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Cornwall

Trebarwith Strand

6.5 · Beach · Cornwall

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.

Should you fish Trebarwith Strand?

59 Fair

Today · Best window

Best window: 18:00-21:00 around the rising tide

Most likely species: Ballan Wrasse and Pollack

Fair conditions. Best around 18:00-21:00 around the rising tide. Good chance of Ballan Wrasse and Pollack.

NW 4 mph Rain 18% High tide 11:24

Fishable, but pick your timing carefully.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Trebarwith Strand — 7-day forecast

Scores and best windows are weighted for .

Met Office Met Office · Open-Meteo

Where the data comes from. Weather and sea-state readings come from the Met Office and Open-Meteo forecast models, refreshed several times a day. High and low water are taken from tide-station predictions for this stretch of coast.

How the score works. Each window is scored 0–100 from the signals that most reliably move fish inshore: tide movement (a running tide carries food, so the last of the flood and first of the ebb are usually the prime spells), wind speed and direction (onshore wind stirs food into the surf — up to the point it makes fishing hard), sea state (a little wave and swell movement helps, heavy swell hurts), and weather — rain, temperature and light. Behind the headline number we score bite opportunity and comfort separately, and run a separate safety check on wind and swell. The size of the tide counts too: spring tides move more water than neaps, so the tidal range for this stretch of coast is weighed alongside the tide's direction, your target species and this mark — and unusually big springs strengthen the safety check, because the water rises faster and covers more ground.

Your target species counts. Pick a species below and the score also weights what we know about it — its season, preferred sea temperature, tide stage and sea state, and whether it feeds by day or night.

The rating is guidance, not a guarantee — conditions change fast on the coast, so always judge the sea in front of you before you fish.

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· windows & tide

Spring vs neap tides. Spring tides have a larger difference between high and low water, so more water moves on each tide — usually stronger flow that stirs up food and gets fish feeding. Neap tides have a smaller range and generally gentler movement. The range here is compared with what is normal for this stretch of coast, and the cycle swings between springs and neaps roughly every week, following the moon.

Big spring tides: the water rises faster and covers more ground than usual — double-check access routes and cut-off points before you fish.

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Trebarwith is a committing, exposed Atlantic beach-and-rock mark where tide height and swell decide the session. The best plan is usually to scout the low-water shape, then choose between surf gutters for bass and night bottom fishing, or the kelpy rock flanks for pollack, wrasse, mackerel and garfish when the sea is manageable. It can fish very well in fizz and movement, but big or long-period swell makes the beach and ledges a poor choice.

  • Know when to fish the surf gutters instead of the rock flanks
  • Time the flood for bass without getting trapped by the rising water
  • Pick the right species plan for sand, kelp or rough gullies
  • Avoid the swell patterns that turn Trebarwith from productive to unfishable
  • Use a clear backup plan before committing to the ledges

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Jump to towns around this mark for more marks and guides.

Tintagel 1.4 mi Delabole 2.0 mi St Teath 3.7 mi Camelford 3.9 mi Boscastle 4.1 mi

Explore nearby towns: Tintagel · Delabole · St Teath · Camelford · Boscastle

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Forecast tuning currently supports Bass and Mackerel — more species are on the way.

Overall rating

6.5 /10

Blend of catch potential, access, safety, and overall experience.

Category scores

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

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.

Local knowledge

Trebarwith Strand fishing guide

Practical access, seasons, methods, tides, safety and facilities for this mark.

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.

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.

  • Driving: Follow signs for Tintagel on the B3263, then the signed turn for Trebarwith Strand down the valley road.
  • Parking: Pay-and-display at the main car park above the cove (postcode area: PL34 0HB). Limited short-stay spaces near the pub/cafés; patron-only parking applies there.
  • Walk-in: 5–10 minutes from the main car park via a steep lane/steps. Reaching the rock ledges north and south requires extra clambering over uneven, often weeded slate.
  • Terrain: Mixed—clean surf beach at low tide, flanked by kelpy rock platforms and broken ground. The slate can be slick year-round, especially after swell or rain.
  • Public access: South West Coast Path runs along both headlands; respect any temporary cliff-erosion closures and fenced-off areas.

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.

  • Spring (Mar–May):
  • Bass nosing the gutters and bars on a building tide
  • Pollack off the headlands; ballan and corkwing wrasse around kelp
  • Spotted dogfish; early mackerel runs in late spring
  • Occasional small turbot from the sand in calm, clear spells
  • Summer (Jun–Aug):
  • Bass (lures and natural baits), mackerel, garfish, scad on calmer evenings
  • Pollack (often better at dusk), wrasse (daytime around rough ground)
  • Bull huss at night over rough patches; pout and rockling under the cliffs
  • Launce (greater sand eel); occasional smoothhound when crabs are peeling
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov):
  • Peak bassing, especially after a blow as the sea eases
  • Bigger pollack from deeper ledges; wrasse until the first real chills
  • Garfish until the first cold snaps; mackerel tail off
  • Night huss and conger from rough ground
  • Winter (Dec–Feb):
  • Whiting, pout, and rockling in surf and mixed ground
  • Huss and conger on big baits; odd coalie possible
  • True codling are rare on this coast—treat any as a bonus

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.

  • Lure fishing (rocks and surf):
  • For bass: 120–150 mm soft plastics (white/pearl/sandeel) on 10–20 g heads; surface walkers and subsurface minnows at dawn/dusk and on a dropping swell
  • For pollack: 20–40 g metal jigs and slim soft plastics worked along kelp edges on the flood into high
  • Float fishing (rocks):
  • Ragworm, prawn, or sandeel for wrasse, garfish, and schoolie pollack; set depth to run baits just above the kelp
  • Bottom fishing (rough ground):
  • Pulley pennel or pulley dropper with a short rotten-bottom link; 4–5 oz leads typically
  • Baits: peeler or shore crab for wrasse/smoothhound; mackerel/squid cocktails or whole squid for huss/conger
  • Surfcasting (beach):
  • Bass with peeler crab, lugworm, rag, or sandeel into gutters and along the edge of white water
  • 1–2-hook clipped down rigs for range; use 4–6 oz grip leads depending on sweep
  • Scratch rigs (cleaner patches):
  • 2–3 hook flappers with small hooks (size 2–1/0) and bits of mackerel, squid, or worm for whiting, pout, and gurnards
  • Times: First and last light are prime; nights for huss/conger; post-blow windows for bass as the colour starts to clear

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

  • Tide states:
  • Surf beach bass: flooding tide over the bars and into dusk; first of the ebb can also shine if you can safely reach the gutters
  • Rock ledges: typically 2 hours either side of high water; plan carefully to avoid being cut off
  • Sea conditions:
  • Best bassing on a dropping sea with residual fizz and 1–3 ft of surf; avoid long-period swells that sweep the ledges
  • Pollack/wrasse like some push and white water around the kelp but need clarity; overly milky water reduces bites
  • Wind and clarity:
  • Light E/SE winds flatten and clear the water; W/NW winds build surf and colour
  • Expect “May-rot” snot weed in late spring—lures with single hooks help
  • Seasonality:
  • Bass peak spring and autumn; mackerel/gar mid-summer; wrasse thrive in warmer months; winter is a bait game for whiting/pout/huss

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

  • General hazards:
  • Powerful swell and rogue waves; wet, weeded slate is extremely slippery
  • Beach disappears at high tide—do not get cut off against the cliff
  • Some ledges are only safe within a tight tide window; know your exit routes
  • Cliff instability and rockfall risk—respect any closures/fencing
  • Personal safety:
  • Wear a properly fitted PFD on the rocks and carry a means of calling for help
  • Use studded boots/cleats and a wading staff on slippery platforms
  • Fish with a partner or tell someone your plan; carry headtorch and spare light if staying late
  • Lifeguards and swimmers:
  • In summer season, RNLI lifeguards patrol the bathing area—do not fish or cast into flagged zones; be prepared to move when it’s busy
  • Accessibility:
  • The approach is steep and uneven; the rocks are not suitable for limited mobility. The beach at low water is easier going but still shelving and soft in places

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

  • On-site/nearby:
  • Seasonal public toilets near the beach (check opening times)
  • The Port William Inn (food/drink) and cafés/kiosks by the strand
  • Pay-and-display parking above the cove; limited turnover spaces near the pub
  • Mobile signal varies—generally fair on headlands, weaker in the valley
  • Tackle and bait:
  • Nearest full angling shops are typically in Wadebridge and Bude; smaller outlets around Tintagel/Delabole sometimes stock basic tackle and frozen bait—phone ahead and pre-order worms in summer
  • Ice for bait often available from local garages in Tintagel/Delabole
  • Transport:
  • Local buses serve Tintagel/Trewarmett; expect a steep walk down if arriving by bus

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

  • Scout at low water to map gutters, bars, and safe exit points; note where kelp beds meet sand—these edges hold bass
  • After a blow, give it 24–48 hours to settle—slightly coloured water with fizz is prime for bass
  • On calm, bright evenings, a small float with slivers of mackerel will often find garfish around the flood
  • Work lures along the edges of white water and current seams created by Gull Rock—don’t cast blindly into the heaviest surf
  • Carry plenty of rotten-bottom links; the broken ground is unforgiving
  • In summer, wrasse love hardback crabs; present close to structure and be ready to lock up
  • Stake rod rests deep in the sand—gusty crosswinds and backwash can topple light tripods
  • Keep well clear of seals if they show; they’ll spook fish and deserve space
  • Quiet midweek dawns outside school holidays are far more comfortable than busy afternoons

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.

  • Bass rules: Recreational bass fishing is subject to seasonal/bag/size restrictions—verify current open seasons, daily bag limits, and the minimum size with the UK government/MMO before retaining any fish
  • Minimum sizes: Observe national and Cornwall IFCA minimum conservation reference sizes for species such as bass, wrasse, pollack, etc.; when in doubt, release
  • Marine Conservation Zone: The area off this stretch of coast lies within/near designated MCZ waters (e.g., Padstow Bay and Surrounds MCZ). Angling is generally permitted, but avoid disturbing protected features and adhere to any local byelaws
  • Netting/byelaws: Cornwall IFCA has seasonal restrictions on netting near designated bathing beaches (relevant to commercial/setting nets), and other fixed-engine rules; line anglers should still be mindful of marked swimming zones
  • Local beach management: During RNLI lifeguard hours, do not fish within flagged bathing/surfing zones; follow any on-site signage or directions
  • Access and conservation: Respect private land, fenced cliff sections, and SSSI/AONB protections; no collecting or damaging of intertidal features. Leave no trace and consider releasing larger wrasse to protect local reef stocks