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Cornwall

Geevor Rocks

6.7 · Rocks · Cornwall

Exposed granite rock platforms below Geevor Tin Mine near Pendeen on Cornwall’s Atlantic coast. Deep water meets kelp-covered rough ground within casting range, making it a classic lure-and-bait rock mark. Most productive in settled conditions with a light swell, especially around dawn/dusk and on a flooding tide. Summer and early autumn bring wrasse, pollack, mackerel and garfish; after dark and in winter, conger and rockling feature. Access involves coastal paths and a steep scramble to low ledges; plan for swell, surges and slippery weeded rock. Strong tackle, abrasion-resistant leaders and a lifejacket are recommended.

Should you fish Geevor Rocks?

62 Fair

Today · Best window

Best window: 18:00-21:00 around the rising tide

Most likely species: Ballan Wrasse and Pollack

Fair conditions. Best around 18:00-21:00 around the rising tide. Good chance of Ballan Wrasse and Pollack.

W 3 mph Rain 11% High tide 10:22

Fishable, but pick your timing carefully.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Geevor Rocks — 7-day forecast

Scores and best windows are weighted for .

Met Office Met Office · Open-Meteo

Where the data comes from. Weather and sea-state readings come from the Met Office and Open-Meteo forecast models, refreshed several times a day. High and low water are taken from tide-station predictions for this stretch of coast.

How the score works. Each window is scored 0–100 from the signals that most reliably move fish inshore: tide movement (a running tide carries food, so the last of the flood and first of the ebb are usually the prime spells), wind speed and direction (onshore wind stirs food into the surf — up to the point it makes fishing hard), sea state (a little wave and swell movement helps, heavy swell hurts), and weather — rain, temperature and light. Behind the headline number we score bite opportunity and comfort separately, and run a separate safety check on wind and swell. The size of the tide counts too: spring tides move more water than neaps, so the tidal range for this stretch of coast is weighed alongside the tide's direction, your target species and this mark — and unusually big springs strengthen the safety check, because the water rises faster and covers more ground.

Your target species counts. Pick a species below and the score also weights what we know about it — its season, preferred sea temperature, tide stage and sea state, and whether it feeds by day or night.

The rating is guidance, not a guarantee — conditions change fast on the coast, so always judge the sea in front of you before you fish.

Saturday looks better than today. Unlock the week to see its score and exact window.

· windows & tide

Spring vs neap tides. Spring tides have a larger difference between high and low water, so more water moves on each tide — usually stronger flow that stirs up food and gets fish feeding. Neap tides have a smaller range and generally gentler movement. The range here is compared with what is normal for this stretch of coast, and the cycle swings between springs and neaps roughly every week, following the moon.

Big spring tides: the water rises faster and covers more ground than usual — double-check access routes and cut-off points before you fish.

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Geevor Rocks is a serious exposed granite rock mark where deep water and kelp-covered rough ground sit within casting range. It is usually at its best in settled conditions with a light swell, especially on a flooding tide around dawn, dusk, or after dark for bigger rough-ground species. Fish close and vertical rather than simply casting long: the ledges, gully mouths and kelp edges are the key zones.

  • Know when to fish the flood and when to stay off the lower ledges.
  • Pick the right gully edges for pollack instead of wasting casts over kelp.
  • Set floats to skim the kelp for better wrasse and fewer lost rigs.
  • Use the right rough-ground rigs before conger and huss destroy your tackle.
  • Have a nearby fallback plan when Geevor is too exposed.

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Jump to towns around this mark for more marks and guides.

Pendeen 0.9 mi St Just 2.2 mi Kelynack 3.7 mi Madron 5.4 mi St Buryan 6.2 mi

Explore nearby towns: Pendeen · St Just · Kelynack · Madron · St Buryan

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Forecast tuning currently supports Bass and Mackerel — more species are on the way.

Overall rating

6.7 /10

Blend of catch potential, access, safety, and overall experience.

Category scores

Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 3/10
Accessibility 4/10

Pollack 9/10
Tip: Spin or float-fish sandeels/soft plastics along kelp gullies; best at dawn/dusk on a flooding tide; keep lures mid-water to avoid snags. Summer-autumn.
Ballan Wrasse 8/10
Tip: Crab or rag under a float/light ledger tight to kelp-ledges; fish flood into high; summer-autumn; use strong tackle to steer fish from snags.
Bass 7/10
Tip: Work surface/sub-surface lures or crab/sandeel baits in white water around points; rising tide into dusk or first of ebb after a swell; late spring-autumn.
Mackerel 7/10
Tip: Summer shoals; feathering or small metals from higher ledges; best on the flood at dusk. Watch swell and gannets for signs.
Conger Eel 7/10
Tip: Night over rough ground; large mackerel/squid baits on heavy pulley rigs; neap floods into high fish well. Expect snags below ledges.
Pouting 6/10
Tip: After dark around rough ground; small fish or mussel baits on 2-hook paternoster; flood to high; autumn-winter.
Three-bearded Rockling 6/10
Tip: Night in kelpy gullies; small worm or squid strips on simple ledger; fish the flood; winter-spring.
Scad (Horse Mackerel) 6/10
Tip: Warm evenings into night; small sabikis or micro metals worked mid-water; best on the flood; late summer-autumn.
Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
Tip: Small rag, prawn or mussel under a float right by kelp; flood into high; late spring-autumn.
Lesser Spotted Dogfish 5/10
Tip: Small fish/squid baits on simple ledger into mixed ground; fishes most states but better after dark; year-round.
Bull Huss 5/10
Tip: Big fish or whole squid baits on strong gear to kelpy gullies; best after dark on the flood to high; spring-autumn.

Local knowledge

Geevor Rocks fishing guide

Practical access, seasons, methods, tides, safety and facilities for this mark.

Geevor Rocks sits beneath the historic Geevor Tin Mine between Pendeen and St Just on Cornwall’s wild north coast. It’s a dramatic granite rock mark with quick access to deep water, prolific rough-ground life, and real trophy potential for wrasse, pollack and night-time eels and huss.

Getting there is straightforward, but the final approach is a proper rock mark descent. The South West Coast Path skirts the mine, with several fisherman's paths dropping to ledges and gullies.

  • Drive via the B3306 and follow signs for Geevor Tin Mine (approx. postcode TR19 7EW) near Pendeen
  • Pay-and-display parking at the museum during opening hours; after-hours access/parking can vary—check locally and never block gates or farm access
  • Alternative parking at nearby National Trust or village spots means a longer coastal path walk
  • 10–25 minutes on foot depending on which ledge you choose; paths are steep, uneven, and can be slippery in damp or salt spray
  • Terrain is rugged granite platforms with kelp-lined gullies; expect scrambling and step-ups/downs to reach comfortable stances
  • Do not trespass beyond fences around mine buildings; use the public coast path and worn fisherman's paths only

Geevor fishes like a classic deep, kelpy north-coast rock mark. Summer brings diversity; autumn and dark hours bring heft.

  • Spring (Mar–May):
    • Pollack (increasing through spring, best at dusk)
    • Ballan wrasse (from April on warmer days)
    • Garfish late spring in clear, calm seas
    • Bass on a rising tide in fizzed-up, coloured water after a blow
  • Summer (Jun–Aug):
    • Ballan wrasse (specimens), occasional cuckoo wrasse
    • Pollack (dawn/dusk and into dark), mackerel and scad shoals
    • Garfish on bright, calm afternoons; thick-lipped mullet mooching in calmer coves
    • Conger eel after dark; bull huss and dogfish on the deck
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov):
    • Bigger pollack at range and tight to structure at dusk
    • Bass around white water; conger and huss improve at night
    • Mackerel/scad linger into October in settled spells
  • Winter (Dec–Feb):
    • Whiting on calmer nights; very occasional codling in a proper northerly blow
    • Rare but possible shore ling from rough, deep gullies in storms

Rough ground demands robust tackle and thoughtful presentation. Aim to fish tight to structure without feeding the kelp too much metal.

  • Lure fishing:
    • Weedless soft plastics (4–6 in) on 7–20 g weighted hooks for pollack and bass; work sink-and-draw along drop-offs
    • 20–40 g metal jigs and slim spoons for mackerel/scad and searching midwater pollack
    • Surface/sub-surface plugs early/late for bass on fizzed-up flood tides
  • Float fishing:
    • Sliding float, 2–3 m fluorocarbon trace, size 1–2/0 hook
    • Baits: hardback/peeler crab, large rag or prawn for wrasse; mackerel strip for garfish/mackerel
    • Set depth to just skim kelp tips along ledges and gully mouths
  • Bottom fishing (rough ground):
    • Pulley dropper or short up-and-over with 40–60 lb abrasion leader
    • Rotten-bottom weak link to the lead is essential; 4–6 oz plain leads that you’re happy to lose
    • Baits: peeler or hardback crab for wrasse, big mackerel/squid cocktails for conger and huss, sandeel for bass
    • Night sessions: large fish baits, minimal casting—present in gullies at your feet
  • Tackle notes:
    • 10–15 ft rods with backbone, 30–50 lb braid mainline + long 60 lb leader for abrasion
    • Long-handled drop-net is useful from higher ledges; avoid gaffs unless targeting eels for release-unfriendly situations

Tide, swell and clarity decide your day here. The mark faces into Atlantic weather, so choose windows carefully.

  • Tide states:
    • Mid-flood to high water is prime for wrasse and pollack tight to ledges
    • First of the ebb can fish, but snags increase as flow drops and kelp grabs gear
    • On big springs, some lower platforms wash over—choose higher stances
  • Sea and wind:
    • Light swell and offshore/se’ly to s’easterly breezes give safe, clear-water wrasse and lure sport
    • A small residual swell with colour can switch on bass; too much period or height is dangerous
  • Time of day/season:
    • Dawn/dusk excel for pollack and bass; full dark for conger/huss
    • Warm, clear summer days are excellent for float-fished wrasse in the fringes
    • After storms, allow a day or two for water to fine down unless specifically hunting bass/codling

This is an exposed, serious rock mark—treat it with full respect. Only go in safe conditions and with appropriate kit.

  • Atlantic swell wraps in and throws rogue sets; if in doubt, do not go down
  • Wear a modern foam/plastic-inflatable lifejacket, rock boots with studs/cleats, and carry a throw line
  • Pick higher, recessed stands; avoid low tongues that can be overtopped on springs or by long-period sets
  • Use a buddy system; tell someone your plan and exit route in daylight first
  • Keep gear leashed and minimal; retreat is easier when you can move fast
  • Some ledges can be cut off on a rising tide—plan your session around safe access windows
  • Climbing/scrambling involved; not suitable for limited mobility or young children
  • Mobile signal is decent on the cliff-top but patchy at water level—carry a charged phone and offline location reference

Facilities are limited once you leave the car. Plan to be self-sufficient on the rocks.

  • Geevor Tin Mine museum has toilets and a café during opening hours; not available early/late
  • Pay-and-display parking by the museum; check signage for opening/closing times
  • Nearest shops, fuel and food in Pendeen and St Just; full-service tackle shops in Penzance and Hayle
  • No shelter or lighting at the mark; bring water, warm layers, headtorch and spare batteries
  • Phone signal can be unreliable at ledge level; better on the path and car park

Small adjustments make a big difference at Geevor. Think vertical and close-quarters rather than long-chuck beach tactics.

  • Fish under your feet: many pollack and wrasse patrol the rock line—count lures down and work parallel to ledges
  • Use a short, stiff trace for wrasse to keep them up and away from kelp after the strike
  • Carry plenty of weak-link leads and pre-tied pulley droppers; you will lose gear
  • On calm, bright days, shrink line diameters and go natural baits (prawn/crab) for shy wrasse
  • Dusk brings scad in numbers—small metals or size 6–8 sabikis under a 1–2 oz bomb are great fun
  • After a blow, try the flood tide with big paddletails or metal jigs for bass along white water seams
  • Watch seals—curious but usually not a problem; if they’re doggedly following, move marks to reduce spooking
  • Keep an eye on gullies filling behind you on springs; your exit can disappear quicker than you think

General recreational sea angling is permitted at Geevor Rocks, but you must follow national and local rules. Always verify the latest guidance before your trip.

  • Bass management measures change periodically (season dates, daily bag limits, 42 cm minimum size): check the current UK government “Recreational bass fishing” guidance before retaining any fish
  • Cornwall IFCA byelaws apply: observe minimum sizes and no-take rules for certain shellfish (e.g., no taking berried lobsters/crabs); permits are required for potting—rod-and-line anglers should not deploy pots without authorisation
  • Spurdog are commonly protected for recreational retention—best practice is catch and release; check current rules if encountered
  • Be mindful of SSSI/heritage designations around the mining landscape—these affect access and habitat, not normal rod fishing, but do not damage structures or vegetation
  • Observe local signage at car parks and paths for any temporary restrictions, cliff safety notices, or seasonal access guidance
  • Always practice responsible catch and release for large wrasse and conger; handle fish over kelp/water and use barbless or crushed barbs where appropriate