Fishing Breaks in Cornwall
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the North Cornwall Coast, Newquay has always been a fantastic place for fishing. The curve of the headland around what is now Newquay harbour provided natural protection from bad weather and a small fishing village grew up in the area. Up to the early 20th century, the small fishing village was famous for pilchards and there is a "Huer's Hut" above the harbour from which a lookout would cry "Heva!" to call out the fishing fleet when pilchard shoals were spotted. Newquay no longer has any involvement in pilchard fishing although there are plenty of other fish to catch.
Rock Fishing
There are many places where good rock fishing can be found on the North Coast, with an abundance of different species for the keen angler. The headland surrounding The Bay Hotel and The Esplanade are popular marks for mackerel, wrasse, pollack, garfish, trigger fish, turbot, plaice and occasional bass.
Float fishing and spinning are best in the summer months but bottom fishing with sandeel produces the turbot. Good marks for ray and turbot are Trenance and Trevose where good quality pollack, mackerel, wrasse, garfish, plaice, dabs and conger can also be found. Please remember that the North coast can produce some big sea swell and not to get too close to the water and watch the tides!
Beach Fishing
It should be noted that in summer the beaches are very popular with bathers and holidaymakers so beach and times should be chosen with some care. Fistral Beach, just a short stroll from The Bay Hotel and The Esplanade Hotel is good for bass in the evenings especially, or in the early morning before the crowds descend.
Boat Fishing
Newquay has an abundance of charter boats available and you can catch anything from cod, pollack, conger, gurnard, ray, mackerel and even shark on the specialist boats.
Newquay Boatmens Association have the top 2 angling boats, the Mystique and the Che Sara Sara, both of which are MCA licensed and insured up to 60 miles offshore. The boats have separate toilet compartments, colour fishfinders radar and G.P.S navigation equipment.
Probably the most respected fisherman in Newquay, Dave Trebilcock on his boat Che Sara Sara has over 40 years experience as a fisherman under his belt. He has worked with most of the angling clubs in Cornwall who hold him in high consideration for his deep knowledge of the sea and all there is to fishing. Holder of Cornish and British angling records he is also a member of the Professional Boatmans Association and his knowledge of wrecks and reefs in the area is second to none.
Born and bred in Newquay Wayne Row has a growing reputation as a top charter skipper.
He is a qualified and experienced skipper holding an RYA Commercially Endorsed Skippers ticket along with First Aid, Fire Fighting and Survival at sea qualifications as well as a member of the Professional Boatmans Association. From an experienced boat angler to a complete beginner Wayne will work his hardest to give you a good day onboard Mystique.
Half Day Trips are £20 per person / Full Day Trips cost £35 per person. To book call (01637) 876352 or 07772 196845
PLEASE TELEPHONE THE HOTELS DIRECTLY TO BOOK ACCOMMODATION:
The Bay Hotel 01637 852221
The Esplanade Hotel 01637 873333
*Photos from Bob Berry / Visit Cornwall