Kelsey Head Fishing

Last updated: 5 days ago

Kelsey Head Fishing Map

A rugged Atlantic-facing headland between Holywell Bay and Porth Joke (Polly Joke). Steep grassy paths lead to kelpy gullies and deep, clear water off broken rock ledges. Best in settled seas with a light swell and a flooding tide. Lure fishing at dawn/dusk produces around the kelp line, while float or light bottom tactics score for wrasse by day. After dark, fish baits can find conger and huss. Expect heavy ground, snags, and surge—use strong tackle, rotten‑bottoms, and keep well back in swell.

Ratings

⭐ 6.6/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 5/10

Fish You Can Catch at Kelsey Head

🐟 Bass 8/10
🎯 Tip: Surface/subsurface lures in white water around the headland at dawn/dusk; sandeel baits in the surf on the flood. Work gutters on a rising tide with a light swell.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 8/10
🎯 Tip: Crab or ragworm tight to kelp-lined gullies on the flood; float or simple paternoster. Best May–Oct in clear water; use strong gear to steer fish from snags.
🐟 Pollack 7/10
🎯 Tip: Weedless soft plastics or metal jigs along drop-offs on the flood and at dusk. Clear, settled seas fish best; cast parallel to ledges.
🐟 Mackerel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer shoals round the headland; spin or feather from higher ledges on a flooding tide, evenings best in calm, clear water.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small hooks and rag/small crab under a float along weed beds on mid-flood. Gentle swells and clear water help, May–Sep.
🐟 Conger Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Big fish baits into deeper holes after dark; fish first 2 hours of the flood or at slack so leads hold. Heavy gear for snags.
🐟 Garfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Float small sandeel or mackerel strip mid-water off the points in summer; best on neap tides with clear water at first light.
🐟 Pouting 5/10
🎯 Tip: Small fish baits or rag dropped into rough ground at dusk/night on a two-hook rig; bites increase on the flood.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 5/10
🎯 Tip: Small mackerel/sandeel baits from the adjacent beaches (Holywell/Crantock) after dark over neaps; aim just beyond the first breaker.
🐟 Bull Huss 5/10
🎯 Tip: Large fish or crab baits cast into rough ground from the headland at night; pick neap tides and a gentle swell to hold bottom.
🐟 Small-eyed Ray 4/10
🎯 Tip: Sandeel on pulley rigs from the clean sand of Holywell/Crantock at night, spring–autumn; target the first gutter on a neap flood.

Kelsey Head Fishing

Summary

Kelsey Head is a wild Atlantic headland on Cornwall’s north coast, set between Crantock/Porth Joke and Holywell Bay near Newquay. It offers classic rock-fishing to mixed and rough ground with kelp-fringed gullies, sweeping tide runs, and clean sand within casting range. Anglers come for wrasse, pollack and bass in lively conditions, plus summer mackerel and night-time conger and huss.

Location and Access

This is National Trust coastline reached via the South West Coast Path, with multiple approaches and a short but rugged final scramble onto the ledges. Plan your route in daylight first if you’ve not been before.

Seasons

The headland fishes across seasons, with summer variety and autumn bass the usual headline. Expect mixed-ground residents alongside pelagics when the water warms.

Methods

Rough-ground tactics shine here, with lure, float and sensible bottom fishing all productive when matched to the conditions. Travel fairly light, rotate ledges, and fish actively.

Tides and Conditions

Kelsey Head is exposed; tide movement and swell direction decide where you can safely fish. Mobility between the west and east faces helps you find shelter and water clarity.

Safety

This is serious rock fishing on an Atlantic headland—treat it with full respect. Pick higher ledges when there’s swell, and never commit to any platform you’re unsure you can leave safely.

Facilities

Expect a scenic but fairly wild venue with basic facilities in nearby villages. Stock up before the walk and plan for a self-sufficient session.

Tips

Small choices make a big difference here—fish actively, read the water, and move to find the best mix of depth, colour and tide run.

Regulations

Shore angling is generally permitted on this stretch, which is National Trust coastline—there is no standing ban on fishing, but always obey on-site signage and temporary protections. The area lies within/adjacent to designated conservation sites where standard wildlife protections apply.