Summary
Crooklets Beach sits on the north side of Bude, Cornwall, an exposed Atlantic-facing surf strand with rocky reefs at either end. It’s a classic north-coast venue for surf bass, summer mackerel and garfish, and wrasse from the adjacent rock ledges. Fish it for the variety: clean sand in the middle, kelpy gullies to the sides, and a reliable dawn/dusk bite when the surf eases.
Location and Access
Crooklets is immediately north of Bude town centre, well signed from the main roads into Bude. There’s a large pay-and-display car park directly behind the beach, with a short, easy walk to the sand and rocky edges.
- Park in the main Crooklets Beach car park (pay-and-display; high turnover in summer). Arrive early at peak times.
- Access is flat to the promenade and then via steps/ramps down to the beach; rock ledges at either end require care and sensible footwear.
- Terrain options: clean sand in the central bay, boulders/kelp gullies on both flanks (north toward Northcott Mouth; south toward the low-tide link with Summerleaze).
- Best for most anglers to fish the sand from the promenade end; experienced anglers can explore the reef edges at lower states of tide.
Seasons
A broad mix is possible here, shifting with season and sea state. Expect surf species on the sand and reef dwellers near the rocks.
- Spring (Mar–May): Bass (increasing from April), dogfish, occasional small-eyed/spotted ray on settled seas, ballan/corkwing wrasse in the gullies, pollack on lures at dusk.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Bass (surf and lure), mackerel and garfish on calm evenings, scad after dark, wrasse to crab/worm baits, occasional turbot or sole on the sand in neat conditions, schoolling pollack.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Prime bass time, mackerel/scad tail off by late autumn, more rays in settled spells, whiting begin to show, conger possible from rough ground after dark.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Whiting, pouting, dogfish on the sand; the odd codling in big onshore seas; fewer but larger pollack on lures in clear, calm windows; bass mostly in rough spells and often catch-and-release bylaw dependent.
Methods
Match your approach to the ground: surf tactics on the sand, wrasse/pollack tactics on the sides. Dawn, dusk and into dark are consistently best.
- Beachcasting on sand: 12–13 ft rod, 4–5 oz leads. Clipped-down pulley or long pulley dropper for rays/bass; two-hook flapper for whiting/flatfish.
- Lures for bass/pollack: Shallow divers, metal spoons and 20–40 g soft plastics over the first breakers or along reef edges. White, sandeel and dark patterns cover most light conditions.
- Float fishing: Ragworm or sandeel for garfish/mackerel on calm summer evenings from the rock ends.
- Wrasse tactics: Simple running ledger or short pulley with 2/0–3/0 hooks; peeler crab, hardback crab, or rag/lug cocktails. Keep rigs short to avoid snagging.
- Baits: Fresh peeler crab (top for spring/summer bass and wrasse), lugworm and ragworm, sandeel (live/frozen), mackerel strip, squid for rays/dogs.
- Range: Bass and rays often within 30–60 m on the sand; don’t blast it unless you’re seeking whiting or scratching in deeper gutters.
Tides and Conditions
Crooklets responds well to a building flood and manageable surf. Clarity and wind direction dictate whether you fish lures on the edges or baits in the churn.
- Tide: Flood to high water at first and last light is most consistent for bass; two hours either side of low for exploring reef gullies (wrasse/pollack).
- Swell: Best with a small to moderate W–NW swell (1–4 ft). Too big and it becomes unfishable and dangerous; too flat and fish can be wary—switch to lures or finer end tackle.
- Wind: Offshore or side-off (E–SE) cleans the surf for lures; onshore (W–NW) colours the water for bait bassing.
- Water clarity: Slight colour helps bait fishing; clear water favours lures and wrasse.
- Time of day/season: Dawn/dusk all year; summer nights for scad/whiting; late summer–autumn peaks for bass in the surf.
Safety
This is an exposed Atlantic beach with powerful waves, shifting rips and tidal cut-offs around the rocky flanks. Treat it with respect and plan your session around tide and swell.
- Never fish within the lifeguarded bathing/surfing zones when flags are flying in season; fish outside flagged areas or outside patrol hours.
- Rips form quickly on the flood; avoid wading deep and use chest waders only in benign conditions. Expect occasional larger “set” waves.
- Rock edges are weeded, uneven and very slippery—use studded boots, keep low, and wear a PFD if working near the waterline.
- Beware tidal cut-off when exploring toward Northcott Mouth or toward the Summerleaze side at low water—retreat early on the flood.
- Summer weever fish in the shallows: wear footwear when wading; hot-water first aid if stung.
- Night fishing: carry two lights, tell someone your plans, and choose clear access/exit routes.
Facilities
Crooklets is one of Bude’s most serviced beaches, with amenities directly behind the sand and further options in town a short walk away.
- Toilets: Public toilets by the car park (seasonal opening hours may apply).
- Food/drink: Beach cafés/food kiosks by the promenade in season; numerous pubs and takeaways in Bude.
- Lifeguards: RNLI seasonal patrols—check current dates and daily hours on local signage.
- Tackle/bait: Several outlets in Bude town; ring ahead for fresh worm/crab availability.
- Parking: Large pay-and-display by the beach; fills fast in summer days.
- Mobile signal: Generally good 4G around the beach/promenade; can dip under cliffs.
Tips
Think like a surfer: read the banks and gutters from the promenade before you set up, then position your baits or lures to intersect moving fish.
- After a blow, fish the first workable window as the sea drops—bass often push into the foamy edges along the first bar.
- On small tides, work soft plastics tight to the reef tongues at dawn for pollack before the sun lifts.
- Use a long bait clip-down and aerodynamic leads to punch through onshore wind, but keep hook lengths short in heavy surf to prevent tumbling.
- Fresh peeler or live sandeel can transform a quiet session; if you can’t source them, try lugworm tipped with a thumbnail of squid.
- Summer evenings can be busy with surfers—wait until patrol hours end or walk a little to the quieter northern end.
- Carry a spare rod rest; deep sand and wind can topple lightweight tripods.
Regulations
Angling is generally permitted at Crooklets, but you must keep clear of lifeguarded bathing/surf zones when flagged and observe national and local fishery rules. Regulations change—check before you go.
- Bass: Recreational bass regulations (minimum size and seasonal bag limits) are updated annually. Verify the current rules with the UK Government/MMO before retaining any fish.
- Minimum sizes and protected species: Observe UK size/bag guidance and return any undersized fish quickly. Some species (e.g., shad, allis/twaite; bluefin tuna) are strictly protected—do not target or retain.
- Crustaceans and bait: Local IFCA bylaws restrict taking undersized or berried crabs/lobsters and may regulate shore gathering—check Cornwall IFCA for details.
- Marine protected areas: Parts of the north Cornwall coast include designated sites; hook-and-line angling is typically allowed, but confirm any local restrictions on bait collection or specific species.
- Beach management: Respect any seasonal local notices (events, lifeguard zones, night-time closures of facilities). Pack out all line and litter.
