Blackhead Lighthouse
FreeA working lighthouse on the flat rocks below Whitehead, marking the point where Belfast Lough opens out to the North Channel. The open ground here gives a genuine chance at a big conger alongside the usual rough-ground species, provided you're geared up for it.
Access: Free shore access on the flat rocks around the lighthouse, no rod licence needed for sea fishing
Parking: Blackhead Path leads out to the lighthouse from Whitehead
Last updated: 19 September 2026
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Species you can expect
| Species | Best season |
|---|---|
| Mackerel | Summer |
| Ballan wrasse | Summer |
| Cuckoo wrasse | Summer |
| Pollock | All |
| Coalfish | All |
| Conger eel | All |
Mackerel, ballan and cuckoo wrasse, pollock and coalfish all come from the flat rocks around the lighthouse on standard rough-ground gear. Conger fishing here is worth targeting deliberately, with size 6/0 to 8/0 hooks and large mackerel flapper baits, and heavy tackle is genuinely needed given the rough ground underfoot.
Caught something here?
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