Frequently Asked Questions | Cornwall Fishing Trips

Everything you need to know before booking a fishing trip from Padstow with the Emma Kate. Can't find an answer? Call us on 07970 595244 — we're always happy to chat.

Booking & Pricing

How do I book a fishing trip with Emma Kate?

The easiest way to book is to call us on 07970 595244 or email mail@emmakate2.com. Tell us which trip you'd like, your preferred date and the number of people in your group. We'll confirm availability, discuss any questions you have, and take a deposit to secure your date. We'll then send full joining instructions for Padstow Harbour, PL28 8BY.

We recommend booking as far in advance as possible — particularly for summer dates (July–September) and Bluefin tuna season (August–November), which fill up months ahead.

How much do the fishing trips cost?

All prices are per person for shared trips. Exclusive private charter prices are also listed:

2 Hour Mackerel Trip — £25pp · Charter: £300
4 Hour Wreck & Reef Trip — £50pp · Charter: £500
8 Hour Full Day Charter — £90pp · Charter: £700
Evening Sea Fishing Trip — £45pp · Charter: £530
Bluefin Tuna Charter — £225pp (max 4 anglers, exclusive by nature)

All prices include tackle, rods, reels and bait. There are no hidden extras. See the full trips page for complete details.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

Yes — we take a deposit to secure your booking. The deposit amount and balance payment arrangements will be confirmed when you book. The balance is typically paid before or on the day of your trip. We'll give you all the details when you get in touch.

What is your cancellation policy?

If we need to cancel due to unsafe weather conditions, we will always offer a full rearrangement or a complete refund. We take this responsibility seriously and will contact you as early as possible — usually the day before or early on the morning of your trip.

If you need to cancel, please contact us as soon as possible. Cancellation terms will be confirmed at the time of booking and depend on how far in advance you cancel. We always try to be fair and flexible where circumstances allow.

How far in advance should I book?

As far ahead as you can — particularly for peak periods. Here's a rough guide:

July & August — book 2–3 months ahead. Weekend dates go first.
Bluefin tuna season (Aug–Nov) — enquire in spring. Tuna dates are extremely limited and sell out fast.
Spring & autumn — 4–6 weeks ahead is usually fine for most trips.
Winter — availability is generally better. Contact us a couple of weeks ahead.

Can I book for a group?

Absolutely. Groups are very welcome on all our shared trips, up to the maximum number of guests per trip. For groups of 6 or more, a private charter is often the best option — exclusive use of the boat, total flexibility on what you fish, and often comparable cost to the per-person shared rate when split between a larger group.

Do you offer gift vouchers?

Yes — gift vouchers for Emma Kate fishing trips make an outstanding present for anglers and non-anglers alike. Contact us on07970 595244or emailmail@emmakate2.comto discuss gift voucher options for any trip value.

What time do trips depart?

Departure times vary with the tides, which change daily. We'll confirm your exact departure time when you book, and send a reminder before your trip. As a general guide:

2 Hour Mackerel — typically morning or early afternoon
4 Hour Wreck & Reef — morning departures, tide-dependent
8 Hour Full Day — early morning, typically 6:00–7:30am
Evening Trip — departs 5:00–5:30pm, returns ~9:00–9:30pm
Bluefin Tuna — early morning, typically 5:30–6:30am

We ask all guests to arrive at the boat 15 minutes before departure.

On the Boat

Is fishing tackle and bait included?

Yes — completely. All rods, reels, lines, weights, hooks, traces and bait are included in every trip price at no extra charge. We supply everything you need. You don't need to bring any fishing equipment unless you specifically want to use your own.

Can I bring my own fishing gear?

Absolutely — experienced anglers are very welcome to bring their own specialist tackle aboard at no extra charge. This is particularly popular on our 8-hour full day charter, where specialist gear for tope, specimen pollack or bream can make a real difference. Please let us know in advance what you're planning to bring so the skippers can factor it into the day's plan.

What should I wear and bring on the boat?

Clothing: Wear warm, waterproof layers — even on a warm summer day it's cooler on the water and conditions can change. A waterproof jacket is always recommended. Non-slip footwear is essential — no flip-flops or heeled shoes on a boat deck.

Other essentials:

Sun cream and sunglasses in summer (reflection off the water intensifies UV)
Seasickness medication if needed — take it 30+ minutes before boarding
Food and soft drinks for longer trips (no catering on board)
A bag or cool-box for your catch on the return (we can supply bags)
Camera or phone for photos

What you don't need to bring: Any fishing equipment — we supply it all.

Can we bring food and drink on board?

Yes — food and soft drinks are very welcome on board. For longer trips (4 hours and above) we'd encourage you to bring something to eat and plenty of water. For the 8-hour full day charter, treat it like a packed lunch day — bring enough food for a full day at sea.

We ask that alcohol is kept sensible, particularly on longer trips and for obvious safety reasons. A reasonable amount is fine; we just ask guests to drink responsibly while on the water.

What's the boat like? Is it comfortable?

The Emma Kate is a LOCHIN 38 — a 38-foot charter fishing vessel built by the same company responsible for RNLI lifeboats and police patrol boats. She has a sheltered wheelhouse with seating, a clear working deck with multiple rod holders, and is powered by twin 280hp Iveco engines. She handles the North Cornwall coast's sometimes demanding conditions with confidence.

She is maintained to a very high standard and is one of the best-equipped charter fishing vessels operating off the Cornwall coast. Guests consistently comment on the quality and condition of the boat in their reviews.

Is there a toilet on board?

yes — the Emma Kate has toilet facilities on board. We'd recommend using the facilities at Padstow harbour before departure if possible, particularly before longer trips.

How many people can come on each trip?+

2 Hour Mackerel Trip — maximum 12 guests
4 Hour Wreck & Reef Trip — maximum 10 guests
8 Hour Full Day Charter — maximum 8 guests
Evening Trip — maximum 12 guests
Bluefin Tuna Charter — maximum 4 anglers (exclusive trip)

If your group is larger than the shared trip maximum, a private charter gives you the whole boat exclusively — contact us to discuss.

Beginners & Families

Do I need any fishing experience?

None at all. Skippers Lee and John welcome complete beginners on every trip. They'll show you how to hold the rod, how to use the reel, how to bait a hook and exactly what to do when you feel a bite. The2-hour mackerel tripis specifically designed for first-timers — most beginners catch their first fish within minutes of arriving at the grounds.

Is fishing suitable for children?

Absolutely — and children love it. The 2-hour mackerel trip is the perfect family experience. Lee and John are experienced and genuinely enjoy fishing with younger guests. Life jackets are provided for all ages. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

If you have very young children or any specific concerns, please call us on 07970 595244 before booking and we'll advise on the best trip for your group.

What is the minimum age for fishing trips?

There is no set minimum age for the 2-hour mackerel trip. Children of all ages are welcome provided they are accompanied by a responsible adult. For longer or more offshore trips (4 hours and above), we'd recommend children are at least 8–10 years old, as the longer duration can be tiring and conditions more challenging. Please discuss your specific situation with us when booking.

I'm worried about seasickness — what should I do?

Seasickness is a real concern for many first-timers, and it's completely understandable. Here's our advice:

Take medication before you board — antihistamine-based tablets (Stugeron, Kwells, Travel Calm) work best. Take them at least 30–60 minutes before departure, not after you already feel unwell.
Eat before you go — an empty stomach makes seasickness worse. A light meal beforehand is better than nothing.
Stay on deck — being below deck makes things worse. Fresh air, focusing on the horizon, and keeping still all help.
Tell the skippers — if you start feeling unwell, tell Lee or John immediately. They can adjust the boat's position, give you the best spot on deck, and if necessary, head back early.

Our 2-hour mackerel trip keeps relatively close to shore in sheltered waters, making it by far the most comfortable option if you're uncertain about seasickness.

I've never been on a boat before. Should I be worried?

Thousands of first-time boaters have had an incredible time on the Emma Kate. The 2-hour mackerel trip is a short, relatively sheltered trip that most people find very comfortable. Lee and John are experienced at welcoming nervous guests — their calm, friendly manner and obvious love of what they do quickly puts people at ease.

If you have significant anxiety about being at sea, we'd recommend the 2-hour trip as your starting point. The vast majority of guests who try it come back for more.

Which trip do you recommend for a complete beginner?

The2-hour mackerel trip— every time. It's designed specifically for beginners, the duration is manageable, the action is near-instant, and the shorter time at sea means even nervous first-timers feel comfortable. Many guests who start with the mackerel trip come back the same day or later in the week to book the4-hour wreck and reef trip.

Your Catch

Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes — all fish within legal minimum sizes are yours to keep and take home. We carry bags for your catch. Many guests take their fresh fish straight to one of Padstow's restaurants — some will cook it for you that day, which is an extraordinary experience. See our Padstow guide for local recommendations.

The only exception is our Bluefin tuna charter, which is strictly catch-and-release under the UK government's licensing scheme. Tuna cannot be retained under any circumstances.

What fish are we likely to catch?

It depends on the trip and the season — here's a summary:

2 Hour Mackerel — Mackerel (peak May–Oct), garfish, inshore pollack
4 Hour Wreck & Reef — Pollack, cod, gurnard, pouting, ling, wrasse, mackerel
8 Hour Full Day — All of the above, plus tope shark (summer), black bream, ray, smoothhound, conger, ling
Evening Trip — Pollack, mackerel, gurnard, bass (seasonal), pouting

For a full seasonal species guide, see our Padstow fishing guide.

Is there a guarantee of catching fish?

We can't guarantee catches — the sea is wild and fishing always involves an element of chance. What we can guarantee is that Lee and John will use every skill and piece of knowledge they've accumulated over 40+ years on these specific waters to maximise your chances. We have never returned from a mackerel trip without catching mackerel, and our wreck and reef trips consistently produce good catches across the season.

How do I clean and cook my catch?

Lee and John are happy to show you how to clean and fillet your fish before you leave the harbour — just ask. Mackerel is best cooked fresh on the same day: grilled or pan-fried simply with lemon and butter, or BBQ'd over high heat. They're one of the finest eating fish in the sea when completely fresh. Pollack and gurnard are also excellent eating.

Alternatively, take your catch to one of Padstow's restaurants — the town has some of the finest seafood cooking in the UK and some places will cook your own fish for you.

Are there legal size limits on the fish I catch?

Yes — all sea fishing in UK waters is subject to minimum size limits for each species, designed to protect juvenile fish and ensure stocks remain healthy. Our skippers are fully aware of all current legal limits and will advise you on which fish to keep and which to return. We always fish responsibly and within the law.

Weather & Safety

What happens if the weather is bad on my trip day?

Safety is our absolute priority. If sea conditions are unsafe — too rough, too windy, or with a forecast that makes going out irresponsible — we will not go out. We'll contact you as early as possible, usually the evening before or early on the morning of your trip.

In this situation we will always offer to rearrange your trip for an alternative date or issue a full refund if no alternative date works. We will never put guests at risk for commercial reasons — our judgement on safety is final and non-negotiable.

Is the Emma Kate safe?

Yes. The Emma Kate is fully MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) licensed and carries all required safety equipment including:

Life jackets for all passengers
EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)
Flares and visual distress signals
VHF marine radio
GPS navigation
First aid kit and fire extinguishers
Liferaft (on longer offshore trips)

Both Lee and John hold current MCA skipper licences and marine first aid certificates. The LOCHIN 38 hull is inherently stable and was designed for open Atlantic conditions.

What if conditions change while we're at sea?

Lee and Gav monitor weather and sea state continuously throughout every trip. If conditions deteriorate unexpectedly, they will make the call to return to Padstow harbour. The Emma Kate's 25-knot sprint capability means we can get back quickly if conditions build faster than expected. Our skippers' experience on these specific waters means they read conditions early — they are never surprised by the sea.

What is the best time of year to go sea fishing in Cornwall?

Every season offers something different — there is no single "best" time. Here's a quick guide:

Spring (Mar–May) — Excellent pollack, gurnard building, first mackerel arriving, quieter dates available
Summer (Jun–Aug) — Peak mackerel, tope shark, black bream, smoothhound; busiest season, book early
Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Bluefin tuna peak, big pollack, first cod appearing, often the best all-round fishing of the year
Winter (Dec–Feb) — Quality cod on the wrecks, ling, conger; weather windows shorter but the fishing rewards those who wait

See our full Padstow fishing and seasonal species guide for more detail.

Do you run trips in winter?

Yes — we operate year-round, weather permitting. Winter fishing from Padstow is genuinely excellent for cod, ling, conger eel, bull huss and big pollack on the deeper wreck marks. Conditions can be more challenging and weather windows shorter, but for serious anglers willing to be flexible with dates, winter offers some of the best fishing of the year. Contact us to discuss winter availability.

Getting Here & Practical Info

Where do I meet you? Where is Padstow Harbour?

We depart from Padstow Harbour, Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8BY. When you book, we'll send full joining instructions including exactly where to find the Emma Kate on the quayside. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your stated departure time.

Padstow is on the north Cornwall coast, approximately 15 miles north-west of Wadebridge via the A389. The town is well signposted from the main roads. Parking is available in several car parks in and around Padstow — we'll advise on the best option when you book.

Is there parking near Padstow Harbour?

Yes — there are several car parks in Padstow. The main harbour car park (Church Street) is closest to the quayside, and there are larger car parks on the edge of town with a short walk to the harbour. Padstow can get busy in peak summer — we recommend arriving a little earlier than needed on busy summer days to allow time to park. We'll include parking recommendations in your joining instructions.

How do I contact you?

The quickest way to reach us is by phone:

Phone: 07970 595244
Email: mail@emmakate2.com
Facebook: facebook.com/emmakatepadstow
Instagram: @emmakatepadstow

Contact hours are Monday–Saturday 8am–8pm, Sunday 9am–5pm. We aim to reply to emails within 24 hours.

What else is there to do in Padstow?

Padstow is one of the finest food and coastal destinations in the UK. After your fishing trip you have access to:

Restaurants: Rick Stein's famous Seafood Restaurant is right on the harbour. Several other excellent seafood and gastropub options within easy walking distance.
Beaches: Constantine Bay, Harlyn Bay, Daymer Bay and Trevone are all within a short drive.
The Camel Trail: Famous cycling and walking route along the Camel Estuary from Padstow to Bodmin — bikes available to hire in the town.
The harbour itself: One of the most atmospheric working harbours in Cornwall, with galleries, shops and cafés.

See our full Padstow visitor guide for more recommendations.