Cymyran Bay

Cymyran Bay is a long, open sandy bay on the west side of Anglesey, close to Rhosneigr, with classic surf-beach sea angling for bass, flatfish and rays.

• • It’s a “read the water” venue: the best sport usually comes from fishing the gutters, seams and the mouths of small runnels rather than simply casting as far as possible.
• • Expect it to fish differently day to day depending on swell, weed, and how much sand has shifted.
• • A solid choice for mobile anglers who like to move with the tide and search for features.

Cymyran Bay sits just along the coast from Rhosneigr and is often approached via the same general area, with access points depending on where you want to start on the sand.

• • Access is typically on foot across sand; the bay is large, so be prepared for a walk, especially around mid-tide when you’re following channels and gutters.
• • Parking is usually found around nearby roads/parking areas serving the beach community; always park considerately and avoid blocking entrances.
• • After rough weather, expect reshaped banks and soft sand—allow extra time and keep kit minimal if you plan to roam.

This is primarily a surf venue where you’re targeting the usual sandy-beach species, with bass often the headline fish when conditions line up.

• • Bass: best chances around broken water, gutters, and during low light (dawn/dusk/night), especially with a bit of surf.
• • Flatfish: flounder and other common flatfish can show, particularly where there’s a bit of colour in the water and along the edges of runnels.
• • Rays: in the warmer months the bay can produce rays (species varies year to year), especially from deeper holes and channels.
• • Whiting/codling (seasonal): in colder months you may see whiting and occasional other winter species, but it’s generally more of a mixed surf mark than a rock-winter specialist.
• • Mackerel: not usually the main draw from the beach itself unless they’re in close; local rock marks and headlands often outscore the open sand for feathers/spinners.

Cymyran rewards simple, well-presented rigs, matched to the surf and weed. Travel light and be ready to change tactics if the water is either too clear (harder) or too weedy (frustrating).

• • For bass: fish moving water and broken ground with large ragworm, lug, peeler crab (where locally sourced legally), or quality sandeel-style baits; consider a running ledger or pulley/pennel-style setup suited to surf.
• • For flatfish: smaller baits (lug/mussel/rag) on a 1–2 hook flattie/clip-down rig can pick up fish in calmer spells; work the edges of gutters rather than the dead-flat shallow.
• • For rays: bigger baits (lug cocktails, mackerel/bluey where appropriate) on strong traces; target deeper channels and give baits time to settle.
• • Lure fishing: in calm to moderate conditions, bass can be taken on soft plastics and shallow divers worked along the surf line and any colour changes; keep moving until you find takes.
• • Casting: distance helps at times, but finding the feature (gutter/crease/outflow) is often more important than an extra 20 yards.
• • Weed management: carry spare rigs and consider slightly heavier leads if undertow drifts you into weed; if weed is relentless, it can be better to switch to lures in the cleaner water or move to a different section of the bay.

The bay typically fishes best with some water movement and a bit of life in the sea, but it can also produce in calmer conditions if you locate the deeper gutters.

• • Tide: many anglers favour mid-tide periods when channels are defined and fish patrol the edges; low water can be useful for mapping features, then fish them on the flood.
• • Sea state: a light to moderate surf often improves bass and general sport; in very clear, flat seas it can be harder and more time-dependent (low light helps).
• • Wind: onshore winds can push colour and food in, but too much wind can make presentation difficult; crosswinds can be awkward for long-cast rigs.
• • After storms: expect the beach to change—new holes and gutters can appear; this is often when the bay can “switch on” for bass.
• • Water clarity: a touch of colour is often ideal; chocolate-water can be productive for scent baits but may bring heavy weed and debris.

Cymyran is an open beach, but it still demands respect—especially around stronger surf, soft sand, and changing channels.

• • Surf and undertow: avoid wading in strong surf; steep beaches can create a powerful backwash.
• • Channels and gutters: these can fill quickly on the flood; don’t get cut off and always keep a clear route back.
• • Soft sand: heavy barrows can bog down—pack like you’ll be carrying your kit.
• • Night fishing: use a headtorch plus backup, and keep track of landmarks; the bay is large and it’s easy to drift away from your intended exit.
• • Weather exposure: it’s open to Atlantic weather; sudden squalls are common—check forecasts and swell.
• • Wildlife/other beach users: be mindful of walkers and dogs; cast safely and keep hooks/bait controlled.

Facilities depend on where you access the bay from, with the nearby village area generally offering the best support.

• • You’ll often find shops/cafés and seasonal facilities in the wider Rhosneigr area.
• • Limited shelter on the beach itself—bring what you need (waterproofs, layers, spare tops).
• • Tackle and bait availability varies locally; plan ahead, especially out of season.

Treat Cymyran as a feature-hunting surf mark and you’ll catch more than by sitting in one spot all session.

• • Walk the beach at low water to note gutters, deeper holes, and any outflows, then return to fish them on the push.
• • Bass often patrol the inside edge of a gutter—try one rod close and one further out until you learn the day’s pattern.
• • If the surf is small, fish into dusk/dark and scale down presentation; if there’s a good surf, lean into scent baits and bigger silhouettes.
• • Keep rigs tidy and clipped-down in windy conditions; tangles are common on open beaches.
• • If you’re seeing lots of tiny bites (especially in colder months), try a slightly bigger bait or move to a different depth line.

I’m not aware of a blanket, permanent “no fishing” rule specifically for Cymyran Bay itself, but coastal access can be affected by local byelaws, seasonal dog zones, organised events, or conservation measures.

• • Check local signage at access points for any restrictions (including seasonal beach regulations) and follow instructions.
• • Observe UK sea angling best practice: return undersized fish, handle bass carefully, and avoid targeting fish in unsuitable conditions.
• • If using crab or collecting bait, ensure it’s done legally and responsibly—rules and expectations can be site-specific.
• • If in doubt, confirm with local authority notices, NRW (Natural Resources Wales) guidance, or local tackle shops for up-to-date information.