Bamaluz Beach Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Bamaluz Beach Fishing Map

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 high. Light lure and LRF tactics shine here. Access is via steps above the beach; space is limited and the beach all but disappears on big highs. It’s sheltered from prevailing westerlies but exposed to easterlies and backwash off the pier. Watch for slippery weeded rock, swell surges and tidal cut-off. In summer, fish dawn/dusk to avoid bathers.

Ratings

⭐ 6.9/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 6/10
Accessibility 7/10

Fish You Can Catch at Bamaluz Beach

🐟 Ballan Wrasse 8/10
🎯 Tip: Fish crab or ragworm into kelp-filled gullies either side of the cove, 2hrs up to high. 20-30lb leader and a weak link for snaggy ground.
🐟 Pollack 7/10
🎯 Tip: Work small soft plastics or metal jigs parallel to the rocks at dawn/dusk on the flood; keep lures high to avoid kelp.
🐟 Mackerel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer into autumn; cast metal lures from the rocks on a flooding tide, evenings best. Keep mobile to find shoals.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 6/10
🎯 Tip: After dark in late summer; small metals or sabikis worked midwater on the flood. A headlamp can help draw fish in.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: Scaled-down wrasse tactics: size 2-4 hooks, rag or prawn in shallow gullies over the flood; release carefully.
🐟 Rock Goby 6/10
🎯 Tip: Tiny hooks (size 8-12) with small worm or prawn pieces in rock pools and ledges at mid-high water.
🐟 Tompot Blenny 6/10
🎯 Tip: Drop tiny baits tight to crevices at mid-high tide; float-fish prawn inches from the rocks.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Calm, clear days; bread flake or small rag under a light float along the weed line on a making tide. Use fine gear and stealth.
🐟 Bass 5/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional in a swell; surface or shallow-diving lures through white water on the flood at dawn/dusk, or free-lined sandeel.
🐟 Three-bearded Rockling 5/10
🎯 Tip: Night fishing with worm/squid cocktail in holes between boulders on a simple ledger; fish the first 2hrs of flood.

Bamaluz Beach Fishing

Summary

Bamaluz Beach is a small, tide-limited pocket of sand tucked between St Ives Harbour and Porthgwidden, directly below the St Ives Museum. Sheltered from prevailing south-westerlies and backed by low rock ledges, it offers fun, close-quarters fishing with light tackle for a variety of species. It’s a compact mark that rewards timing, stealth, and finesse more than brute distance.

Location and Access

Bamaluz sits on the seaward side of St Ives’ old town, reached via narrow lanes and a short flight of steps. It’s an easy stroll for most, but the last approach is steep and the beach all but disappears at higher tides.

Seasons

This is a mixed ground, small-scale mark where species change with tide state and season. Summer and early autumn are most varied.

Methods

Light, precise approaches outfish heavy gear at Bamaluz. Think short casting, careful presentation, and moving with the tide.

Tides and Conditions

Tide height dictates access; conditions dictate species and methods. Plan around the flood into evening for best results.

Safety

This is a compact, slippery rock-and-sand venue that submerges significantly at higher tides. Be tide-aware and keep a clear exit route.

Facilities

St Ives has excellent amenities within a short walk, though peak-season crowds are intense.

Tips

Small water, small moves: shift with the tide and target fish that are visibly using the edges and gullies. Keep it quiet and tidy—this is a shared, dog-friendly cove.

Regulations

Angling is generally permitted at Bamaluz Beach; always heed any on-site signage and be considerate of other beach users. Nearby harbour structures may have separate rules.