Scotts Bay

Scotts Bay is a small, sheltered-feeling bay on the Carmarthenshire coast that can fish well when bigger, open beaches are carrying colour or weed. It’s a handy “in-between” venue for a short session, especially for scratching mixed species close in and picking up bass when conditions line up.

• • Best thought of as a mixed ground / estuary-influenced bay rather than a pure surf beach
• • Can produce fish in moderate seas when more exposed marks are unfishable
• • Expect a bit of everything: bass, flounder, schoolie codling in season, occasional smoothhound/dogfish, plus wrasse/pollack where there’s rock

Scotts Bay sits on the Carmarthenshire coastline and is typically approached via local lanes and footpaths down to the shore. Access can be straightforward in dry weather but can quickly become awkward after rain, and the final descent/exit is often the part that catches people out.

• • Approach is usually a mix of roadside parking then a walk-in to the bay
• • The shore is commonly a blend of sand, shingle and broken ground, with rougher patches toward the edges
• • After heavy rain, paths can be slippery and churned, and returning with tackle at high water can feel pressured if you haven’t timed it

The mark is best known as a “scratching” venue where you can put a bait in and reasonably expect action, rather than a place that always produces specimen fish. That said, bass can show well on the right tides and water clarity, and flatfish are consistent when the bay is carrying a bit of food.

• • Bass: most likely from late spring through autumn; best around dusk/dark and into the first of the flood
• • Flounder: a reliable target, especially on smaller baits and in slightly coloured water
• • Dabs/plaice (where sandier patches dominate): more likely on cleaner ground and lighter seas
• • Dogfish: common at times, especially if you fish into deeper water on the flood
• • Wrasse/pollack (if you can reach rock/kelp edges safely): mainly in summer; better in daylight
• • Codling/whiting (seasonal): possible in colder months, particularly after a blow when the bay has colour but not too much weed

A versatile approach works best here: fish baits on the cleaner sand for flatfish and bass, and switch to more abrasion-resistant tactics if you’re placing leads near broken ground. Keep rigs simple, present baits neatly, and adjust lead and trace strength to the exact patch you’re fishing.

• • Standard beach rigs (2-hook flapper or 1-up/1-down) for general scratching on sand/shingle
• • Pulley/pennel-type rigs (where needed) to cope with slightly rougher ground and improve landing fish through surf
• • Sliding ledger / running rig can be effective for bass when fishing bigger baits in calmer conditions
• • Lures: small metal lures, soft plastics and surface/subsurface plugs can score for bass in clearer water; work the edges of any visible gullies and current lines
• • Baits: ragworm/lug for flatfish and general mixed bags; peeler/crab for bass; squid can help deter small fish and pick out better fish at night
• • Tackle notes: abrasion-resistant leader and a slightly heavier snood help if you’re anywhere near rock; scale down (lighter snoods, smaller hooks) on calm, clear nights for flatfish

Scotts Bay often fishes best when there’s some movement and a bit of colour, but not so much swell that the bay becomes churned up and weedy. Because it can be relatively sheltered compared with open beaches, it can also be a good choice in winds that make other marks unpleasant.

• • Best stages are commonly the last of the ebb into the first of the flood, and again around mid-flood depending on how the tide pushes into the bay
• • Spring tides can help if you need extra depth and push, but can also increase snags if you’re fishing near broken ground
• • Neaps can be great for flatfish and finesse fishing in clearer water
• • A light to moderate swell with slightly coloured water is often ideal for bass
• • After big onshore blows, watch for weed and debris collecting in the bay—if you’re constantly clearing weed, change position or wait for it to ease

This is a mark where the sea can “sneak up” on you if you focus on fishing and ignore how quickly the water fills the bay. Treat it with respect in the dark and in swell, and plan your exit before you start.

• • Check the tide and identify a safe route off the shore before committing to a spot
• • Be cautious of soft sand, shingle shifts, and slippery algae on any rockier edges
• • In swell, sets can wash higher than expected—keep gear above the swash and avoid turning your back on the sea
• • Consider cleated boots/studs if you’ll be on rock or weed-covered stone
• • Mobile signal can be patchy depending on the exact location—fish with a mate when possible

Facilities are limited and you should be prepared to be self-sufficient for food, light and first-aid basics. Nearby towns and villages in Carmarthenshire can provide supplies, but at the bay itself you should expect little more than informal parking and foot access.

• • No guaranteed toilets or shelter at the mark itself
• • Bring a headtorch (plus spare batteries) for dusk/night sessions
• • Pack out all litter; take a spare bag for discarded line and bait packaging

This is a venue that rewards moving a little to find the cleanest patch and the most consistent depth. A small change in position—onto a gully edge, away from the rough, or closer to a current seam—can make a big difference.

• • Look for gullies and seams on a low tide and note where the water will first push back
• • If bites are all small fish, step up bait size (e.g., crab/squid cocktails) to target better bass
• • For flatfish, keep baits small and neat and consider a touch of attractor (beads/spoons) on clear, calm tides
• • If snags are an issue, shorten snoods and fish slightly cleaner water rather than trying to “force” a cast onto rough ground
• • In summer evenings, try lure fishing the calmer water while waiting for the tide to build enough depth for bait fishing

I’m not aware of a blanket, nationwide ban specific to “Scotts Bay” as a named mark, but local restrictions can apply depending on exactly where you access the shoreline (private land, conservation designations, seasonal bylaws, or specific signage). You should confirm access and any local rules before fishing.

• • Check for on-site signage regarding access, private land, dogs, or seasonal restrictions
• • If the bay sits within or near any protected area, there may be rules on bait collection, species retention, or vehicle access—verify via official sources
• • Follow national and local sea angling best practice: respect minimum size guidance where applicable, return unwanted fish quickly, and avoid disturbance to wildlife
• • If in doubt, ask locally (tackle shops/harbour staff) and comply with any Carmarthenshire coastal bylaws that may apply