Morwenstow Cliffs Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Morwenstow Cliffs Fishing Map

Towering Atlantic-facing rock ledges in the Morwenstow parish north of Bude. Deep, kelp-fringed water close in with strong tidal run; very snaggy ground. Access is steep and exposed with long descents and occasional rope aids—only for fit, experienced rock anglers in settled conditions. Fish the flood into dusk and first of the ebb; avoid big swell and springs. Expect pollack and summer pelagics in the upper layers, wrasse in the rough ground, and conger/huss after dark. Use strong tackle, rotten-bottoms, and carry enough line for vertical lifts. Spectacular, remote scenery but zero amenities and little shelter.

Ratings

⭐ 6.1/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 2/10
Accessibility 2/10

Fish You Can Catch at Morwenstow Cliffs

🐟 Pollack 9/10
🎯 Tip: Lures or float-fished sandeel tight to kelp gullies at dawn/dusk on the flood; metal jigs for depth. Use 20–30lb leader and keep moving along ledges.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 8/10
🎯 Tip: Crab or prawn dropped into rough, weedy gullies on a rising tide; summer–autumn. Use strong gear with a rotten-bottom to beat snags.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Surface/sub-surface lures into white water at first/last light on a flooding tide after a blow. Also float a live sandeel along gullies.
🐟 Mackerel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer shoals; feathering or small metals from deeper points around mid–high tide. Switch to float rigs when snaggy and avoid heavy leads.
🐟 Conger Eel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Night over rough ground; big mackerel/squid baits on a 100lb trace with rotten-bottom. Best an hour after high as tide eases; be ready to handline carefully.
🐟 Pouting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small strips of mackerel or squid on 1/0–2/0 two-hook paternoster at dusk and after dark; target deeper edges on the flood. Good winter standby.
🐟 Bull Huss 6/10
🎯 Tip: Large fish/squid cocktails in kelpy holes at dusk/night; neap tides and slack water help reduce snags. 60lb mono trace; no wire needed.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Late summer–autumn nights; small sabikis or float-fished mackerel slivers under a glow stick. Best on the flood around mid–high water.
🐟 Three-bearded Rockling 5/10
🎯 Tip: Worm or fish strip on small hooks after dark around boulders; best on the flood into first of the ebb in winter–spring.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 5/10
🎯 Tip: Ragworm on size 4–6 hooks lowered beside weedy rock faces on the flood; summer. Keep rigs light and lift to avoid snags.

Morwenstow Cliffs Fishing

Summary

Morwenstow Cliffs sit on Cornwall’s wild north coast, just north of Bude, where towering headlands, kelp-filled gullies and deep water close in offer proper rough-ground rock fishing. It’s a high-commitment, high-reward venue famed for bass and pollack, with summer pelagics and gnarly winter mixed fishing. The scenery is spectacular and remote, but the ground and access are unforgiving—this is a mark for experienced, well-prepared anglers.

Location and Access

Access is via the South West Coast Path around Morwenstow, with approaches to exposed points like Higher and Lower Sharpnose. Expect steep climbs, long walks, and very serious ground—only attempt descents you’re completely confident you can reverse in all conditions.

Seasons

This stretch fishes like classic North Cornwall rough ground: bass and pollack are the headline species, with wrasse through the warmer months and night-time conger and huss for those who like big baits. Occasional sandy pockets below the cliffs add whiting and small rays in season.

Methods

Rough-ground tactics rule here. Fish as light as the conditions allow, use abrasion-resistant leaders, and assume you’ll be fishing over snags—rig for loss with weak links and rotten-bottoms.

Tides and Conditions

Tide timing and swell size dictate both safety and success. The venue can be unfishable in big Atlantic swells; pick small-to-moderate days and watch for windows of clarity.

Safety

This is a serious, committing rock mark with high cliffs, unstable edges, and powerful swell rebound. It is not suitable for beginners or for anyone with mobility issues.

Facilities

There are few facilities right on the marks; plan to be self-sufficient. Services are clustered in Morwenstow village and Bude.

Tips

Small details make big differences at Morwenstow. Travel light, think about exit routes, and fish water movement rather than distance.

Regulations

Most recreational sea angling is permitted here, but you must follow national and local rules. Regulations can change—always check the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), Cornwall IFCA, and GOV.UK before you go.