Nare Point Fishing

Last updated: 6 days ago

Nare Point Fishing Map

A kelp-fringed rocky headland forming the eastern side of the Helford River entrance, Nare Point offers deep water close in with strong tidal flow on springs and mixed rough ground with nearby sand patches. It fishes best on the flood and the first of the ebb, especially around dawn and dusk. Summer brings consistent wrasse and pollack sport plus mackerel, scad and garfish in the tide run; bass show on lively seas or during dusk into darkness. Winter nights see pouting and some whiting. Access is via the South West Coast Path from Gillan or Porthallow (15–30 minutes) with a short scramble to stable ledges—use stout footwear and consider a drop net. Expect snags: a rotten-bottom link or pulley rigs help over the rough ground.

Ratings

⭐ 7/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 5/10
Accessibility 5/10

Fish You Can Catch at Nare Point

🐟 Pollack 8/10
🎯 Tip: Lures (4-5in soft plastics or metals) along kelp edges at dawn/dusk on the flood. Cast parallel to rocks into the tide run; count down then retrieve. Float-fished sandeel also works. Snaggy—use weedless.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 8/10
🎯 Tip: Rag or crab under a float or short rotten-bottom rigs into kelp gullies. Best 2-3 hrs up on a flooding tide in settled swell. Strike fast and bully fish from snags.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Work surface/sub-surface lures in white water around the point on the flood at dawn/dusk or after a blow. Free-line or float live sandeel along current seams.
🐟 Mackerel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer evenings. Feathers or small metals into the tide rip; let sink and retrieve through mid-water. Best on the flood when birds show.
🐟 Rock Goby 7/10
🎯 Tip: Very common tight-in. Tiny hooks (size 10-14) with small rag or prawn pieces lowered into crevices at mid-high tide. Keep line off rocks.
🐟 Tompot Blenny 7/10
🎯 Tip: Drop small baits into holes and ledges among kelp at mid to high water. Size 8-12 hooks, short traces to avoid snags.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: Rag or prawn on size 4-6 under a float close to weed fringes. Clear water and a flooding tide suit them; keep gear light.
🐟 Shanny 6/10
🎯 Tip: Abundant in rockpools and ledges. Tiny baits on size 10-14; probe crevices at low to mid tide.
🐟 Garfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring-autumn. Float a thin mackerel/sandeel strip 1-2 m down over deep water on the flood; long trace, small sharp hooks.
🐟 Pouting 5/10
🎯 Tip: After dark over rough ground. Small fish/squid baits on 1-2/0 hooks, short traces. Fish first of the flood or around slack to reduce weed.
🐟 Conger Eel 5/10
🎯 Tip: Night. Whole or flapper mackerel/squid from rock ledges on heavy gear and a rotten-bottom. Best around slack water; use a drop net to land.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 4/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional at night. Mackerel/squid on the edge of rough-to-sand patches on neap tides to limit weed; long weak link to avoid snags.

Nare Point Fishing

Summary

Nare Point is the rocky headland on the south side of the Helford estuary mouth, looking across to Rosemullion Head and out into Falmouth Bay. It’s a classic Cornish rock mark with quick access to deep, kelpy water, fast tide seams and roaming baitfish. Lure and float anglers do especially well here for bass, pollack and summer migrants, while rough-ground bait fishing produces after dark.

Location and Access

Getting there is straightforward, but the last stretch is on foot along the South West Coast Path. Aim for St Anthony-in-Meneage or Gillan and follow the signed coast path to the NCI lookout at the Point.

Seasons

This headland fishes like two marks in one: an estuary mouth on the inside and open-bay rock ground on the outside. Expect seasonal variety.

Methods

Lure and float fishing shine in the fast water, while sensible rough-ground tactics unlock the bigger nocturnal fish. Travel light and fish mobile.

Tides and Conditions

The Point is all about flow. The ebb rips out of the Helford and creates defined seams; springs magnify everything, including snags.

Safety

This is an exposed rock mark with current, swell and slippery kelp—treat it with respect. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility.

Facilities

There are no facilities at the Point itself—plan as a self-sufficient rock session. Nearby villages have basics.

Tips

A little watercraft goes a long way at Nare Point. Read the seams and you’ll often find the fish before they find you.

Regulations

There is no blanket ban on recreational shore fishing at Nare Point, but several important rules apply in this area. Always check the most current notices before you go.