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Cornwall

Great Molunan

7.1 · Beach · Cornwall

Sheltered sandy cove beneath St Anthony Head near the lighthouse, with clean sand in the middle and rock/kelp fringes at either end. Access is from the National Trust car park via a steep path and steps (10–15 minutes). Productive through the flood into dusk in summer and early autumn for pelagics; winter nights can produce flats and smaller cod family fish. Cast onto the clean ground for plaice/dab/sole and gurnards; work lures or float baits tight to the rocky edges for pollack, wrasse and bass. Expect occasional snags around the margins. Space is limited at high water—avoid being pushed onto the cliff by a rising tide. Generally sheltered, but swells can refract around the headland in rough weather.

Should you fish Great Molunan?

64 Fair

Today · Best window

Best window: 06:00-09:00 around the rising tide

Most likely species: Ballan Wrasse and Pollack

Fair conditions. Best around 06:00-09:00 around the rising tide. Good chance of Ballan Wrasse and Pollack.

NW 3 mph Rain 6% High tide 10:47

Fishable, but pick your timing carefully.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Great Molunan — 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.

Wednesday 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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Great Molunan is a sheltered sandy cove with clean ground through the middle and kelp-fringed rock at both ends. It is at its best with tidal movement, especially the flood into dusk from late spring to autumn. Treat it as two marks in one: fish the open sand for flatfish, gurnard and night species, then work tight to the rocky edges for bass, pollack, wrasse, mackerel, garfish and scad. Space and safety become more important as the tide rises, and swell or ship wash can quickly change how comfortable the rock margins feel.

  • Know when to fish the clean middle instead of the kelp edges
  • Time the flood window instead of guessing the tide
  • Pick the right tactic for bass, pollack, wrasse or scad
  • Avoid the high-water squeeze at the back of the cove
  • Have a nearby fallback if swell or space beats the plan

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St Mawes 1.0 mi Falmouth 2.5 mi Portscatho 2.9 mi Flushing 2.9 mi Mylor Bridge 3.6 mi

Explore nearby towns: St Mawes · Falmouth · Portscatho · Flushing · Mylor Bridge

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

Overall rating

7.1 /10

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

Category scores

Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 6/10
Accessibility 5/10

Ballan Wrasse 9/10
Tip: Float or light ledger with crab/rag tight to kelp-covered rocks; best May–Oct on the flood. Use abrasion-resistant leaders and keep fish clear of boulders.
Bass 8/10
Tip: Plug or soft plastics around boulders on a building tide, especially after a blow; crab baits at dusk in the surfy corners.
Pollack 8/10
Tip: Work soft shads or metals along kelp edges at dawn/dusk from the headland; midwater retrieve on a flooding tide.
Mackerel 7/10
Tip: Summer shoals; small metals or light feathers from the points, last 3 hours of flood into Falmouth Bay.
Scad (Horse Mackerel) 6/10
Tip: Dusk into dark Aug–Oct; small sabikis tipped with fish strip, slow retrieve in the tide run.
Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
Tip: Small hooks with rag/prawn dropped into kelp gullies; daylight, neap tides, May–Sep.
Garfish 6/10
Tip: Float-fish sandeel or strip near surface on clear neaps; May–Sep over cleaner patches on the flood.
Pouting 5/10
Tip: Night fishing with small fish baits over rough ground; short casts into 5–15 m, autumn–winter.
Lesser Spotted Dogfish 5/10
Tip: Ledger mackerel/squid at night on sandy tongues between rocks; last of ebb into first of flood.
Conger Eel 5/10
Tip: Big fish baits into rough ground after dark; slack-to-flood; use heavy abrasion-resistant gear on ledges.

Local knowledge

Great Molunan fishing guide

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

Great Molunan is a sheltered cove tucked under St Anthony Head on the Roseland Peninsula, opposite Falmouth at the mouth of the Fal. With clean sand framed by kelpy rocks and quick access to deep, tidal water, it offers varied shore fishing in beautiful, quiet surroundings. It’s a versatile mark for lure and bait anglers alike, especially through late spring to autumn.

Reaching the mark involves a scenic drive along narrow lanes from St Mawes to the National Trust land at St Anthony Head, then a short but steep walk. The final descent to the beach uses steps and a rough path, so pack light and wear decent footwear.

  • Parking: National Trust car parks on St Anthony Head (pay-and-display; free for members). Signed from St Mawes; sat-nav can be unreliable—follow brown NT signs.
  • Approach: 10–20 minutes on foot depending on the car park used; final section is steep with steps and uneven ground.
  • Terrain: Sand and shingle in the cove; kelp-covered rock platforms and boulders on the fringes and toward the headland.
  • Notes: No vehicular access to the beach; arrive early in summer as car parks fill on fair-weather days.

The cove and adjacent rock fringes hold a classic Cornish mix, with summer variety and some winter options. Expect reliable sport with wrasse and pollack, plus bass and seasonal pelagics in the right conditions.

  • Spring (Apr–May): Pollack, ballan and corkwing wrasse, early bass; garfish show late spring; odd plaice or gurnard on the sand.
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Mackerel, garfish, bass, pollack, wrasse, scad (horse mackerel) at dusk, thick‑lipped mullet in calm water; dogfish on baits after dark.
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov): Peak bass, consistent pollack and wrasse, scad and late mackerel; conger after dark from rough ground; occasional squid on calm, clear nights.
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Pollack on lures/baits, whiting and pouting after dark on the sand; dogfish; bass possible in rougher, coloured water.

Both lure and bait tactics work well here, with lure fishing shining in clear water and mobile approaches reducing snags. Adjust to the ground—lures and float for the rough, light ledgering on the sand.

  • Lure fishing (rocks/kelp):
    • HRF/weedless soft plastics (3–5 inch paddletails or eels) for pollack and bass; Texas/cheb rigs to beat weed.
    • Surface/sub-surface hard lures at dawn/dusk for bass when baitfish are present; slim sandeel profiles excel.
    • Metals and slim spoons (20–40 g) for mackerel, garfish, and distance; count down for mid-water pollack.
  • Float fishing: Ragworm, prawn, or strips of mackerel; set 8–15 ft over kelp edges for wrasse, pollack, and garfish.
  • Bottom tactics (sandy patches):
    • Running ledger/long link (1–3 oz) with sandeel, peeler crab, or worm cocktails for bass, gurnard, dogs.
    • Two-hook flapper size 2–1 for smaller fish; scale up to 1/0 for bass baits.
  • Night options: Big fish bait (mackerel head/half) for conger from rough ground; small metals/sp minnows for scad under the stars.
  • Tackle notes: Use snag‑resistant rigs, rotten-bottom links if casting near rough ground, and fluorocarbon leaders in clear water.

The mark fishes best with movement and manageable swell. Clear, calm days suit lures; a touch of colour and chop can switch on the bass.

  • Tide: Flood to high water is a prime window; last 2 hours of the flood and first of the ebb are productive. Neaps are easier to present baits/lures; springs can sweep hard around the head.
  • Sea state: Light to moderate northerlies/easterlies give shelter and clarity; heavy southerly/westerly swell can make ledges unfishable but may suit bass on the sand when it settles.
  • Time of day: Dawn and dusk are standout for bass, pollack, mackerel, and scad; wrasse bite well through daylight over kelp.
  • Water clarity: Clear water favours natural lure colours and stealth; after a blow, try darker/contrast lures or crab/sandeel baits.
  • Seasonal pattern: Late May–October is peak variety; winter is quieter but still worth a mobile lure or short bait session after dark.

This is a beautiful but committing shore mark with a steep approach and slippery rock. Treat swell and ship wash with respect and plan your retreat route.

  • Steep steps and uneven paths; not suited to those with limited mobility. Wear grippy boots; keep hands free for balance.
  • Kelp and weeded rock are very slippery when damp; avoid green weed and wave-washed lips.
  • Swell and ship wash: Large vessels in the shipping channel can create delayed surges—stand well back on rock ledges.
  • Snaggy ground and cut-off potential on some outcrops near high water—know your exit and fish with a partner if possible.
  • Carry a headtorch even for evening trips; a personal flotation device is strongly recommended on rock marks.
  • Respect fenced areas around the lighthouse and the old battery—no access beyond railings or signage.

There are no facilities on the beach itself—treat it as a self-sufficient session. Nearby villages have what you need before or after.

  • Parking: National Trust car parks on St Anthony Head (charges apply; seasonal attendants at busy times).
  • Toilets: Seasonal/public toilets may be available at NT sites on the headland—check current opening times; otherwise use facilities in St Mawes.
  • Food and drink: Cafés, pubs, and shops in St Mawes and St Just in Roseland.
  • Tackle and bait: Bait and tackle in Falmouth; limited/seasonal options in St Mawes—ring ahead.
  • Phone signal: Generally good on the headland; patchy to poor down in the coves.
  • No lighting or water on site; take everything you need and pack it out.

A little local knowledge goes a long way here. Travel light, read the water, and adjust quickly to the tide run.

  • Recon at low tide to map sand tongues, kelp lines, and safe ledges; fish them on the flood.
  • Keep lure choices simple: one surface walker, one mid-depth minnow, and a couple of weedless soft plastics cover most scenarios.
  • Long casts aren’t always needed—many bass and pollack patrol the kelp line within 30 yards.
  • For wrasse, fresh ragworm or live prawn under a float outfishes most; strike late and use a tight drag to turn fish from the weed.
  • Evening into dark brings scad right in—switch to small metals, Sabikis, or size 8–10 single-hook jigs and enjoy fast action.
  • Watch for bird activity and bait dimples on a flooding tide; have a metal ready for passing mackerel shoals.
  • After a blow, try a natural crab bait in the surfy corners for a surprise bass.
  • Bring a lightweight long-handled net if you plan to fish the rocks; it saves fish and tackle.

Angling is permitted from the beach and accessible rocks, but you must follow national and local rules. Always check for the latest updates before your trip.

  • European sea bass (Area 7): At the time of writing, recreational retention is typically limited to a short open season with a daily bag and a 42 cm minimum size; outside that, catch-and-release only. Check current UK/Defra guidance and dates before keeping any bass.
  • Minimum Conservation Reference Sizes (MCRS): Observe UK size limits for common species (e.g., pollack, mackerel, gurnard, etc.). When in doubt, release.
  • Cornwall IFCA byelaws: Hand-gathering and shellfish rules apply locally; do not collect shellfish or bait from protected areas and never take berried crabs/lobsters. Verify specific CIFCA byelaws if you plan any foraging.
  • Conservation areas: The headland sits near designated conservation sites; angling is allowed, but avoid trampling seagrass/eelgrass and leave no trace.
  • No rod licence is required for sea fishing in England, but freshwater/estuarine species upstream may be regulated differently—stay within the tidal mark.
  • Private property: Keep outside fenced/posted areas around the lighthouse and historic battery; follow National Trust access guidance and any onsite signage.