Fishing at Burntisland Beach
A sand-and-rock beach on the Firth of Forth with a rocky point good for wrasse and codling, plus flatfish off the sandier stretches — handy for the leisure centre and links if you've got family in tow.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch → Full fish guide
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Codling (Juvenile Cod) | May–Aug (summer cod run) | Rag or lugworm fished on the bottom off the rocky point. |
| Wrasse | Summer | Float-fished rag or crab close to the rocks. |
| Mackerel | Jun–Sep | Feathers when shoals push into the Forth. |
| Flatfish (Mixed / Unspecified) | Apr–Oct | Beachcaster with worm bait over the sandier ground east of the town. |
Tactics
Fish the rocky point for wrasse and the mid-May to end-August 'summer cod' run using rag or crab hard on the bottom of the slope. The sandier beach further east is the better bet for flatties with a beachcaster.
Best tide: Rising tide · Best time: Summer
Dogs
No verified source. Check current signage and the relevant authority.
Access & parking
Links Place car park sits right at the beach with toilets and cafes nearby. Sat-nav: KY3 9DY.Get directions → Family rating: ★★★ — Judgement call — sandy beach right beside the leisure centre, seaside park and links, one of the more family-geared venues on this list.
FAQs
What is the summer cod run at Burntisland?
Local anglers refer to a reliable run of codling from mid-May to end of August, best fished with rag or crab bait on the bottom.
Is Burntisland Beach good for families?
Yes — sandy beach next to a leisure centre, park and cafes, easy for a family fishing trip.
Can you catch mackerel at Burntisland?
Yes, when shoals move into the Forth in summer, feathers off the rocks or harbour area work well.
Nearby marks
Kirkcaldy Esplanade & Harbour · Fisherrow Harbour, Musselburgh
Last updated 16 July 2026 — sources & disclaimer
Compiled from angling guides, forums and the relevant council's dog byelaws, cross-checked where possible.
Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.