Summary
Greenaleigh Point sits just west of Minehead, on the Exmoor coast of Somerset, where wooded cliffs meet a boulder- and kelp-strewn foreshore. It’s a classic Bristol Channel rock mark with powerful tides, deep gullies, and serious rough ground that holds wrasse, pollack, conger and bull huss. For the prepared angler, it offers rewarding fishing away from the crowds, especially at dusk and into darkness.
Location and Access
Reaching Greenaleigh Point involves a scenic but committing walk along the South West Coast Path from Minehead or a steep descent from North Hill. Plan your approach in daylight the first time and travel light—trolleys don’t suit this terrain.
- From Minehead harbour: Follow the signed coast path west towards Hurlstone Point; allow 30–45 minutes on undulating path to reach the Greenaleigh area, then pick safe ledges at the Point.
- From North Hill: Footpaths drop steeply through woodland towards Greenaleigh Farm and the coast path; the final sections can be slippery after rain.
- Parking: Use Minehead’s pay-and-display car parks around the harbour/seafront; avoid blocking farm access near North Hill. Check local signs for opening times and charges.
- Terrain: Rocky platforms, large boulders, and kelp beds with limited flat standing. Footing is uneven—spiked boots or cleats strongly advised.
- Access notes: The foreshore is exposed at lower states; some ledges are only reachable around low water and can be cut off—know your exit routes.
Seasons
This is mixed rough ground with adjacent deeper water and heavy tide run. Expect classic Bristol Channel species with a summer rock-fish peak and winter odds-and-ends on the flood.
- Spring (Mar–May): Bass on building tides and colour; ballan wrasse start; pollack on calmer days; dogfish; occasional thornback from any nearby sand seams.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Ballan wrasse, pollack, bull huss, conger after dark; bass in on a push of swell; pout and rockling present; mackerel/gars are occasional given the Channel’s turbidity.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Peak wrasse/pollack continues early; huss and conger improve after dark; bass on rougher flood tides; chance of small-eyed or thornback rays if you can reach cleaner patches.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Whiting on bigger tides, pout, rockling, conger still at night; the odd codling in a proper blow (less reliable in recent years).
Methods
Rough-ground tactics are essential here: strong tackle, abrasion-resistant leaders, and rotten-bottom links. Fish light enough to hold, but heavy enough to cope with tide and kelp.
- Ledgering over rock: Pulley or pulley-pennel with rotten-bottom (weak link) lead; 4–6 oz grip leads depending on tide; 60–80 lb rubbing leader. Pennel 3/0–5/0 for squid/mackerel wraps targets huss/conger; size 1–2/0 for mixed fish.
- Distance work: Up-and-over or long pulley to drop baits beyond the worst rough; possible chance of rays on any cleaner strip, especially on neaps.
- Wrasse/pollack on the flood: Float-fishing crab, rag or prawn around kelpy edges for wrasse; or work soft plastics/metal lures (20–40 g) for pollack in clearer spells. Keep lures high to avoid kelp.
- Bass tactics: Big crab baits, whole squid or fish baits on a pulley at dusk; or plugs/metal if there’s a manageable swell and some clarity.
- Night sessions: Static big baits for huss and conger—step up to 80–100 lb trace, strong 5/0 hooks. A short snood helps reduce snagging in tide.
- Bait notes: Peeler crab (prime in late spring/summer), squid, mackerel, bluey, sandeel, rag/lug for general species. Fresh is best given the water movement.
Tides and Conditions
The Bristol Channel’s tidal range is immense, and Greenaleigh feels every bit of it. Time your visit to the tide, and expect strong lateral run even in settled weather.
- Tide states: Productive two hours before to two hours after low water for accessing more ground; mid-to-high can fish from higher ledges but beware being cut off.
- Tide size: Medium to big springs often switch fish on; very large springs can be unfishable (weed/drag). Neaps suit distance work and feeling for cleaner sand tongues.
- Conditions: A little swell and colour suits bass; clear, settled periods favour wrasse and pollack. Heavy westerlies create dangerous swell and weed—avoid exposed ledges.
- Time of day: Dusk into darkness is prime for huss, conger, and bass. Daylight flood for wrasse/pollack in the kelp.
- Seasonality: May–October is the headline window for rock species; winter is more opportunistic around weather windows.
Safety
This is a serious rock mark under steep cliffs, not suited to mobility-impaired access. Treat it like a remote venue even though Minehead is close by.
- Slippery ground: Kelp, weeded boulders, and greasy platforms—use studded boots/cleats and keep movements deliberate.
- Tide risk: Several ledges are cut off; always carry a headtorch, check tide tables, and keep an exit line behind you.
- Swell and wash: Long-period swell can surge onto low platforms even on calm days. Keep low kit footprint and don’t fish in big seas.
- Rockfall/cliff hazards: Avoid standing under overhangs; after heavy rain, small rockfalls are possible.
- Night fishing: Reccy in daylight first. Fish with a partner where possible; carry spare lights.
- Comms: Phone signal can be patchy under the hill—inform someone of your plan. A waist-belt lifejacket is a sensible precaution.
Facilities
There are no facilities at the mark itself; think ‘self-sufficient’ and pack accordingly. Minehead provides services before and after the session.
- Nearest amenities: Public toilets, cafés, and shops around Minehead seafront/harbour.
- Tackle and bait: Available in Minehead and along the West Somerset coast—check opening hours, especially off-season.
- Food and water: Bring your own for the session; no supplies en route.
- Mobile signal: Variable to poor at the Point and under the cliffs; better on higher path sections.
Tips
Greenaleigh rewards tidy, efficient fishing and punishes clutter. Fish smart, fish light, and expect to lose some gear in the rough.
- Use rotten-bottom links of lighter mono (10–15 lb) or wire to save terminal tackle; keep rigs short to reduce snagging.
- Pre-tie rigs and store them in wallets; you’ll lose time (and fish) if you’re tying in the wind on a boulder.
- A long-handled gaiter or drop-net isn’t practical; plan to handline fish carefully on heavy snoods, and avoid perching over deep gaps.
- Don’t ignore the first push of flood over kelp—wrasse and bass often switch on for a short, hectic window.
- After dark, big unwashed squid or mackerel flappers sort out the better huss/conger—give baits time, then hold firm and wind steadily to lift fish clear of snags.
- Travel with a backpack, not a barrow; keep kit minimal and clipped to you when moving between rocks.
Regulations
Shore angling is generally permitted at Greenaleigh Point; it lies within Exmoor National Park where normal access rules apply. There is no specific local ban on fishing, but you must follow national and regional fisheries rules.
- Bass: Recreational bass restrictions apply in the Bristol Channel (minimum size and seasonal daily bag limits). Check current MMO/UK Gov guidance for exact dates and allowances before your trip.
- Minimum sizes and byelaws: Observe national Minimum Conservation Reference Sizes (MMO) and Devon & Severn IFCA byelaws for this coastline. These include protections for certain shellfish (e.g., no taking berried lobsters/crabs) and gear restrictions that may affect netting, not typical rod-and-line use.
- Protected areas: Parts of this coastline fall within designated conservation sites; there is no blanket ban on rod angling, but avoid damaging habitats and do not remove features or bait-dig in sensitive rocky areas.
- Access and conduct: Keep to public rights of way, leave gates as found, no fires or camping on the foreshore, and take all litter and line home.
- Always verify the latest rules with the MMO and the local IFCA before fishing, as regulations can change.
