The full guide
Read straight through, or use the fishing notes above to keep marks, tides and tackle easier to follow.
BEGINNERS GUIDE TO BUYING FISHING GEAR...
Catching a bass is probably on most fishing wish lists.
There are lots of opportunities to fish for bass around Cornwall's coastline as they are caught all around the coast.
Good bass fishing areas in Cornwall are St Keverne, Coverack, The Roseland, The Lizard and on Cornwall's north coast off the beaches at Newquay and Porthtowan.
Bass can be found everywhere, in rocky or sandy environments and from deep sea right up to the end of estuaries, meaning that they can be caught using all methods of fishing - spinning, bottom fishing and float fishing. Your choice of method will depend on your chosen fishing location.
PLEASE NOTE:
There are restrictions on bass fishing which are periodically changed so please make sure you are aware of the current rules as it's likely that you will not be able to keep any bass that you catch. In this case you must adopt a fishing policy of 'catch and release' but it's no problem to get a photo first!
SPINNING FOR BASS
Spinning is a hands on, active fishing method. A lure or spinner is attached to the line which is then cast out and wound back in to make the lure imitate a swimming fish that a bass will hopefully want to eat!
Mackerel is great bait for bass so a soft lure mimicking a mackerel should work well. Alternatively, any of the khaki coloured Fiiish Lures are a good choice for bass fishing.
Please see below for our recommended products for spinning for bass - please click on our links to browse all products suitable for spinning.
FLOAT FISHING FOR BASS
As with bottom fishing, this method of fishing uses a baited hook but by using a float mid line, you can decide where your hook is going to stay in the water - as bass swim all over this is a good method and will involve some trial and error to determine the correct depth for a successful catch. Float fishing is exciting as once the float disappears it's both hands on the rod & reel ready for the retrieve!
Float fishing for bass is a great choice from rocky headlands or harbour walls but not such a good option for beach fishing.
Please see below for our suggestions below for a fishing rod, reel and tackle to fish for bass by float fishing. All other suitable products can be viewed by following our links.
Suggested Fishing Equipment for Spinning and Float Fishing for Bass
We have put together a suggested fishing reel, rod, lures and tackle which will give you everything you need to fish for bass using spinning lures or float fishing. The Great White spinning rod is a fabulous 4 piece carbon rod which not only performs well, but looks great too so you will be the envy of your fishing buddies! Being 4 piece also means it is a great option for travellers.
These are suggestions only so please click on the links to browse all spinning rods and fishing reels as we do cater for all budgets.
10% discount is deducted automatically on all orders over £70
BOTTOM FISHING FOR BASS
Bottom fishing is where a weight is attached to the line and then bait is put on to the hook. The line is cast out and the hook drops to the bottom where you will catch species such as flatfish, bass or conger eel. Once you have cast out, it's a waiting game until you see the rod move! Hopefully this is the sign that a fish has taken the bait and the retrieve begins!
Bottom fishing is a great option if fishing from the beach.
Suggested Fishing Equipment for Bottom Fishing for Bass
10% discount is deducted automatically on all orders over £70
Beach / Surf Rod
Sea Fishing Reel
Tackle Starter Kit
Useful kit for this species
Friendly tackle picks chosen to make the guide easier to put into practice.
Common questions
- What is the best method for catching bass?
- Lure fishing (spinning) is the most exciting and active way to target bass, working a soft lure or plug through likely water. Float fishing suits rocky headlands, while bottom fishing with bait shines from beaches. The best method is simply the one that suits your mark and the conditions on the day.
- What are the best lures for bass?
- Soft plastics like the Fiiish Black Minnow are a firm favourite, along with surface plugs at dawn and dusk and shallow-diving hard lures over sand. As a rule, lures that imitate small fish or sandeels tend to do the business when bass are feeding close in.
- When is the best time to fish for bass?
- Bass often feed best around moving water, so the two hours either side of high tide are prime, especially at dawn and dusk. Late spring through to autumn is the classic UK bass season, with warmer, fishy water bringing them within easy casting range.
- What are the UK bass fishing rules in 2026?
- For 2026, shore anglers may keep three bass per day outside the closed period, with a minimum size of 42cm. From 1 February to 31 March it's catch-and-release only, by rod or handline. Rules can change, so always check the latest GOV.UK guidance before you keep a fish.
- Where can I catch bass in Cornwall?
- Bass love a mix of rocky and sandy ground, from surf beaches like those around Newquay to rocky marks near St Keverne and Coverack. Look for white water, gullies and food being washed about; that's where bass come hunting close to shore.
- What is the bass size limit in the UK?
- The minimum conservation reference size for European sea bass is 42cm, measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. Any bass shorter than this must be returned to the water, so it pays to carry a small tape or a marked rod butt to check borderline fish quickly before deciding whether to keep one.
