Last updated: 2 weeks ago
A wide, exposed Atlantic surf beach just south of Bude with clean sand and pronounced surf gutters. Rocky ground at the north end (Black Rock) and the southern end adds variety. Bass and small-eyed rays are prime targets in settled surf; dogfish are plentiful after dark; winter brings whiting; occasional...
Zennor Head is a rugged granite headland west of St Ives with steep rock ledges and kelpy, deep water close in. It fishes best in settled or moderate seas with clear water, especially at dawn and dusk on a flooding tide. Expect powerful tides, snaggy ground and sudden swells; pick...
Cornwall’s 400+ miles of coastline mixes high Atlantic cliffs and surf beaches on the north coast with more sheltered coves, reefs and big estuaries on the south. It’s a premier sea-angling county, offering everything from bass in rolling surf to wrasse and bream on rocky headlands, plus productive estuaries like the Camel, Fal, Helford and Tamar. Consistent sea temperatures, rich reef systems and varied ground make it a year-round destination for both lure and bait anglers.
| Season | Most common shore species and notes |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Bass return with milder seas; wrasse switch on from April; black bream arrive on south coast reefs; smoothhound start late spring; early gars and mackerel show in May; rays (thornback, small-eyed) perk up on clean ground; gilthead bream begin in estuaries. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Peak variety: bass (lure and bait), mackerel, garfish, scad; wrasse plentiful; black bream May–Sep; smoothhound Jun–Aug (Tamar/SE Cornwall); rays (thornback/blonde/small-eyed depending on ground); occasional turbot/brill from surf beaches; mullet in harbours and creeks. |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Bass often at their best Sep–Nov after a blow and on dropping swell; mackerel/scad linger; garfish strong; rays continue; conger and huss good at night on rocks; flounder build in estuaries; gilthead run tails off by late autumn. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Whiting on open beaches; flounder in estuaries; conger from rough ground at night; occasional codling in cold snaps (rare); pollack from deep rock marks on calmer nights; bass possible in settled spells, mainly south coast. |
Do I need a licence to sea fish?
No rod licence is required for saltwater in England, but you need one for salmon/trout in tidal rivers. Check local byelaws, size/bag limits and bass rules before keeping fish.
Where’s best for beginners?
Accessible piers and harbour walls like Newquay Harbour, Penzance, Mevagissey and Looe; or lifeguarded beaches with gentle surf (target bass or mackerel in season). Start on settled days and avoid exposed rock ledges.
Can I night fish?
Yes, many marks fish best after dark (beaches for bass/whiting, rocks for conger/huss). Use a head torch, reflective gear and pick easy access if you’re new to the area.
When do mackerel arrive?
Usually May to September, peaking mid-summer. They can appear earlier in warm springs and linger into autumn depending on bait and weather.
Are charter boats available?
Yes, from ports like Falmouth, Penzance, Looe, Newquay and Padstow for reefs, wrecks and seasonal sharking. Shore anglers can also consider kayak guides in calm, safe conditions.
| Area/Coast | Access | Typical species | Best methods | Best season | Safety notes | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Coast (Bude–Newquay) | Mix of easy beaches and serious headlands | Bass, small-eyed ray, pollack, wrasse, mackerel, huss | Surf bait (pulley pennel), lures, feathers/float | May–Oct (winter for whiting) | Atlantic swell, cliff paths, rips | Resort parking, lifeguards on main beaches in season |
| St Ives Bay & Penwith | Beaches and committing rock ledges | Bass, pollack, wrasse, conger, gar, mackerel | Lures over reef, crab baits, night conger | Apr–Nov | Long-period swell, cut-offs on ledges | Town parking; long walks to remote marks |
| Mount’s Bay to Lizard | Mixed ground, variable shelter | Bass, thornback ray, bream, wrasse, pollack | Ledger with crab/worm, lures, float | May–Sep (bass autumn too) | Fierce tides at headlands, weed after blows | Car parks at coves; some steep paths |
| Falmouth Bay & Helford | Piers, reefs, deep estuary arms | Smoothhound, gilthead, bass, bream, wrasse, pollack | Crab for hounds/gilts, lures, light ledgers | May–Oct (flounder winter) | Strong tides, boat traffic, mudflats | Good amenities, charter boats |
| Looe to Rame & Tamar | Long beaches, piers, estuary mouths | Smoothhound, rays (thornback/blonde), bass, plaice, whiting | Distance rigs on clean ground, crab for hounds, lures in surf | May–Sep (whiting winter) | Occasional range closures, fast estuary tides | Easy parking; multiple access points |
| Major Estuaries (Camel/Fal/Tamar) | Varied banks and channels | Bass, flounder, gilthead, mullet | Soft plastics on flood, light ledgers with worm/crab | Apr–Nov (flounder winter) | Soft mud, fast flooding tides | Mixed access; check byelaws and private land |