Lower Sharpnose Point Fishing

Summary

Lower Sharpnose Point sits on Cornwall’s far north coast near Morwenstow, a razor‑thin fin of rock jutting into deep Atlantic water. It’s an exposed, committing rock mark famed for hard‑fighting pollack, wrasse and bass in dramatic surroundings. Experienced anglers rate it highly, but access and conditions make it a venue for the well‑prepared only.

Location and Access

Lower Sharpnose Point lies between Duckpool and Morwenstow on National Trust coastline. Access is by strenuous coast‑path walking over high, steep cliffs with a narrow approach along the grassy ridge of the point itself.

• Parking options: National Trust Duckpool car park (seasonal) to the south; Morwenstow church/Rectory Tea Rooms area (EX23 9SR) to the east; limited roadside spots get busy in summer.
• Walk‑in: 30–60 minutes via the South West Coast Path with multiple steep ascents/descents; final approach is along a narrow, exposed ridge—no handrails, sheer drops.
• Terrain: Culm slate and shales; grassy tops that become slick when wet; lower ledges require confident scrambling and are tide/swell dependent.
• Footwear: Stiff boots with good edge grip; trekking poles help on descents. Pack light—this is not a casual venue.
• Public transport is minimal; this is a remote, wild headland. Allow extra time and daylight for the return.

Seasons

The point offers quick access to deep, mobile water and reef edges. Species vary by season, with lure and float tactics producing consistently in fair weather.

• Spring (Apr–May):
  • Pollack, ballan wrasse, early bass on sandeels/soft plastics
  • Occasional garfish on warm, clear days
• Summer (Jun–Aug):
  • Pollack (all sizes), bass, mackerel, garfish, scad at dusk
  • Ballan and cuckoo wrasse tight to the kelp and boulders
  • Bull huss after dark from rough ground
• Autumn (Sep–Nov):
  • Peak pollack and bass, bigger wrasse; scad at dusk into dark
  • Conger possible after dark from deep gullies
• Winter (Dec–Mar):
  • Fewer lure opportunities; huss/conger in settled spells
  • Very occasional codling in heavy autumn/winter weather, but uncommon

Methods

Fast tide, kelp and broken ground reward simple, robust approaches. Lure and float methods shine in daylight; heavy bottom gear suits night sessions and settled seas.

• Lures:
  • 20–40 g metals and slim jigs for mackerel/scad and probing tide seams
  • Weedless soft plastics (sandeel patterns, 12–20 cm) for pollack and bass; fish downtide along the drop‑offs
  • Surface/sub‑surface hard lures on a small swell for bass at dawn/dusk
• Float fishing:
  • Sliding float with 10–12 ft fluorocarbon trace and size 1/0–2 hooks
  • Baits: sandeel, mackerel strip, prawn; set to fish mid‑water over kelp fringes
• Bottom fishing (only from secure lower ledges):
  • Pulley‑dropper or simple paternoster with a weak (rotten‑bottom) link; 4/0–6/0 strong patterns
  • Baits: large mackerel/squid cocktails for huss, whole fish baits for conger
• Tackle notes:
  • 30–40 lb braid with 50–80 lb leader for abrasion; long rods (9–10 ft lures, 12–13 ft bottom)
  • Carry spare leaders and rotten‑bottom clips—snag rates can be high
  • Landing big fish from the high ridge is unrealistic; choose marks where safe landing is possible

Tides and Conditions

Tide pressure around the tip creates strong seams and eddies. Plan around manageable flow and safe swell height—conditions change quickly here.

• Tide state:
  • Flood and first of the ebb fish well as water wraps around the point forming clear eddy lines
  • Springs create fierce run; neaps are easier for consistent lure presentation
• Sea conditions:
  • Best with light NW–W swell (0.5–1 m) and clear to lightly tinged water
  • Avoid big swell or onshore blows—dangerous and unfishable
• Time of day/season:
  • Dawn/dusk for bass, pollack and garfish; scad at dusk into dark
  • April–November is prime for lures; winter favors occasional bait sessions in calm windows
• Wind:
  • Crosswinds complicate lure control; aim for lighter winds or use heavier, streamlined lures to cut the tide

Safety

This is an exposed, high‑cliff rock mark with committing approaches. It is unsuitable for anyone with mobility issues or discomfort with heights.

• Sheer drops both sides of a narrow ridge; slips can be fatal—do not attempt in wet or strong winds
• Only descend to lower ledges if you are experienced, conditions are calm, and you have a safe exit at all stages of tide
• Wear a PFD if working near the water, and a helmet is sensible on loose, blocky ground
• Use a buddy system, carry a headtorch, whistle, first‑aid kit and charged phone/PLB; phone signal is patchy
• Check swell and tide forecasts; big sets wrap the headland unpredictably
• National Trust signage may warn of cliff instability—stay on waymarked paths; do not cut new routes
• Night fishing from the ridge is strongly discouraged unless you know the ground intimately

Facilities

The area is wild and largely without services at the mark. Plan to be self‑sufficient and pack out all litter.

• Parking: NT Duckpool (seasonal facilities) or Morwenstow/Rectory area (EX23 9SR, limited)
• Toilets: Seasonal at Duckpool; otherwise use facilities at cafés/pubs when open
• Food/drink: Rectory Tea Rooms (seasonal) and The Bush Inn at Morwenstow; options in Kilkhampton and Bude
• Tackle/bait: Shops in Bude and Kilkhampton (check opening hours, especially off‑season)
• Mobile signal: Inconsistent on the cliffs; better inland/high points
• No lighting, water or shelter at the mark; bring layers and rain protection

Tips

Subtle positioning and tidy line control make the difference here. Fish the water in front of you thoroughly rather than blasting long casts into the tide.

• Work lures along the edge where tide meets slack—pollack often hit on the drop near kelp
• Count your lure down and map the “snag line”; adjust jig weight to stay just above weed/rock
• Use fluorocarbon leaders longer than rod length to cope with abrasive strata
• Watch for bird activity and bait pushed tight to the headland—bass follow sandeels right to the rocks
• A small swell can switch bass on; flat‑calm often suits pollack mid‑water work
• Fulmars nest on these cliffs—give them space to avoid being sprayed and to protect birds
• Hawker’s Hut (nearby) is a good landmark and a weather check stop on the way in/out

Regulations

There are no specific local bans on angling at Lower Sharpnose Point, but the cliffs and surrounding land are managed by the National Trust and parts are within protected landscapes.

• Follow National Trust guidance: keep to paths, no camping or fires, and avoid disturbance to nesting seabirds
• Minimum Conservation Reference Size (MCRS) and bag limits apply to sea fish; check current UK/MMO rules before your trip
• European seabass rules change annually; verify the current recreational season, daily bag limit and 42 cm minimum size
• It is illegal to retain berried or V‑notched lobsters and egg‑bearing crabs; do not tamper with commercial gear
• This coastline includes designated sites (e.g., SSSI/AONB); do not remove rocks/kelp or damage features
• If collecting natural bait on nearby beaches, follow local byelaws and harvest responsibly
• Always take your litter and waste line home—angling access relies on responsible use