Abereiddi Bay

Abereiddi Bay is a compact, rugged north Pembrokeshire mark that can fish well for mixed species when the Atlantic has a bit of colour on it. It’s primarily a rock-and-gully venue with occasional scratchy ground, best approached as a short-session mark around the tides rather than an all-day sit.

• A small bay with steep cliffs and broken rock, offering kelp-lined gullies, ledges and rough ground
• Produces classic west Wales species: wrasse, pollack and bass in calmer spells, and codling/whiting/flatfish in wintery conditions
• Can be unfishable in heavy swell due to surging and wave rebound; pick your days carefully

Abereiddi Bay sits on the exposed north Pembrokeshire coast near the hamlet of Abereiddi, with access down to the bay from the nearby parking area and paths. It’s straightforward to reach, but the final approach is on foot and the fishing is from rock ledges and boulder ground.

• Park locally and walk down on the main path toward the bay; allow time for the climb back up with gear
• The most practical fishing is from the edges of the bay and the rock platforms where you can reach deeper water or cast across the gullies
• After rain the paths and rock can be slick; treat it as a “light kit, mobile” venue rather than lugging heavy beach tackle

Abereiddi is a genuine mixed-bag mark, with species varying sharply by sea state, water clarity and season. Expect rough-ground predators and wrasse family fish in summer, with more traditional winter species when the water cools and the surf stirs.

• Pollack: common around the kelp edges and over deeper rock; best on float or lure in clearer water
• Ballan wrasse (and smaller wrasse species): frequent in the gullies and kelpy holes; ideal for float-fished baits
• Bass: possible when there’s some surf or a bit of colour, especially after a swell has dropped
• Mackerel: can show in late spring/summer when shoals run the coast; feathers or small lures work
• Conger eel: a chance from the rougher, deeper pockets after dark (expect tackle losses)
• Winter species: whiting, codling and occasional flatfish can turn up when conditions push food into the bay

This is a venue where presentation and snag-management matter as much as distance, and most successful anglers adapt to the day’s sea state. Lure fishing and float work can outscore heavy leads when the water is clear, while a simple ledger fished hard on the bottom comes into its own with a bit of surf.

• Spinning / soft plastics: work along the kelp line for pollack and bass; use weed-resistant rigs where possible and keep lures moving to avoid snagging
• Float fishing: a strong option for wrasse and pollack in calmer seas; fish baits close to rock faces and over gullies
• Light to medium ledgering: fish into deeper channels at mid tide; keep leads just heavy enough to hold and be ready to “lift and retrieve” to reduce losses
• Baits (general): ragworm, lugworm, crab, prawn and mackerel strip are reliable; crab and hard baits help deter small fish and pick out better wrasse/bass
• Tackle notes: abrasion-resistant leaders are sensible on the rough; consider carrying a range of lead sizes for changing swell and surge

Abereiddi is exposed to Atlantic swell, so the ‘right’ conditions are often a moderate sea with some movement rather than flat calm or full-on storm surf. Tide height influences access to ledges and how safely you can fish the gullies.

• Best tides often involve mid to higher water when deeper channels are in reach and fish patrol the edges
• A dropping swell with a bit of colour can be ideal for bass and general bait fishing; gin-clear calm can make fishing slow in daylight
• Big swell or strong onshore wind can make the bay dangerous and unfishable due to surging and wave rebound off the cliffs
• After prolonged calm, try dawn/dusk or night for better chances, especially for bass and conger

This is a scenic but serious rock mark where swell and slippery ground are the main hazards. Treat it as a venue for experienced rock anglers, and don’t be tempted onto low ledges when the sea is pushing.

• Wear studded boots/cleats and consider a helmet if fishing close to cliff faces or boulder fields
• Avoid low platforms on rising tides and never turn your back on the sea; rogue sets can surge well into the bay
• Mobile signal can be variable; fish with a companion where possible and let someone know your plans
• Not suitable for wheelchair access; the descent/ascent and uneven rocks make it challenging even for moderately able anglers with heavy gear
• Carry a minimal, secure load; keep hands free on steeper sections and use a headtorch for late sessions

Facilities are limited at the bay itself, so plan as a self-sufficient rock-fishing session. Nearby towns and villages in north Pembrokeshire provide supplies, but don’t assume anything is open late.

• Parking available nearby with a walk down to the bay
• No guaranteed toilets or shelter at the mark; bring water, first aid and weatherproof layers
• Tackle, bait and refreshments are best sourced before you arrive from the wider St Davids/Fishguard area depending on your route

Small changes in position at Abereiddi can make a big difference, especially with kelp, depth and cross-currents. A cautious, observational approach usually outfishes blind casting.

• Spend time watching the water: look for deeper, darker lanes and points where swell funnels into gullies
• If snagging is heavy, shorten casts and fish the near edge carefully rather than trying to punch leads into the roughest ground
• In clear water, scale down traces and fish moving baits (float or lure); in coloured water, use scentier baits like mackerel strip or crab
• Keep spare rigs and leads ready; rough ground can eat tackle when the surge lifts and drops the line across rocks
• Take litter and clipped line home—this bay is popular with walkers and wildlife

There isn’t a universally advertised, blanket ban associated with Abereiddi Bay for shore angling, but local restrictions can apply in parts of the Pembrokeshire Coast due to conservation designations and seasonal sensitivities. You should treat signage and on-the-ground guidance as definitive.

• Check for local signs at access points regarding any seasonal restrictions, protected areas, or safety closures
• If collecting bait (e.g., crabs, mussels), check local bylaws and site-specific rules before taking anything
• Follow standard UK sea angling best practice: respect access, avoid blocking paths, and return undersize/protected species
• If in doubt, consult Pembrokeshire Coast National Park guidance and local fishery/byelaw information before fishing