Summary
Black Nore Point sits between Portishead and Clevedon on the North Somerset shore, just west of the distinctive Black Nore Lighthouse. It’s a classic upper Bristol Channel rock mark with fierce tides, short casting distances, and a real chance of rays, bass, codling and winter whiting. For anglers who respect the tide and pick their windows, it’s a rewarding, less-crowded alternative to nearby Battery Point.
Location and Access
Access is straightforward via Portishead, with a short coastal path walk to the lighthouse and rocky ledges. Expect uneven, slippery ground and a little scrambling if you want the better platforms.
- Drive through Portishead and follow Nore Road; roadside parking is available in places near the footpath to Black Nore Lighthouse (Portishead, BS20 area). Observe local parking signs.
- A well-used public path runs down to the lighthouse; from there, pick your way onto the rocks either side of the point. Allow 5–10 minutes from the road.
- Alternative parking and a longer, flatter approach are possible from the Lake Grounds area, then along the seafront path.
- Terrain is mixed: flat slabs, rough boulders, and muddy patches. Good boots with grip are essential; not suited to trolleys or heavy barrows.
Seasons
This is a big-tide, coloured-water venue, so species follow Bristol Channel patterns. Expect close-in fish and fast-running tides.
- Spring (Mar–May): Thornback ray, school bass, conger straps, flounder; occasional smoothhound late spring in settled spells.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Bass, smoothhound (peaks around June/July), thornback ray, dogfish, conger; thick-lipped mullet mooching around any freshwater outflows.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Codling in the first blows, bass (till the first real cold), thornback ray, whiting, pouting.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Codling on the better tides, whiting, pouting, conger; thornbacks still possible on calmer neaps.
- Occasional: Sole and dab on the softer patches after dark; silver eels (return alive).
Methods
Heavy, simple tactics work best in the tide race. Keep snoods short, baits streamlined, and don’t overcast—fish run close to the stones.
- Rods and leads: 12–13 ft beachcasters, 7000-size fixed spool or 525-size multipliers; 5–7 oz wired grip leads. On big springs you may still need to step up or use the uptide method.
- Rigs: Pulley pennel (4/0–5/0) for rays/codling; 2-hook flapper (size 1–2) for whiting/flatties; running ledger for rays when flow eases. Add a weak-link (rotten-bottom) to save gear in snags.
- Baits: Fresh black lug and squid cocktails for codling/whiting; peeler or hardback crab for bass and smoothhound; bluey, herring or squid for rays; ragworm for flatties. Fresh bait outfishes frozen most days here.
- Times: Flood to high water in darkness is prime. Short casts into the first gully are often better than blasting long.
- Extras: A small drop-net helps land bigger rays in swell. Lures are generally poor in the peat-stained water, but a surface or shallow plug can nick a bass in onshore blows on a flooding tide.
Tides and Conditions
Black Nore is ruled by the Bristol Channel’s huge range—plan around it. The point fishes best when the flow is fishable and the water is coloured.
- Tide state: 2 hours up to high and 1–2 hours after are the go-to windows. Neaps are easier to hold bottom; big springs can be brutal but productive at slack.
- Wind and sea: A south-westerly puts life in the water and suits bass and codling; prolonged onshores can also bring weed. Calmer spells are ideal for rays.
- Time of day: After dark is consistently better for rays, codling and whiting; first light can be good for bass on a making tide.
- Water clarity: The natural colour is your friend—don’t wait for clear water here.
- Don’t attempt low-water rock hopping far from the path; the mud and tide flood back frighteningly fast.
Safety
Treat this as a serious tidal rock mark. Plan your session, pick a safe stance, and wear appropriate kit.
- Tidal hazards: Rapid flood and strong lateral pull; avoid being cut off around the lighthouse base. Keep an eye on ship wash—large vessels can throw unexpected surges.
- Footing: Weed-slick rocks, ankle-twisting boulders, and soft mud in places. Studded boots and a headtorch are strongly advised.
- Gear retention: Clip-down rigs and solid rod rests; secure buckets and bags from wash.
- Personal safety: A modern inflating lifejacket is recommended. Don’t fish alone at night; tell someone your plan.
- Accessibility: The path to the lighthouse is reasonable, but the final rocks are not wheelchair-friendly and are challenging for limited mobility.
- Respect signage: If any temporary safety notices are posted (works, erosion), heed them.
Facilities
Portishead has everything you need within a short drive, but there’s nothing on the rocks themselves.
- Parking: On-street along Nore Road in places; additional parking around the Lake Grounds and marina areas.
- Toilets: Public toilets near the Lake Grounds and around the marina; none at the mark.
- Food and drink: Cafés and takeaways in Portishead town and the marina.
- Tackle and bait: No dedicated shop at the mark; options exist in Portishead/Clevedon/Bristol—check opening times and availability before you travel.
- Phone signal: Generally good 4G/5G coverage on the headland.
Tips
Little tweaks make a big difference here—think holding power, bait quality, and sensible casting angles.
- Don’t overcast: The main gutter is often 20–50 yards out; crabs and rays patrol tight to the stones.
- Streamline baits: Lug-squid wraps and bound crab baits cut drag and hold better in the tide.
- Angle uptide: Cast slightly uptide to help the gripper set; a meter of slack after splashdown can bed the lead in.
- Spare gear: Carry extra gripper leads and replacement wires; a few weak-link clips save full rigs.
- Leaders: 60–80 lb shock/rig body to cope with abrasion. Check for nicks after each fish.
- Rays: A fresh fish strip with squid top or a bluey section often outperforms sandeel in the upper Channel.
- Codling cues: First proper autumn south-westerlies with colour and chop can switch them on for a few tides.
- Quiet alternative: If Battery Point is crowded or unfishable on the biggest springs, Black Nore can give you a workable angle on neaps or at slack.
Regulations
There is no general ban on angling at Black Nore Point, but you must follow national and local rules. Always check current notices on-site and official sources before your trip.
- Bass (ICCAT/UK rules): Recreational bass fishing has seasonal limits and a minimum size (commonly 42 cm) with defined bag limits in recent years. These change—check the latest MMO/DEFRA guidance for dates and allowances before retaining any bass.
- Minimum sizes: Observe the UK Minimum Conservation Reference Sizes (MCRS) for species such as cod, whiting, etc. If in doubt, measure and release.
- Protected species: Return European eel, shad, and any unusual or protected species alive. Do not target them.
- Local byelaws: The area falls under Devon & Severn IFCA for inshore fisheries byelaws (e.g., no taking berried lobsters, shellfish size limits, bait digging sensitivities). Shore anglers should check any restrictions on bait collection and species retention.
- Environment: The Severn Estuary is a protected site network (SSSI/SPA/SAC). Stay on established paths, avoid disturbing wildlife, and take all litter home.
- Access and parking: Obey any local parking controls and safety signage. Piers and private structures nearby may have separate rules—do not trespass.
