Beaumaris Bay

Beaumaris Bay is a classic Menai Strait shore venue where you can fish sheltered water with plenty of tide run and a real mix of species. It’s a reliable mark for anglers who like scratching for bites, but it can also produce quality fish when conditions and tides line up.

• Best thought of as a Menai Strait bay/shore mark rather than open-coast beach fishing
• Suits bait fishing, light spinning, and occasional lure work when baitfish are present
• The key variable is the strength and timing of tide flow; it often fishes “better than it looks”

Beaumaris Bay sits on the Anglesey side of the Menai Strait, with fishing available from the foreshore and accessible edges around the town’s waterfront. Access is generally straightforward, but the best spots depend on state of tide and where you can safely get down onto the shore.

• Shore access is typically via public waterfront/foreshore areas near Beaumaris
• You’ll find a mix of mud/sand patches, stones, and weed-covered ground depending on the exact stretch and tide height
• At low water, some areas open up but can become soft underfoot or cut off quickly by the flood tide
• Expect boat traffic at times in the Strait—pick a spot and casting line that avoids navigation routes

Beaumaris Bay is known more for variety than for one single “headline” species, and it can reward a mobile approach. On the right tides and in settled spells it can throw up very decent fish, especially around features and stronger flow.

• Flatfish: flounder and plaice are common targets; dabs can show too
• Codling/whiting: possible in the colder months depending on year and conditions
• Bass: present in the Strait system; best chances tend to be around moving water and bait concentrations (often more likely in warmer months)
• Mackerel: can appear when shoals push into the Strait; opportunities are often short-lived
• Rock/reef species in rougher patches: wrasse and small pollack/cuddy (where the ground suits)
• Eels and other “nuisance” species can turn up, particularly on softer, warmer nights

This is a venue where matching your rig to the ground and tide makes a bigger difference than hero casting distance. Many takes come at moderate range, especially when the flow is doing the work and your bait is presented naturally.

• Bait fishing (most consistent)
  • Use simple running ledger or paternoster rigs for general scratching
  • Step up to pulley-style or stronger traces if you’re fishing near snags/rough ground
  • Keep traces tidy: the Strait’s flow can tangle long snoods if you overdo them
• Baits
  • Ragworm/lugworm: excellent all-round choices for flatfish and general species
  • Peeler crab or crab sections: good when targeting better fish (and when crabs are active)
  • Sandeel or fish strip: useful for bass, whiting, and opportunists
• Lure/spin options
  • Light spinning can work when baitfish are present or on calm, clear spells
  • Fish the crease lines (where fast and slack water meet) rather than straight into the fastest run
• Tackle
  • Medium shore gear is usually ample; bring a selection of leads because hold varies hugely with tide strength
  • Consider grip leads when the run is strong; swap to plain leads in calmer water to avoid excessive snagging

Tide is the engine room here: the Menai Strait can go from gentle drift to powerful flow, and Beaumaris Bay responds accordingly. The best sessions often come when you plan around manageable flow, good water clarity, and a stable weather pattern.

• Many anglers favour fishing either side of slack water when you can maintain contact without massive leads
• On bigger tides, focus on edges, bays, and slack pockets rather than fighting the full run
• After prolonged calm weather the water can be clearer; this can help lure fishing and worm baits for flatfish
• In coloured water or after disturbance, switch to scented baits (crab, fish strip) and consider larger profiles
• Wind matters less than on open coast, but strong winds can still create chop and drift weed that ruins presentation

Beaumaris Bay is relatively sheltered, but the Menai Strait’s tides demand respect and can turn a comfortable ledge into a trap if you’re not watching the clock. The ground can also be deceptively slippery where weed and mud dominate.

• Tide cut-off risk: don’t drop onto areas that can be surrounded by water on a fast flood
• Soft mud/silt exists in places—probe carefully and avoid unknown patches, especially in the dark
• Slippery weed-covered stones are common; studded boots/cleats can be a big help
• Keep clear of boat channels and moorings; retrieve lines promptly if vessels approach
• Night fishing is doable but bring a headtorch and plan exits—the shoreline changes quickly with tide
• If you’re mobility-limited, the waterfront areas can offer easier access than more broken foreshore sections

Being close to Beaumaris town is a genuine advantage: it’s an easy place to fish without feeling remote, and you can usually sort food, tackle basics, or a warm drink nearby.

• Parking is generally available in/around town (availability varies with season and events)
• Shops, cafés, and toilets are typically accessible in Beaumaris (check opening times)
• Local services make it convenient for short sessions around tide times
• Mobile signal is usually reasonable in town-facing areas, but don’t rely on it as a safety plan

This mark rewards anglers who fish the “shape” of the water rather than simply casting far. Look for features that funnel food—then present a bait that behaves naturally in the flow.

• Work the seams and eddies: cast so your bait settles on the edge of the run, not in the fastest current
• Carry a range of lead sizes and change quickly; if you can’t hold bottom, you’re wasting prime tide time
• For flatfish, try smaller hooks and neat worm baits, and keep the bait pinned down where possible
• If crabs are stripping baits, switch to tougher offerings (crab, fish strip) or shorten soak times
• Don’t ignore short-range: many bites come close in, especially when the tide pushes food tight to the shoreline
• Keep an eye out for bird activity or small fish dimpling—it can signal a brief lure/spin window

There isn’t a single, universally posted “no fishing” rule that clearly applies across all of Beaumaris Bay, but regulations and restrictions can vary by exact spot, access point, and local management. Always check locally before setting up, especially around busy waterfront areas.

• Check for local signage regarding fishing permissions, access, and any seasonal restrictions
• Be aware of private frontage/structures: some slips, pontoons, or seawall sections may have rules
• Observe standard UK best practice: respect size limits where applicable, return unwanted fish carefully, and avoid litter
• If you intend to collect bait (e.g., bait digging), confirm whether there are local bylaws or protected areas that restrict it
• If in doubt, consult local tackle shops, local authority notices, or harbour/marina guidance for up-to-date rules