Fishing at Gourdon Harbour
A working double harbour on the Aberdeenshire coast, well known locally as a big-cod venue that fishes best in a rough sea — the stretch north to Inverbervie is a good, relatively safe run of marks.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch → Full fish guide
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Cod (Atlantic Cod) | Year-round, best in rough weather | Big bait fished hard on the bottom from the harbour at high tide. |
| Coalfish (Saithe) | Year-round | Feathers or lures off the harbour walls. |
| Codling (Juvenile Cod) | Autumn–Winter | Standard bait tactics from the quay, especially when the codling run is in. |
| Pollack (Pollock) | Summer | Lures fished over rougher ground either side of the harbour. |
Tactics
Gourdon fishes best at high tide with some sea running — a flat calm day here is far less productive than a bit of rough weather. The stretch of coast north towards Inverbervie offers further safe, similar marks if the harbour itself is busy.
Best tide: High water · Best time: Year-round, best in rough sea conditions
Dogs
No verified source. Check current signage and the relevant authority.
Access & parking
Parking available in the village near the harbour; coastal walks run both directions. Sat-nav: DD10 0LR.Get directions → Family rating: ★☆☆ — Judgement call — a genuine working harbour fished best in rough sea states, which makes it less suitable for young children than the calmer venues on this list.
FAQs
What is Gourdon Harbour known for when fishing?
It has a strong local reputation for big cod and coalfish, especially fishing at high tide in a rough sea.
Is Gourdon a beginner-friendly mark?
Not especially — it fishes best in rough conditions, so it suits more experienced anglers comfortable around sea spray and swell.
Can you buy fresh fish at Gourdon?
Yes, there are filleting sheds by the harbour where you can buy fish landed locally.
Nearby marks
Johnshaven Harbour · Montrose Harbour · Stonehaven Harbour
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.