Pedn Vounder Fishing

Last updated: 1 month ago

Pedn Vounder Fishing Map

Pedn Vounder is a stunning, tidal sandy cove beneath Treen and just west of Logan Rock. It offers clear water with rocky, kelp-lined ledges at either end and clean sand in the middle. Best in calm summer and early autumn conditions, it fishes well on a flooding tide at dawn or dusk. From the sand, target bass working the surf lines and gutters; from the fringes of rock, spinning or float-fishing picks up mackerel, garfish, pollack and night-time scad. Wrasse are reliable in the gullies. Access is via a steep path/scramble from Treen or by walking from Porthcurno at low tide—check tides carefully to avoid being cut off. Swell can wrap into the cove and surge on the granite ledges, and footing can be treacherous, so caution is essential.

Ratings

⭐ 6.3/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 3/10
Accessibility 4/10

Fish You Can Catch at Pedn Vounder

🐟 Bass 9/10
🎯 Tip: Dawn/dusk on the flood; work surface/subsurface lures along surf lines and rocky gullies. After a swell, fish peeler crab or sandeel into gutters.
🐟 Mackerel 8/10
🎯 Tip: Summer shoals in clear water; spin from ledges at first/last light or float small mackerel strips just off the rocks.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 8/10
🎯 Tip: Flood tide into kelp and boulders; fish hard crab, prawn or worm baits on strong gear. Daylight, clear water best.
🐟 Pollack 7/10
🎯 Tip: Dusk into dark; soft plastics on jigheads worked tight to kelp gullies, or float-fished sandeel on the drop.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 7/10
🎯 Tip: Dusk/night; float or sabikis with small mackerel strip, fish midwater over sand/rock edges. A small glow bead can help.
🐟 Bull Huss 6/10
🎯 Tip: Dusk/night over rough ground; large fish/squid or crab baits placed along kelp edges and sandy tongues. Neap tides fish well.
🐟 Conger Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: After dark from rocky ledges; big mackerel/squid baits on heavy traces, drop into deep holes and gullies on the ebb.
🐟 Garfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Calm, clear days; float a thin mackerel strip or sandeel sliver shallow over the flood along the rock-sand line.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 5/10
🎯 Tip: Night over sand; small fish/squid baits on a simple paternoster, cast just beyond the breakers on the flooding tide.
🐟 Golden-grey Mullet 5/10
🎯 Tip: Warm months in surfy gutters; tiny rag or fish strips on size 6–10 hooks, light gear. Short casts on the push.

Pedn Vounder Fishing

Summary

Pedn Vounder is the stunning, sandy cove beneath Treen Cliff near Porthcurno and Logan Rock on Cornwall’s far west peninsula. Crystal-clear water, fast-flooding “lagoon” sandbars and flanking rock ledges create classic, mobile bass ground with bonus summer species in calm conditions. It’s a rewarding but committing mark that demands careful tide and safety planning.

Location and Access

Set in West Penwith between Porthcurno and Logan Rock, Pedn Vounder is reached by a steep coastal path and short scramble. The approach is beautiful but serious—pack light and plan around the tide.

  • Park in Treen village’s signed car park (by the Logan Rock Inn). Charges usually apply and it fills quickly in summer; arrive early.
  • From the car park, follow the coast path towards Logan Rock/Porthcurno. A waymarked path drops to Pedn Vounder; expect a very steep section and a hands-on rock scramble at the end.
  • Allow 15–25 minutes down, longer back up. Footing can be dusty, slippery and exposed in wet weather.
  • Alternative: at very low tide some locals walk from Porthcurno beach around the rocks—do this only with an exact tide plan, as you can be cut off rapidly on the return.
  • Terrain: fine sand, shifting bars and gullies on the beach; rough granite ledges and kelp on the flanks towards Logan Rock. Not suitable for trolleys or heavy boxes.

Seasons

Expect a bass-led venue with a classic summer mix in settled weather. Rock borders hold wrasse and pollack; clear water brings in mackerel and gar.

  • Spring (Apr–Jun)
    • Bass (schoolies building to better fish on the flood)
    • Ballan wrasse (rocky edges), pollack
    • Thick‑lipped mullet in calm pockets; occasional early garfish and mackerel late spring
    • Chance of gilthead bream in gullies on crabs/shrimp in warm spells
  • Summer (Jul–Sep)
    • Bass (lures or natural baits); best at dawn/dusk and first-of-the-flood over bars
    • Mackerel, garfish, scad on calm evenings; pollack from the points
    • Ballan wrasse (all sizes; handle and release carefully)
    • Mullet (bread/prawn tactics), occasional triggerfish in very warm, clear spells
  • Autumn (Oct–Nov)
    • Bass (often the peak for better fish in onshore fizz)
    • Pollack on lures near dusk; sporadic whiting at night on small baits
  • Winter (Dec–Feb)
    • Generally quiet and exposed; odd winter bass in mild spells
    • Pouting/rockling from rough ground; conditions often too hostile for comfortable access

Methods

Fish it as two venues: a mobile, lure‑friendly surf lagoon on the sand and classic Cornish rock‑ledges at the edges. Keep gear minimal and versatile.

  • Lure fishing (bass, pollack, mackerel/gar)
    • Bass: surface walkers, shallow divers and 4–6 inch weedless soft plastics (pearl/sandeel) over bars on the flood, especially first light/last light
    • Pollack: 10–20 g jigheads with paddle tails, or slim metals at dusk along the rock tongues
    • Mackerel/gar: small spoons/metals (10–30 g), sabiki/feathers sparingly
  • Bait fishing (bass, gilthead, mullet, occasional autumn bits)
    • Bass: running ledger or simple pulley with fresh sandeel, peeler crab or whole prawn; size 1/0–3/0 (circle hooks reduce deep‑hooking)
    • Gilthead bream: peeler/crab or shrimp in the gullies on a light running rig; long fluorocarbon snoods
    • Mullet: bread flake or small prawn under a float; size 6–10 fine‑wire hooks
  • Wrasse tactics
    • Soft plastics weedless over kelp (natural browns/greens) or hard crab baits; strong abrasion-resistant leaders
  • Tackle notes
    • 9–10 ft lure rod (10–35 g) for the beach and points; 10–11 ft medium rod for light bait work
    • 15–20 lb braid with 20–25 lb fluoro leader around rocks; step down over clean sand for bite rate
    • Pack a compact selection: a few SPs, a surface lure, a slim diver, and small metals cover most scenarios

Tides and Conditions

Pedn Vounder is all about timing the flood and reading the sandbars. The beach transforms quickly; a small window can be exceptional for bass.

  • Tide state
    • Best: first two hours of the flood and into dusk; bass push over the newly covered bars and into the lagoon
    • Mid-to-high water: work rock margins for wrasse/pollack; beach space rapidly reduces on springs
    • Avoid being stranded: springs can cover the sand at alarming speed—plan an exit before the turn
  • Sea conditions
    • Lures excel in clear, calm to slight seas with a little ripple
    • Baits score when there’s gentle onshore “fizz” stirring the shorebreak (not big surf—this cove gets dangerous fast)
    • Strong SW groundswell wraps in; easterlies flatten it but can make it ultra-clear
  • Time of day and seasonality
    • Dawn/dusk are prime, especially in summer and early autumn
    • After prolonged calm, expect spooky fish—long casts, finer leaders, natural colours
    • Post-storm settle often brings a short, productive window for better bass

Safety

This is a committing, tide‑cutoff venue with a steep scramble. Treat the approach and the sea with respect, and don’t attempt it in marginal conditions.

  • Access hazards
    • Final descent is a hands‑on scramble; not suitable for heavy loads, children, dogs or anyone with limited mobility
    • Do not rely on any fixed ropes you may find—they are unofficial and may be unsafe
  • Tide and sea
    • The beach all but disappears at high water on springs; plan arrival/exit around low and leave early
    • Powerful rips form along bar edges; avoid wading deep and never turn your back on the sea
    • Swell rebounds off Logan Rock creating rogue surges near the points
  • General safety
    • Avoid the descent/exit in the dark; headtorches don’t make the scramble safe
    • Wear grippy footwear; consider a rock‑fishing PFD and carry a whistle; fish with a partner
    • Phone signal is unreliable in the cove—tell someone your plan and expected return time
    • If rock fishing the points, only do so in calm seas with full safety gear and escape routes; many experienced locals give the ledges a miss in swell

Facilities

Pedn Vounder is wild—arrive self‑sufficient. All amenities are away from the beach.

  • No facilities on the cove: no toilets, water, bins or lifeguards
  • Nearest services
    • Treen: pub (Logan Rock Inn) and seasonal village parking
    • Porthcurno: public toilets (seasonal), café(s) in season, larger car park and RNLI lifeguard cover on Porthcurno beach (not Pedn Vounder)
    • Tackle and bait: head to Penzance/Newlyn for shops and fresh bait
  • Communications: mobile reception is patchy to none at beach level
  • Note: the cove has a long‑standing naturist presence—be respectful and discrete

Tips

Think light, time the flood, and keep moving. Little details make a big difference here.

  • Dawn patrol pays: two hours at first light on a making tide often beats a whole afternoon
  • Polarised glasses help read bars and spot bass riding the current seams
  • A single sling bag with lures, long‑nose pliers, spare leader and a compact drink is all you need
  • Weedless soft plastics save gear over kelp tongues; change colours if follows don’t convert
  • If bait fishing, fresh local sandeel and peeler crab outfish frozen most days
  • Release wrasse promptly—they’re hardy if unhooked over the water and not laid on hot sand
  • Summer crowds: avoid busy bathing times; fish the edges or go very early/late
  • Respect the naturist tradition—no photos, keep a low profile, and pick a quiet corner

Regulations

Rod-and-line sea fishing is generally permitted at Pedn Vounder; there is no known local ban. Always check the latest national and Cornwall IFCA rules before you go.

  • European sea bass (recreational)
    • Minimum size: 42 cm
    • Retention (typical recent rule): up to 2 bass per angler per day from 1 March–30 November; catch‑and‑release only outside those dates
    • Use rod-and-line only; check MMO/Cornwall IFCA for any updates before your session
  • Size limits and protected species
    • National MLS apply to many species; never retain undersized fish
    • Tope: recreational retention is prohibited in England—release immediately
    • Spurdog and several skates/rays are sensitive; release carefully and consult current guidance
  • Local considerations
    • If lifeguards are operating at neighbouring Porthcurno, obey any signage and keep well clear of swimmers; do not fish into bathing zones
    • Do not disturb seals or cliff‑nesting birds; keep 100 m+ from hauled‑out seals and move if wildlife is reacting to you
    • Bait/shellfish gathering has local bylaws (e.g., no taking berried lobsters/crabs; size limits apply)—see Cornwall IFCA
  • General
    • Take all litter and line home; leave no trace on this sensitive, scenic cove
    • In an emergency at sea or on the cliffs, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard