Pencarrow Head Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Pencarrow Head Fishing Map

Pencarrow Head is a rugged, cliff-backed rock mark between Lantic and Lantivet bays on Cornwall’s south coast. It offers deep, clear water close in with strong tidal run off the headland, making it a prime spot for pollack and summer pelagics, plus wrasse and nocturnal conger from rough, kelpy ground. Access is via the South West Coast Path from the National Trust parking above Lantic Bay, followed by a steep descent and traverse—plan for a committed walk and limited comfortable perches. Best fished in calm seas with offshore or northerly winds; any swell from the south or southeast can make it unfishable. Productive periods are dawn and dusk on a flooding tide, with eddies forming around the points. Ground is very snaggy—use rotten-bottom links and abrasion-resistant leaders.

Ratings

⭐ 6.5/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 7/10
Safety 3/10
Accessibility 3/10

Fish You Can Catch at Pencarrow Head

🐟 Pollack 8/10
🎯 Tip: Lure or float fish sandeels along kelp-lined rock edges at dawn/dusk on a flooding tide. Keep gear tight to structure.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 8/10
🎯 Tip: Float or ledger crab/rag into kelpy gullies over the flood; daylight, spring–autumn. Strong gear and rotten-bottom recommended.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Work surface or soft lures in the tide run at first/last light on a rising sea; or fish big sandeel/peeler baits into gullies.
🐟 Pouting 7/10
🎯 Tip: Small strips of mackerel or worm on 2–3 hook paternoster into rough ground after dark; best on the flood.
🐟 Mackerel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Spin metals or float-fish strips to summer shoals; best evenings on a flooding tide with clear water.
🐟 Conger Eel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Big fish baits (mackerel or squid) on heavy pulley rigs after dark into deep rough ground; last of the flood into the ebb.
🐟 Bull Huss 6/10
🎯 Tip: Large squid or mackerel sections on strong traces into kelpy gullies after dark; last of flood best.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small sabikis under a float or slow-jig metals at dusk/night in late summer–autumn on the flood.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small hooks with rag, lug or prawn under a float tight to weed beds; calm summer days on the flood.
🐟 Garfish 5/10
🎯 Tip: Float small slivers of mackerel mid-water over clean patches; late spring–autumn, bright evenings on a flooding tide.

Pencarrow Head Fishing

Summary

Pencarrow Head is a dramatic National Trust headland between Fowey and Polperro on Cornwall’s south coast. Sheer rocky faces, deep gullies and hard‑running tide lines make it a classic rough‑ground mark for lure and rock anglers. On calm days it can produce superb pollack, wrasse and bass fishing with proper care and preparation.

Location and Access

Set between Lantic Bay and Polruan, the mark is reached via the South West Coast Path across open National Trust land. Access is straightforward for fit walkers, but final approaches to productive ledges involve exposed scrambles over steep, uneven rock.

Seasons

This is a classic rough-ground, lure-and-float venue with fast tidal flow and depth close in. Species vary by season but predators dominate.

Methods

Work with the tide lines and structure: lures and float tactics excel, with heavy ground gear for night baits and conger.

Tides and Conditions

Tide strength and swell dictate both safety and success here. Fish the movement, and aim for low light when predators push tight to the rocks.

Safety

This is an exposed cliff venue with real consequences. It is not suitable for inexperienced anglers, children, or anyone with limited mobility.

Facilities

There are no facilities on the headland itself—plan to be self‑sufficient.

Tips

Think ‘edges and seams’: fish sit where the tide breaks around the head and over kelp tongues. Keep moving to find life.

Regulations

Recreational sea angling is generally permitted from the shore at Pencarrow Head. Always check on‑site National Trust notices for any temporary restrictions (e.g., path closures or nesting birds).