Hawker’s Cove Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Hawker’s Cove Fishing Map

Hawker's Cove sits on the western side of the Camel Estuary near Stepper Point, overlooking the Doom Bar. It offers mixed estuary and nearshore fishing: clean sand and fast-flowing channels in front of the beach, with rocky ground toward the headland. Strong tidal streams concentrate fish along the channel edges, especially on the flood and the first of the ebb. It is sheltered from many southwesterlies but can be exposed to northerly swells. Access is via the coast path with short sandy descents; plan around tides to avoid cut-off and heavy currents. Best results are typically at dawn/dusk on a making tide, using light tackle for estuary species or heavier gear to reach the deeper channel at range.

Ratings

⭐ 6.7/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 6/10

Fish You Can Catch at Hawker’s Cove

🐟 Bass 9/10
🎯 Tip: Lures or crab/sandeel baits into the main channel on a flooding tide; dawn/dusk best. Work rips along the sand bar; short casts often score. Avoid big springs.
🐟 Starry Smoothhound 7/10
🎯 Tip: Peeler or hardback crab on running ledger into channel edges at dusk on a flooding tide, late spring to autumn. Use strong hooks and smooth drags.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Sandeel or mackerel strip on 2-hook flapper over clean sand at night on the flood; common summer to autumn.
🐟 Golden-grey Mullet 6/10
🎯 Tip: Tiny rag or fish slivers on size 8-10; fish surf line and eddies on the flood in summer with light gear and stealth.
🐟 Gilthead Bream 6/10
🎯 Tip: Peeler/hardback crab on small strong hooks over sand patches tight to current seams on the flood in summer; keep rigs neat with grip leads.
🐟 Whiting 5/10
🎯 Tip: Small fish baits on 2-hook flapper at range over sand on winter nights; neap tides fishable as flow eases.
🐟 Mackerel 5/10
🎯 Tip: Small metals or feathers cast into the main channel on settled summer evenings, best on the flood. Keep mobile.
🐟 Garfish 5/10
🎯 Tip: Float a small sandeel or strip at mid-water along the channel edges on calm summer floods; slow retrieve.
🐟 Flounder 4/10
🎯 Tip: Ragworm or lug cast uptide and allowed to trundle across the sand on winter neaps; work edges of the channel.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 4/10
🎯 Tip: Bread or fish flake under a float in slack pockets on neaps; sight-fish cruising shoals on clear, calm days.
🐟 Dab 3/10
🎯 Tip: Small worm baits on size 2 hooks over clean sand on winter neaps; lighter leads help baits wander.

Hawker’s Cove Fishing

Summary

Hawker’s Cove sits at the mouth of the Camel Estuary just north of Padstow on Cornwall’s Atlantic coast. The mix of clean sand, a fast tidal channel and nearby rocky points makes it a versatile mark for bass, summer pelagics and seasonal flatfish if you time the tides right. It’s a beautiful spot, but the currents and moving sands demand respect.

Location and Access

This mark covers the sandy beach at Hawker’s Cove (often grouped with Harbour Cove/Tregirls) and the channel edges leading towards Gun Point and Stepper Point. Access is straightforward but parking is limited, and the last section is on the South West Coast Path over sand and dunes.

Seasons

The estuary mouth fishes differently through the year; bass are the headline, with seasonal visitors in settled weather. Expect variety on clean ground and around the channel seams.

Methods

The ground is largely clean sand with a steep, fast channel; present baits naturally and keep tackle simple. Lure fishing shines for bass when visibility is decent.

Tides and Conditions

Tide strength and direction define this mark. Plan your session around workable windows rather than set times.

Safety

This is a powerful estuary mouth with shifting sands and fierce currents. Treat it like open coast rock marks: plan, keep mobile, and don’t chase the tide.

Facilities

Hawker’s Cove is largely uncommercialised; come self-sufficient. Padstow has full amenities a short drive or a longer walk away.

Tips

Think like a fish and follow the flow lines. Subtle adjustments to angle and lead weight make big differences here.

Regulations

Recreational sea angling is generally permitted at Hawker’s Cove, but the area falls within environmentally sensitive designations and a busy navigational channel. Check official sources before you go.