Summary
Nare Head is a dramatic, high headland on Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula, forming the western guard of Veryan Bay and overlooking the famous Gull Rock. It’s a classic rough-ground rock mark for experienced shore anglers, offering clean water, strong tidal movement and access to pelagic and reef species. The scenery is breathtaking, but the terrain is serious—rewarding fishing if you pick your day and fish it safely.
Location and Access
Access to Nare Head is via the South West Coast Path, with approaches from both the west (Carne/Pendower) and the east (Kiberick Cove/Portloe side). Expect a fair walk with steep gradients and exposed cliff paths; there is no easy access to the water and most fishing is from height.
- Western approach: Park at National Trust Carne Beach (near The Nare Hotel, postcode TR2 5PF). Follow the coast path east, climbing steadily to the headland. Allow 30–45 minutes on a steady, steep path.
- Eastern approach: Small National Trust car park signposted for Kiberick Cove from Veryan/Portloe (limited spaces; narrow lanes). From Kiberick, walk west on the coast path to Nare Head, 20–35 minutes depending on pace and chosen ledge.
- Terrain: Grassy clifftops giving way to rocky, kelpy reefs below; most productive ledges require confident rock-hopping and a head for heights. Many anglers fish from higher platforms—only attempt lower ledges if you know the lines in and out and conditions are gentle.
- Private farmland abuts the path—stick to waymarked routes, don’t cross fences or disturb stock. Gates can be locked at dusk on some access lanes; check National Trust signage on arrival.
Seasons
This is predominantly a rough-ground, reef-and-kelp venue. Expect classic south-coast rock species with pelagics in season and predators on the fringes.
- Spring (Mar–May): Pollack, ballan wrasse, early garfish, school bass; occasional scad toward late spring; rockling at night.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Ballan and cuckoo wrasse, pollack, mackerel, garfish, scad (horse mackerel), bass (including better fish after a blow), thick‑lipped mullet in calmer coves; occasional triggerfish in warm spells; bull huss after dark.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Peak pollack at dusk, bigger bass on building seas, mackerel into October (weather dependent), scad at night, conger and bull huss off the rougher corners.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Conger, bull huss, pouting/whiting on calmer nights, pollack on lures when the water is clear; various rocklings. Codling are very rare in this area from the shore.
Methods
Rough-ground tactics with a mix of lure, float and bottom fishing all score here. Match your method to tide state, light levels and swell.
- Lure fishing: 20–40 g rod, 20–30 lb braid, 20–25 lb fluoro leader. Metal jigs and slim spoons for mackerel/scad; 12–20 g weedless soft plastics (paddle tails, eels) for pollack and bass tight to weed lines; dawndusk is prime.
- Float fishing: Wagglers or sliding floats set 10–20 ft for wrasse/gar/pollack along kelp edges. Baits: ragworm, prawn, sandeel strips, mackerel belly. Keep gear mobile to cover ground.
- Bottom fishing: Strong gear, 5–6 oz leads as needed. Use pulley/pulley‑dropper or simple single‑hook running rigs with a weak/rotten‑bottom link to sacrifice the lead. Baits: peeler crab, hardback crab, large rag, squid, mackerel or launce for huss/conger.
- LRF and micro‑jigs: Great fun around boulder run‑offs for mini species in calm conditions—use snag‑resistant, weedless rigs.
- Hook patterns: O’Shaughnessy/strong J hooks for huss/conger (5/0–8/0); 1/0–3/0 for general rough‑ground; consider circle hooks for bass to aid safe release.
- Landing and release: Plan for height—no nets below. Use heavy leaders, long disgorger and barbless/flattened barbs where practical; release wrasse and bass quickly.
Tides and Conditions
Nare Head fishes best when there’s movement but not mayhem. The headland catches tide and swell; choose windows between big seas.
- Tide: Flood into and around high water is productive for wrasse and pollack; first of the ebb can be excellent for bass along the weed lines. Neaps are kinder underfoot and reduce drag in the kelp; springs can fish very well but become unfishable in swell.
- Light: Dawn and dusk for pollack, bass and pelagics. Night sessions for huss/conger/pouting; take extra care with footing and navigation.
- Wind and sea: Offshore or light northerly/NE winds give clear water and safer footing. Strong southerlies/SW drive swell straight in and can wrap round—often unfishable from exposed points. A little colour after a blow can switch bass on as it settles.
- Water clarity: Clear for wrasse/pollack/gar; slight turbidity benefits bass. After persistent storms, give it 24–48 hours to drop.
Safety
This is an exposed, high‑energy rock mark with sheer drops. It is not suitable for young children or anyone unsteady on their feet.
- Cliffs and exposure: Many positions are high and unfenced; a slip can be fatal. Keep well back from edges and avoid wet/weeded rock.
- Swell: Long‑period southerly ground swells can surge dramatically. Observe for 10–15 minutes before committing; never fish low ledges in swell.
- Footing: Studded boots or cleats strongly advised. Headtorch with spare batteries for any session touching low light.
- Snag hazards: Heavy kelp/reef—use rotten‑bottoms and be prepared to lose gear. Don’t try to retrieve leads beyond safe limits.
- Solo fishing: Avoid where possible; tell someone your exact plan and exit route. Mobile signal can be patchy—carry a charged phone and whistle.
- PPE: Wear a modern ISO‑rated inflatable lifejacket and carry a throw line if working near edges.
- Access notes: Stick to the South West Coast Path and signed trods. Do not trespass across cropped fields or climb fences. Seasonal livestock present—dog walkers keep dogs on leads.
Facilities
Nare Head is remote with minimal facilities on the headland itself. Plan to be self‑sufficient.
- Parking: National Trust car parks at Carne/Pendower (charges apply; seasonal hours) and a small NT car park at Kiberick Cove (limited spaces).
- Toilets: Seasonal public toilets at Carne/Pendower. None at the headland.
- Food/drink: Cafés and pubs in Veryan, Portloe and Portscatho; The Nare Hotel near Carne (facilities primarily for residents).
- Tackle/bait: No tackle shops on the headland or immediate villages. Options in Truro, Falmouth or St Austell; check opening hours before travel. Bring bait with you.
- Mobile signal: Intermittent around the cliffs; better on higher ground, unreliable in coves. No lighting—full dark at night.
Tips
Local knowledge pays at Nare Head—small changes in tide, depth and weed lines make a big difference.
- Work the seams: Pollack and bass sit under the foam lines where tide pushes past Gull Rock and eddies form; count lures down and retrieve just over the kelp.
- Weedless wins: Texas‑rigged soft plastics save gear and find fish—green/brown patterns on bright days, darker silhouettes at dusk.
- Wrasse etiquette: They’re long‑lived and site‑faithful—great sport on balanced gear. Unhook quickly, keep them wet, and return them. Crab baits often out‑fish worm in clear water.
- Night notes: For huss and conger, fish big but tidy—short hooklengths (18–24 in) and strong mono to keep fish up and out of snags.
- Pelagics: In calm, clear weather watch for terns working between the head and Gull Rock—mackerel and gar push tight to the points on the flood.
- After a blow: As the sea eases and colour drops from brown to green, a big plug or metal worked through the wash can produce a surprise bass.
- Leave no trace: This coastline is heavily walked; pack out all line and lead stubs. Locals notice and appreciate tidy anglers.
Regulations
There’s no known blanket ban on angling at Nare Head, but normal UK and Cornwall rules apply. Always verify current regulations before your trip.
- Bass: Recreational bass fishing is tightly regulated with a minimum conservation reference size of 42 cm and seasonal daily retention limits. Check the latest MMO/DEFRA notice before retaining any bass.
- Minimum sizes and bylaws: Cornwall IFCA enforces national and local minimum sizes and protections (e.g., berried lobsters/crabs are no‑take). Review Cornwall IFCA’s current bylaws and size charts.
- Protected sites: Much of this coast is designated (e.g., Heritage Coast/SSSI in places). Do not damage vegetation, remove rocks, or light fires; hand‑collecting bait may be restricted in sensitive areas—check on‑site signage/National Trust guidance.
- Access rights: Stay on the South West Coast Path and public rights of way; respect farmland and any temporary diversions due to erosion or livestock.
- Boating/military activity: Occasionally, offshore exercises or Notices to Mariners may create temporary sea‑area restrictions—shore angling is typically unaffected, but remain alert to signage and instructions from authorities.
- Safety duty: In an emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Wearing a lifejacket on exposed rock marks is strongly recommended.
