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Somerset

Hurlstone Point

6.3 · Rocks · Somerset

Exposed rocky headland with deep, fast-running water close in. Kelp-fringed gullies and ledges hold wrasse, pollack and pouting by day; after dark larger predators like conger and bull huss roam. Best on a flooding or early ebb tide, especially at dawn/dusk or at night for eels/huss. Summer brings mackerel and occasional garfish; bass after a blow around boulder surf lines. Access is a strenuous coastal path walk and short scramble; platforms are uneven and waves can surge—fish neap tides and calm seas only. No facilities or shelter but outstanding scenery.

Should you fish Hurlstone Point?

36 Low

Today · Best available

Best available: 21:00-00:00

Most likely species: Conger Eel and Bass

Poor conditions. Best available around 21:00-00:00, but no window reaches the strong threshold today. Good chance of Conger Eel and Bass.

W 7 mph Rain 43% High tide 12:06

Consider a backup mark if conditions do not improve.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Hurlstone Point — 7-day forecast

Scores and best windows are weighted for .

Met Office Met Office · Open-Meteo

Where the data comes from. Weather and sea-state readings come from the Met Office and Open-Meteo forecast models, refreshed several times a day. High and low water are taken from tide-station predictions for this stretch of coast.

How the score works. Each window is scored 0–100 from the signals that most reliably move fish inshore: tide movement (a running tide carries food, so the last of the flood and first of the ebb are usually the prime spells), wind speed and direction (onshore wind stirs food into the surf — up to the point it makes fishing hard), sea state (a little wave and swell movement helps, heavy swell hurts), and weather — rain, temperature and light. Behind the headline number we score bite opportunity and comfort separately, and run a separate safety check on wind and swell. The size of the tide counts too: spring tides move more water than neaps, so the tidal range for this stretch of coast is weighed alongside the tide's direction, your target species and this mark — and unusually big springs strengthen the safety check, because the water rises faster and covers more ground.

Your target species counts. Pick a species below and the score also weights what we know about it — its season, preferred sea temperature, tide stage and sea state, and whether it feeds by day or night.

The rating is guidance, not a guarantee — conditions change fast on the coast, so always judge the sea in front of you before you fish.

Wednesday looks better than today. Unlock the week to see its score and exact window.

· windows & tide

Spring vs neap tides. Spring tides have a larger difference between high and low water, so more water moves on each tide — usually stronger flow that stirs up food and gets fish feeding. Neap tides have a smaller range and generally gentler movement. The range here is compared with what is normal for this stretch of coast, and the cycle swings between springs and neaps roughly every week, following the moon.

Big spring tides: the water rises faster and covers more ground than usual — double-check access routes and cut-off points before you fish.

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Hurlstone Point is a committing, exposed rock mark where timing matters more than distance. Deep, fast water runs close to kelp-fringed ledges and gullies, giving good daylight sport for wrasse and pollack, while dusk into dark is the stronger window for conger, bull huss, dogfish, bass and occasional bigger mixed-ground fish. Fish it on calm neaps, with the last of the flood and start of the ebb the key window; avoid heavy swell and big spring tide run.

  • Know when the Point ledges are worth the walk — and when to turn back.
  • Pick the flood-to-early-ebb window instead of fighting savage mid-tide run.
  • Target wrasse, pollack, huss and conger in the right parts of the rough ground.
  • Use rotten-bottom tactics that keep you fishing instead of donating rigs.
  • Have a nearby fallback plan before the swell or tide beats you.

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Blue Anchor 8.7 mi Lynton and Lynmouth 11.1 mi St Donat's 12.0 mi Llantwit Major 12.9 mi Boverton 13.1 mi

Explore nearby towns: Blue Anchor · Lynton and Lynmouth · St Donat's · Llantwit Major · Boverton

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Forecast tuning currently supports Bass and Mackerel — more species are on the way.

Overall rating

6.3 /10

Blend of catch potential, access, safety, and overall experience.

Category scores

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

Pollack 8/10
Tip: Soft plastics or metals along kelp edges on the flood, especially at dusk. Cast uptide and retrieve slowly. Best Apr–Oct; neaps ease the tide run.
Ballan Wrasse 8/10
Tip: Rough kelp gullies on the flood. Fish crab or rag on strong gear; use a rotten-bottom. Best May–Sep, daylight around mid–high tide.
Bass 7/10
Tip: Work surfy seams and point eddies on a flooding tide at dawn/dusk or after a blow. Plugs/soft plastics or peeler crab. Summer–autumn.
Conger Eel 7/10
Tip: Big fish baits (mackerel/squid) at dusk into dark over HW from ledges. Heavy mono trace and rotten-bottom essential in snags.
Pouting 6/10
Tip: Worm/squid cocktails on small hooks into deeper holes at range, most states, best at dusk. Expect them tight to the rough stuff.
Lesser Spotted Dogfish 6/10
Tip: Small fish or squid strips on the deck through the flood into HW. Mixed rough ground; expect steady bites, especially on neaps.
Bull Huss 6/10
Tip: Fish or crab baits in rough ground at dusk/night on the last of the flood and slack. 60–100 lb mono trace; use a rotten-bottom.
Corkwing Wrasse 6/10
Tip: Small crab/rag on size 2–4 hooks into kelp pockets on the flood, May–Sep. Keep baits tight to rock.
Three-bearded Rockling 5/10
Tip: Rag or lug baits fished static in kelpy gullies after dark on the flood. Short casts reduce snags.
Long-spined Sea Scorpion 5/10
Tip: LRF tactics with tiny hooks and bits of prawn/worm among boulders at mid–low water; short casts into gullies.

Local knowledge

Hurlstone Point fishing guide

Practical access, seasons, methods, tides, safety and facilities for this mark.

Hurlstone Point sits on the wild Exmoor coast between Bossington and Porlock Weir, overlooking the fast‑moving tides of the Bristol Channel. Steep shingle, kelp‑covered rock and deep water close in make it a challenging, rewarding mark for experienced shore anglers. Expect powerful tide run, snaggy ground, and the chance of quality rays, huss, smoothhound, bass and conger after dark.

Reaching Hurlstone Point involves a scenic but strenuous walk on the South West Coast Path. Most anglers approach from Bossington, crossing the shingle and climbing the coastal path towards the old coastguard lookout on the Point.

  • Parking: National Trust car park at Bossington (signed from the A39 via Porlock/Bossington). Pay‑and‑display; arrive early in summer. Postcodes in this area vary—search for Bossington National Trust car park if using sat nav.
  • Walk-in: 25–45 minutes with tackle depending on fitness and chosen stance. Expect steep, uneven paths, steps, and sections of loose shingle.
  • Alternative approach: From Porlock Weir along the coast path (longer, more ascent/descents). Both routes are exposed in bad weather.
  • Terrain at the mark: Kelp‑fringed rock ledges and boulder gullies beneath the Point; steep shingle/sand further back towards Bossington. Very snaggy ground close in.

This coastline fishes best from late spring through autumn, with winter options after storms. Expect tide‑driven windows rather than all‑day sport.

  • Spring (Apr–Jun):
    • Smoothhound (builds late spring on peeler crab)
    • Thornback ray; occasional small‑eyed ray on the adjacent shingle
    • Bass on coloured water and in surf lines
    • Pollack and ballan wrasse around kelp on calmer days
  • Summer (Jul–Aug):
    • Smoothhound, bass, bull huss, conger after dark
    • Dogfish common; chance of mackerel or garfish on very settled evenings
    • Wrasse and pollack on lures/float along the ledges
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov):
    • Thornback ray, bull huss, bass (dusk into dark best)
    • Whiting appear on neaps/at range; occasional codling after rough seas
    • Conger on big baits at night
  • Winter (Dec–Feb):
    • Whiting, dogfish; sporadic codling after strong westerlies
    • Thornback ray on calmer, mild spells
    • Conger still possible on neap tides at night

The ground is rough and the tide savage; fish strong tackle, grip leads and rotten‑bottoms. Darkness usually out‑fishes daylight.

  • Bottom fishing:
    • Rigs: Pulley pennel with rotten‑bottom (weak link) for rays/bass/huss; up‑and‑over for rays; long pulley/dropper when casting at range from the shingle.
    • Leads: 5–7 oz wired/grip leads; step up on springs. Bait clip everything to keep rigs aerodynamic.
    • Baits: Peeler crab (prime for hounds/bass), fresh/frozen sandeel or squid for rays, mackerel/squid cocktails for huss/rays, big mackerel or squid heads for conger, rag/lug for whiting and mixed bags.
  • Lure/float (settled neaps, clearish water):
    • Weedless soft plastics and metal jigs for pollack along the kelp fringes at dusk.
    • Float‑fished rag or sandeel for wrasse/garfish where swell allows.
  • Tackle notes:
    • 13–15 ft beach rod or sturdy rock rod, 7000–8000 size reel, 30 lb mono or 50–60 lb braid with heavy rubbing leader (60–80 lb). Hooks 2/0–5/0 (strong patterns).

The Bristol Channel’s range and flow dominate this mark. Plan around manageable run and safe swell.

  • Tide size: Neaps are far easier to fish; on big springs the mid‑tide run can be unfishable from the Point.
  • Tide stage: Often best the last 2 hours of the flood and first 1–2 of the ebb; brief lulls around slack are windows to reposition and re‑rig.
  • Time of day: Dusk into dark transforms the mark—rays, huss, conger and better bass show.
  • Sea state: A light to moderate swell can switch on bass but avoid heavy swell—dumping waves on the shingle and wash over the ledges are dangerous. Westerlies raise swell; easterlies flatten it but can reduce colour.
  • Water clarity: Usually coloured; quick clear spells on settled neaps can favour lures.
  • After storms: Short windows for codling are most likely as the sea starts to drop and colour remains.

This is an exposed, committing rock mark with a serious shingle approach. It is not suitable for those with limited mobility or inexperience on rough ground.

  • Footing: Slippery weeded rock and loose shingle; wear studded boots or rock spikes. Consider a personal flotation device.
  • Swell: The ledges get washed by sets—keep well back, never turn your back on the sea, and don’t fish the Point in big swell.
  • Tide: Powerful lateral run; use rotten‑bottoms to prevent being anchored in snags. No safe wading. Be aware of cut‑off potential on lower ledges.
  • Rockfall/cliffs: Occasional rockfall from the slopes; avoid standing under crumbling faces.
  • Night fishing: Essential headtorch/spare batteries; mark safe exit routes in daylight.
  • Communication: Phone signal can be patchy; tell someone your plan and ETA. Avoid fishing alone on the Point.
  • Access: Steep paths and steps; carry modest loads and allow extra time in wet conditions.

You’re in Exmoor National Park—beautiful but sparse on amenities right at the mark. Plan to be self‑sufficient.

  • Parking/toilets: National Trust car park at Bossington; seasonal toilets are usually available when the car park is staffed.
  • Food/drink: Cafés in Bossington village (seasonal) and pubs/food at Porlock and Porlock Weir.
  • Tackle/bait: Bait and tackle available in Minehead and Porlock area; hours can be seasonal—phone ahead.
  • Mobile signal: Intermittent on the Point and in some coombes; better on higher ground.
  • Lighting/bins: No lighting, few bins—pack out all litter and line.

Hurlstone rewards tidy rigs, strong gear and timing your session to the conditions. Small adjustments make big differences here.

  • Use a weak link (15–25 lb mono) below your lead; expect to lose gear if you don’t.
  • Clip baits tight and cast beyond the worst kelp lines where possible; on neaps you can hold a line more easily.
  • Crab is king for smoothhound and a great bass bait—fresh peelers or hardbacks lightly cracked.
  • For rays, try squid/sandeel cocktails and leave baits fishing—don’t over‑tighten into the tide, let the lead dig in.
  • Conger and huss roam the fringes after dark—big, oily baits, strong traces (80 lb+) and keep the first lift steady to turn fish from the rough.
  • Lures: Work soft plastics just above the kelp canopy on settled evenings; first and last light are prime for pollack.
  • Keep a low profile and reduce headtorch use at night for bass close in on the shingle.
  • Seals and porpoises are regular—great to see but can kill the bite; if they move through, take a brew and wait them out.

Sea angling is permitted here on National Trust/Exmoor coast, but you must follow national and regional rules and respect protected habitats.

  • Bass: England frequently operates a minimum size and seasonal daily bag limit for recreational bass (commonly 42 cm min with a limited daily take in season). These measures are reviewed—check the current rules with the MMO before retaining bass.
  • Sizes/bag limits: Observe national Minimum Conservation Reference Sizes (MCRS) for species you intend to keep. When in doubt, return fish.
  • Local authority: This coastline falls under the Devon & Severn IFCA—review any current shore angling or bait collection byelaws before your trip.
  • Protected sites: The Bossington–Porlock coast includes sensitive SSSI features (shingle ridge/saltmarsh). Keep to established paths, avoid digging in vegetated shingle/saltmarsh, and minimise bait collection impact.
  • National Trust land: No fires, no camping, take litter home, and keep dogs under close control during bird nesting season.
  • Licensing: No rod licence is required for sea fishing in England, but a licence is needed for migratory species in certain estuaries—check if targeting salmonids (not typical here).