Fishing at Praa Sands
A long, exposed, clean-sand surf beach on Mount's Bay where the choice is open surf gutters for bass, rays and turbot, or the rockier ends in calmer conditions for wrasse and summer species.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | Mar–Nov | Lug, crab or lure fished through the surf gutters, especially dawn/dusk. |
| Small-eyed ray | May–Sep | Fished at anchor over clean ground with sandeel or fish strip, mid-to-late flood through high water. |
| Turbot / plaice | Apr–Sep | Sandeel or worm bait fished on the bottom over clean sand. |
| Wrasse / pollack | May–Sep | Float-fished crab or lures at the rocky ends as water warms. |
| Whiting / sole | Oct–Feb (whiting), Jun–Sep (sole) | Worm bait fished on a simple flapper rig. |
Tactics
Fish the mid-to-late flood through high water and into the first of the ebb for the widest range of species; open surf gutters suit bass, rays and turbot on standard beachcaster tackle, while the rocky ends reward float and lure tactics in calmer conditions for wrasse and pollack.
Best tide: Mid to late flood through high water, into the first of the ebb · Best time: Dawn and dusk for bass; daytime for rays and flatfish
Dogs
Access & parking
Park at the large car parks directly behind the beach off Castle Drive. Sat-nav: TR20 9TG.Get directions → Family rating: ★★★ — A large, open, gently-shelving sandy beach with car parks, shops and toilets right behind it — one of the easier family beaches on this list.
FAQs
Are dogs allowed on Praa Sands in summer?
Only outside 1 July–31 August, 10am–6pm — Cornwall Council's PSPO bans dogs during that window; dogs are welcome the rest of the year and outside those hours.
What's the best bait for rays at Praa Sands?
Sandeel or fish strip fished at anchor over clean ground, best from the mid-to-late flood through high water.
Is Praa Sands good for beginners?
Yes — it's a large, open, easy-access beach with plenty of parking, making it a good family or beginner venue for bass and flatfish.
Nearby marks
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.