Lantic Bay Fishing

Last updated: 6 days ago

Lantic Bay Fishing Map

A remote, scenic south-coast cove of clean sand with rocky headlands between Fowey and Polperro. Access is via a steep National Trust path, so travel light. Clear water suits lure and float tactics around the rocks; the beach produces in gentle surf, especially at dawn/dusk. Fish it on settled seas or light northerlies; a southerly swell can make the rocks dangerous. Watch the tide and avoid getting cut off around the headlands. No facilities on site.

Ratings

⭐ 6/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 3/10

Fish You Can Catch at Lantic Bay

🐟 Bass 8/10
🎯 Tip: Dawn/dusk on a rising tide; work lures through white water off the points or fish peeler crab/sandeel into the surf on the beach.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 8/10
🎯 Tip: Daylight over rough ground on the headlands; float-fish or ledger hardback crab/ragworm; best on the flood.
🐟 Pollack 7/10
🎯 Tip: Evening into dusk around kelp edges; cast metals/soft plastics; flood to high water fishes best.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 7/10
🎯 Tip: After dark onto the sandy bay; small fish or sandeel baits on a simple flapper; steady on neap tides.
🐟 Mackerel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer in clear water; feathers or small metals from the rocks, mid-flood to dusk.
🐟 Pouting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Dusk/night around reefs and boulders; small fish or worm baits on short snoods close to bottom.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Aug–Oct evenings; tiny sabiki or size 6-8 lures worked mid-water under a headlamp from deeper rock points.
🐟 Conger Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Night from rough ground fringes; big fish or squid baits on strong gear with heavy mono trace; top of tide.
🐟 Garfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring–autumn; float thin mackerel strip near the surface from the rocks on a flooding tide.
🐟 Whiting 5/10
🎯 Tip: Autumn–winter nights; cast worm or small fish baits to the sandy troughs; first of the flood or ebb.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 5/10
🎯 Tip: Calm, clear days in the cove; present bread flake under a float or freelined along the rocks on the flood.

Lantic Bay Fishing

Summary

Lantic Bay sits between Polruan and Polperro on Cornwall’s south coast, a dramatic amphitheatre of cliffs dropping to shingle-and-sand coves. It’s a quiet, wild-feeling mark that rewards the hike with clear water, mixed ground and quality sport for bass, wrasse and summer pelagics. Expect a beautiful but committing session: you carry everything in—and back out.

Location and Access

Access is via National Trust land with a signed car park above the bay, then a long, steep descent to the beach. There are no facilities or lighting, so plan as if you’re heading onto a remote mark.

Seasons

Lantic offers classic south-coast variety: surf bass over the shingle, wrasse and pollack from the rocky flanks, plus summer visitors in clear water. Winter brings scratching opportunities for whiting and pout.

Methods

Think mixed-ground tactics: light scratching over cleaner sand tongues, heavier rigs on the edges, and lures when the water clears. Travel light and carry a snag plan.

Tides and Conditions

This south-facing pocket bay fishes differently across the state: surf species like a push and some fizz, while lure work shines in clear, settled water.

Safety

This is a committing mark with a serious climb and energetic surf; it is not suitable for those with limited mobility. Treat the bay as remote—self-reliance is key.

Facilities

Expect no amenities at beach level—plan to be fully self-sufficient. Nearby villages have basics if you stock up beforehand.

Tips

Local patterns reward those who adapt to water clarity and swell. Think stealth when it’s gin-clear and step up the scent when it colours.

Regulations

Recreational sea angling is permitted at Lantic Bay, but you must follow national and local rules. Regulations change—always check the latest from the UK government and Cornwall IFCA before your trip.