Porth Trecastell

Porth Trecastell (often referred to as Cable Bay) is a sheltered, sandy bay on the north‑west of Anglesey that can fish well for a mixed bag when you pick your conditions. It’s a friendly venue for anglers who like light‑tackle sport, but it can also produce better fish when there’s a bit of sea and colour.

• A mainly sandy beach with rocky fringes and weedier ground towards the headlands
• Good “all‑rounder” mark: summer species close in, and occasional autumn/winter opportunities when conditions suit
• Generally best fished around moving water rather than dead low
• Popular with walkers, swimmers and water users in fair weather—early/late sessions are often most practical

The mark is a small bay with easy access compared with much of Anglesey’s rougher north coast, making it a useful option when the wind and swell make open rock marks uncomfortable. Access is typically via local lanes and footpaths down to the beach.

• Approach via the nearest village/parking areas and follow signed paths to the sand
• Short walk-in for most anglers; take a barrow only if you’re staying on the sand and conditions are dry/firm
• Fishable from the beach itself, or from firmer ground near the edges where sand meets rock (with care)
• In peak season expect other beach users—set up considerately and keep tackle tidy

Expect typical north Anglesey inshore species, with the best variety in late spring through early autumn, and the chance of codling/whiting-type winter fish depending on the year and conditions. The mix changes quickly with tide height, clarity and weed.

• Bass: often the headline species in warmer months, especially at dawn/dusk and with a bit of surf
• Flatfish: plaice/flounder/dab can show over cleaner sand; match bait and presentation to conditions
• Mackerel: may pass close when shoals are in, particularly from the deeper edges and on flood tides
• Wrasse and rock species: more likely near the fringes and rougher patches towards the sides of the bay
• Rays/dogfish: possible at times, especially after dark and when there’s colour in the water
• Winter fish: occasional codling/whiting may appear in suitable conditions, but this is not a guaranteed winter “banker” mark

Fish it like a cleanish beach with rough ground nearby: keep rigs simple on the sand, and switch to tougher end tackle if you’re pushing casts towards the rocky edges. Light to medium gear is often enough unless there’s heavy surf or strong tide.

• Beach casting: 2-hook flapper or clipped-down paternoster with size/weight matched to surf and drift
• Bass tactics: run a single hook or short flowing trace with a larger bait; fish the flood and into dusk/dawn
• LRF/float (where practical and safe): close work for wrasse/rock species near the margins—watch swell and footing
• Spinning: metals or small lures when mackerel/bass are showing; cover ground along the bay rather than camping one spot
• Baits: rag/lug for general fishing; sandeel, squid or crab where appropriate for bass/rough-ground species
• In calm, clear water: scale down traces and hooks, and prioritise natural presentation over heavy lead

This bay tends to fish best with a bit of movement and a touch of colour, especially for bass; dead-calm, crystal-clear conditions can be harder going in daylight. Like many Anglesey beaches, it can also be affected by weed after blows.

• Best tide phases: commonly the flood into high water, then the first part of the ebb (varies by wind and swell)
• Low water: can be scratchy if the water pulls back to very shallow sand; concentrate on channels and the deeper edges
• Sea state: a light chop or small surf often improves catches; heavy swell can make margins hazardous
• Wind: onshore or quartering winds can add useful colour; strong crosswinds can make presentation difficult
• Weed: after storms, expect drifting weed—carry spare rigs and consider bigger baits/hookups to avoid masking points

It’s generally a safer option than exposed cliff marks, but it’s still the Irish Sea—conditions can change quickly and the edges can be slippery. Treat the rocky margins with respect, especially if you’re tempted to fish close to the headlands.

• Footing: wet rock and weed-covered stones are extremely slippery—wear studded boots if leaving the sand
• Swell: even in a “sheltered” bay, sets can surge around the sides—keep back from the waterline when waves build
• Tides: avoid getting cut off if you wander towards the corners; always keep an eye on your exit route
• Night fishing: bring a reliable headtorch, spare light, and fish with a partner if possible
• Accessibility: beach access is comparatively straightforward, but soft sand and steps/paths may limit wheelchair access depending on the route and conditions

Facilities are limited at the mark itself, so plan as you would for a short session on a quiet Anglesey bay. You’ll typically find services in nearby villages/towns rather than on the beach.

• Parking: usually available in nearby areas; arrive early in peak season to avoid congestion
• Toilets/shops: not guaranteed on-site—check locally before you commit to a long session
• Shelter: minimal; bring suitable waterproofs and layers even in summer
• Mobile signal: can be variable—don’t rely on it for safety

Small choices—where you stand, and when you fish—make a big difference here, because fish can patrol very close in when conditions are right. Quiet, low‑impact angling pays off on clear, calm days.

• Work the feature: on higher water, fish the drop-offs and slightly deeper water rather than the flattest sand
• Time it: dawn/dusk and the last couple of hours of flood are often the most consistent for bass
• Be flexible: if weed is bad on the open sand, try the cleaner water along the bay’s edges (without pushing into danger)
• Keep disturbance down: avoid repeated wading and heavy footfall in shallow water when targeting bass and flatfish
• Respect other users: the bay can be busy—cast safely, avoid popular swim routes, and clear litter/line

There’s no widely publicised, universally applicable “no fishing” status for Porth Trecastell itself, but local restrictions can exist due to conservation designations, seasonal byelaws, or safety signage. Always confirm current rules before fishing, especially regarding bass measures, protected species, and any site-specific access limitations.

• Check on-site signage for any bathing-zone rules, seasonal restrictions, or prohibited areas
• Follow Welsh/UK sea angling regulations for size limits, bag limits and protected species (these can change—verify via official sources)
• If collecting bait (e.g., digging worm or taking crabs), ensure it’s permitted locally and do so responsibly
• Observe any conservation/SSI/MCZ guidance if the surrounding coast is covered by designations—restrictions may apply to certain activities even if angling is allowed
• Consider voluntary best practice: return unwanted fish carefully, and avoid fishing crowded swimming areas in summer