Portmellon Beach Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Portmellon Beach Fishing Map

A sheltered south-coast cove just south of Mevagissey with a small sandy beach and easy access via a slipway. Mixed ground: clean sand across the middle with kelpy rock ledges and gullies on both sides that drop into slightly deeper water toward the points. Suits light lure and float tactics in clear, calm weather; bait fishing improves at dusk and after dark. Best around the flood, especially the last 2–3 hours to high water, and at first light or after sunset. Summer and early autumn see mackerel, garfish and scad pushing bait in the bay; wrasse and pollack are reliable along the rough ground; bass patrol the surf line or around fizzing gullies on a little swell. Bread-chum can draw mullet to the slip and weed beds. Avoid peak bathing times in high summer; watch for surging swell on the ledges and slippery weeded rocks. Parking is limited but close by, and the approach is short and straightforward.

Ratings

⭐ 6.8/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 7/10
Accessibility 8/10

Fish You Can Catch at Portmellon Beach

🐟 Bass 8/10
🎯 Tip: Dawn/dusk on a flooding tide; work surface/sub-surface lures in the surf or fish crab/sandeel baits over the sand after a blow.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 8/10
🎯 Tip: Very reliable after dark over clean sand; small fish or squid baits 30–60m on a flooding tide.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 7/10
🎯 Tip: From rocks at either end; present crab or worm baits tight to kelp/rough ground. Float or weedless soft plastics on the last of the flood to slack.
🐟 Pollack 6/10
🎯 Tip: Evenings into dark from rocky points; work metals or soft plastics along the kelp line on a flooding tide.
🐟 Whiting 5/10
🎯 Tip: Winter nights; small fish/squid baits on 2-hook flappers at medium range over clean sand on the flood or ebb.
🐟 Mackerel 5/10
🎯 Tip: Summer shoals; feathering or small metals from rocky points on flooding tides, clear water, dusk best.
🐟 Garfish 5/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring–autumn; float-fish small mackerel strips or tiny metals near the surface from the rocks on the flood.
🐟 Dab 4/10
🎯 Tip: Winter–spring over clean sand; small worm/squid-tipped baits on fine hooks at distance. Neap tides often better.
🐟 Spotted Ray 4/10
🎯 Tip: Occasional over clean sand; fish sandeel or squid at long range on a steady flood, evening into dark.
🐟 Smoothhound 4/10
🎯 Tip: Late spring–summer; peeler crab baits at medium range over sand/patchy rock on the flood, dusk into dark.
🐟 Golden-grey Mullet 4/10
🎯 Tip: Calm summer evenings; small bread or rag baits on light gear in the surf line over sand, best on a gentle flood.
🐟 Plaice 3/10
🎯 Tip: Spring–summer; long casts with beads/attractors and worm/sandeel cocktails over clean sand on bright days, mid-flood.

Portmellon Beach Fishing

Summary

Portmellon Beach is a sheltered sandy cove just south of Mevagissey on Cornwall’s south coast. It’s a gentle, family-friendly bay with rocky fringes at either end that add real interest for the roaming sea angler. While it’s not a venue for extreme surf fishing, it consistently rewards thoughtful tactics, light tackle, and timing around tide and daylight.

Location and Access

Portmellon sits immediately south of Mevagissey, with the coast road running right along the sea wall behind the beach. Access is straightforward onto the sand via the slipway, and the rock ledges at each end are a short scramble at lower water. In summer the beach gets busy, so early or late sessions are more comfortable for anglers.

Seasons

This is a mixed ground beach with shallow sand and rocky fringes, so expect a blend of flatfish, bass, smaller predators, and classic rock-dwellers in season.

Methods

Simple, sensitive methods excel here, with light to medium beach gear on the sand and lighter LRF/float/lure tactics around the rocks. Match your approach to the end you’re fishing and the day’s conditions.

Tides and Conditions

Portmellon is shallow, so fish use the flooding tide to push tight in. Onshore movement and colour lift catch rates, while very clear, flat days call for stealth and lighter lines.

Safety

This is a welcoming venue, but rock ends and a narrow seafront road add hazards. Plan around tide height and beach users, and carry a headlamp if you’re out after dark.

Facilities

Facilities are modest at the cove, with more options up the road in Mevagissey. Plan bait and provisions ahead, especially for evening or winter sessions.

Tips

Treat Portmellon as two venues: a gentle sandy surf line and two small rock marks. Keep mobile and let the tide deliver fish to you rather than anchoring in one spot for hours.

Regulations

Shore angling is generally permitted at Portmellon, but you must work around swimmers/boats and heed any temporary local signage. As regulations change, always check current rules with the MMO and Cornwall IFCA before you go.