Bull Bay

Bull Bay (Porth Llechog) on Anglesey’s north coast is a sheltered, deep-water bay with rocky headlands that can fish well in a wide range of conditions. It’s a popular spot for both bait and lure anglers, with the best sport usually coming from the rougher ground on the edges rather than the sandy middle.

• Mixed mark: sand/shingle bay with rock, kelp and broken ground on the flanks
• Best for variety rather than huge numbers, with occasional standout fish in the right conditions
• Can be a useful “plan B” when the open north coast is too lumpy, but it still deserves respect in swell and wind shifts

Bull Bay sits at the northern end of Anglesey, with access via the village and harbour area at Porth Llechog. Most anglers fish either from the harbour/sea wall area or by walking onto rock ledges around the bay when the sea state allows.

• Easy approach compared with many Anglesey rock marks: short walks from roadside parking through the village
• Main options: harbour/sea wall casting into the bay, or rock/ledge fishing around the headlands for rough-ground species
• Access to some ledges is tide-dependent and can become slippery with weed and spray
• Expect company in summer: it’s a visitor hotspot, so fish early/late for a quieter session

Bull Bay offers a classic north-Anglesey mix, with the bay and harbour producing smaller species and the rougher edges holding better predators. Species can vary a lot with season, water clarity and surf conditions.

• Mackerel: often present in season, especially when baitfish are tight to the headlands
• Pollack: around the rocky edges, kelp lines and deeper water, particularly on lures and float-fished baits
• Wrasse (ballan/other): tight to rock and kelp in warmer months; excellent sport on float gear or soft plastics
• Bass: possible along the rough ground and into the bay when there’s a bit of colour or surf; also at dawn/dusk
• Flatfish (flounder/dab/plaice depending on ground): more likely over the cleaner sandier patches
• Rockling and other small species: common after dark around structure
• Conger: possible from the rougher, deeper areas, especially after dark, though not guaranteed

This is a versatile mark where you can match the method to conditions—cleaner water suits lures and floats, while a bit of colour favours bait on the deck. The key is to fish the transitions: sand-to-rock, kelp edges, and any gullies.

• Spinning/shore jigging: metals and small jigs for mackerel and pollack when fish are showing; work different depths
• Soft plastics: paddletails or worms fished near kelp edges for pollack/wrasse; use abrasion-resistant leaders
• Float fishing: a strong option for wrasse and pollack in calmer conditions; present crab, rag or small fish baits tight to structure
• Bottom fishing (ledger): for flatfish and mixed species over cleaner ground; step up traces near rough ground
• Baits that commonly score: ragworm/mackerel strip for general species; peeler/crab for wrasse and bass; squid/mackerel for bigger predators
• Tackle notes: rough ground can be tackle-hungry—consider stronger mono/braid leaders and be prepared to move if you’re snagging constantly

Bull Bay can fish across most states of tide, but the most productive periods usually revolve around movement and a bit of natural disturbance. Water clarity can change quickly, and that often dictates whether bait or lures will dominate.

• Tide: moving water is generally best; slack periods can be slower, especially for predators
• Overcast with a light chop: often ideal for bass and pollack along the edges
• Clear, calm water: can still fish well for wrasse and pollack on finesse lures/float gear, but bass may be warier
• Swell: even modest swell can make rock ledges hazardous—choose sheltered positions or the harbour area in lumpy conditions
• Wind: northerlies can push swell into the bay; easterlies can make the sea awkward and increase weed in the water
• After-dark: worthwhile for conger/rockling and for bass in summer, provided access is safe

The harbour and promenade-style areas are comparatively straightforward, but the surrounding rock marks demand proper judgement. Anglesey rock can be extremely slippery, and Bull Bay’s exposure to swell means conditions can change fast.

• Rock safety: kelp-covered ledges are slick—use studded boots/cleats and avoid committing to low rocks in swell
• Waves: watch the sea for several minutes before setting up; rogue sets can sweep “safe-looking” platforms
• Tides: some return routes can be cut off—plan an exit and don’t rely on last-minute climbs on wet rock
• Night fishing: only recommended if you already know your route and platform in daylight
• Family/access: harbour-side fishing can suit beginners with supervision; keep clear of working areas and edges
• Always carry: headtorch (if late), first-aid basics, phone in waterproof case, and consider a flotation aid on rock ledges

As a village bay and small harbour, Bull Bay is more comfortable than many remote Anglesey marks. You can usually find basic amenities nearby, especially in peak season.

• Parking: available in/around the village (observe local restrictions and avoid blocking access)
• Food/drink: seasonal options may be available locally; it’s wise to bring essentials outside peak times
• Shelter: the bay and built-up area offer some respite, but exposed points provide little protection
• Tackle: bring spare rigs/leads due to snags around the rougher ground

Bull Bay rewards anglers who keep moving and fish the features rather than blindly casting into the middle. If you treat it as a set of small marks—harbour, bay, and rocky edges—you’ll quickly work out where the fish are holding.

• Fish the seams: cast to the edge of kelp beds and work lures back along the boundary rather than straight through weed
• Look for life: diving birds, baitfish flicking, and surface disturbance can switch on mackerel/pollack quickly
• Downsizing helps in clear water: lighter leaders, smaller lures, and natural bait presentations often outfish heavy gear
• Time your session: dawn/dusk can transform the bay for bass, especially with a light ripple
• Manage snags: use rotten-bottom setups or lift leads clear of rock if you’re losing too much tackle
• Respect residents/visitors: keep gear tidy on paths, take litter and discarded line home, and be considerate around busy summer spots

Sea angling is generally permitted around much of Anglesey, but local restrictions can apply around harbours, slipways, and specific safety zones. I’m not aware of a blanket ban at Bull Bay itself, but you should treat signage and harbour byelaws as the final word.

• Check on-site signs for any “no fishing” notices, restricted areas, or rules relating to the harbour wall, slipway or moorings
• Avoid fishing where it could obstruct vessels, harbour operations, or public access
• If targeting bass, ensure you follow current Welsh/UK rules on retention and size limits—these can change, so verify before keeping fish
• Handle wrasse and other reef species carefully and return unwanted fish promptly; consider barbless or semi-barbed hooks when practical
• If in doubt, ask locally (harbour staff/local anglers) and follow any guidance provided