mussel beds. Smoothhound, gilthead bream and bass in warmer months; flounder and whiting in winter; black bream, wrasse and pollack on reefs. Good boat/kayak scene; shore marks range from easy access piers to rock ledges.
- Roseland to St Austell Bay (Mevagissey/Fowey): Mixed ground with piers, harbour walls and reefs. Summer mackerel, gar, scad; wrasse and bream on rough ground; bass in surfy coves or along rock-sand interfaces; winter whiting and the odd codling in colder snaps. Generally better shelter than the north coast.
- Looe, Whitsand Bay & Rame to Tamar: Long clean beaches, sandbanks and reefs off the headlands. Smoothhound (late spring-summer), rays (thornback, blonde), bass in surf and estuary mouths, plus plaice in patches and winter whiting. Access mostly straightforward with car parks, though some military range restrictions apply at times.
- Major Estuaries (Camel, Gannel, Hayle, Fal, Helford, Fowey, Tamar/Lynher): Tidal channels, sandflats and rocky margins. Bass on flooding tides, flounder in autumn-winter, schoolie bass and mullet in creeks, and an increasing run of gilthead bream on crab in warmer months. Watch for fast flooding tides and soft mud.
Seasons & Species
| Season | Most common shore species and notes |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Bass return with milder seas; wrasse switch on from April; black bream arrive on south coast reefs; smoothhound start late spring; early gars and mackerel show in May; rays (thornback, small-eyed) perk up on clean ground; gilthead bream begin in estuaries. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Peak variety: bass (lure and bait), mackerel, garfish, scad; wrasse plentiful; black bream May–Sep; smoothhound Jun–Aug (Tamar/SE Cornwall); rays (thornback/blonde/small-eyed depending on ground); occasional turbot/brill from surf beaches; mullet in harbours and creeks. |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Bass often at their best Sep–Nov after a blow and on dropping swell; mackerel/scad linger; garfish strong; rays continue; conger and huss good at night on rocks; flounder build in estuaries; gilthead run tails off by late autumn. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Whiting on open beaches; flounder in estuaries; conger from rough ground at night; occasional codling in cold snaps (rare); pollack from deep rock marks on calmer nights; bass possible in settled spells, mainly south coast. |
Methods & Tackle
- Surf and clean-ground bait fishing: 12–13 ft beach rods, 5–6 oz grip leads. Pulley pennel (3/0–5/0) for bass/rays with crab, squid, sandeel or mackerel; up-and-over or long-snood clipped rigs for rays/flatfish; two-hook flappers for closer whiting/plaice/dabs. Rolling leads excel for surf bass.
- Lure fishing for bass and pollack: 9–10 ft rods rated ~10–40 g. Weedless soft plastics over kelp and boulder fields; surface and subsurface hard lures over reefs and estuary mouths; metals for distance on windy days. Fish the first and last light, and the flood on moving water.
- Wrasse and bream: Simple running ledger with crab or worm baits; size 1–2 hooks and fluorocarbon snoods for bream over rough ground patches on the south coast. LRF/HRF soft plastics work well in clear water.
- Floats and sabiki: Float-fish mackerel strip or sandeel for garfish, mackerel and pollack around headlands. Sabiki/feathers for mackerel where permitted on piers and high rocks — use a short string and keep it safe in crowds.
- Estuary tactics: Lighter rods with 2–3 oz watch leads for flounder and schoolie bass; soft plastics and small hard lures for bass on flooding tides; peeler/hardback crab for gilthead bream on stronger gear.
- Night fishing and rough ground: Heavy mono leaders (60–80 lb), abrasion-resistant snoods and rotten-bottom links over kelp and ledges. Big fish baits for huss and conger; head torches with spare batteries; minimal kit for safe movement.
- General notes: Carry both grip and plain leads; adjust hook sizes to bait and target. Long casting can help on clean beaches (e.g., Whitsand) but on surf beaches many fish are in the first breaker. Bind soft baits (crab/sandeel) neatly with bait elastic.
Tides and Conditions
- Tides: Large spring ranges and strong tidal streams around headlands (Trevose, Land’s End, The Lizard, Rame). Springs can fire up surf beaches and push fish tight to structure; neaps often suit wrasse and bream on reefs and make estuary lure fishing easier. Plan sessions around the flood/ebb to work rips, gullies and sandbars.
- Swell and wind: North coast is open to Atlantic swell; a building SW/W blow followed by a dropping swell with some colour is classic for bass in the surf. The south coast is more sheltered in prevailing SW winds, often giving clearer water for lures; strong easterlies can dirty the south and flatten the north.
- Water clarity: Clear, calm water favours lures for bass and pollack; a bit of colour helps bait fishing for bass and rays. After storms, expect weed and disrupted sand — often good for bass once the sea starts to settle.
- Safety triggers: Long-period groundswell can surge onto low ledges even on seemingly calm days, especially west and north coasts. Avoid being cut off by the flood on headlands and estuary bars. If swell is running, choose higher or sheltered marks; never turn your back on the sea.
Safety & Acccess
- Much of Cornwall is high-energy coastline. Assess swell from a safe vantage for several minutes before committing. Avoid low ledges in any swell; choose elevated or sheltered marks.
- Cliff paths and descents can be exposed, slippery and committing. If a rope is needed, it’s not a beginner’s mark. Wear sturdy footwear; consider a PFD, especially on rocks.
- Tidal cut-off hazards exist around headlands, reef platforms and estuary bars. Time your exit and carry a head torch even for daytime sessions.
- Estuaries have fast currents and areas of soft sand/mud. Keep to firm ground and beware of channels filling behind you.
- Parking is often pay-and-display; don’t block farm gates or access tracks. Some military range closures affect Whitsand/Rame — check local notices.
- Respect harbour byelaws and marked swimming zones on lifeguarded beaches. Check current size/bag limits and seasonal protections (e.g., bass rules). Mobile signal can be patchy — tell someone your plan.
Tips
- After a SW blow, target bass on a dropping swell with crab or whole sandeel in the first gutter.
- On clear, calm evenings, fish surface lures over reef edges for explosive bass takes.
- Small-eyed rays like clean, even surf beaches on the north coast; try evening into darkness with sandeel on long snoods.
- For wrasse, keep rigs simple and snoods short; move marks if you’re plagued by small fish — fresh crab outfishes most baits.
- Gilthead bream show on crab baits in estuaries from late spring; fish sturdier hooklengths as they fight hard near structure.
- Work tide rips around headlands for mackerel, scad and pollack at dawn/dusk; switch to metals if wind is up.
- When weed is heavy, go weedless with lures and use cone/cheb weights to glide through kelp.
- Many Cornish fish feed tight to the edge; don’t wade deep or cast past the surf line by default — vary your range.
- Carry both sandeel and squid: sandeel for rays/bass on clean ground, squid for scent and durability in surf.
- In summer crowds, fish very early or after dark for space and better bites; keep lights dim over shallow reefs.
Nearby
- Devon – varied north coast surf, Exe/Taw-Torridge estuaries, and South Hams reefs; a natural extension east from Cornwall.
- Isles of Scilly – clear-water rock and reef fishing for wrasse and pollack; superb summer visibility but exposed to swell.
FAQs
-
Do I need a licence to sea fish?
No rod licence is required for saltwater in England, but you need one for salmon/trout in tidal rivers. Check local byelaws, size/bag limits and bass rules before keeping fish. -
Where’s best for beginners?
Accessible piers and harbour walls like Newquay Harbour, Penzance, Mevagissey and Looe; or lifeguarded beaches with gentle surf (target bass or mackerel in season). Start on settled days and avoid exposed rock ledges. -
Can I night fish?
Yes, many marks fish best after dark (beaches for bass/whiting, rocks for conger/huss). Use a head torch, reflective gear and pick easy access if you’re new to the area. -
When do mackerel arrive?
Usually May to September, peaking mid-summer. They can appear earlier in warm springs and linger into autumn depending on bait and weather. -
Are charter boats available?
Yes, from ports like Falmouth, Penzance, Looe, Newquay and Padstow for reefs, wrecks and seasonal sharking. Shore anglers can also consider kayak guides in calm, safe conditions.
Summary Table
| Area/Coast | Access | Typical species | Best methods | Best season | Safety notes | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Coast (Bude–Newquay) | Mix of easy beaches and serious headlands | Bass, small-eyed ray, pollack, wrasse, mackerel, huss | Surf bait (pulley pennel), lures, feathers/float | May–Oct (winter for whiting) | Atlantic swell, cliff paths, rips | Resort parking, lifeguards on main beaches in season |
| St Ives Bay & Penwith | Beaches and committing rock ledges | Bass, pollack, wrasse, conger, gar, mackerel | Lures over reef, crab baits, night conger | Apr–Nov | Long-period swell, cut-offs on ledges | Town parking; long walks to remote marks |
| Mount’s Bay to Lizard | Mixed ground, variable shelter | Bass, thornback ray, bream, wrasse, pollack | Ledger with crab/worm, lures, float | May–Sep (bass autumn too) | Fierce tides at headlands, weed after blows | Car parks at coves; some steep paths |
| Falmouth Bay & Helford | Piers, reefs, deep estuary arms | Smoothhound, gilthead, bass, bream, wrasse, pollack | Crab for hounds/gilts, lures, light ledgers | May–Oct (flounder winter) | Strong tides, boat traffic, mudflats | Good amenities, charter boats |
| Looe to Rame & Tamar | Long beaches, piers, estuary mouths | Smoothhound, rays (thornback/blonde), bass, plaice, whiting | Distance rigs on clean ground, crab for hounds, lures in surf | May–Sep (whiting winter) | Occasional range closures, fast estuary tides | Easy parking; multiple access points |
| Major Estuaries (Camel/Fal/Tamar) | Varied banks and channels | Bass, flounder, gilthead, mullet | Soft plastics on flood, light ledgers with worm/crab | Apr–Nov (flounder winter) | Soft mud, fast flooding tides | Mixed access; check byelaws and private land |