Gower Shore Fishing Marks Continued
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Overton Mere
Mark 1 Sumpters Point
On the foreshore look out for the concrete covered outfall pipe. Arrive at low water if fishing for the first time because just to the right of the pipe is a stretch of sand and stone that goes out to pat of a ships steel structure. Cast into this area towards high water using a rotten bottom rig.
Mark 2
Walk
along the rocks for 500metres to the right, until you come to flat
rock right out to low water, with shelving towards mark 1. With
patches of broken sand down towards low water, behind you is pebble
strewn cutting in the cliff below the path.
Mark 3 Boiler Plate Reef
To reach this mark you have to walk westwards along the cliff path for about a mile, passing Overton Cliff with the oblong type cave cut in the face. Then you will see Longhole Lime Kiln, followed by Longhole Cave, this maybe difficult to find. Then you come to Boiler Cliff, a rock climb with the flat face of the cliff facing you, south west if approaching from Paviland. At low water you should see a small curved section of a ships boiler protruding from the rocks. Fish just to the left of this point at low water moving back up the reef to fish off flat rock and shingle until the tide takes over at the jagged pinnacle rocks.
Paviland Cliffs and Caves
Mark 1 Rocky Foreshore
Like all the marks along here up to Worms Head very rocky. The rocky foreshore of Paviland is a spring tide mark, the higher the better say 12metres. Fishing 1.5hrs either side of low water, as you scramble down to the rocky foreshore to the left are some flat rocks approaching low water. Fish this point and cast out over the kelp beds. To the right at low water as you descend there is usually a strip of sand and this area gives access to Paviland Cave, but keep an eye on the state of the tide. This is mainly a bass venue with single hook rigs, rotten bottoms and crab bait.
East side at low tide Rock pools West side at low tide
Mark 2 Boiler Cliff
Once you get to the cliff path going westward follow it until you reach a smooth boulder bay/foreshore. Fish off the flat rocks at low water out over kelp and rocks, rotten bottom and long casting required. 600metres further on towards Overton there is a narrow gully, fish off the rocks here at low water. Further on along the headland is Boiler Plate Reef, flat rocks. This the place to try roving type fishing sessions along this stretch 1.5hrs either side of low water, at a number of points. Starting from Overton Mere, then Slades Foot, Overton, Overton Cliff, Wash Slade, Willbower, Red Gut, Longhole Gut, Kilboidy and Blackhole Gut.
Mark 3 The Knave
Go down through Foxhole Slade pass, after crossing the last stile turn right up over the cliff towards the triangular of the knave and descend between Horse Cliff and The Knave.
Koxhole Slade Pass Horse Cliff The Knave
Fishing Flat Rocky Bay is a difficult descent to fish at low water, do not fish alone. Try fishing to to the left of the gully before The Knave.
The Knave
Mark 4 Three Sisters and Red Chamber
After passing the Knave carry on walking westwards along the cliff top path as far as Ramsgrove Valley, a deep cleft cut between the cliffs, come back slightly and go down the cliff path to the rocks.
Looking back to Ramsgrove Valley from the shore
Ramsgrove is a very rocky little cove. Approached through a steep high sided, limestone valley. Its very pretty, but bathing is not advised here. It can be fun making your way over the rocks down to the sea and once you get there, there are some very beautiful, large rock pools. The footpath at the top of the valley goes East to Overton Mere. The cliff path goes West to Butterslade.
Butterslade is a small, rocky inlet to the East of Thurba Head. Cliff paths run East to Ramsgrove and West to Mewslade
Facing Worms Head look for a small cave/hole in the rocks, fish the gully at low water with a rotten bottom rig and a variety of baits. If the gully is has sufficient depth of water try a plug. This is a pebble cove.
There are one or two venues further along this stretch known locally as Three Sisters, three pinnacles of cliff. Edible crab can be found amongst the rocks around Paviland.
Mewslade bay is probably one of the prettiest bays on Gower. The short walk to the beach, leads down a wooded path and then through the valley which is owned by the National Trust. The path is not suitable for pushchairs and can get muddy in places during the Winter. There is no beach at high tide, but it is very pleasant to watch the sea crashing against the rocks. The bay is popular with surfers. At very low tide it is possible to walk around to Fall Bay from Mewslade. The cliff path leads East to Butterslade and West to Fall Bay.
Mewslade to Thurba Head Mewslade Bay from Thurba Head
Fishing is best of the rocks directly beneath Thurba Head, and to the west are the flat rocks of Jackys Tor, another good venue, and directly in line with Lewes Castle Cliff, with Tears Point in the distance. Fishing is on to clean sand.
Mewslade is popular with holiday makers. From the beach for bass try low water spring tides on an overcast day or wet day, or early September.
The Bay has a wide expanse of sand at low water, but as the tide comes in you will be forced back to a narrow rock gully at high water. Crab is the most successful bait off the rocks, with a mixture of worm baits being very popular from the beach.
Falls Bay
Fall bay is one of the hardest to reach bays on Gower, however the walk is well worth it and the beach is never crowded due to its remoteness. The walk to the beach, leads down from Rhossili village hall, through fields and over many stiles. The final descent is quite steep and the rocks are slippery in places. The path is not suitable for pushchairs or for the feint hearted.
There is some beach at high tide. The bay is popular with surfers. At very low tide it is possible to walk around to Mewslade from Fall Bay.
The cliff path leads East to Mewslade or West towards the Worms Head and Rhossili Bay.
Falls Bay is clean with clear water, golden sands and can produce moderate surf on southerly winds. The ground is fairly easy although there are some rouge patches of rock. Unfortunately, as far as shore fishing is concerned it is of limited potential and its a long walk from the car park.
From the beach you may catch bass, dabs, a few plaice and dogfish. From the rocks there is some good spinning for mackerel and garfish with the occasional pollack. Down on Devil Truck Rocks fish for the bass into deep water.
A nylon terminal trace with two or three hooks, one below the weight, cast as far as possible to find the fish. Lugworm, ragworm, fish strips and razor fish will cover all the bait options. From the rocks spinning with a mackerel spinner will often catch the mackerel, if they are shoaling well expect good sport with lively garfish too.
Tears Point
Fish off the rocks towards high water.Try two rods, float fish one with crab close in. Cast the other out towards Lewes Castle at Falls Bay. Try using any cocktail type bait, switch to rotten bottom rig if snagging is problem. Tidy bass venue. The distance from Worms Head car park to Tear Point is about 1 mile. You can also get to this mark from Middleton.
This serpent of rock stretches far out into the sea from the shallows of its tidal causeway to the great depth of its seaward tip. You can fish over rough ground or fine, clear patches, some pure sand, some coarse and shingle. It is possible to float fish and spin, feather into deep water. There areas of powerful, pounding surf and regions of flat calm, unruffled waters. All to be experienced in a single day, what a place to fish!!
The causeway over to the Worm is open for about 2.5hrs either side of low water. The crossing is very rocky and slippery, so take care, it is also covered in mussels. Once the tide covers the causeway you mus stay on the Worm until the tide retreats. The eastern side of the worm is shallow and rocky, the western side deep and sandy. The further along you go the less suitable the area becomes for the novice and unfamiliar. Some of the rocks you need to cross, such as the Devil's Bridge which is a thin neck of the path before the head are very dangerous. So exercise great care, caution and common sense. The closer to the seaward tip the hardewr and more dangerous it becomes to reach water level.
Devil's Bridge Seaward tip and cave
There are a number of marks to fish off the Worm. On the southerly side of both corners of Low Neck bay. The middle of Low Bay has lots of snag gullies and seaweed covered rocks and the Westerly tip is a little precarious off the rocks. It is not possible to traverse the the point at low water. Here are two marks you should try the rest of the Worm you should explore to suit your ability.
Just before Devil's Bridge go down the rocks on the right hand side (northerly) to fish off the rocks with crab, if the seals will give you some peace. Start fishing here and then try a couple of hours at mark 2 whilst waiting to cross back to the mainland.
Marks 2 Flat Plateau Bay
After crossing the causeway over shipway rocks on the right, walk up the flat grassy plateau and cast into the bay toward Burry Holms.
Species
At the Worm you should catch, bass, pollack, conger, thornbacks, blonde rays, dabs, plaice,pouting, wrasse, gurnards, monkfish mackerel, scad, whiting, codling. There mau also be the occasional turbot, spurdog, sole and rockling.
Method & Bait
Surf fishing for bass can be found off the causeway leading to Worm's Head. Fantastic surf potential over very rough ground, so the best form of fishing is to ledger a soft peeler crab straight into the surf. No point long casting and keep tackle basic, just nylon line and worthless weight. No swivels, no snap links; the less there is to snag the better.
On the Worm itself the eastern side in generally shallower, but where ever you find surf then fish the bottom with crab. A longer cast will find sand or shingle so a two hook baited with lug or ragworm will suffice, unless trying for rays or turbot then use mackerel strips. Much of this side of the Worm has wide flat weed beds you'll have to retrieve over, so like the causeway tactics keep the tackle frill free.
On the west side there is more scope for differing forms of fishing. The flanks are steeper and the water deeper. Sandy sea beds are just a short distance (30metres), so ledgering using three hooks baited with worms or fish strips will be good for the flat fish and whiting during the winter months. If you can find a safe place close to the water try float fishing close in with mackerel for the wrasse. If you don't have to lift your catch or don't have a drop net, being close to the water would be a good time to a bit of spinning. Early morning or late evening are always more productive. Use a mackerel spinner for the mackerel and garfish and a red gill, standard rubber eel (red or white) for the bass and pollack. The areas either side of the Devil's bridge section have been good for pollack, but not recommended for the novice or the young angler. Great care is needed here by everyone.
Worms
Head, South Gower
Apparently
the most photographed piece of scenery in Wales, Worms Head is famous
amongst birdwatchers, photographers and bass anglers! 'The Worm' as
its called amongst the locals offers some of the most renowned yet
remote bass fishing in South Wales. Once again, it is unfortunately
nothing like it used to be.
Bass anglers used to come away
from this venue with bags of dozens of good bass. Since then the pair
trawlers and netters have over-exploited the vast Helwick Bank (a
large sandbank between Port Eynon Point and Worms Head). The Helwick
Bank provides food to the bass, tope and rays which frequent the
area. Sand dredging has been taking place on the Helwick and this
combined with over-fishing has caused a deterioration in
fishing.
Dont let this put you off though, every year good
bass and numbers of bass can be caught. Lots of school bass frequent
the shallow gullies and kelp forests but remember to return as many
fish as possible as these are the future of our sport. Also follow
National Size Limits as checks do occur. As
can be seen in the pictures the entire Worm is a tidal island. The
causeway is crossable by foot roughly 2.5hrs either side of low
water. Never ever try and cross this causeway when the tide is still
covering it or is starting to cover it - many people have drowned
here. I would not advise this mark is suitable for small children
because it is very dangerous and a long walk back to
civilisation!
The
bass fishing tends to start around April time on the Gower. Of course
adverse weather conditions or mild weather can alter the season and
also using your instinct is often a better judge of when the season
starts. Once the days get noticeably warmer and the trees start
growing leaves again seems to coincide with the fish's movement into
inshore waters.
Of
course this early in the season the fishing can be hit and miss, but
it is certainly worthwhile trying - some very big bass are often
caught at the beginning and end of the season. The very warm summer
months in between tend to produce a lot of smaller fish whilst the
end of the season is noted for bigger bass.
The
reason why the bigger bass are caught more at the end of the season
remains an ultimate mystery to me. There seem to be a few main
factors which may be responsible, the increase of small whiting and
pouting (the bass love feeding on these shoals hence why live baiting
whiting often catches big bass) and also it seems that later in
September the shoals of very small mackerel come inshore (the bass
happily feed on these as well), and of course I guess they want to
feed-up ready for the cold winter months.
Good
bags of bass can still be caught but normally only during night
sessions. Live sandeel spun through the tide as it covers the
causeway is a favoured method, also fishing peeler crab into the
larger gullies (can be done over low water) accounts for some double
figure fish.
Plugging
and spinning, even fly casting on the right day will yield catches of
grey mullet and bass. Average size of these fish is only about 2lb
but on the light tackle it is good sport. The bass and mullet can
often be seen in the swell swimming vertically up the faces of waves!
Often small baitfish are in the vicinity so I expect the bass chase
them into an area and attack.
Plugging
is awkward and even shallow floating plugs can be lost, the depth is
rarely more than 5ft in general, I have experienced mixed sessions
when plugging in the vicinity of Worms Head. It can be very good in
terms of amount of fish - we once caught over 18 bass in one evening
session. But it does require picking the right tides so that there is
just enough depth to work a floating plug across the shallow craggy
ground.
The
left hand side of the worm (presuming you are standing on the
mainland facing the sea) is primarily shallow rock and kelp encrusted
reef. The causeway is very shallow rock with lost of deep narrow
gullies which the bass work along once the causeway starts
flooding.
Within
the kelp beds on the left hand side you may catch pollack and wrasse,
perhaps a few strap conger. For the wrasse try fishing peeler crab or
ragworm baits into the kelp, wrasse do feed in daylight most
actively, tackle losses will be high all along this side of the
Worm,
Try
spinning for pollack or fishing ragworm baits in the deeper water at
the end of the Worm. Again safety is paramount with unpredictable
swells always possible even on the calmest of days.
On
the right hand side anglers used to catch tope in the 80's but
nowadays it will produce smoothhound, dogfish, mackerel, small
pollack, whiting, and occasional rays. The ledges on the right
hand side are higher above the water and provide deep water fishing
over clean ground. The smoothhounds like peeler crab, rays and
dogfish will take fish baits.
In
the winter the whiting fishing can be extremely good from the right
hand side ledges. Fish lugworm tipped with mackerel strip or squid to
catch the better specimens. Fish up to 2lb are fairly common. It is
possible codling will feature in catches as well though because not
many people fish here at winter I cannot confirm this is the
case.
The
gulley at the end of the Worm can provide good mullet sport over low
water. There are often a lot of seals in this area which obviously
affects the fishing. Strap conger can also be caught from the end of
the worm. The ground is very rough but deeper than the shallow reefs
and causeway. Odd bull huss will be caught over the rougher ground,
these again will take large fish baits.
WORM AT HIGH TIDE
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North Gower Marks Continued
Landimore Marsh
This is a fun mark for fishing on a warm June/July day on a highish tide.
Spring tide over Landimore Marsh Creeks across Landinore Marsh
The actual mark is a man made pill. Walk along the pill for some 500m and float fish for bass, on small river tacklle, with hooks of 4 to 6 and 4 to 5lb line. Fish in the pools with small ragworm, if the bass are there you can noemally see them playing along the top of the water.
Try fishing 30mins either side of high water, with the float about 5in above the hook, and leave to drift down stream. Sit on the left side of the bank to cast and think of trout fishing.
In the winter months on a low tide there is usually some flounder fishing. Try where the man made pill meets the Great Pill from the right. This is extreme fishing as you may well get cut off by the tide with a number of deep muddy gullies. So take extreme care, we do not recommend fishing this mark and accept no resposibility if you do.
When fishing any of the marsh areas, only fish on a low tide, something like 10.5m and never fish alone. Also seek knowledge tregarding the conditions, and be aware of the dangers. Accidents have happened here.
Landimore Marsh with Pill House and Cottage - such a beautiful place
Weobly Castle - Llanridian Marsh
Weobly Castle overlooking Llanridian Marsh Llanridian Marsh - tiderising
There is no fishing along this stretch of coast line. But, there is a private road going out along the causeway from the castle. Walkon the causeway to a mound on the right and this is where the American barracks were sighted, and to the left of this point is another old fish weir with the stakes just proitruding above ground. Also out in the bay are the remains of a look-out post used by the Americans. Not much fishing but whilst in the area worth a look at a bit of Gower history.
Wernffrwd/Llanridian
The next fishing mark along the coast is Wernffrwd, a one mile walk along a cart track, across the marsh to the edge of the sand. Best to arrive just as the tide turns and starts to make its way in. Fish the mark as the tide comes round the bend in a zig-zag manner, towards the boat guidance post, about 500m to the right.
Due to the tidal race of the estuary only fish this mark on low tide. Many flounders, bass and eels have been caught in this part of the estuary. Try crab in the summer and harbour ragworm and lugworm later in the year
Sewerage Pipe Mark
Walk out over the marsh towards the bridges keeping the main pill on your left until nearly out to the end of the marsh. Usually, a difficulty walk out to the mark but worth it to fish 200m from the outflow (sewerage) pipe. Here the tide sweeps around and come back towards you, but this whole mark is good for flounders.
This is a low tide venue and keep off the sand bar in the middle of the estuary.
Fishing is from 2.5 hours before high water and 2 hours after. You will have to stay out this length of time because the pils are flooded behind you.
The Big mark
Fish at the corner point off the bank some 20ft up at low water, the river will come towards you in the shape of a reverse S then goes to the right around the U bend.
On a low tide you will be able to start fishing 2 hours before high water, there will be a run on the tide, but a breakaway lead will cope. Light tackle only required, and best fishing during late autumn. Mainly flouder.
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Gower Shore Fishing Marks Continued
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Rhossili Bay
This golden crescent of sand attracts the surfers as as well as being a mecca for fishing. At the right time and under the right conditions it is well worth a visit.
Pure sand for its entire length there is absolutely no rough ground within casting distance, even at low water. Watch out! it can be a very dangerous beach because there are fierce undertows that can sweep the unsuspecting angler away to sea very quickly. Particularly at the northern end, pay attention to the signs warning of these dangers when heading to the beach from the Hillend Caravan Park. This can be a really perilous beach.
Rhossili - Kitchen Corner to Rhossili Ledges
There
are roughly 4 main ledges at Rhossili offering deep water fishing
onto mainly clear ground. Kitchen Corner is a small rocky cove which
has more broken ground up to 30yds out and then clean sand. The cove
is the only area of Rhossili Ledges that has this feature and so it
is the only ledge which offers the most species variety - whilst its
the easiest ledge to get down to this doesn't make it the most
comfortable spot to actually fish with Pillar Ledge and Terrace Ledge
providing a bigger casting area and more room for anglers in
general. The other ledges are Sheepdrop Ledge and Pinnacle Ledge.
To get to the flat rock ledges above the sea you have to walk the lane past the coastguard station for about 1/4 mile, there are a number of steep path descents on the right hand side of the ledges, walk along the cliff top and follow the winding path going down.
There is a boat house built on Kitchen Corner known as Coonans Boat House, the more popular ledges are closest to this point. To get to the boat house, walk to the end at Kitchen Corner alongside the lookout station, which has a 999 phone, and walk down the steep cliff path to fish along side the boat house off the slope. On a spring tide, have walk at low water from Rhossili beach to the boat house, to check out a ledge to use.
Rhossili
Ledges are a series of flat rock platforms situated on the northern
side of the headland, which leads from Rhossili village out towards
Worms Head.
They
are a very popular shore mark throughout the summer months, but few
anglers realise just how productive they are at other times of the
year, notably the latter part of winter, when few other marks in the
area fish well. The ledges are one of only a handful of marks in the
area which can be fished in comfort during strong easterly winds.
It’s
not suitable for disabled or unaccompanied junior anglers as there is
a steep but safe climb down to the mark. SPECIES
During
autumn and winter expect dabs, whiting, pouting, dogfish and the
occasional codling. Summer produces mackerel, garfish, mullet,
smoothhounds, dabs and dogfish.
Fishing & Species
Best fishing is on the higher tides, on a small tide
there is not much depth here and so fishing is poor. The ledges are
protected from strong easterly winds by the large headland which you
have to climb down - just be aware of sneaky swells as there is a lot
of water here at high tide - a depth of at least 25ft
right at your feet at high tide.
During the winter the whiting
fishing can be superb with good shoals of fish feeding from about
November through to late January. Lug tipped with fish baits will
work well for these. Best time would be after dark but these ledges
require a steep descent down to the bottom of the cliffs and is not
advised during darkness or during rain! The 'path' consists of loose
gravel and stones and slippery grass - not easy going! It is possible
that codling visit this mark occasionally although it is not worth
targeting these species as you are more likely to be pestered by dab,
dogfish and whiting.
Colder winter periods at this mark can
produce good bags of dabs, these normally frequent the area more when
the winter is very cold, January and February are normally the best
months - fish using a 2 or 3 hook paternoster and keep the hooks and
baits small.
Bass have been caught from these ledges
but not by many anglers. Best baits for
any possible bass would be worm and shellfish (there are razorfish beds
here at mean low tide). Peeler
crab fished over the slightly rougher ground at Kitchens
Corner would
also give a chance of bass from this mark.
Mackerel chase small
baitfish against the ledges here from July through August. Normally
on hot evenings when the sea is quite calm. Feathers work well along
with spinners and float tactics. Incidentally, small
whiting have been hooked here while feathering for fresh mackerel bait - in
August!!
Its likely that some predators such as bass aren't far
behind when the small baitfish and mackerel shoals are here. Perhaps
a large Yo-zuri mackerel plug would work?
Its always possible that
there will be small wrasse and pollack in the cove at high tide
feeding over the rougher ground, also some strap conger at
night.
A member was fishing near the cove a few years ago and reported what looked like a small black bream chasing his rapala plug right in to
be by his feet. The fish never looked like he was going to attack the
lure - just appeared to be swimming with it. Float fishing or
bottom fishing small ragworm or squid baits could work for these
fish.
Fishing peeler crab at long range here can produce some
smoothhound up to about 6lb. Again night time is best, but they have
been caught in broad daylight as well. Use a pulley pennell rig
and watch you rod! - The smoothhound normally run hard initially and
can take the rod and tripod over the side if you are not
careful!
Other species include small pollack (can be caught using
baited hokkai feathers or float fishing ragworm down the side). Tope
used to be caught here back in the 60's and 70's though people
haven't fished for them, they could still visit this
mark....
Rarities include plaice, flounder and small-eyed rays,
there can also be garfish mixed in with the mackerel shoals and
mullet are fairly likely to feed in this area now and again.
These
ledges can be very hit and miss. Often during the summer there are so
many spider crabs over the clean ground that the fish don't have a
chance to get to the baits - if you are getting bites and on
retrieval the hook snood has been cut this is almost definitely the
spider crabs! - they are more of a pest than dogfish at this mark.
Rhossili Beach to Old Refectory
The walk down to the beach is on the right hand side of the hotel signposted down a steep path. The area to fish is between the wreck of the Helvetia, timbers visible on the beach and amongst to coves to the left beneath the Rhossili cliffs.
Path to beach, white building old Refectory Remains of Helvetia
(Photo courtesy of www.welshphotos.co.uk)
Species: Bass, dabs, plaice flounders, summer mullet.
Method & Bait: This is beach casting at its best where the only limitation is you and your outfit. No real need to wade out - just as long as you can get your bait out behind the second ot third breaker. Casting out further you'll catch more flat fish than bass.
A two hook terminal rig is trouble free and gives scope to fish for bass or flatfish. For bass keep the hook above the weight and flowing in the swill behind the surf. To catch the flatfish put the hooks on the bottom below the weight. A fairly long terminal hook trace could be used to try for turbot and brill, as these fish like to see some movement in their prospective dinner. Bait is a good bunch of lugworm to produce bass from the surf while ragworm will attract the flats as well. This is a good venue to to try some small clams or cockles on the hook with the worms. Razorfish and sandeels are also quite successful.
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Llangennith
is a true surf beach running north to south and facing westerly. This
means that after strong storms there are usually loads of razorfish
and clams washed up. It is after these storms that the bass fishing
really does well with the biggest bass being a cracking 16lb 3oz
former welsh record caught in the 80's. Lug and shellfish baits do
well for these bass.
Unfortunately the bass fishing isn't as good
as it used to be, although good bass are caught each year they are
not as commonplace, however in the right conditions they are there
for the taking, my best bass at this mark was a 4lb fish caught in
November when fishing small worm baits for flounder in the surf.
Llangennith
is a shallow beach, always popular with surfers and so night fishing
is normally best. The ground is nearly all sandy with the main
hotspot being a small stream which joins the sea near Hillend. This
spot fishes well for flounder and bass throughout the summer whilst
late autumn provides the better fish.
On occasions it
can be worthwhile taking a light spinning rod down in the early
morning or late evening and working a silver coloured plug through
the surf tables - this is more effective when the water is clear
so avoid using this tactic after rough weather when the water gets
coloured, instead concentrate your efforts on fishing big worm and
razor baits to pick out the better bass.
This beach also
provides golden grey mullet up to potentially record weight. A slight
to moderate swell works best and the fish are only in the first few
tables of water - normally between 0 and 50yds distance from the
sand. Try bunches of harbour rag fished on a paternoster with size 4
hooks and a plain bomb - light enough to drift along the seabed. The
mullet tend to appear around August and September and their presence
is often very clear with them being a large shoal fish you can see
them in the surf and occasionally they even beach themselves
temporarily (this is an indicator of how close these fish are to the
shoreline!).
Long distance casters may find dogfish and
whiting after dark during the winter but fishing is primarily for
flounder. Incidentally I have witnessed some local netters catching a
box full of grey mullet (up to about 3lb in weight). They were
concentrating further left toward the Rhossili end and were netting
at low tide on a very big spring tide. Within 2hrs they had caught
masses of grey mullet, one flounder and some reasonable bass. We were
fishing from low tide up to high and I remember it was on November
5th (bonfire night). We blanked spectacularly whilst the netters
removed several fish-boxes within 2hrs....
There are possibly three good marks:
Mark 1: Drive down through the Hill End and park at the end of the road in the car park, by the narrow entrance to the beach. Once on the foreshore, turn left and walk approximately 900 metres to a big boulder on the beach and directly in front of the peak of hanging sker by Sweynes Howes Burial Chamber. Record Welsh bass caught here.
Mark 2: From the National Trust sign, by the beach entrance, walk to the right passing Diles Lake (river running to the sea) and half a mile from Bury Holmes is the wreck of the City of Bristol, visible only at low water. Record Welsh Golden Grey Mullet caught here.
Fish marks 1 and 2, two hours either side of high water.
Mark 3: Spaniard Rocks
This involves a walk to Burry Holmes and to the Spaniard Rocks, try to arrive at low water and walk to the point as close to the rocks as possible. Watch out for the fast runs of the tide as it comes swirling in through the small gullies and rocks. Fish into the swirl as long as possible with crab and harbour ragworm.
Smoothhound
are caught from nearby Burry Holms Island (far right end of
Llangennith) and so during calm hot night sessions a long cast with
peeler crab from this beach will probably put you in touch with
these. Their average size is up to about 5lb realistically.
Very
small turbot can be contacted in the surf throughout the warmer
months - usually taking sandeel or fish baits presented on a running
ledger rig intended for bass. Be aware of minimum size limits for
turbot because 90% of these will be undersized and should be
returned.
Razorfish
and clams can be gathered from this beach - either by picking them up
along the high tide mark after a big storm or by collecting them
along the mean low tide mark. There are also scattered beds of small
lug that can be dug or pumped - their availability and size doesn't
make the walk worthwhile in my opinion though.
Medium
to big tides work at this venue however because the beach is so
shallow the tide floods and ebbs very quickly - stick to just one rod
when fishing on the very big tides! Fishing is best on the first
1.5hr of the flood and also picks up over top water. Although the
beach looks uninhabited the sand is full of food which is ripped out
by the wave action of the tide. Avoid the small stream area if there
has been a lot of rainfall - the freshwater can cause this 'hotspot'
to be a deadspot for a few days! Llangennith is one of the top surf beaches on the Gower Peninsular with bass again the main species, but also good catches of flounder and mullet. Top baits - Harbour ragworm, blow lugworm.
Burry Holmes
Burry Holmes becomes an island when the tide is in, but is accessible for approximately 2 hours either side of low tide. There are ruins of a medieval monastic settlement on the island and each year there are special religious ceremonies held there.
The beach itself lies at the Western end of Rhossili/Llangennith Bay and is a sandy, sprawling beach backing onto sand dunes. Very popular with surfers.
The beach is a 10 to 15 minute walk from either car park (Hillend or Broughton).
Arriving at the beach, from Hillend car park, by the National Trust sign, walk to the right to Burry Holmes Island, about 1 mile. At Spaniard Rocks before the small causeway, go pver the plateau, passing the ruins of Church Hall and old Chapel, on the right. On arrival at the end, on the western side there should be a steel ring in a circle of concrete, this is where the automatic light was sited after Whitford lighthouse was abandoned, go left down a tricky descent to the flatish rock ledges towards the tip of the Holmes.
Float fish between the two outcrops of rock, the bass come in close here. Fishing on the right of the Holme at the end is possible bur very dangerous because the descent to the sea is extremely precarious, and fishing from the top is too high above the water. The Holme becomes an island at high tide, being cut off for some 2.2 hours either side of high water.
Species: A wide variety of fish can be caught, mullet,mackerel, scad, bass, garfish etc.
Bait: A variety of baits can be used. Its also worth trying a light rod and a plug of choice.
Volme Bay
If you don't fancy the Holmes then this mark is an excellent one. Volme Bay is the sandy one just after the small causeway and is fished on the incoming tide from the beach. Or, climb on the rocks opposite the single pillar of the old ruined chapel, and fish the causeway, where the bass will be coming through in search of food. Use crab off the rocks and plenty of ragworm off the beach.
Bluepool Corner can only be reached on foot and it lays 1Km West of Broughton. A short walk South West over the sand dunes will bring you to Llangennith Burrows and Burry Holms.
Blue Pool/Blue Pool Corner
Blue pool is a secluded, rocky inlet and on a clear day you can see Llanelli and Burry Port across the estuary.
If going by car, park in the Broughton car park just before the entrance to Caravan Park. Observe the Blue Pool danger signs.
Descending down the cliff path at low water you will see a large circular
pool, some 18ft in diameter and 12ft deep. This is the 'Blue Pool' that gives its name to the venue.
Fish off the beach at low water into the surf, but as the tide starts to come in make your escape or you will be cut off by the shear cliffs, so allow plenty of time to climb around the back of Blue Pool, and fish just to the right of the life buoy off the rocks. When you catch a fish DO NOT go down the rocks to retrieve, the waves will pull you in if you caught. There are many rouge waves crashing the rocks here and lives have been lost.
Cast towards three chimneys facing you around the bay, casting over the rocks on to clean sand. Bait to use is crab, fishing three hours either side of high water.
On a high spring tide it is possible at low water to walk from Broughton Bay, past Twic Point, Minor Point, Blue Pool, Three Chimneys, Culver Hole to Spaniards Rocks and Burry Holmes.
Minor Point can be reached by going further round to the right and down along the slopping rocks, to float fish in the gullies.
Foxhole Point is another difficult fishing mark off the rocks. Give it a good check out at low water spring tide to get to know the details. Blue Pool is likely to be more productive.
Twic Point
To get to the mark take the first left after entering Broughton Bay Farn caravan park, go straight on until the cliff path around the headland, then atke the steep descent to a the cove of clean sand and stones.
For Twic and Foxhole Points Use harbour ragworm two hours aither sideof high water for flounder and bass in the summer. With black lug and fish bait for dab and flounder with the occassional scholl bass in the winter months.
Broughton Bay
This is very difficult stretch of
coastline. It is an area swept by fierce undertows and rip tides,
with a mixture of sand and rock with plenty of fish to be caught, but
not many anglers fish here. Fishing is mainly from the headland on
the bay's eastern side. Some fishing is done from the beach but in
general it is a location best left alone, especially at low water.
Fishing from the beach is much safer at top tide. Brought bay is more
popular with the boat angler.
Park in the farmer's field down by the Church of St. Madoc. Walk down the narrow road through the gate onto Forestry Commision property, take the path that gose through the woods walking along side the wire fence and on to the beach, Llanmadoc side of the bay. when you emerge on the beach look sea for a sand bank, Lynch Sands, and look behind and slightly to the left you should see two caves up on Prissioins Tor Cliff.
Fish for 2 hours either side of low water, preferably on a spring tide. The tide come in from from Burry Holms, throught he south channel past lynch and Hoooper sands, through the Burry Inlet and in to the Loughor Estuary.
Summer species: Flonder, bass and tope have been caught coming through the channel.
Winter species: Dab, flounder, dogfish.
Bait: Black lug, razor fish and crab can be gathered here.
Whiteford/Whitford Sands
Whiteford Sands is a two mile expanse of beach on the northern side of the Gower Peninsula. It is the most northerly beach on Gower and sits on the edge of the Loughor estuary.
This stretch of coastline includes Llanmadoc Beach, the local beach to
the village of Llanmadoc which is separated from Broughton Beach at high
tide by Prissens Hill, and Cwm Ivy Tors. This area includes some of the
most beautiful woodland in Gower.
The beach has no direct access by car. Anglers/Visitors have to park
near the village of Llanmadoc, and make their way on foot via country
paths. Its relative inaccessibility compared to many other beaches on
Gower making it a very quiet beach.
The large expanse of quiet sands at Whiteford offer a multitude of locations to set up rod and line. Flatfish and bass are the usual catches here using lug or rag-worm (which can be dug for locally). At low tide, fishing at the disused lighthouse can result in a good catch of flatfish.
Whitford Lighthouse
Fishing the Whitford Lighthouse area, approximately 800 metres before the lighthouse at low water, there is a curve in the rocks, like a small bay. This is a good bass mark July-September. Mussels, soft and peeler crab can be gathers here.
300 metres past the lighthouse there is a stretch of sand with a sloping bay, fish close to the edge of the stones, fishing the tide in. Start at low water into the gully, and as the tide comes in, make your way to the right and fish off the sand bar knowns as Yellow Bank.
Whiteford Burrows is the dune system backing Whiteford Sands further inland. Whiteford Burrows is a National Trust property containing a dune and pine plantation and is classified as a national nature reserve.
Berges Island - The Groose
Berges Island is anestuary and there is no water until mid water mark, and on a spring tide there is a strong run past Whitford lighthouse up in to the Burry Pill and to the Groose.
The Groose is an earthware Dyke, medievil sea wall, and a great place to take in the views across the salt marshes.The Groose is at the western end of Llanridian Marsh and is a linear elevated grassy path triking out from the mainland.
Best to fish a lowish tide. The distance from the car park to the Island is about 2.5miles. It is an open windswept, sandy location with bass the main species
Marks around the Bird Lookout Station (BLS)
Mark 1: Walk to the left of the BLS along the sand until you come to the corner of the dunes, fish the tide in owards the mouth of the Burry Pill.
Mark 2: Approximately 500metres to the left of the BLS, cast into the estuary with the tide running to your right.
Mark 3: 200 metres to the right of the BLS, with reed marshes on your right, cast along the gulley mouths.
Crofty Point/The Slags
Mark Name: SLAGS( Crofty Point)
Mark Location: Crofty.
Accessibilty:
Moderate, extreme caution required
Tide: Low water mark
Times:
May, June, July, August, September, October
Species:
Bass, mullet, flounder, eels
Tackle:
For the bass a 3.0 or 4.0 size hook baited with peeler crab or lug. A
flowing trace up to 7 ft long. If spinning or pluging use storm shads
or colourful plugs and cast into the flow of the water.
For the mullet it is recommended to use
a bubble float with rag worm or bread. You have always got a chance
of catching an eel in the summer. You think you have got a good bass on but its a slimy old eel
Description:
Autumn and winter provides flounders. So if fishing at that time use
small hooks and 2 hook trace. Use lug or rag. Summer time fish the
gap on low water, but when it turns you need to get back or you will get cut
off or even cause a coastguard rescue. Don't go out
on a rough day or a foggy day because if you are out there, and you
cannot see where you are going you may get stuck in quick sand or
even get your foot stuck in an net and drown. If you don't know the area its best to fish with someone out there that knows the spot well
Salthouse Point
At the rear of the new housing estates of Crofty, at the edge of Crofty Industrial Estate, is an interesting man-made feature known as Salthouse Point. Now a relic of its former self, Salthouse Point was an important part of the shipping history of North Gower. During World War II, when the army used the Burry Estuary as a practice range, gun towers and artillery buildings were constructed on the Point. These have only recently been demolished. Now, the stone construction is an important habitat for wildlife. The salthouse that gave this feature its name is believed to have once stood at the end of the point.
Crofty Slipway
This is a man made structure of boulders and rocks and is quite a long aem. Walk to tjhe end and then leftish to a break in the rocks, at low water. The rocks run the full length of this mark and is very difficult to reel a weightup and over when the tide is in. Fish this mark at the start of the tide, it is a low tide mark owing to the tidal race. Fish until the water comes up over the rocks.
If you do fish this mark on a high tide, fish at the end of the 'slipway, at the pointwhere there is a slope of concrete, casting out over the lugbeds 2 hours either side of high water. Best fishing later on in the year.
Use 2 rods with a variety of baits, including crab and mussel whipped on with thin elasticated cotton.
Lugworm can be dug on the firm sand just of the end of the slipway, some small harbour ragworm may still be found to the left of the slipwayin the gullies.
The Slipway provides good fishing directly into the sub channels of the Loughor
Estuary. Summer time can offer catches of bass, eels, small flounder
and mullet but it is in the autumn and winter that the fishing comes
alive.
The tide floods the salt marsh banks on mid-high tides and
therefore this whole venue is a dangerous place. Be aware that
strong SW/W/NW winds can push even a small neap tide further in than
it would normally come, resulting in the banks flooding. The banks are
also littered with deep gullies - never fish alone and
always get a local guide if possible.
The grassy banks at Crofty are
always a popular mark during the estuary competitions with the
advantage of more fishing time than competitors further upriver as
the tide reaches here far sooner. This does not neccesarily mean that
better results are inevitable as flounders often follow the flooding
tide upriver spreading out of the deeper channels and across the
shallower mudflats and banks further along the estuary. Good bags of
flounders can be attained throughout the tide however, try varying
casting distances and using a rolling lead to cover more ground. Fish
to 3lb in weight are possible and the best season normally begins in
November.
Top baits have been found to be lugworm tipped with ragworm,
peeler crab baits may pick up bonus bass and probably the odd silver
eel. Whiting can be caught during the winter with October and
December being the best months. Try using lug tipped with a small
piece of mackerel. Odd rockling also feature in the colder months.
Dalton's Point - Penclawdd
Dalton's Point and Creek Dalton's Point Marsh looking to Loughor
You have to walk out across the marsh grass crossing some small Pills, bearing slightly to the right for about 300m, and fish off the bank for about 1.5 hours either side of high water at the mouth of the gully, in-line with the last house and just before the playing fields behind you.
This is basically a low water venue, because the tide will cover the pills and marsh grass on high water. Again check the area before fishing.
Ragworm can be dug in the pills and lugworm along the shoreline before themouth of the estuary. This mainly a flounder mark, also school bass. Comfortable fishing 2 rods, one long range, one close. Paternoster rig close and running ledger long range.
Looking out to Dalton's Point The creek at Dalton's Point
Penclawdd Pill and Baca Sands Area
Please note: Caution is required along this sretch of castline.
Arrive at low water, walk down the small concrete slipway to cross the first pill. Problem coming back over this pill unless you wait some 2.5 hours after high water, you could cross sooner with thigh waders or walk upstream until it is possible to cross.
The walk out over the marsh is about 1 mile, crossing muddy gullies, head for the cooling tower in front of you across the estuary.
For the Bacas sands get there before the tide has turned, look for gullies thar flounders will swim at high water. The mark floods on spring tides so fish low tides.
Lugworm can be dug on the sands but watch out for the tide rushing in behind you.
The tide comes up the estuary over the green banks side first, sweeps around the entrance to Gower Pill, and back down towardsPenclawdd to meet up with the run from Salthouse Point and the slipway, to leave an island of sand in the middle.
For obvious reasons not overfishbut during in the summer crab can be troublesome. In the autumn months flounder can be productive all the way up to the Loughor bridge. This stretch can be popular with competiton anglers.
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