Summary
Freathy Beach sits on the central stretch of Whitsand Bay, southeast Cornwall, backed by high cliffs and a broad sweep of clean sand and broken ground. It’s a classic surf beach mark for bass and rays, with quieter coves and rocky fringes that reward careful, mobile fishing. The scenery is superb, the walk-in is steep, and timing your session around tides and swell pays dividends.
Location and Access
Freathy lies on the Military Road above Whitsand Bay, between Tregonhawke and Sharrow. Access is via steep cliff paths and steps from lay-bys; it’s straightforward to find but physically demanding, especially on the way back up.
- Approach via the B3247/Military Road on the Rame Peninsula; aim for the Freathy chalet area (PL10 district works for sat nav).
- Parking is limited to roadside lay-bys and small pull-ins; arrive early in summer and evenings. Do not block chalet access or gateways.
- Multiple paths descend to the sand; expect a 10–15 minute, steep zig-zag walk with uneven steps and handrails in places.
- Terrain is a mix of wide sand, gullies, and rock spurs at either end. Not trolley-friendly; pack light.
- Bus services run along Military Road from Torpoint/Plymouth towards Rame; check current timetables if relying on public transport.
Seasons
Freathy produces a solid mix of surf and mixed-ground species, with the best fishing from late spring through autumn.
- Spring (Mar–May):
- Bass on crab and sandeel as the surf warms.
- Small-eyed ray in settled seas, plus the odd spotted ray.
- Turbot the occasional bonus on sandeel/strip baits.
- Summer (Jun–Aug):
- Bass at dawn/dusk in lively surf; lure fishing can shine around rocky fringes.
- Small-eyed and spotted rays after dark on sandeel/bluey.
- Smoothhound on peeler crab during warm spells.
- Mackerel and garfish within casting range when shoals push tight; gurnard sporadically.
- Wrasse from rocky ends on crab/worm baits (catch and release recommended from shallow ledges).
- Autumn (Sep–Nov):
- Peak bassing through roughening seas; bigger fish after blows as water colours.
- Consistent rays on nocturnal tides.
- Whiting numbers building after dark; dogfish always about.
- Winter (Dec–Feb):
- Whiting and dogfish the staples; dabs possible.
- The odd codling in prolonged cold northerlies, but treat as a bonus.
Methods
It’s a beach that rewards both static surf tactics and mobile, water-reading approaches. Match your method to the surf height and where the sandbars and gutters set up on the day.
- Bottom fishing (general surf):
- Pulley pennel (3/0–4/0) or up-and-over rigs with clipped-down baits for range and presentation.
- 4–5 oz grip leads for holding; switch to a rolling lead for bass when the surf is modest and you want baits to roam.
- Baits: fresh peeler crab (spring–summer), sandeel or launce (whole/half) for rays/bass, squid strip, mackerel/bluey combos at night; rag/lug cocktails for whiting/dabs.
- Bass hunting (mobile):
- Travel light with a single rod, cast short into first/second breakers and along gutters; move every 10–15 minutes.
- Lures at dawn/dusk around the rocky fringes: shallow divers, surface walkers, and 20–50 g metals when baitfish show; soft plastics on 10–25 g heads in calmer water.
- Mixed ground/rocky edges:
- Float-fish rag or small sandeel for garfish/mackerel in summer; keep gear high from swell.
- Wrasse on simple running ledgers with crab or prawn; avoid heavy surf days.
- Night tactics:
- Long-snood presentations for rays; keep baits neat and aerodynamic.
- Use minimal glow attractors in clear water; scale up trace mono (50–60 lb) for abrasion in surf and around rocks.
Tides and Conditions
Tide timing and swell dictate results here. Read the sandbars and gutters from the cliff on arrival, then plan to intersect moving water at prime times.
- Tide: the flood into and over high water is consistently productive, especially the last 3 hours of the flood and first hour of the ebb.
- Rays often show from low into dusk on a building tide, particularly in calm-to-moderate surf.
- Bass favour a lively, coloured surf with 1–3 ft waves and a bit of chop; too much swell creates a brutal shore break.
- Big spring tides reshape bars and can cause strong lateral rips; neaps give cleaner presentation and steadier holding for rays.
- Wind: light–moderate SW to W puts life in the water; prolonged easterlies flatten and clear the sea (better for lures, tougher for bait).
- Time of day: dawn and dusk for bass and lures; after dark for rays and whiting.
- Weed can be heavy after onshore blows; check strandlines and adjust venue if rafts are moving through.
Safety
This is a physical, cliff-access beach with powerful surf dynamics. Take the descent seriously and plan your escape with the tide in mind.
- Steep paths and steps; slippery when wet. Carry kit you can manage on a sustained climb.
- Strong rip currents and a heavy shore dump are common; avoid wading deep and keep clear of plunging waves on bigger swells.
- Risk of tidal cut-off around rocky spurs and coves; note your retreat route and avoid being down-tide of headlands near high water.
- Unstable cliffs and occasional rockfall; don’t sit or stash gear directly under faces.
- Headtorch, spare light, and a charged phone recommended; signal can be patchy behind the cliffs.
- Wear a PFD if fishing near the wash or rocks; grippy footwear essential.
- MOD Tregantle firing range closures affect the eastern end of Whitsand Bay around Tregantle; Freathy is typically outside the closure, but always obey any red flags/signage and do not pass into closed sections.
Facilities
Freathy is relatively undeveloped at beach level; plan to be self-sufficient. Nearby hamlets have seasonal amenities.
- No permanent facilities on the sand at Freathy; seasonal lifeguard cover is generally at Tregonhawke/Sharrow rather than here.
- Toilets and cafes are available seasonally at nearby beach access points; cliff-top eateries exist along Military Road (check opening times).
- Tackle and bait: head to Torpoint or Plymouth for well-stocked shops; Looe is another option to the west.
- Phone signal can be inconsistent behind the cliff line; improves on the road.
- Limited roadside parking; no formal car park at the Freathy descents. No overnighting in lay-bys.
- Bins are limited; pack all litter and line out with you.
Tips
Freathy rewards watercraft and stealth over brute distance. Spend time scanning from above before committing to a spot.
- From the cliff, pick out gutters and seams where waves break unevenly; fish the edges of these lanes as the tide rises.
- Keep baits small and neat for bass in surf; let them trundle with a rolling lead to search.
- For rays, fish whole sandeel or launce on a long, supple snood; fresh is best, but good-quality frozen works well after dark.
- Travel light and be mobile; a rod, a few rigs, and a small bait wallet often outfishes the kitchen-sink approach here.
- After storms, give it 24–48 hours for the sea to settle; look for milky-green water rather than chocolate brown.
- Watch for baitfish and bird activity at first light; swap to metals or surface lures if mackerel or sandeels push tight.
- Stake rod rests deep in soft sand; the shore dump can rip out poorly set tripods.
Regulations
Recreational shore angling is permitted at Freathy Beach. Observe national and local fisheries rules and any on-the-day safety closures.
- European seabass: current recreational rules set a minimum size of 42 cm and a daily bag limit (with a catch-and-release-only period in winter). Check the latest dates and limits before your trip.
- Cornwall IFCA byelaws apply: minimum sizes for many species, no taking berried lobsters/crawfish, and rules for shellfish collection. If gathering bait (e.g., worms/crab), ensure methods and sizes comply with local byelaws.
- Whitsand and Looe Bay is a Marine Conservation Zone; recreational angling is allowed. Do not disturb protected habitats (e.g., seagrass/maerl) and avoid any activities that damage features.
- Respect any MOD range closures and red-flag warnings towards Tregantle; do not access closed sections of beach or coast path.
- Local beach bylaws may restrict fires, camping, and dogs seasonally; follow posted signage and leave no trace.
