Summary
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.
Location and Access
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
Seasons
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
Methods
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
Tides and Conditions
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
Safety
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
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
Tips
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
Regulations
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