Gore Point Fishing

Summary

Gore Point sits at the western end of Porlock Bay on the Somerset coast, where shingle, rough ground and fierce Bristol Channel tides converge. It’s a classic, semi-remote shore mark that rewards effort with bass in surf, bull huss and conger after dark, plus seasonal mackerel and the odd surprise. Expect big tidal movement, mixed ground and proper West Country drama when the wind and tide line up.

Location and Access

Gore Point is reached on foot either from Bossington (east) across the shingle or from Porlock Weir (west) via the marsh and coast path. Both routes are scenic; the shingle approach is harder going, while the boardwalks from Porlock Weir can flood on very high springs.

• Parking (east): National Trust car park at Bossington, approximate postcode TA24 8HF; pay-and-display, seasonal attendants.
• Approach (east): 20–40 minutes on shingle/cobble ridge to the point; strenuous underfoot, not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.
• Parking (west): Porlock Weir village car parks, approx. TA24 8PB; cafés, toilets, and harbour nearby.
• Approach (west): South West Coast Path/boardwalks across Porlock Marsh, generally level; can be wet, muddy or briefly inundated on top springs and storm surges.
• Terrain at the mark: Steep shingle, cobbles and mixed rough ground with kelp patches; no platforms or railings.

Seasons

This is a genuine mixed-ground venue with a strong tidal run; fish vary with season and water clarity.

• Spring (Apr–May):
  • Bass on the flood when there’s colour and a rolling surf.
  • Dogfish present most tides; increasing chance of smoothhound late May in settled spells.
• Summer (Jun–Aug):
  • Bass (dawn/dusk and into dark), mackerel shoals on settled neaps, occasional pollack to lures.
  • Bull huss after dark on big baits; conger possible.
  • Smoothhound in June–July on crab; odd thornback on nearby cleaner patches.
• Autumn (Sep–Nov):
  • Peak bass time with onshore winds; whiting and pout appear on night tides.
  • Huss and conger continue; occasional small-eyed ray from cleaner seams.
• Winter (Dec–Feb):
  • Whiting, dogfish, pout on most tides; huss and conger on rough ground.
  • Occasional codling in a blow, but not reliable here compared with marks nearer Blue Anchor/Watchet.
• Occasional/bonus:
  • Spurdog in deeper, hard-running conditions (rare from shore here).

Methods

Strong tides and rough ground dictate robust gear. Think gripper leads, rotten-bottoms, and streamlined rigs that keep baits working close to the deck.

• Ledgering/bottom fishing:
  • Rigs: Pulley pennel (3/0–5/0), up-and-over for distance, and a 2–3 ft flowing trace for surf bass.
  • Lead: 5–7 oz grip leads standard; 7–8 oz sometimes needed on big springs.
  • Baits: Peeler/soft crab (prime for bass/hounds), sandeel, squid strips, mackerel or bluey for huss/conger; lug/rag cocktails for whiting/pout.
  • Terminal: 60–80 lb abrasion leaders over rough ground; use a weak-link/rotten-bottom to save gear.
• Lures (when clear and tides manageable):
  • Metals (28–40 g) for mackerel and schoolie bass on the ebb slack; shallow divers and surface walkers for bass along current seams at dawn/dusk.
  • Keep retrieves high to avoid kelp; use 20–30 lb fluoro/mono leader.
• Tactics by light/tide:
  • Daylight on coloured, rolling seas for bass with crab/sandeel.
  • After dark for huss/conger with big fish baits; spread baits to find clean pockets.
  • Three-hook flappers with small hooks (#2–1) for whiting/pout in autumn/winter nights.

Tides and Conditions

The Bristol Channel’s huge range and speed are the defining factors. Neaps are often easier to fish cleanly; springs can be savage but brilliant for bass in a surf.

• Best tide windows:
  • Flooding tide, especially the last 3 hours to high water and the first of the ebb for bass.
  • Night HWs for huss/conger; neaps for more lure opportunities.
• Sea state and wind:
  • Light–moderate onshore (S–W) winds kick up colour and a manageable surf for bass.
  • Prolonged easterlies can flatten and clear the water; better for lures but tougher for bait unless after dark.
• Seasonality:
  • Late spring to late autumn is most productive overall; winter is a smaller-fish game with occasional quality huss.
• Practical:
  • Check Porlock/Ilfracombe tide tables and avoid dead-low on big springs (a long, awkward walk and strong lateral pull).

Safety

This is an exposed, committing shingle point with powerful tidal streams. Plan conservatively and wear appropriate footwear and layers.

• Hazards:
  • Strong lateral tide run and undertow; do not wade to gain distance.
  • Steep, mobile shingle—ankle-rolling and tiring, especially when retreating from the waterline.
  • Snaggy mixed ground and kelp; expect gear losses.
  • Porlock Marsh paths/boardwalks can flood on top springs and with surge—time your return.
• Personal safety:
  • A modern fishing PFD is sensible, especially when fishing close to the drop-off.
  • Headtorch with spare batteries; navigation is tricky in fog or drizzle.
  • Fish with a partner where possible; phone signal can be patchy.
• Accessibility:
  • Not suitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility due to shingle and distance.
• Restrictions:
  • National Trust/SSSI: keep to marked paths across the marsh; respect seasonal dog-on-lead notices for ground-nesting birds.

Facilities

You’re between Bossington (NT site) and Porlock Weir; facilities are at the car parks and villages, not at the mark.

• Toilets: At Bossington NT car park (seasonal) and Porlock Weir.
• Food/drink: Cafés, pubs and kiosks at Porlock Weir; village shops in Porlock.
• Tackle/bait: Tackle shops in Minehead and Watchet; ring ahead for crab, lug and fresh sandeel availability.
• Bins: Limited or none at the beach—take all litter and line home.
• Mobile signal: Variable; generally workable on higher ground but expect dead spots near the marsh.

Tips

Small positioning choices make a big difference at Gore Point. Read the water for colour lines, rips and clean sand seams among the kelp.

• Work a crab bait just uptide of a colour line or rip; bass patrol the edges where food funnels past the point.
• On big springs, step back up the slope as the flood quickens to keep lines gripping and reduce weed collection.
• Carry spare, heavy-wire grippers and pre-tied rotten-bottoms—you will lose gear.
• If the point is weedy, slide 30–60 m along the beach to find a clearer pocket; subtle ground changes tame the drag.
• Lure days are rare but golden: aim for first light on a neap with 10–15 mph offshore/side-off winds.
• Beaching fish on steep shingle: time the wave, walk back with the lift, and keep the rod low; a long-handled net is awkward here.

Regulations

This coastline sits within the Devon & Severn IFCA district and includes protected SSSI habitat behind the beach. Shore angling is generally permitted, but you must follow national and local rules.

• Access/conservation:
  • Stick to the South West Coast Path and signed routes across Porlock Marsh (SSSI); no fires or camping on the shingle.
• Species and sizes (check current updates before you go):
  • European seabass: In 2024 the recreational limit was 2 fish/day, minimum 42 cm, with catch-and-release only typically in Dec–Feb. Regulations are reviewed annually—check the latest DEFRA/IFCA notice before retaining bass.
  • Rays, huss, conger, whiting, etc.: Follow national minimum sizes and good practice; consider releasing larger breeding females (e.g., rays, huss).
• Bait collection:
  • Do not dig or disturb sensitive saltmarsh within the SSSI. Any crab or worm collection should be away from protected areas and in accordance with local byelaws.
• Other:
  • No known local angling bans at Gore Point itself. Be mindful of other users and keep clear of any ad-hoc netting or moorings nearer Porlock Weir.
• Always verify up-to-date byelaws with Devon & Severn IFCA and current national guidance before your session.