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Cornwall

Lantic Bay

6.0 · Beach · Cornwall

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.

Should you fish Lantic Bay?

66 Good

Today · Best window

Best window: 06:00-09:00 around the rising tide

Most likely species: Ballan Wrasse and Mackerel

Good conditions. Best around 06:00-09:00 around the rising tide. Good chance of Ballan Wrasse and Mackerel.

NW 3 mph Rain 0% High tide 11:17

Worth fishing if you can hit the best window.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Lantic Bay — 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.

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· 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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Lantic Bay is a remote, clear-water south-coast cove where the best choice is usually between two very different approaches: stealthy lure/float work around the rocky flanks in settled water, or bait fishing the beach when there is a gentle push of surf. It rewards light, mobile fishing and good timing, but it is a committing mark with steep access, no facilities and serious consequences in swell or around the headlands on bigger tides.

  • Know when the sandy middle beats the rocky flanks.
  • Time the bass push instead of guessing the tide.
  • Pick lure, float or bait tactics from the water clarity.
  • Avoid the swell and tide traps that spoil Lantic Bay.
  • Have a nearby fallback before the climb costs you the session.

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

Polruan 1.1 mi Fowey 1.7 mi Polkerris 3.3 mi Polperro 3.8 mi Lerryn 4.0 mi

Explore nearby towns: Polruan · Fowey · Polkerris · Polperro · Lerryn

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

Overall rating

6.0 /10

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

Category scores

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

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.

Local knowledge

Lantic Bay fishing guide

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

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.

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.

  • Parking: National Trust Lantic Bay car park between Polruan and Polperro (pay-and-display; NT members usually free). Signage is good from local lanes; sat-nav to Polruan or Lansallos gets you close.
  • Walk-in: 15–25 minutes down a field path and steep zig-zags with steps; final section is loose shingle. The return climb is strenuous—pack light.
  • Terrain: Shingle-shelving beach with patches of sand; rocky points and ledges towards the headlands. Mixed ground means snags off the ends; cleaner patches mid-bay.
  • Night access: Completely unlit—headtorch, spare batteries and marked exit path essential.
  • Public transport: Sparse rural services; assume a drive-in approach.

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.

  • Spring (Mar–May):
    • Bass (increasing through spring, first good runs on building tides)
    • Ballan and corkwing wrasse (settle as water warms)
    • Pollack from the points
    • Smoothhound occasional in late spring
  • Summer (Jun–Aug):
    • Bass at dawn/dusk and after dark
    • Mackerel and garfish on calm, clear days
    • Wrasse tight to kelp and rock; occasional triggerfish in warm spells
    • Bull huss after dark from rougher edges
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov):
    • Bass peak months, especially around blows as it settles
    • Pollack, mackerel tailing off, garfish linger into early autumn
    • Rays (small-eyed/spotty) possible over sand patches at dusk
  • Winter (Dec–Feb):
    • Whiting and pouting on night tides
    • Conger from rockier margins
    • Odd bass in a stir but generally slower

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.

  • Bottom fishing:
    • 2-hook flapper (size 2–1) with lugworm, ragworm or strips of mackerel for whiting/pout/flatfish.
    • Pulley or pulley pennel (3/0–4/0) with sandeel, squid, or crab for bass and rays; 60–80 lb shockleader.
    • Use grip leads (4–5 oz) on the steep shingle; add a weak link/rotten-bottom when pushing into mixed ground.
  • Lure fishing:
    • Bass: soft plastics (7–6 inch weightless/weighted weedless), surface walkers at first/last light on calm seas.
    • Pollack: metals or 20–40 g sandeel-pattern lures worked along the points and drop-offs.
    • Gar/mackerel: small spoons/metals or float with slivers of mackerel.
  • Float fishing:
    • Wrasse with ragworm, prawn or small peeler crab, set just off the kelp; 12–20 lb mono straight through to cope with abrasion.
  • Times:
    • Dawn/dusk are prime for bass and pelagics; wrasse feed best with tide run and some colour. Night boosts bass, whiting, pout and conger.

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.

  • Best tide states:
    • Mid-flood to high and the first of the ebb for bass from the beach.
    • Wrasse/pollack along the rocky flanks on the flood with movement.
    • Rays at dusk on flooding neaps over cleaner sand.
  • Sea conditions:
    • Light-to-moderate southerly swell for surf bass; avoid large swell/dumpers—dangerous and unfishable.
    • Easterly/northerly winds flatten and clear the water—great for lures, garfish and mackerel.
  • Water clarity:
    • Often very clear after settled spells; scale leaders and lures accordingly.
  • Seasonality:
    • Peak overall fishing Jun–Oct; winter sessions best after dark on neaps for scratching.
  • Time of day:
    • First and last light are consistently productive; night tides excel for bass and conger.

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.

  • Steep access: Long, steep descent/ascent with steps and loose shingle; good boots and a manageable load essential.
  • Surf/undertow: Powerful dumpers and a strong undertow are common—keep well back from the swash and never turn your back on the sea.
  • Cut-off risk: Ledges and corners near the headlands can become isolated on bigger tides—track your escape route and fish with a partner.
  • Rock hazards: Weed-slimed rocks, barnacles and sharp ledges; gloves, eye protection and a PFD when near the waterline.
  • Cliffs: Avoid sitting under crumbly faces; rockfall is possible after heavy rain or frost.
  • Night fishing: No lighting and patchy signal—carry two headtorches, a whistle and a charged phone/VHF.
  • Weather windows: Do not attempt in large southerly swells or strong onshore winds.
  • Dogs/stock: Grazing stock above the bay; keep dogs on leads on NT land.

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

  • On-site: No toilets, water, bins or shelter; pack out all litter and used line.
  • Nearest services:
    • Polruan and Fowey: cafés, pubs, limited shops; public toilets typically in village centres.
    • Looe: several tackle shops and general stores.
  • Mobile signal: Patchy to poor in the bay; better on higher ground.
  • Parking: National Trust car park only; unlit and exposed—don’t leave valuables on show.

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.

  • Travel light: The climb back up is real—one rod, compact lure roll or a small bait wallet saves legs.
  • Rotten-bottoms: Essential when probing the edges—sacrifice leads, not fish.
  • Read the beach: Aim onto the cleaner tongues in the middle for rays/whiting; creep closer and fish short for surf bass when there’s a shore dump.
  • Lure stealth: Long leaders, subtle SPs and topwaters at gray light when it’s flat and clear.
  • After a blow: Give it 24–48 hours for the sea to drop and green up—prime bass time.
  • Waders: Thigh or chest waders help with safe landing in dumpy surf without over-committing.
  • Wildlife: Seals patrol the headlands; a sudden quiet spell can mean you’ve got company.
  • Peak season etiquette: In summer the beach draws swimmers—fish dawn/evening and keep casts well away from bathers.

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.

  • European sea bass (recreational): As of recent years, retention generally allowed Mar 1–Nov 30 with a 2-fish daily bag limit at a 42 cm minimum size; no-take Dec–Feb. Verify the current year’s notice before retaining bass.
  • Minimum conservation reference sizes (MCRS): Observe UK/Cornwall IFCA sizes for species such as wrasse, rays, flatfish, pollack, bass, etc. Keep a current size chart to hand.
  • Cornwall IFCA bylaws: Prohibit taking berried lobsters and crawfish; respect shellfish MLS and pot/tag rules. No removal of undersized or protected species.
  • Marine protected areas: This coastline has conservation designations in places; recreational angling is typically allowed, but avoid damaging features (no anchoring on fragile reefs, no kelp ripping) and follow any local signage.
  • Litter and fires: National Trust land—no fires, no camping; take all litter and line home.
  • Access rights: Stay on marked paths, respect livestock and gates, and avoid cliff edges.
  • If fishing by boat/kayak from nearby launching spots: Note bass nursery area restrictions within estuaries (e.g., Fowey) and netting/engine bylaws—shore rod-and-line at Lantic Bay is unaffected.
  • Always carry proof of size compliance (measure) and be prepared for IFCA/RNLI engagement checks.