Northcott Mouth Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Northcott Mouth Fishing Map

Northcott Mouth is a west-facing, surf-exposed beach just north of Bude with rocky reefs and kelp-lined gullies at both ends. It offers classic bass conditions in onshore swell and white water, plus summer sport for wrasse and pollack around the rocks in clearer, calmer seas. The sandy troughs between reef fingers can throw up dogfish and the odd ray or turbot after dark. Best windows are the flood through high and the first of the ebb; dawn and dusk are prime. Lures (soft plastics, surface plugs, metals) score for bass and pollack, while baits (peeler/shore crab, ragworm, sandeel, squid and mackerel strip) work for wrasse, dogfish and rays. A small stream enters the beach and can hold mullet in settled weather. Hazards: powerful Atlantic swell, surging waves, slippery weeded rock, and cut-offs around the reef ledges—plan an exit, avoid being down on the rocks in a rising tide, and wear appropriate footwear/PFD.

Ratings

⭐ 6.5/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 5/10
Accessibility 7/10

Fish You Can Catch at Northcott Mouth

🐟 Bass 8/10
🎯 Tip: Work surf and reef gullies on a flooding tide; lures (white paddle tails, shallow divers) or sandeel/peeler baits. Best dawn/dusk, after a blow as the sea settles with fizzing white water.
🐟 Small-eyed Ray 7/10
🎯 Tip: Target warm, calm nights May–Sep. Long casts to clean sand gutters and outer bars with sandeel or sandeel/squid wraps. Use grippers and avoid kelp patches.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 7/10
🎯 Tip: Night over sand between reefs; 2-hook flappers with mackerel or sandeel. Cast just beyond the breakers on mid–large tides. Summer–autumn most reliable.
🐟 Pollack 6/10
🎯 Tip: Dusk along reef edges on a flooding tide; metal jigs or weedless soft plastics retrieved mid-water. Also takes float-fished sandeel near kelp.
🐟 Whiting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Autumn–winter nights in calmer seas; small mackerel/squid strips on size 2–4 hooks. Cast to second bar or deeper gutters. Best on the ebb.
🐟 Starry Smoothhound 6/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring–summer evenings over sand runs; peeler crab on pulley rigs. Fish the first of the flood to high; strong hooklengths, subtle leads for bite detection.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: Fish rocky ends and kelp gullies 2–3 hrs either side of HW with float-fished crab/rag or soft plastics tight to structure. A steady swell helps; use tough leaders.
🐟 Pouting 5/10
🎯 Tip: After dark around rough ground; small hooks with mackerel/squid strips. Short casts into gullies on the flood; good as a scratcher while waiting for bigger fish.
🐟 Bull Huss 5/10
🎯 Tip: Night around reefs; big fish baits (mackerel, pout) on strong mono/wire traces dropped into deeper gullies. Best on the flood with some swell; bully fish from snags.
🐟 Mackerel 5/10
🎯 Tip: Jun–Sep when bait shows; small metals/feathers at dusk from rocky points or when birds work tight in on a flood. Keep mobile to find shoals.

Northcott Mouth Fishing

Summary

Northcott Mouth is a rugged National Trust beach just north of Bude on Cornwall’s Atlantic coast, famed for slate ledges, kelp-filled gullies and lively surf. It’s a classic north-coast mixed mark that offers lure and bait anglers genuine chances for surf bass, wrasse and pollack, with occasional rays and autumn-winter species from the sandy troughs.

Location and Access

Reaching Northcott Mouth is straightforward, but access to the fishing ledges and gullies demands care and sensible footwear. The mark spans rocky platforms either side of a stony beach with powerful surf and fast-moving tides.

Seasons

This is a genuine mixed ground venue with a strong summer lure game and a credible surf scene for bass. Winter can still produce sessions on dogs and whiting when the swell eases.

Methods

Both lure and bait tactics work well here, with the ground and the swell dictating the approach. Travel light, fish mobile, and adapt to water clarity and wave period.

Tides and Conditions

Tide height, swell period and wind direction define how fishable Northcott is. Plan sessions around access to ledges and safe retreat routes.

Safety

This is an exposed Atlantic mark with real hazard potential—treat it with respect. If in doubt, don’t go, and never fish here alone in a big swell or poor visibility.

Facilities

Facilities are minimal at the beach itself, so arrive prepared. Bude town has most services a short drive away.

Tips

Local knowledge pays here—walk it at low water first and fish it later with a plan. Be flexible between bait and lures as the sea state changes.

Regulations

There is no known local prohibition on rod-and-line sea fishing at Northcott Mouth, but normal Cornwall sea angling rules apply. Always verify the current regulations before retaining any fish.