Fishing at Widemouth Bay

BeachCornwall🐾 Seasonal daytime dog ban★★★ family

A two-mile Blue Flag surf beach south of Bude and one of North Cornwall's most reliable ray venues after dark.

What you can catch

Species	Season	Method
Thornback ray	Apr–Oct	Sandeel at range after dark
Small-eyed ray	May–Sep	Fresh sandeel, night flood tides
Bass	Apr–Nov	Bait in the surf tables or lures at first light
Dogfish	All year	Any fish bait on the bottom
Whiting	Oct–Feb	Lug/squid cocktails after dark

Tactics

Long casts onto clean sand at night — local reports include rays past 8lb. Pulley or up-and-over rigs with grip leads in any surf.

Best tide: Flooding tide into darkness · Best time: Night sessions; long walk to the water at low tide

Dogs

Main (north) beach: dog ban 10am–6pm from 15 May to 30 September (Cornwall Council PSPO). Black Rock at the southern end is dog-friendly all year — fish from that end in summer.

Access & parking

Large car parks directly behind the beach. Sat-nav: EX23 0AW.Get directions → Family rating: ★★★ — Wide, flat, easy beach with car parks, café and toilets. Watch for weever fish when wading barefoot.

FAQs

Can I take my dog to Widemouth Bay?

In summer (15 May to 30 September) dogs are banned from the main beach between 10am and 6pm, but Black Rock at the southern end welcomes dogs all year round.

What rays can you catch at Widemouth Bay?

Thornback and small-eyed rays are the regular catch, best after dark on fresh sandeel cast at range onto the clean sand.

Nearby marks

Bude Breakwater · Wanson Mouth

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.