Summary
Land’s End is the iconic granite headland at the western tip of Cornwall, facing the full force of the Atlantic. For adventurous rock anglers it offers deep water, powerful tides, and the chance of quality pollack, wrasse, bass, and night-time conger and huss. It rewards good judgement and preparation, and is best treated as a collection of nearby cliff-ledges rather than a single easy mark.
Location and Access
Access is via the Land’s End Visitor Centre and the South West Coast Path, with additional approaches from Sennen Cove. Expect exposed cliff-top walking and occasional steep scrambles to reach lower ledges; many tourists use the paths in daylight hours. Parking is pay-and-display at the visitor complex (TR19 7AA), with alternative parking at Sennen Cove for those who prefer to walk in.
- Park: Land’s End Visitor Centre (fees apply; seasonal opening and gates may be in operation). Check current hours if planning dawn, dusk, or night sessions.
- Alternative: Sennen Cove car parks; then follow the coast path south-west toward Land’s End (allow 30–60 minutes depending on pace and mark).
- Approach: Follow signed coast path; side tracks lead to vantage points like Enys Dodnan arch and nearby ledges. Some paths are narrow, steep, and uneven.
- Terrain: High granite cliffs with scattered lower platforms; much ground is kelpy, bouldery, and snaggy. Sturdy boots essential; many ledges are not suitable for beginners.
- Access notes: Respect fences and any private or conservation signage; do not climb safety barriers. Some lower platforms become cut off on spring tides.
Seasons
Species vary with season and sea state. Clear water and neap tides often suit sight-feeders; rougher, coloured water can bring bass tight in.
- Spring (Mar–May): Pollack, ballan wrasse, garfish from late spring, early mackerel in May, occasional bass on a building swell.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Mackerel, garfish, pollack (often larger at dawn/dusk), ballan and corkwing wrasse, scad at dusk, gurnard occasional, bass in lively water. Odd triggerfish possible in very warm late summers.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Pollack, mackerel tailing off by Oct, scad in numbers after dark, bass peaking around onshore blows, wrasse early autumn, conger and bull huss improving.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Pollack on lures and bait, conger and huss after dark, whiting on calmer nights; rare codling or ling possible from the rough ground in deeper water.
- Bycatch: Launce (greater sandeel), pout, poor cod; occasional coalfish in colder snaps.
Methods
Think rock-fishing tactics: strong gear, abrasion resistance, and fish-handling plans from high or awkward ledges.
- Lure fishing (daylight, especially dawn/dusk): 9–10 ft rods, 20–40 g rating; weedless soft plastics (sandeel patterns 12–20 cm), metal jigs 20–60 g, and diving or subsurface minnows. Count lures down along kelp edges for pollack; work metals higher in the water when mackerel or gar are present.
- Float fishing: Clear floats set 10–20 ft with fluorocarbon leaders for pollack, wrasse, and garfish. Baits include live or frozen sandeel, mackerel strip, prawn, or ragworm (for wrasse). Let the float drift along rocky faces.
- Bottom fishing: Heavy mono or abrasion-resistant braid with a 40–60 lb rubbing leader. Running ledger or pulley rigs with rotten-bottom links are essential over kelp and boulders. 3–6 oz leads depending on tide run.
- Night sessions: Big fish baits (mackerel, squid, or bluey) on 4/0–6/0 pulley pennels for huss and conger. Keep rigs compact and robust.
- Leaders and landing: Use long, tough leaders and carry a drop net if there is any chance you will retain fish; never hand-line a fish up a cliff and avoid gaffing if you plan to release.
- Timing: Dawn and dusk for pollack and bass; bright days suit wrasse in close; after dark for conger, huss, and scad. Match lure size to visible baitfish.
Tides and Conditions
Tide flow around Land’s End is fierce, with rips and overfalls off the headland. Plan carefully around neaps and manageable swell.
- Tide state: The last two hours of the ebb and the first push of the flood can fish well from many ledges; slack periods help with lure control. Avoid extreme springs unless very experienced.
- Swell and wind: Big long-period Atlantic swell wraps around both sides of the headland. Seek the lee side of the wind; north or northeast winds can favour the south-facing side, while southwesterlies can make north-facing ledges slightly more workable.
- Water clarity: Clear, green water is excellent for pollack, gar, and wrasse; lightly coloured water with onshore push can switch on the bass.
- Time of day: Dawn and dusk are prime for predators. Night fishing brings conger, huss, and scad but increases risk—only attempt in settled weather with familiar access.
- Seasonality: Spring to autumn is most consistent; winter windows open between storms for pollack and nocturnal species.
Safety
This is a serious cliff venue. Treat every approach and ledge with caution and never fish here in heavy swell or poor visibility.
- Heights and exposure: Many ledges are high and set above sheer drops; a fall here is fatal. Wear a personal flotation device and consider a climbing helmet where headroom is tight.
- Footing: Granite is grippy when dry but treacherous when wet or algae-covered. Good boots and slow, deliberate movement are essential.
- Waves: Rogue sets occur—if swell is touching the rock faces below you, do not descend to lower ledges. Keep well back in any swell or surge.
- Cut-off risk: Some lower platforms flood quickly on springs; know your exit and retreat early.
- Crowds: The coast path and viewpoints are busy. Do not cast where the public could pass beneath your rod or line; avoid tourist pinch points during peak hours.
- Lighting and comms: Headtorch with spare batteries; mobile signal is generally good atop the headland but can drop in gullies—tell someone your plan.
- Access constraints: Obey any fencing or no-access signs around the visitor complex and conservation areas. If unsure, stick to public paths and obvious angling pull-offs.
- Mobility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility. If accessibility is needed, consider Sennen Cove harbour as an alternative.
Facilities
Expect full tourist facilities at the landmark complex but few angling-specific amenities right on the ledges.
- Parking: Land’s End Visitor Centre (pay-and-display; TR19 7AA). Check seasonal opening times and any gate closures.
- Toilets and cafés: Available at the visitor complex during opening hours; limited or none after hours.
- Tackle and bait: Basic seasonal bits sometimes in Sennen; full-service tackle shops and bait suppliers in Penzance (around 20–30 minutes by car).
- Water and food: Bring your own for longer sessions; facilities may be closed early outside peak season.
- Phone signal: Generally decent on the headland; patchy on lower ground.
- Emergency: Nearest RNLI station is at Sennen Cove; always dial 999 and ask for Coastguard in an emergency.
Tips
Treat Land’s End as a small area with multiple micro-marks—tiny changes in depth, kelp lines, and tide angle make big differences.
- Scout at low water to learn contours, kelp beds, and safe retreat routes, then fish at first light or the evening flood.
- When mackerel push bait tight to the rocks, a small metal or casting jig worked high and fast can outfish feathers—avoid multi-hook tangles on snaggy ledges.
- For pollack, let soft plastics sink along the face, then lift and glide them just above the weed; most takes come on the drop.
- For wrasse, use strong hooks and abrasion-resistant leaders; keep steady pressure to turn fish before they reach kelp.
- Night conger: Keep rigs short, use a robust rotten-bottom, and bring a drop net if you intend to retain anything—plan how you will unhook safely.
- Tourist times: Fish early or late to avoid crowds and reduce the risk of lines crossing footpaths.
- Alternatives in a blow: If Land’s End is too wild, try Sennen Cove harbour or more sheltered coves toward Porthgwarra and Porthcurno.
Regulations
Angling is generally permitted from the coast path and accessible ledges around Land’s End, but you must follow national and local rules and any on-site signage.
- Access restrictions: Certain fenced viewpoints and private or conservation areas around the visitor complex may be out of bounds—comply with posted signs and keep to public rights of way.
- Bass rules: England-wide recreational bass measures apply. Check current MMO guidance before you go; in recent years this has included a closed season Dec–Feb (catch and release only), a March–Nov retention window, a 2-fish daily bag limit, and a 42 cm minimum size.
- Marine protected areas: The waters off Land’s End are within a designated Marine Conservation Zone. Shore angling with rod and line is generally allowed, but do not damage or remove protected features; avoid prising intertidal life from rocks.
- Bait collection: Local SSSI and coastal protections may restrict removal of certain species or vegetation. Only collect bait where it is lawful and sustainable; many anglers bring frozen sandeel, mackerel, or shop-bought worm instead.
- General: No licence is required for sea fishing in England with rod and line from the shore, but all national and IFCA byelaws apply. Take litter home, and practice sensible catch and release for wrasse and other slow-growing reef fish.
- Always verify the latest rules with the Marine Management Organisation and Cornwall IFCA before your trip.
