Trebarwith Strand Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Trebarwith Strand Fishing Map

An exposed Atlantic-facing beach backed by slate cliffs and reefs, with mixed sand and rocky ground. The sandy strand largely disappears at high water; at lower states, gullies, kelp beds, and clean sand patches open up. Fish the surf for bass and rays, or work the rocky ledges on either flank for wrasse, pollack, and mackerel in summer. Access is via a steep path/steps from the car park by the Port William area. Powerful swells, slippery slate, and fast-flooding tides can cut off access—plan around tide and swell.

Ratings

⭐ 6.5/10 Overall
Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 9/10
Safety 3/10
Accessibility 6/10

Fish You Can Catch at Trebarwith Strand

🐟 Bass 8/10
🎯 Tip: Work surf channels over sand; plugs/metals or fresh sandeel/peeler. Best on a flooding tide with a bit of colour and swell; dawn/dusk May–Oct.
🐟 Pollack 8/10
🎯 Tip: Metal jigs/soft plastics along kelp gullies off the points; 1–2 hrs either side of high, dusk best; spring–autumn.
🐟 Mackerel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Feathers or small metals from the headlands when the tide runs; June–Sept; evenings on the flood.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 7/10
🎯 Tip: Crab or worm baits into kelp-lined holes from the rocks; mid-flood to high; summer–early autumn. Use strong abrasion-resistant gear.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small sabikis or fish strips under a float at dusk into darkness on the flood; late summer–autumn.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: Small hooks with ragworm/soft crab tight to weed and rock edges; mid tide up; late spring–autumn.
🐟 Garfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Float-fish small sandeel or belly strip over clean patches by the points; clear water on the flood; late spring–autumn.
🐟 Pouting 5/10
🎯 Tip: Small fish or squid baits into deeper gullies at dusk/night; mid to high water; year-round, more consistent in winter.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 5/10
🎯 Tip: Small fish/squid baits on the sandy tongues at night; mid-flood to high; most months.
🐟 Conger Eel 5/10
🎯 Tip: Large fish/squid baits dropped into rough gullies after dark; 2 hrs either side of high; year-round. Heavy tackle essential.
🐟 Whiting 4/10
🎯 Tip: Small fish baits cast onto the sandy bay at night on winter floods; Dec–Feb; size 2 hooks.
🐟 Golden-grey Mullet 4/10
🎯 Tip: Light float or small ledger with harbour rag/isome near the stream outflow in calm, clear summer evenings on the flood.

Trebarwith Strand Fishing

Summary

Trebarwith Strand is a dramatic, west-facing cove just south of Tintagel on Cornwall’s Atlantic coast, framed by slate cliffs and the iconic Gull Rock offshore. When the swell is sensible, it offers a superb mix of surf beach bassing and rock-ledge fishing for pollack and wrasse. It’s a rewarding but committing mark that demands good sea-reading and strict attention to safety.

Location and Access

Set in a steep valley, Trebarwith Strand is straightforward to find but involves a descent to the beach and rocky platforms. Arrive early in summer and always plan your exit route before you start fishing.

Seasons

This is mixed ground with surf and reef species changing with season and sea state. Expect bass opportunities in the surf and classic rock fish on the ledges.

Methods

Both surf tactics and rock work produce here; choose your approach to suit the swell and the tide. Travel light and be ready to move with the water.

Tides and Conditions

Tide and swell call the tune at Trebarwith. Big Atlantic groundswell can make it unfishable; moderate swell and movement often switch the fish on.

Safety

This is an exposed Atlantic venue with real hazards. It rewards caution, planning, and appropriate kit.

Facilities

Basic amenities cluster around the cove, with fuller services in Tintagel and Wadebridge. Expect it to be very busy in peak season.

Tips

Local knowledge makes a difference here—use the tide windows and read the water before you cast.

Regulations

There is no general ban on recreational angling at Trebarwith Strand, but normal UK and Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) rules apply. Always check the latest official sources before your trip, as regulations can change.