Foreland Point Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Foreland Point Fishing Map

A dramatic headland of steep, rugged cliffs with deep water tight to the rocks. Strong Bristol Channel tides create rips and eddies; fishing is best on a flooding or neap tide, at dawn/dusk or after dark. Access is via the South West Coast Path from Countisbury/Barna Barrow with a committed walk and short scrambles to small ledges; wear good boots and a lifejacket, avoid big swells, and plan your exit with the tide. Summer brings prolific lure and float fishing; nights produce conger, huss and pout. Use rotten-bottom rigs over kelp/rough ground and heavy trace for eels/huss.

Ratings

⭐ 6.6/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 3/10
Accessibility 3/10

Fish You Can Catch at Foreland Point

🐟 Pollack 9/10
🎯 Tip: Work 20–40g metals or weedless soft plastics tight to kelp edges on the flood; dawn/dusk best. Keep lures deep in the tide run and mind swell on springs.
🐟 Mackerel 8/10
🎯 Tip: Summer shoals on the flood; spin small metals or jig feathers from the point. Dusk into dark can be hectic; watch swell.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 8/10
🎯 Tip: Crab or rag on strong paternoster into kelpy gullies over the flood; float rigs over rough ground also score. Best May–Oct in clear water.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Big tides with some surf; plug or soft plastics along the tide race, or fish peeler/crab into rough ground at dusk. After a blow as it settles can shine.
🐟 Bull Huss 7/10
🎯 Tip: Night fishing with big fish baits dropped into rough ground; use rotten-bottom and heavy gear. Slack to early flood often best.
🐟 Pouting 6/10
🎯 Tip: Abundant after dark around kelp; small fish baits on 1–2 hooks. Good for fresh bait. Flood and first of the ebb.
🐟 Conger Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: After dark with large fish baits near ledges/kelp; 80lb trace and rotten-bottom. Smaller tide nights safer; expect snags.
🐟 Three-bearded Rockling 5/10
🎯 Tip: Winter nights with small worm or squid baits dropped into holes at your feet; neap tides make it easier.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 5/10
🎯 Tip: Warm evenings Aug–Oct; work small metals or Sabikis midwater, lights help if used. Best on the flood.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 5/10
🎯 Tip: Small hooks with rag or prawn under a float tight to weed-fringed rocks; calm, clear summer days.
🐟 Garfish 5/10
🎯 Tip: Float a sliver of mackerel on a long trace beside the tide run; late spring to autumn, bright days and flooding tide.
🐟 Whiting 4/10
🎯 Tip: Autumn–winter on neaps; small fish/squid baits at range or into the race after dark. Dogfish often mixed in.

Foreland Point Fishing

Summary

Foreland Point is a rugged headland east of Lynmouth on North Devon’s Exmoor coast, famed for deep water close in, fierce tides and spectacular scenery. It’s classic rough-ground rock fishing with real potential for quality pollack, bass, wrasse, huss and conger, but demands respect and preparation. Anglers who enjoy adventurous, mobile fishing will find this a rewarding, seldom-crowded mark.

Location and Access

Set within Exmoor National Park and largely owned by the National Trust, Foreland Point sits between Lynmouth and Countisbury. Access is via the South West Coast Path with steep, uneven sections; there is no vehicular access to the lighthouse compound (private). Plan for a committed walk-in and a serious climb out.

Seasons

This coast fishes very seasonally, with summer and early autumn the prime time for lure and float work, and nights year-round for rough-ground species. Expect powerful fish and hard-fighting sessions when tides and clarity align.

Methods

Foreland Point rewards mobile lure fishing in good visibility and stout bottom gear after dark. The ground is unforgiving—rigs should be snag-resistant and built with abrasion in mind.

Tides and Conditions

The Bristol Channel’s tidal range is huge and the run around Foreland Point can be ferocious. Plan around neaps for finesse work and expect heavy leads on springs if bottom fishing.

Safety

This is a serious rock mark with exposure, steep paths and powerful tides. It is not suitable for inexperienced anglers, solo night sessions or anyone with limited mobility.

Facilities

There are no facilities on the headland; you’re on your own once you leave the car. Nearby villages provide basics before and after your session.

Tips

Foreland rewards careful timing and stealth. Treat it more like a rock-luring mission than a static beach session and travel light.

Regulations

Foreland Point lies in the Devon and Severn IFCA district and within the Bideford to Foreland Point Marine Conservation Zone. Shore angling is generally permitted, but you must follow national and local rules.