Crooklets Beach Fishing

Last updated: 1 month ago

Crooklets Beach Fishing Map

Exposed north-coast surf beach in Bude with extensive rocky reefs at either end. Bass are the prime target in the surf; summer brings mackerel, garfish and scad, while the reefs hold wrasse, pollack and pouting. Flatfish show on the sandy troughs in calmer spells, and night sessions can produce dogfish, bull huss and the odd conger. Watch Atlantic swell, strong rips and the flooding tide which can cut you off on the reefs. Easy parking above the beach with steps/slip down to the sand.

Ratings

⭐ 7.1/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 7/10
Safety 5/10
Accessibility 7/10

Fish You Can Catch at Crooklets Beach

🐟 Bass 9/10
🎯 Tip: Surf beach; dawn/dusk or after a blow on a flooding tide. Fish bait (peeler crab, lug, sandeel) in the gutters or cast metal/plastic lures along the white water.
🐟 Small-eyed Ray 8/10
🎯 Tip: Night into flood over clean sand; summer–autumn. Long cast sandeel or launce; keep rigs streamlined. Best around neap tides when surf is moderate.
🐟 Whiting 7/10
🎯 Tip: Winter evenings on a building tide; fish light worm or mackerel strip at range. Small hooks and clipped-down rigs help in surf.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 7/10
🎯 Tip: Very common after dark year-round over sand; small fish or squid strips on 2-hook flapper. Use grip leads to hold in surf.
🐟 Spotted Ray 6/10
🎯 Tip: Mixed sand/rock fringes at either end; dusk/night, neaps with manageable surf. Sandeel or small bluey; aim slightly shorter than small-eyeds.
🐟 Starry Smoothhound 6/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring–autumn on peeler crab baits; fish the clean ground between rock patches. Best on a mid–flood to high, dusk into dark.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: From the rocky points at lower water; float or light ledger with crab or rag. Fish flooding tide into gullies; avoid heavy surf for safety.
🐟 Pollack 5/10
🎯 Tip: Spin or float-fish from the rock ends at dusk on a flooding tide; use sandeels or soft plastics, keep lures above kelp.
🐟 Flounder 5/10
🎯 Tip: Calmer surf, winter–spring; short lob rag or lug into the first gutter on the flood. Use plain leads to let bait wander.
🐟 Dab 5/10
🎯 Tip: Winter on clean sand at medium range; small worm or fish-tipped baits, 2-3 hooks. Best on neaps and daylight lulls between sets.
🐟 Golden-grey Mullet 5/10
🎯 Tip: Calm summer evenings in the surf line; tiny hooks and rag or fish slivers under a float or small spinner. Work the edges of the breakers on a flooding tide.

Crooklets Beach Fishing

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.