Mawnan Fishing

Summary

Mawnan (Rosemullion Head and the surrounding coves) sits between Falmouth Bay and the mouth of the Helford River, offering varied rock and cove fishing within a short stretch of coast. Rugged ledges, kelp-filled gullies, and nearby sandy pockets make it a reliable all-round mark for wrasse, pollack, bass, and summer pelagics.

Location and Access

This mark covers the Mawnan peninsula coastline, notably Rosemullion Head with Bream Cove and Nansidwell/Meudon coves to either side. Access is via the South West Coast Path from several parking points; expect a scenic but uneven walk and some steep sections.

• Drive from Falmouth towards Maenporth/Mawnan; common parking options include the pay-and-display at Maenporth Beach, the small parking by Mawnan Church, and National Trust car parks signed for Durgan/Bosveal and Nansidwell (seasonal/limited capacity).
• From Maenporth or Mawnan Church, allow 15–30 minutes on the coast path to reach Rosemullion Head; paths are narrow, rooted, and can be muddy after rain.
• The fishing is from rough, uneven rock platforms with kelp gullies; footwear with good grip is essential.
• The headland offers options: the east side is often more comfortable in a westerly, while the west side can give lee in an easterly.
• Some coves adjoin private estates/gardens; public access is generally via signed coast-path routes—respect any local signage and boundaries.

Seasons

There’s genuine variety here, with wrasse and pollack the mainstays and a useful summer run of surface feeders. Winter can still produce fish off the deeper rock edges.

• Common (in season):
  • Ballan and corkwing wrasse (spring to late autumn, peak in warmer months)
  • Pollack (year-round; best dawn/dusk and in low light)
  • Bass (late spring to autumn, after a blow or in lively water)
  • Mackerel and scad (roughly June–September, sometimes later in mild years)
  • Garfish (late spring to early autumn, clear water)
  • Pouting/poor cod and rockling (especially at night)
• Occasional/bonus:
  • Black bream (late summer in calm, clear conditions over rough ground)
  • Conger eel (rock marks after dark)
  • Whiting (late autumn/winter in the bay, especially at night)
  • Small-eyed/spotted ray are possible on adjacent clean patches and beaches (rare from the rock ledges themselves)
  • Gurnard and the odd John Dory have turned up in settled, clear spells

Methods

Rock and cove fishing tactics dominate: float, lure, and careful bottom fishing all have their day. Mobility and presentation matter in the kelp and tide run.

• Lure fishing:
  • Soft plastics on weedless Texas/cheb heads for pollack and wrasse; 10–20 g is typical, step heavier if the tide rips.
  • Metals (20–40 g) and slim minnows for mackerel, scad, and dawn/evening pollack; work the drop-offs and current seams.
  • Surface and sub-surface lures for bass along coves and in fizzing water around the headland (low light, on a push).
• Float fishing:
  • Ragworm, prawn, or crab baits suspended just above the kelp for wrasse; mackerel strip for garfish in clear water.
  • Set depth to just off bottom; adjust frequently as ledges step away sharply.
• Bottom fishing (use a weak-link/rotten-bottom):
  • Simple pulley or running ledger with a short, abrasion-resistant hooklength for wrasse/bass; whole squid or fish strip after dark will find conger/pouting.
  • Target any fingers of clean sand between kelp beds if you’re ray hunting from adjacent beaches.
• Tackle notes:
  • 20–30 lb braid with a 30–40 lb leader for rock work; step up at night for conger.
  • Barbless or crushed barbs make unhooking safer on awkward ledges; a long-nose disgorger or forceps are invaluable.

Tides and Conditions

The headland fishes best with movement, and the coves offer options when the open bay is lumpy. Light and water clarity strongly influence results.

• Tide:
  • A flooding tide into high water is often most productive for wrasse and pollack; bass like a push with some fizz.
  • Neaps can be kinder when presenting baits tight to kelp; big springs create strong cross-tide around the tip.
• Conditions:
  • Dusk, dawn, and overcast days fish best—especially for pollack and bass.
  • Clear, settled water suits wrasse and garfish; a bit of colour and onshore ripple perks up bass.
  • Large southerly swell wraps into the headland and can make the rocks dangerous; easterlies can create awkward chop on the east side.
• Seasonality:
  • May–October is the prime mixed season; winter switches to nocturnal pollack/whiting potential with longer lulls between bites.
  • Expect a spring “may-rot” algae phase to slow lure fishing until it clears.

Safety

This is a serious rock mark with cliff paths. Plan conservatively and dress for grip and buoyancy.

• Steep, uneven approaches; not suitable for wheelchairs or trolleys. Take your time on roots, steps, and wet rock.
• Wear a personal flotation device and studded or felt-soled boots; kelp and weeded ledges are extremely slick.
• Use a weak-link for leads; snags are frequent and sudden surges can topple you if you’re pulling hard.
• Watch for swell sets and wash-over: never turn your back on the sea and avoid low platforms in any swell.
• Some gullies flood or cut off near high water—identify safe exits in daylight.
• Mobile reception varies; better on the headland than deep in coves. Let someone know your plan and avoid solo night sessions if unfamiliar.
• Respect private property lines near estate gardens and any seasonal access notices.

Facilities

Amenities are scattered; plan to be self-sufficient on the rocks and use village or beach facilities before/after.

• Maenporth Beach usually has a café and seasonal toilets; hours vary by season.
• Durgan has very limited parking and no public toilets at beach level; facilities may be available at nearby National Trust sites during opening hours.
• Mawnan Smith village offers pubs/food and small shops; broader supplies and multiple tackle shops are in Falmouth.
• Mobile signal is generally fair on exposed headlands and patchy in wooded coves.
• No lighting on paths—bring a reliable headtorch and spares.

Tips

This stretch rewards stealth and accuracy. Move, test depths, and fish the light changes.

• Hardback crab, prawn, and rag are standout wrasse baits; feed small prawn pieces to keep fish interested under the float.
• Work soft plastics down ledge faces and let them swing with the tide—many pollack hit on the drop.
• After a blow, try the cove mouths for bass with sub-surface lures or crab baits as the water cleans.
• In summer, expect snorkellers and divers around Rosemullion’s reefs; give them a wide berth and switch ledges if activity is heavy.
• Use a short hooklength and abrasion-resistant mono/fluoro; kelp stipes will shred light leaders quickly.
• Night congering is productive but taxing—pre-tie traces, bring a headtorch with a red mode, and keep your footprint tidy to avoid tangles.
• If mackerel are scarce at range, try tiny metals or sabikis under a float for scad at dusk.
• Keep an eye out for seals; when they’re working the gullies the bites often dry up—move 50–100 m and reset.

Regulations

Shore angling is generally permitted along this coastline, but several layers of local and national rules apply. Always check the latest official sources before you go.

• Cornwall IFCA byelaws and minimum sizes apply to finfish and shellfish; do not retain berried lobsters or undersized crabs/lobsters. Mark any recreational pots correctly if you deploy them.
• European seabass has seasonal catch-and-release/retention rules and a daily bag limit/size limit for recreational anglers; these change—check current MMO/IFCA guidance before retaining any bass.
• The Helford is a designated bass nursery area for vessel-based fishing and part of a wider marine protected network; if fishing by boat or kayak inside the estuary, review the nursery boundaries and restrictions.
• Some beaches and estate-adjacent areas may display local notices (e.g., swimming zones, seasonal restrictions, or private access lines); follow on-site signage.
• No fires or camping on the headland, and take all litter—including line and lead—home.
• Spearfishing and collecting shellfish are subject to specific rules and access rights; consult Cornwall IFCA and National Trust guidance for the immediate area.