Porth Diana

Porth Diana is a small, sheltered bay on the Menai Strait side of Anglesey, best known to anglers as a convenient “after-work” shore mark where you can scratch out mixed species close to deeper water. It’s not a big-cast venue, but it can fish well on moving tides and in low light when baitfish and worms are pushed along the edges.

• • A relatively protected mark compared with the open west coast, so it can be a useful fallback in a blow.
• • Mixed-ground shore fishing: sand/mud with patches of rock and weed depending on where you set up.
• • Best suited to light-to-medium gear and a tidy approach rather than brute range.

Porth Diana sits on the Bangor-facing side of Anglesey along the Menai Strait, close to residential areas and local roads. Access is typically straightforward, but space can be tight and you’ll want to be considerate of walkers, small craft activity, and nearby properties.

• • Approach is usually via local lanes/roads with short walks to the shore; expect narrow verges and limited turning in places.
• • Shoreline access is commonly via steps/ramps/foreshore paths depending on your exact entry point; surfaces can be slippery with algae.
• • It’s a popular area for dog walkers and kayakers/paddleboarders in calmer weather—choose a safe casting lane and keep gear tidy.
• • If parking nearby, avoid blocking drives, gates, slipways, or access for emergency vehicles.

This is a classic Menai Strait-style “mixed bag” mark where you target what’s feeding with the tide rather than waiting for one headline species. Most anglers fish for flats and small predators, with occasional better fish when conditions align.

• • Flatfish: flounder are the bread-and-butter; plaice can show in season; occasional dab.
• • Whiting and small codling can appear in colder months depending on the wider Strait form.
• • Bass may patrol on spring tides and at dawn/dusk, especially where baitfish are present.
• • Rock-edge species: wrasse, pollack and coalie-type fish can show near weed/rockier sections in summer.
• • Eels can be a nuisance at times in warm conditions, particularly on worm baits.
• • Expect “mini species” (rockling, gobies) if you fish small baits tight to structure.

Porth Diana lends itself to simple, mobile shore tactics: keep rigs streamlined, fish the seams created by the tide, and scale tackle to the depth and flow. A bit of experimenting with distance and angle often out-fishes staying rooted to one spot.

• • For flounder/plaice: 1–2 hook flapper or a light running ledger with size-appropriate hooks; keep snoods short enough to avoid tangles in flow.
• • For bass: small to medium baited rigs (running ledger) with peeler crab, rag or sandeel; fish into the dusk or first light on a pushing tide.
• • For wrasse/pollack: fish tight to any rougher ground with crab/worm; or try small hard lures/soft plastics if conditions allow and boat traffic is minimal.
• • Baits that commonly score: lugworm, ragworm, tipped worm baits, peeler crab, mussel (where legal/available), sandeel/squid strip for predators.
• • Keep leads practical rather than heavy—use only what holds bottom in the run; the Strait can go from “fine” to “ripping” quickly.
• • If weed is an issue, shorten snoods, streamline baits, and consider slightly heavier leads to maintain contact.

Like most Menai Strait marks, the tide is the engine: you’re fishing moving water, not just depth. The sweet spot is often the first part of the flood or the early ebb, when food is being carried along without the full force of mid-stream flow.

• • Best periods often coincide with a building tide and the first hour or two of movement either side (rather than the absolute peak run).
• • Springs can fish very well, but the flow can become hard work—pick your position to avoid excessive snags and bowing line.
• • Neaps are easier to hold bottom and can be great for finesse flounder fishing, especially if the water is clear.
• • Low light (dawn/dusk) frequently improves bass and predator chances; overcast, slightly coloured water can help.
• • After sustained rain, expect extra colour and debris in the Strait; adjust by fishing bigger baits and stronger scent.
• • Wind strength matters less than the open coast, but wind-against-tide can steepen chop and make footing hazardous.

This is generally a forgiving venue by Anglesey standards, but it still demands proper caution because the Menai Strait’s currents are powerful and the foreshore can be treacherous. Treat it as a “safe-looking” mark with serious tide dynamics.

• • Currents can be extremely strong; avoid wading and don’t attempt to retrieve tackle by walking out on the flat.
• • Mud/silt and weed-covered stones can be very slippery—wear studded boots/cleats and move slowly.
• • Watch for sudden depth changes and soft patches; a wading staff can be useful even when staying shallow.
• • Be mindful of boats and paddlecraft—avoid casting across obvious navigation lines and retrieve promptly if traffic approaches.
• • Fish with a headtorch after dark and keep a clear path back; tide can cut off low foreshore routes quicker than expected.
• • Mobile signal is usually reasonable in the area, but don’t rely on it; let someone know your plan if fishing alone.

Facilities around the Menai Strait marks tend to be “nearby rather than on-site,” and Porth Diana is no exception. Plan to be self-sufficient at the shoreline but take advantage of services in nearby communities.

• • Limited or no facilities directly on the foreshore—bring water, a small first-aid kit, and waste bags.
• • Shops, cafés and fuel are typically available within a short drive in the wider Bangor/Menai Bridge area.
• • Tackle and bait availability varies by season; it’s wise to secure bait before you arrive, especially for early/late sessions.
• • Take all litter and discarded line home; the area is used heavily by the public and wildlife.

Success here is usually about reading the tide lines and fishing neatly rather than launching huge casts. A mobile, quiet approach—dropping baits into likely lanes and adjusting to the run—often finds the feeding fish.

• • Start by fishing slightly up-tide and let the bait settle into the seam; adjust lead weight until you’re holding without excessive line belly.
• • If you’re targeting flounder, try worm baits fished close and don’t ignore very short range—many bites come under the rod tip.
• • For bass, fish the last hour of light into darkness on a flooding tide; keep rigs simple and baits fresh.
• • Keep hooks and traces sized to the day: small hooks for flatties/whiting, stronger patterns and bigger baits if crabs/eels are stripping you.
• • If small fish are pecking, shorten baits, tip with squid or use tougher offerings like crab/mussel (where permitted).
• • Keep noise and lights down in calm conditions; the bay can be clear and fish can be spooky.

I’m not aware of any blanket, widely-publicised ban specific to shore angling at Porth Diana, but rules can change and some access points may be subject to local restrictions. You should always confirm on-site and via official sources before fishing, especially around slipways, moorings, and conservation areas.

• • Check for local signage regarding access, parking, and any seasonal or activity-based restrictions.
• • The Menai Strait area can include sensitive habitats; follow any byelaws relating to bait digging, shellfish collection, and protected species.
• • Observe national rules on minimum sizes, catch limits (where applicable), and protected species—if unsure, return fish safely.
• • If you plan to gather bait (e.g., mussel, crab, worm), confirm whether collection is permitted at that specific shore and avoid private/managed areas.
• • Be extra considerate around slipways and moorings: don’t obstruct launching and avoid casting where it could endanger water users.