Porth Meudwy

Porth Meudwy is a small, sheltered cove on the south-west tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, best known as the boat-landing for Bardsey Island trips rather than as a classic “match” venue. For anglers it’s a niche mark: a deepish gully and kelpy margins can fish well for wrasse, pollack and the odd bass, but access and boat traffic mean it suits careful, low-impact fishing rather than big bait-and-wait sessions.

• Small cove with rocky ground, kelp and mixed rough/clean patches
• Often busy in season with passengers/boats for Ynys Enlli (Bardsey)
• Best for mobile lure/bait fishing; limited space for multiple rods

Porth Meudwy sits close to Aberdaron on the Llŷn, tucked into a natural inlet with steep, rocky sides and a small landing area. Access is generally via local lanes and then on foot down to the cove; be prepared for uneven ground and sudden exposure to wind even on calm days.

• Park considerately in designated/local areas near Aberdaron/approach lanes; avoid blocking farm gates and turning circles
• Walk-in access down to the cove can be slippery after rain; sturdy footwear is strongly advised
• The foreshore is rocky and can be weed-covered; expect careful footing and limited flat “stance” spots

Because the ground is predominantly rough with kelp and rock, the typical catch is a mix of inshore rock species with occasional better fish when conditions line up. Summer and early autumn usually produce the most variety, while winter fishing can be awkward if swell wraps in.

• Wrasse (ballan and corkwing): a reliable target around kelp edges in warmer months
• Pollack: possible on lures or baits worked through the gullies and along the drop-offs
• Bass: occasional, especially on flooding water or after a bit of colour in the sea; treat as a bonus rather than a certainty
• Mackerel: can show in season if shoals move close, particularly on feathers/spinners when water clarity is good
• Rockling and small codling (seasonal/variable): possible in deeper pockets, especially at night or in colder periods
• Flounder/dabs: only where you can find a bit of cleaner sand/gravel among the rough

This is a mark that rewards mobility and fishing “light” around structure; long casts over featureless ground aren’t usually the game here. Keep rigs simple and tackle robust enough for kelp and barnacled rock.

• Lure fishing: soft plastics, weedless rigs, small metals and shallow divers worked along kelp edges for pollack/wrasse/bass
• Float fishing: a superb approach here if you can find a safe stance—ragworm, crab or mackerel strip under a float for wrasse and pollack
• Light ledgering close-in: short traces and strong hooks for wrasse; keep leads just heavy enough to hold without constantly wedging
• Bait choices: peeler/crab, rag/lug (where it stays on), and mackerel/bluey strip for pollack and opportunist bass
• Tackle notes: abrasion-resistant leader is useful; carry spare gear as snags are part of the venue

Porth Meudwy can fish very differently depending on swell direction and how much tide is running past the headlands. You’re generally looking for manageable swell, good water movement and enough depth over the rough to keep baits/lures working rather than constantly fouling.

• Tide: a moving tide is important; the flood often brings fish in closer, while slack water can be quiet
• Sea state: a slight lift/colour can help bass, but too much swell makes the cove unsafe and unfishable
• Water clarity: clear water favours wrasse and lure-caught pollack; coloured water can improve chances of bass
• Wind: strong winds can funnel into the cove and make casting/control difficult; check forecasts for gusts as well as mean wind

This is not a “casual” promenade mark—rock, weed and boat operations mean you must prioritise safety and courtesy. Treat the landing areas as working space and keep well out of the way of any launching/landing activity.

• Slips/falls: weeded rock is extremely slippery; consider cleated boots and avoid rushing around when playing fish
• Swell risk: even on apparently calm days, set waves can roll in—stay well back from edges and never turn your back on the sea
• Limited escape routes: choose a stance with a clear retreat path if water starts pushing in
• Boat traffic: expect boats embarking/disembarking passengers—do not cast across approach lines or tie up points
• Accessibility: uneven terrain and steep/rocky footing make it unsuitable for many mobility levels; a headtorch is essential if fishing into dusk/night

Facilities are minimal at the cove itself, as it’s essentially a small working/landing spot. Most practical amenities are found back towards Aberdaron.

• No reliable shelter on the rocks; bring weather protection and a dry bag
• Nearest shops/cafés/toilets are typically in/around Aberdaron (seasonal availability)
• Mobile signal can be patchy on parts of the Llŷn; don’t rely on it for safety planning

A quiet, considered approach is what makes this mark enjoyable—fish the features, keep disturbance down, and you’ll do better than simply “chucking and hoping.” If the cove is busy with boats or visitors, it’s often smarter to fish very early, late, or choose an alternative nearby mark.

• Walk the edge at low water to identify kelp lines, gullies and any small clean patches for future sessions
• Pack light and stay mobile; a single rod and a lure/float setup covers most opportunities
• Fish close: many bites come within a short cast where structure is strongest
• Bring a long-handled net or drop net if you intend to land fish from awkward rock ledges
• Be discreet and tidy—this is a high-visibility spot for visitors; take litter and old line home

I’m not aware of a blanket “no fishing” rule that universally applies to Porth Meudwy, but the area’s role as a passenger landing point and proximity to sensitive environments means restrictions can apply locally or temporarily. You should treat signage and instructions on the day as authoritative and be prepared to move if asked.

• Check on-site signage for any local byelaws, safety exclusions, or seasonal access limits
• Give absolute priority to boat operations and any designated working/embarkation areas—fishing there may be prohibited or considered unsafe
• Observe national rules for species with size/bag limits and any local conservation measures; verify current requirements before you fish
• If targeting bass or other regulated species, check the latest UK/Welsh regulations and comply fully