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Cornwall

Kelsey Head

6.6 · Rocks · Cornwall

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.

Should you fish Kelsey Head?

57 Fair

Today · Best window

Best window: 18:00-21:00 around the rising tide

Most likely species: Ballan Wrasse and Mackerel

Fair conditions. Best around 18:00-21:00 around the rising tide. Good chance of Ballan Wrasse and Mackerel.

NW 4 mph Rain 8% High tide 10:54

Fishable, but pick your timing carefully.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Kelsey Head — 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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Kelsey Head is a rugged, Atlantic-facing rock mark that fishes best when the sea is settled enough to let you work the kelp edges, gullies and drop-offs safely. The key decision is whether to fish exposed water for bass and pollack, tuck onto a calmer flank for float and wrasse work, or abandon the rocks for nearby beach options if swell, weed or surge make the ledges unsafe.

  • Know when to fish the exposed shoulders and when to tuck onto the calmer flank.
  • Time bass and pollack around the flood, high water and first ebb.
  • Target wrasse tight to kelp instead of wasting casts into dead water.
  • Use the right rough-ground setup before the snags cost you rigs.
  • Spot when Kelsey Head is too dangerous and switch plans early.

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Jump to towns around this mark for more marks and guides.

Crantock 1.5 mi Cubert 2.2 mi Newquay 3.2 mi Perranporth 4.2 mi Goonhavern 4.7 mi

Explore nearby towns: Crantock · Cubert · Newquay · Perranporth · Goonhavern

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

Overall rating

6.6 /10

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

Category scores

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

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.

Local knowledge

Kelsey Head fishing guide

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

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.

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.

  • Approaches: From West Pentire/Crantock via the coast path over Porth Joke (Polly Joke), or from Holywell Bay up onto the headland; both are straightforward walks with some steep sections near the mark.
  • Parking: National Trust car parks at West Pentire (near the Bowgie Inn, approx. TR8 5SE) and at Holywell Bay (village NT car park, approx. TR8 5PP). In peak season these fill quickly.
  • Walk-in: 15–30 minutes depending on start point and chosen ledge. Final access may involve short, exposed scrambles over grass, heather and rock.
  • Terrain: High cliffs, sloping grass, gorse, uneven boulders and barnacle/weed-covered rock platforms. Lower ledges are closer to the water but more prone to swell and cut-off.
  • Discretion: Keep to signed paths across NT land and avoid trampling sensitive cliff-top vegetation or the scheduled monument earthworks on the headland.

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

  • Spring (Apr–May): Pollack, ballan wrasse, early bass in blowy conditions, garfish late spring; chance of rays from adjacent sands if you can reach a sandy patch.
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Mackerel, garfish, scad, pollack, wrasse, bass; occasional gurnard and small turbot on clean patches; night conger and bull huss.
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov): Peak bass, solid pollack, lingering mackerel/scad, huss and conger after dark; occasional codling in onshore blows.
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Whiting, pout, rockling, conger; odd codling in heavy seas if clarity is right; fewer wrasse as water cools.
  • Always-present: Shore crabs, sandeels and occasional mullet showing in calmer coves nearby; useful for live or fresh bait where lawful.

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.

  • Lure fishing: Weedless soft plastics (12–20 cm) for bass in white/ayu and darker patterns for swell/low light; 20–40 g metals or casting jigs for mackerel/scad and to reach tide lines; slim diving minnows and 20–30 g shads for pollack along the drop-offs.
  • Float fishing: Rag/lug, prawn or sandeel set 8–20 ft for pollack and mackerel/garfish; adjust depth to skim above kelp. Use a cigar float in chop and a fluorocarbon trace.
  • Bottom fishing (mixed/rough ground): Pulley or pulley-dropper with a weak-link (rotten bottom) lead; 40–60 lb rubbing leader; 3/0–5/0 hooks. Baits: squid, mackerel, bluey, peeler/hardback crab. After dark, step up for conger/huss.
  • Wrasse: Simple paternoster or running ledger with 2/0 beak/circle hooks; baits: crab, prawn, mussel; avoid stainless hooks and return big ballans quickly.
  • Bass in the wash: Work the white water on the point shoulders with weedless SPs or 25–35 g surface/sub-surface lures at dawn/dusk and during a lively flood.
  • Tackle notes: 9–10 ft lure rods (20–40 g) with 20–30 lb braid/30–40 lb fluoro leaders; or 11–13 ft rock rods with 20–25 lb mono. Carry a drop-net or long-handled net for safe landing.

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.

  • Tide: Middle of the flood through high and into the first of the ebb often best for bass and pollack; wrasse like a steady mid-tide with some colour.
  • Springs vs neaps: Springs create stronger run and defined tide lines for pelagics/bass; neaps can suit wrasse/float work when kelp is calmer.
  • Swell/wind: A modest W–NW swell (safe height) with onshore breeze energises bass; if it’s big, tuck onto the more sheltered flank. E/SE winds flatten it but clear the water—good for wrasse/pollack on lures/float.
  • Light and water: Dawn/dusk are prime. A hint of colour helps bass; clearer water benefits wrasse/garfish. After dark, fish big static baits for conger/huss.
  • Seasonality: June–October is most consistent for variety; winter sessions hinge on weather windows and are largely night-oriented.

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.

  • Swell risk: Watch the sea for 10–15 minutes before stepping onto any ledge; avoid low or wave-washed spots in long-period swell. Expect surges and backwash.
  • Cut-off: Some lower ledges flood fast on the push—know your exit and avoid being trapped by the tide.
  • Footing: Weed, barnacles and loose stones are slippery. Wear grippy boots/cleats and carry a headtorch if there’s any chance of finishing in the dark.
  • Exposure: High cliffs and gusty winds; keep well back from edges on the walk-in. Not suitable for young children or those with limited mobility.
  • PPE: A modern inflatable lifejacket, phone in a waterproof pouch, first-aid kit and a buddy are strongly recommended.
  • Wildlife and access: Seasonal seabird nesting may bring temporary roped-off sections—respect signage. Dogs on leads. Do not disturb seals if they haul out nearby.
  • Heritage: There are scheduled monument earthworks on Kelsey Head—do not dig, move stones or damage features.

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.

  • Parking: NT car parks at West Pentire (approx. TR8 5SE) and Holywell Bay (approx. TR8 5PP); charges apply to non-members.
  • Toilets: Seasonal facilities at Holywell Bay car park; public toilets in Crantock village (check seasonal opening times).
  • Food/drink: Pubs/cafés in West Pentire/Crantock (e.g., near the Bowgie Inn area) and Holywell Bay village; busiest in summer.
  • Tackle/bait: Tackle shops in Newquay stock shore gear, lures and bait; buy before heading out.
  • Phone signal: Generally decent on open headland, unreliable in coves and behind slopes.

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.

  • Work the shoulders: In W–NW swell, the western tip may be unfishable—tuck around onto the more sheltered flank where wash meets clearer water.
  • Count the drop: For pollack on metals/SPs, count down to find the level just above the kelp, then sweep and hold contact on the fall—the hit often comes on the drop.
  • Rotten-bottoms save gear: Always use a weak-link for leads over rough ground; it’ll spare your rigs and keep you fishing.
  • Landing plan: Bring a drop-net or long-handled net for safe releases from higher ledges; avoid gaffs if releasing fish.
  • Birdlife/seals: Terns and diving gannets betray mackerel/scad; if a seal starts shadowing you, bites usually dry up—move marks.
  • Weed windows: After big swells, drifting weed can make bottom fishing painful; switch to float or fast lures until it clears.
  • Quiet times: Dawn sessions beat the daytime footfall from walkers, especially in school holidays.

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.

  • Bass (recreational): Minimum size 42 cm. Retention typically limited to two fish per angler per day from 1 March–31 December, with Jan–Feb catch-and-release only; check the latest UK bass regulations before your trip.
  • Lobster/crab: Observe Cornwall IFCA minimum sizes; it’s illegal to take berried or V-notched lobsters. Potting requires permits; rod-and-line anglers returning undersized or berried crustaceans immediately.
  • Marine protected areas: Parts of this coast are within the Newquay and the Gannel MCZ. Rod-and-line angling is allowed, but do not disturb protected features, haul-out seals or nesting seabirds.
  • Wildlife and Countryside Act: It is an offence to intentionally disturb nesting birds on cliffs or to harass seals—give them space and keep dogs on leads.
  • Bait and foraging: Follow local byelaws for gathering shellfish and worms; some species/areas have restrictions or closed seasons—check Cornwall IFCA.
  • National Trust/land access: Keep to marked paths, no open fires, take litter home, and avoid damaging scheduled monument features on Kelsey Head.
  • Always verify: Regulations change—consult Cornwall IFCA and current DEFRA/UK Government guidance before fishing.