Gribbin Head Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Gribbin Head Fishing Map

Exposed rocky headland with deep gullies and kelp-lined ledges. Tide runs hard off the point bringing baitfish; best at dawn/dusk on a flooding tide in settled seas. Summer to early autumn sees the most action. Access is via the South West Coast Path with steep, uneven descents to fishable platforms; avoid in big swells or strong westerlies.

Ratings

⭐ 6.6/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 5/10

Fish You Can Catch at Gribbin Head

🐟 Pollack 9/10
🎯 Tip: Weedless soft plastics or metal jigs worked along kelp gullies at dawn/dusk on the flood. Cast from the points into deeper water.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 8/10
🎯 Tip: Hardback crab or rag on strong gear into rough kelp gullies over mid-high tide; short traces and a rotten-bottom to beat snags.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Lures or live sandeel in the wash on a flooding tide and onshore breeze; fish rips and points at first/last light.
🐟 Mackerel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer shoals; cast sabikis or small metals from the tip on the flood, evenings best.
🐟 Pouting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Dusk into dark around rough ground; small fish or squid strips on two-hook flappers, keep baits just off bottom to cut snags.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Late summer/autumn nights; small sabikis or size 6 hook under a glow float, keep baits midwater in the tide run.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small worm or crab baits tight to the rocks on the flood; scale down hooks and lift steadily to avoid snags.
🐟 Conger Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: After dark over neaps; big mackerel or squid baits dropped into gullies. Use heavy gear and a rotten-bottom.
🐟 Garfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Calm, clear days on the flood; float-fished sliver of mackerel 1-2 m under a float, or small spoons retrieved fast.
🐟 Whiting 5/10
🎯 Tip: Winter nights; small fish or worm baits cast to sand patches from the points, keep rigs light and tip moving.
🐟 Bull Huss 5/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional after dark; fish half mackerel or large squid on a 5/0 pulley dropper into cleaner patches on the ebb.

Gribbin Head Fishing

Summary

Gribbin Head is the bold, red-and-white daymark headland between Fowey and Polkerris on Cornwall’s south coast, owned by the National Trust. Rugged rock ledges, kelp-filled gullies and fast tide runs make it a classic rough-ground shore mark. It rewards careful anglers with pollack, wrasse, bass and summer pelagics in scenic, wild surroundings.

Location and Access

Set on the South West Coast Path, Gribbin Head is reached by scenic but undulating walks with some steep sections. Plan your approach in daylight on a first visit and travel light if you intend to scramble to ledges.

Seasons

A varied rough-ground venue with seasonal highlights. Expect wrasse and pollack most consistently, with bass and summer visitors in the right conditions.

Methods

Rough-ground tactics shine here. Choose tackle that handles kelp, barnacles and tide, and match methods to water clarity and movement.

Tides and Conditions

The headland focuses tide and swell; choose the side with movement but manageable sea. Water clarity often dictates method success.

Safety

This is a serious, high-cliff rock mark with no barriers. Treat it with full respect and avoid in big seas or poor visibility.

Facilities

You’re a fair walk from amenities on the point. Plan to be self-sufficient for water, food, and light.

Tips

Gribbin rewards stealth and mobility. Keep moving until you find fish-holding features like rips, colour lines and kelp edges.

Regulations

Sea angling from the shore is generally permitted here; observe National Trust site guidance and any seasonal access notices. Always check current rules before you go as they can change.