Porthpean Beach Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Porthpean Beach Fishing Map

Sheltered south-coast sand-and-shingle beach on St Austell Bay with rocky headlands at both ends. The clean sand in the middle suits flatfish and small hounds after dark, while the weedy, bouldery margins and ledges produce prolific light-rock-fishing for gobies, blennies, wrasse and scorpion fish. Summer brings mackerel, garfish and scad within float or lure range; pollack patrol the kelp edges at dusk. Best results on a flooding tide into dusk or at first light with a light onshore ripple. Access is via a car park above the beach with a sloped path/steps; the rocks can be slippery and swell can wrap in on easterlies. Expect swimmers and kayaks in peak season—fish the extremities or time sessions for early/late. Watch for lesser weever fish in summer on the sand.

Ratings

⭐ 7.3/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 6/10
Accessibility 7/10

Fish You Can Catch at Porthpean Beach

🐟 Bass 9/10
🎯 Tip: Lures at dawn/dusk from the rocky points on a flooding tide; or fish peeler/sandeel into the surf after onshore winds.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 8/10
🎯 Tip: Crab or worm baits, or soft plastics, fished tight to kelp-covered rocks at either end. Daylight, mid-tide up. Use strong gear to bully fish from snags.
🐟 Pollack 7/10
🎯 Tip: Work metal or soft-plastic lures at dusk from the rock ledges (east towards Black Head). Mid to high water, swell or tide run helps.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 7/10
🎯 Tip: Very common at night over the sand. Small fish/squid baits on simple rigs. Best last 3 hours of flood into high.
🐟 Mackerel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Summer shoals; spin or feather at dawn/dusk from deeper water near the ends. Watch for birds/boils on the flood.
🐟 Garfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring–autumn. Float-fish small strips mid-water over clean/reef edges on the flood in clear conditions.
🐟 Mullet (Thick-lipped) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Clear, calm days. Bread or small rag on light tackle along weedlines/reef edges; stealthy approach. Early morning and evening on neap tides.
🐟 Whiting 5/10
🎯 Tip: Winter nights from the beach over clean ground; small fish/squid baits. Peaks around high water on bigger tides.
🐟 Plaice 5/10
🎯 Tip: Long cast lug/rag/sandeel over clean sand; use beads/spoons. Best spring–summer, daylight, gentle lift-and-draw on mid to high.
🐟 Dover Sole 5/10
🎯 Tip: Warm nights May–Oct; rag or peeler fished close-in on the sand. Slow tide, last of the flood into slack.
🐟 Smoothhound 5/10
🎯 Tip: Summer evenings; peeler crab baits on pulley rigs from the sand close to reef edges. Flood tide into dusk.
🐟 Small-eyed Ray 3/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional. Long cast sandeel/bluey onto clean sand on bigger tides, evening into dark. Keep rigs simple and baits streamlined.

Porthpean Beach Fishing

Summary

Porthpean Beach (St Austell Bay) is a sheltered south-coast Cornish beach backed by low cliffs and flanked by rocky headlands. It’s a friendly, mixed-ground mark that rewards thoughtful tactics with bass, wrasse, summer pelagics and the odd ray over sand. Quiet evenings and autumn nights can be especially productive.

Location and Access

Set just south of St Austell and east of Charlestown, Porthpean is easy to reach and fishes well without a long hike. The central beach is clean sand, with accessible mixed and rough ground at either end for more species variety.

Seasons

This mark holds a reliable spread of south-coast species. Fish the clean sand for flatfish and rays, and the rocks for wrasse and pollack, with summer shoals moving through the bay.

Methods

Porthpean suits light-to-medium shore gear with a mix of ledgering over sand and lure/float work around the rocks. Keep mobile, read the ground lines, and tailor rig length to water clarity.

Tides and Conditions

Sheltered by the bay, Porthpean often fishes best around high water, with clarity dictating whether you fish baits or lures. Night tides transform the venue for rays, dogs and winter whiting.

Safety

This is a user-heavy family beach in season with rocky, weeded ends—fish thoughtfully and keep your footing sure. Treat the headland margins with the same respect you would a rock mark.

Facilities

Porthpean is well-served for a small beach, with amenities close by and larger services in St Austell. Expect seasonal openings to vary.

Tips

Little adjustments here make a big difference—fish the right ground line for your target and time your session to dodge the beach crowds.

Regulations

Fishing is generally permitted from Porthpean Beach, but normal national and local byelaws apply. Always check the latest Cornwall IFCA and MMO notices before your trip.