Stepper Point Fishing

Summary

Stepper Point is the dramatic headland guarding the mouth of the Camel Estuary, just north of Padstow in North Cornwall. Its deep water, kelp-fringed gullies and racing tides attract hard-fighting species and offer classic rock fishing when conditions allow. This is a mark for the prepared angler: rewarding, scenic, and unforgiving in a swell.

Location and Access

Access is via the South West Coast Path from Padstow or Hawkers Cove, crossing open farmland and cliff-top paths cared for by the National Trust. The final approaches are uneven, and the actual fishing ledges require care and local knowledge.

• Drive to Padstow and follow signs towards Hawkers Cove/Tregirls; limited roadside spaces near Hawkers Cove (narrow lanes; be considerate and avoid blocking gateways).
• Alternatively, use Padstow long-stay car parks (e.g. near the harbour; PL28 area postcodes) and walk the coast path to the Point (around 45–60 minutes).
• From Hawkers Cove it’s roughly a 25–35 minute walk along the coast path to the Daymark tower at Stepper Point.
• Terrain is cliff-top grass, rocky outcrops and sloping paths; sturdy boots essential. The best ledges are below the path and may involve short, steep descents—do not attempt in wet or swell-heavy conditions.
• Public transport is limited; a seasonal ferry connects Rock to Padstow for car-free access, then it’s an on-foot approach.

Seasons

Stepper Point fishes like a classic North Coast rock mark with seasonal variety. Expect fast-moving pelagics in summer and powerful bottom dwellers year-round.

• Spring (Apr–Jun):
  • Pollack on lures around the kelp edges
  • Early bass on building seas and colour lines
  • Garfish and the first mackerel showing into late spring
  • Ballan wrasse over rough ground on settled days
• Summer (Jul–Sep):
  • Mackerel and scad at dawn/dusk; garfish on brighter days
  • Pollack from first light and into evening
  • Bass in white water along the rock fringes
  • Ballan wrasse (plus the odd corkwing) on crab and prawn
• Autumn (Oct–Nov):
  • Bass after onshore blows and during falling light
  • Pollack remain consistent in calmer spells
  • Conger and bull huss at night from deeper holes
  • Scad on small metals or under a float after dark
• Winter (Dec–Mar):
  • Conger, bull huss and dogfish in settled windows
  • Occasional pollack in clear, calm seas
  • Whiting are more beach-oriented; rare here

Methods

Ledge choice and water state dictate tactics here. Travel reasonably light, carry a plan for both lure and bait, and expect rough ground snags.

• Lure fishing:
  • 20–40 g metals and 12–20 cm sandeel-style soft plastics for pollack/bass; work parallel to the kelp line and across tide rips.
  • White or natural sandeel paddle-tails on 10–20 g heads; use weedless hooks where kelp is dense.
  • Fast sinks (metal jigs, casting jigs) for mackerel/scad at range during dusk runs.
• Float fishing:
  • Set 3–5 m with a sliding float; ragworm, prawn, or mackerel strip for wrasse, mackerel, and garfish.
  • Present baits along rock faces and over kelp patches on neap tides for best control.
• Bottom fishing (rough ground):
  • Pulley or pulley pennel with a weak-link/rotten-bottom for leads; 5–6 oz grip leads often needed in the run.
  • Big fish options at night: whole squid, mackerel flapper or large crab baits for huss and conger; 40–80 lb mono traces and strong 4/0–6/0 hooks.
  • Mixed fishing: 1–2 hook flappers with size 1–2/0 for dogs, small pollack and bonus fish; expect losses—bring spare leads and rigs.
• Tackle notes:
  • 20–30 lb braid with a 30–40 lb abrasion leader for lures; heavier leaders (60–80 lb) for conger/huss traces.
  • Long-handled disgorger/forceps and a robust landing plan; some ledges are too high for a drop net.

Tides and Conditions

Tide flow around the headland is fierce, creating rips and colour lines that switch on predators. Choose windows carefully, especially with Atlantic swell.

• Tide states:
  • Flood tide into dusk is prime for pollack and bass; the first two hours of the ebb can also fish well along rip lines.
  • Neap tides make bait control and bottom work more manageable; springs are powerful and can be unfishable from some ledges.
• Sea and wind:
  • Northerly or easterly winds flatten the sea here; westerly/south-westerly swell quickly turns it dangerous.
  • After a blow, 24–72 hours of easing swell with residual colour often produces bass.
• Light and clarity:
  • Dawn/dusk for pollack, bass and mackerel/scad runs; wrasse prefer bright, clear conditions over kelp.
  • Water clarity matters: go subtle and deeper for pollack on clear days; use bigger silhouettes in a mild stir.
• Seasonality:
  • May–October is the headline period; winter sessions are niche and weather-dependent, focusing on conger/huss at night.

Safety

This is an exposed rock mark on a high headland with limited safe platforms. Treat it as a serious venue and plan conservative escape routes.

• General hazards:
  • Atlantic swell rebounds unpredictably around the Point; rogue waves possible even on modest forecasts.
  • Steep, uneven descents to ledges; wet weed and lichen are extremely slippery.
  • Strong cross-tides; lost gear and snags are common.
• Practical precautions:
  • Wear a personal flotation device, grippy boots and carry a headtorch if out near low light.
  • Fish with a partner if possible; tell someone your plan and exit route.
  • Avoid unfamiliar ledges at night and in any groundswell; if in doubt, stay high and stick to lures.
  • Some ledges can become cut off on bigger floods—recon at low water first and time your retreat.
• Accessibility:
  • Not suitable for anglers with limited mobility; paths are sloped and uneven. No railings or formal platforms.
  • Keep well back from cliff edges; do not climb on the Daymark tower.

Facilities

There are no facilities at Stepper Point itself—think remote headland with a footpath and scenery. Padstow provides amenities before and after your session.

• Toilets: In Padstow (harbour area/car parks). None at the headland.
• Food and drink: Cafés, pubs and takeaways in Padstow; a small seasonal café typically operates at Hawkers Cove.
• Tackle and bait: Options in Padstow/Wadebridge; check seasonal opening hours and stock before you travel.
• Bins: None on the headland—pack out all litter and line.
• Mobile signal: Generally good on the cliff tops; can drop in gullies.

Tips

Reading the water is everything here—fish the edges where calm meets turbulence and kelp meets flow. Travel light, move often, and let the headland show you where the bait is.

• Watch for colour lines and boils off the Point; cast lures to the up-tide shoulder and sweep through the rip.
• Pollack often sit tight to kelp walls—count your lure down, then retrieve just above snag level.
• On summer evenings, scad push tight to rock faces; tiny metals or size 6–8 sabiki tipped with fish skin can be deadly.
• Bass show when there’s fizz—use white paddle-tails or shallow divers where waves wash over boulders, but only in safe, modest swell.
• Wrasse are suckers for peeler crab and prawn; keep them in good condition for release—barbless or crushed barbs help.
• Seals regularly patrol; if one dogs your lure/bait, move 50–100 m rather than feed it.
• Gulls and gannets work bait here—avoid feathering under bird activity to prevent foul-hooked birds.

Regulations

Stepper Point sits by protected waters, and normal sea angling rules apply. Always check up-to-date notices from Cornwall IFCA and government sources before you go.

• Bass (recreational, rod and line): As of 2024 guidance, a 42 cm minimum size with a bag limit of two fish per angler per day is typically permitted from 1 March to 30 November; catch-and-release only outside those dates. Verify current-year dates before retaining fish.
• Minimum conservation sizes: UK/Cornwall IFCA MLS apply to species such as bass, pollack, wrasse, and all shellfish. Do not retain undersized fish; consult the latest IFCA size tables.
• Shellfish rules: Berried/v-notched lobsters and crawfish must not be retained; local MLS and gear restrictions apply even if collecting for bait—check Cornwall IFCA byelaws.
• Marine Protected Areas: The wider Padstow Bay and surrounding waters include designated conservation zones. Recreational hook-and-line angling from shore is generally permitted, but some activities (e.g., certain netting/collecting) can be restricted—observe any on-site signage.
• Camel Estuary considerations: Parts of the estuary have bass nursery protections (most affect boats). Stepper Point is at the mouth/open coast, but check current maps if fishing inside the estuary proper.
• Land access: Much of the land is National Trust—keep to paths, respect livestock, no fires or camping, and leave no trace.
• Night fishing: Allowed, but there is no lighting or rescue access to ledges—your safety plan is essential.