Park Head Fishing

Last updated: 5 days ago

Park Head Fishing Map

Exposed National Trust headland of steep, rugged rocks between Porthcothan and Bedruthan Steps. The ledges give access to deep, kelpy water with strong tidal movement and Atlantic swell influence. Best fished on smaller tides, with a preference for the flooding tide around dawn or dusk. Lure fishing is highly effective in clear water for pelagics and pollack; bait scores after dark for pouting and conger. Long walk-in on the coast path with a steep scramble to reach safe, dry ledges—helmets and flotation recommended, and avoid any long-period swell or onshore westerlies. Stunning scenery but very exposed to wind and weather.

Ratings

⭐ 6.3/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 3/10
Accessibility 3/10

Fish You Can Catch at Park Head

🐟 Pollack 9/10
🎯 Tip: Work metal jigs or soft shads along kelp edges at dawn/dusk on a flooding tide; deepest water off the head fishes best on springs.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 8/10
🎯 Tip: Fish crab or hardbacks into kelp gullies on the flood, daytime. Keep tight to structure and use abrasion-resistant gear.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Target white water around points on a rising tide with surface or shallow divers; after a swell or on onshore breeze. Peeler crab in gullies also works.
🐟 Mackerel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer; cast small metals or sabikis from height into the tide run around HW or flooding tide. A drop net helps for landing.
🐟 Pouting 6/10
🎯 Tip: After dark over rough ground; 2-hook flapper with small fish or worm strips. Keep baits just off bottom to limit snags.
🐟 Conger Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Night fishing with large mackerel/squid baits into kelp holes; heavy mono trace. Best last of flood into slack.
🐟 Garfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring to autumn; float-fish small mackerel strip mid-water along tide lines on the flood.
🐟 Bull Huss 5/10
🎯 Tip: Dusk into night with big fish baits on a pulley rig dropped into kelp-sand runnels; pushing tide best. Use tough 60-80 lb trace.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 5/10
🎯 Tip: Late summer nights; small sabikis worked mid-water under headlamp glow or moon, steady retrieve on the flood.
🐟 Tompot Blenny 5/10
🎯 Tip: LRF: size 10-14 hooks with rag or squid slivers into crevices at HW; keep line tight and lift fish clear of ledge.

Park Head Fishing

Summary

Park Head is a dramatic National Trust headland on Cornwall’s north coast between Porthcothan and Bedruthan Steps. It offers classic deep, kelpy rock fishing into clean-to-mixed ground with real potential for pollack, bass and big night-time species. Access is straightforward along the coast path, but most productive perches are high and exposed, so this is a mark for experienced rock anglers.

Location and Access

This mark sits on the South West Coast Path between Porthcothan and Carnewas/Bedruthan Steps. Access is via well‑made paths, then short trods to the cliff‑top fishing stances; lower ledges are few and often hazardous.

Seasons

This stretch fishes like the rest of the north coast: summer lure fishing and mackerel over the rough, with wrasse under your feet and nocturnal predators after dark. Winter brings fewer species but some quality fish in the right sea.

Methods

Think rough-ground rock fishing: strong tackle, rotten‑bottoms and lures that cut through tide over kelp. High platforms mean long drop nets or gaffs are required to land better fish.

Tides and Conditions

Park Head faces the open Atlantic; choose your windows. Moderate swell and movement suit predators, but big west/north‑west seas make it unfishable and dangerous.

Safety

This is a serious cliff mark. Most fishing is from high, exposed positions with sheer drops and unstable edges—best left to experienced rock anglers with the right kit.

Facilities

Facilities are sparse on the headland itself; plan to be self‑sufficient and carry out all litter, including line and bait packaging.

Tips

A little local know‑how goes a long way at Park Head. Read the water, fish the layers, and travel light enough to move between lies.

Regulations

Fishing is generally permitted from the National Trust headland, but always obey on‑site signage and any temporary path closures. This coastline falls under Cornwall IFCA and national sea angling rules—check the latest before your trip.