Summary
Pentire Point is a dramatic National Trust headland between Polzeath and Port Quin on Cornwall’s north coast, overlooking The Mouls (Puffin Island) and the open Atlantic. It’s a classic rough-ground rock mark that rewards committed anglers with pollack, bass, wrasse and night-time predators in spectacular surroundings. Expect a hike, changeable seas, and truly wild fishing.
Location and Access
Pentire Point sits at the western flank of the Camel estuary mouth, with multiple National Trust paths leading out along the cliffs. Access is straightforward in fine weather but the final approaches to fishing ledges are steep, uneven and exposed.
- Parking: National Trust car parks at Pentireglaze and Lead Mines (signed from Polzeath); additional parking in Polzeath village (PL27 area). Pay-and-display/NT membership applies; summer fills early.
- Walk-in: 20–45 minutes depending on car park and chosen ledge. Expect rolling coastal path, stiles, and short scrambles over rocky grass and boulder steps.
- Terrain at the mark: High cliffs with a few fishable rock platforms and kelp-lined gullies; no railings; some spots require hands-on downclimbs.
- Footwear: Cleated rock boots or studded soles recommended; a wading jacket helps with spray.
- Approach options: From New Polzeath follow the coast path past Pentireglaze to The Rumps and Pentire Point; from the Port Quin side it’s quieter but more undulating.
- Lighting: Take a headtorch for dawn/dusk exits—paths are narrow and livestock may be present.
Seasons
This is mixed rough ground with clean-to-kelp transitions, holding summer predators and resident reef fish. Winter turns quieter but bigger nocturnal fish become a realistic target.
- Spring (Mar–May): Pollack, ballan wrasse, early bass on lures, garfish late spring, pouting; occasional spur dogfish offshore range on bigger tides.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Mackerel, scad, pollack, garfish, bass (lures or livebait), ballan and corkwing wrasse, squid on calm clear evenings; odd triggerfish in warm years.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Peak for bass and pollack, scad and mackerel shoals at dusk, wrasse still strong until the first big blows; conger and bull huss after dark.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Conger, bull huss, pout and rockling on big baits at night; odd whiting on calmer nights; bass possible during rough, coloured spells but less consistent.
Methods
Treat Pentire as a classic deep-ish reef mark: fish the edges of kelp beds, tidal seams and gullies. Lures and floats excel in daylight; strong bottom gear comes into its own at dusk and after dark.
- Lure fishing: 20–40 g metal jigs and slim casting lures for mackerel, scad and pollack; 20–30 g weedless soft plastics (paddle/slug) for bass and pollack, worked along the kelp line and into tide rips.
- Float fishing: Slim cigar float, 10–15 lb mono, size 2–1/0 hooks; baits include mackerel strip, sandeel, prawn or rag for gar, mackerel, pollack, and wrasse along rocky faces.
- Bottom fishing: Strong 4–6 oz gear, 30 lb mainline with 60–80 lb leader; pulley or pulley-dropper with a weak-link (rotten bottom) to save leads. Use 3/0–6/0 hooks.
- Baits: Fresh mackerel, squid, sandeel, peeler/crab cart, worm cocktails; large flapper or squid/mackerel wraps for huss and conger after dark.
- LRF/HRF: Small metals and isome-style worms pick up scad, small pollack, blennies and gobies—great fun in calm seas but keep well back from edges.
- Timing: Dawn and dusk are prime for bass/pollack; switch to big static baits into dark for conger/huss. Keep mobile and fish the tide runs rather than set up camp.
Tides and Conditions
The Point magnifies tide and swell. Pick your windows carefully—there’s a huge difference between a gentle easterly and a long-period northerly swell.
- Tide states: Mid-flood to first of the ebb often best for lure work; slack water can be slow. Spring tides create defined rips and are excellent for predators but increase risk.
- Sea state: Light north or east breeze with 0.5–1 m swell for wrasse, pollack and float work; coloured, choppy water on a building westerly for bass; avoid big long-period swell.
- Water clarity: Clear water improves lure/float fishing; after storms, fish bigger silhouettes or natural baits for bass.
- Time of day: First and last light for mackerel/pollack/bass; full dark for conger and huss.
- Seasonality: June–October is the headline window; winter sessions are specialist and weather-dependent.
Safety
This is an exposed cliff mark with Atlantic swell, slippery weed and no barriers. It is not suitable for inexperienced anglers or anyone with limited mobility.
- Wear a properly fitted personal flotation device; consider a helmet and carry a throw line.
- Studded/cleated footwear essential; avoid green weeded rock and wave-washed ledges.
- Check swell period as well as height—long-period groundswell can reach seemingly high, safe ledges.
- Never fish alone; tell someone your plan and exit route. In an emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
- Some ledges become cut off or dangerous as swell or tide rises—have a retreat plan and move early.
- Cliffs are unfenced; keep dogs on leads and stay off corniced edges and unstable ground.
- Bird nesting season (spring/early summer) can see temporary access advisories along the coast path—follow National Trust signage and give wildlife space.
Facilities
Pentire Point itself has no facilities—plan as if you were on a small mountain. Polzeath provides the nearest services before and after your session.
- Toilets, cafés, and shops: In Polzeath village; seasonal opening hours vary.
- Tackle/bait: Head to Wadebridge or Padstow for angling shops and fresh/frozen bait; limited options in Polzeath itself.
- Mobile signal: Variable—generally fair on exposed headlands, but expect dead spots in gullies.
- Water/food: Bring your own; no taps on-site.
- Parking: National Trust car parks near Pentire; beach and village parking in Polzeath (charges and seasonal restrictions apply).
Tips
Read the water from height before committing to a ledge—Pentire’s tide lines and eddies show you where the fish are. A light, mobile approach outfishes hauling the kitchen sink.
- Watch for gannets and terns; when they push bait along the rips, have a metal or soft plastic ready.
- The Mouls side often holds deeper water and kelp—work weedless soft plastics tight to the edge for better pollack and bass.
- Use weak-link lead clips or 10–12 lb mono rotten bottoms; you’ll save time and tackle in the rough.
- Travel light: one lure rod, one heavy rod, and a compact sling bag covers most options.
- After a summer blow, try large crab or squid baits at dusk for a surprise bass while everyone else spins.
- Seals patrol the Point—if one sits under you, move rather than feed it; you’ll spook fish and lose gear.
- Leave no trace; this is a popular walking area and a sensitive headland—pack out line and litter.
Regulations
Fishing is generally permitted at Pentire Point, but you are on National Trust coast and at the mouth of a designated bass nursery area—know the boundaries and current rules. Always check the latest notices from Cornwall IFCA and the UK government before you go.
- Camel Estuary Bass Nursery Area: The nursery extends inside a line drawn between Stepper Point (Padstow side) and Pentire Point. Within that enclosed area, additional restrictions apply, including prohibitions on boat-based bass fishing during the nursery season. Shore angling outside the line (i.e., on the seaward face of Pentire Point) is not covered by those nursery prohibitions.
- European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax): A minimum conservation reference size of 42 cm applies. Annual recreational retention limits and open seasons change periodically—check the current MMO/DEFRA guidance before retaining any bass.
- Cornwall IFCA byelaws: Local byelaws cover netting, minimum sizes and some estuary/reef protections. Review Cornwall IFCA size limits and gear rules, particularly if you plan to set nets or collect bait.
- Marine protected areas: The coast around Padstow Bay and the Rumps/Pentire is within designated conservation areas. Recreational angling from the shore is allowed, but avoid damaging features and respect any seasonal wildlife exclusions.
- General: No fishing from restricted or fenced cliff edges if signed; do not disturb nesting birds or seals; pack out litter and waste line.
