This steep shingle beach is Cornwall’s equivalent to Dorset’s Chesil Beach, although it is on a much smaller scale.
The area is exposed to the south-west wind, so care should be taken at all times, especially at night if there is any swell.
A good all-round mark for many species all year, it is best fished after dark over slack low water. There is a good depth of water off the Bar, so float fishing in summer is possible for mackerel and garfish.
SPECIES
Bull huss, codling, conger eels, dabs, dogfish, garfish, mackerel, pollack, pouting, rays and whiting, with some winters giving big cod and small-eyed rays.
TACKLE
Use a multiplier with 15-20lb line, 4oz breakout lead, two-hook trace with size 3/0 and 2/0 hooks, with a suitable shockleader for legering, especially at night. Fish with lighter spinning or fl oat tackle for mackerel and garfish over middle of the day high tides.
GETTING THERE
Take the B3304 Helston to Pothleven road. Drive around the left-hand side of Porthleven harbour and take the minor road leading south-east to Loe Bar.
There is restricted parking on the access road, where notices should be observed.
TACKLE SHOPS
Atlantic Fishing Tackle, 36 Wendron Street, Helston, tel: 01326 561640.
Porthleven Angling Centre, Harbour Head, Porthleven, tel: 01326 561885.
