Morte Point Fishing

Last updated: 1 week ago

Morte Point Fishing Map

Morte Point is a rugged rocky headland near Mortehoe with steep slate ledges, deep gullies and a powerful tide race around the Morte Stone. It offers deep water within casting range and prolific rough-ground habitat for wrasse and pollack, with summer pelagics moving through the rips. It is exposed to Atlantic swell and wind; long casts aren’t essential as most fish hold tight to structure. Access is via the South West Coast Path from Mortehoe (National Trust parking), with some uneven, steep sections and scrambling to reach safer ledges. Best fished on neap to moderate tides, light swell, and at dawn/dusk. Swell and surges can be dangerous: pick secure platforms, avoid heavy seas, and expect snaggy ground.

Ratings

⭐ 6.7/10 Overall
Catch Potential 7/10
Species Variety 8/10
Scenery & Comfort 8/10
Safety 3/10
Accessibility 4/10

Fish You Can Catch at Morte Point

🐟 Pollack 9/10
🎯 Tip: Work metals or soft sandeels along kelp edges at dawn/dusk on the flood; keep lures deep with 20–40g heads. Best in a light swell.
🐟 Ballan Wrasse 8/10
🎯 Tip: Float or ledger hardback crab/prawn tight to rough ground on the flood; daylight, late spring–autumn. Use strong gear and rotten-bottom leads.
🐟 Bass 7/10
🎯 Tip: Target white water with shallow plugs or weedless soft plastics at first light on a flooding tide; big fish baits after dark in surfy conditions.
🐟 Bull Huss 7/10
🎯 Tip: Night sessions into kelpy gullies; big mackerel/squid baits on pulley pennel, 50–80lb trace. First half of the flood is productive; use rotten-bottoms.
🐟 Mackerel 7/10
🎯 Tip: Summer shoals on clearer water; spin small metals/feathers through mid–late flood, evenings best. Keep gear mobile to find fish.
🐟 Pouting 6/10
🎯 Tip: After dark over rough ground; small fish baits or worms on 2-hook flappers, fish mid-water to near-bottom on the flood.
🐟 Lesser Spotted Dogfish 6/10
🎯 Tip: Abundant after dark; small fish or squid strips on simple ledger into sand patches between rocks, any state of tide.
🐟 Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
🎯 Tip: Floatfish ragworm or small crab tight to weeded ledges on the flood in summer; small hooks, shallow set.
🐟 Conger Eel 6/10
🎯 Tip: Night in kelpy holes; large fish baits on 100lb traces and strong rods. Best around slack into first of the flood; expect heavy snags.
🐟 Scad (Horse Mackerel) 5/10
🎯 Tip: Late-summer nights; small metals or sabikis retrieved slowly mid-water on the flood. A headlamp glow can help draw them in.
🐟 Three-bearded Rockling 4/10
🎯 Tip: Winter nights; small worm or fish baits dropped into gullies at low to mid tide. Short casts, keep baits static.
🐟 Garfish 4/10
🎯 Tip: Calm, clear summer evenings; float-fish mackerel strip or small spinners near the surface over the flood.

Morte Point Fishing

Summary

Morte Point is a rugged National Trust headland between Mortehoe and Woolacombe on North Devon’s Atlantic coast. Sheer rock ledges, deep kelp-filled gullies and fierce tidal run-offs make it a classic but challenging shore mark. It rewards careful, experienced anglers with quality pollack, wrasse, bass and night-time huss and conger.

Location and Access

Set on the South West Coast Path west of Mortehoe, the point is reached on foot only and demands sensible footwear and fitness. Expect uneven paths, steep grassy slopes and rocky scrambles to reach any fishable ledge. Park in Mortehoe village and walk out along the signed coast path to the point. Allow extra time in summer when paths are busy and after rain when turf is slippery.

Seasons

This headland fishes differently by season and state of sea, with resident kelp species and migratory summer visitors. Night sessions bring out the predators.

Methods

Ledge choice dictates the approach: lure fishing excels in clear, settled seas; bottom fishing comes into its own at dusk and after dark. Always rig for kelp and abrasion.

Tides and Conditions

Tide races and swell define what’s fishable. Neaps and modest seas open more ledges; big Atlantic swells shut them down.

Safety

This is an exposed, hazardous rock mark with a history of rogue waves and cut-offs. It is unsuitable for anyone with limited mobility.

Facilities

Facilities are centred on Mortehoe and nearby Woolacombe; there is nothing on the headland itself. Plan to be self-sufficient on the rocks.

Tips

Small adjustments make a big difference at Morte Point. Think abrasion resistance, stealth, and smart timing.

Regulations

The headland is National Trust land with public access on foot; sea angling from the shore is generally permitted. Fisheries rules are set nationally and by the local IFCA—always check the latest before you go.