Pendennis Point Fishing

Last updated: 6 days ago

Pendennis Point Fishing Map

Rocky headland at the mouth of Falmouth Bay/Carrick Roads with deep water close in, strong tidal flow and kelp-strewn rough ground. Offers ledges facing both the open sea and the more sheltered inner side. Best from late spring to autumn for lure fishing and summer pelagics; after dark brings scad, conger and, in winter, whiting. Parking is close and the walk is short, but footing is uneven and swells can be dangerous—use rotten-bottom rigs and fish only in safe conditions.

Ratings

⭐ 7.1/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 4/10
Accessibility 7/10

Fish You Can Catch at Pendennis Point

🐟 Pollack 9/10
🎯 Tip: Work soft plastics or metals midwater over kelp from the point on the flood; best at dawn/dusk spring–autumn.
🐟 Mackerel 8/10
🎯 Tip: Float or feather jigs into the tide from the headland; June–Sept, dusk best on a rising tide.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 8/10
🎯 Tip: Crab or rag baits into kelp gullies under a float or light ledger; daytime on the flood; late spring–autumn.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Surface/subsurface lures in lively water or live sandeel on the flood; target dawn/dusk, spring–autumn after a blow.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 7/10
🎯 Tip: Small sabikis under a float or micro-metals at dusk into darkness, late summer–autumn; fish the flood in the tidal stream.
🐟 Garfish 7/10
🎯 Tip: Float a sliver of mackerel or small lures in the top metre along the tide line; July–Oct, best on the flood at dusk.
🐟 Pouting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small strips or worm on a 2–3 hook paternoster near bottom at dusk/night around rough ground on the flood.
🐟 Conger Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Large fish baits to rough ground after dark; neap tides safer; use strong leader to bully fish from kelp.
🐟 Whiting 5/10
🎯 Tip: Winter nights, small fish baits cast seaward; clearer bites on neaps; keep baits off kelp with short booms.
🐟 Tompot Blenny 4/10
🎯 Tip: Tiny hooks with prawn or rag lowered tight to rocks/ledges; calm seas, daytime; great on light LRF gear.
🐟 Long-spined Sea Scorpion 4/10
🎯 Tip: Small baits dropped into rock crevices; short traces; takes year-round when swell is low.

Pendennis Point Fishing

Summary

Pendennis Point sits at the mouth of the Fal estuary in Falmouth, Cornwall, where deep water wraps a high, rugged headland beneath Pendennis Castle. It’s a classic, easily reached rock mark offering mixed fishing through the year, from summer mackerel and pollack to winter whiting and conger. The point fishes across a range of tides and winds, with dramatic views over Falmouth Bay and the Carrick Roads.

Location and Access

Access is straightforward via Falmouth, following signs for Pendennis Castle and continuing to the end of Castle Drive for the headland car park. The rocks and railings are only a short stroll, but the best ledges involve a little careful footwork.

Seasons

Pendennis Point produces a classic Cornish rock mark species list, with summer variety and winter night bites. Expect deep-water species close in and estuary-influenced visitors on stronger tides.

Methods

Being a deep, kelpy headland, Pendennis responds to float and lure work along the faces, and careful bottom fishing with sacrificial weights. Match your approach to the tide run and swell.

Tides and Conditions

The point fishes on most states, but current and swell direction dictate where and how you present baits. Work the edges on the flood and use neaps or lulls for bottom fishing.

Safety

This is an exposed granite headland with height, swell, and kelp—treat it with respect. Choose ledges with good footing and fish within your limits.

Facilities

Amenities are close by in Falmouth, with basic facilities at the point in season. Plan self-sufficiently after dark.

Tips

Regulars fish light and mobile here, picking lines that skim the kelp edges rather than dropping straight into it. Treat it as two marks—the open bay and the estuary side—and switch sides with wind and tide.

Regulations

Recreational rod fishing is generally permitted at Pendennis Point, but you must comply with national and local rules. Regulations change, so check the latest before you go.