Fishing at Millook Haven
A steep-sided shingle cove tucked beneath Penhalt's famous zig-zag folded cliffs, fished off low-water rock platforms and deep gullies for bass and huss — the steep walk in keeps it quiet even in summer.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | Apr–Nov | Spun with soft plastics or small metals over the deep low-water gullies either side of the cove. |
| Mackerel | Jun–Sep | Strung feathers or a small spinner worked off the rock platforms as shoals push through on the flood. |
| Bull huss | Jul–Nov | Fished after dark on a cheap rotten-bottom rig baited with crab, dropped into the snaggy gullies. |
| Smooth-hound | Jun–Sep | Same crab-baited rotten-bottom approach as huss, best on a big push of tide. |
Tactics
This is a lure and light-tackle mark rather than one for static bait fishing — the ground is riddled with kelp-filled gullies that will strip a leger rig of terminal tackle in minutes, so fish crab baits on cheap rotten-bottom rigs after dark for huss and hound, and save lures for bass and mackerel on the way in.
Best tide: 2 hours either side of low water, fishing up over the flood · Best time: Dusk into darkness for huss/hound; early morning or evening for bass and mackerel
Dogs
Access & parking
Park at the small Penhalt Cliff car park above the valley and walk down the coast path, or use very limited roadside parking on the steep lane into the cove. Sat-nav: EX23 0DF.Get directions → Family rating: ★☆☆ — Parking is very limited (roadside only, or a 20-minute walk down a steep coast-path descent), no facilities, and local anglers describe the low-water ground as treacherous underfoot.
FAQs
Is Millook Haven dog friendly?
Yes — Millook has no seasonal dog ban, so dogs are welcome on the beach all year round.
Can you fish Millook Haven at low tide?
Yes, low water exposes the wide rock platforms and gullies that are the main draw for lure anglers, but the ground floods quickly, so fish up over the flood.
Is there parking at Millook Haven?
Parking is very limited — the nearest official car park is Penhalt Cliff (EX23 0DF), about a 20-minute walk via a steep coast-path descent.
Nearby marks
Wanson Mouth · Crackington Haven
Last updated 7 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.