Blue Lagoon (Abereiddi)

Abereiddi’s Blue Lagoon is a dramatic, flooded former slate quarry on the north Pembrokeshire coast, better known for coasteering and cliff jumping than for angling. For sea anglers it’s a specialist venue: deep water, steep rock, and changeable swell can fish well, but access and safety considerations are as important as the tackle you bring.

• Deep, clear water tight to rock can hold pollack, wrasse and occasional bass when conditions are right
• Popular with swimmers and adventure groups in season, so angling is often best early/late or out of peak times
• Not a “plug-and-play” mark: exposure, slippery rock and sudden surges make it suitable only for competent rock anglers

The Blue Lagoon sits just west of Abereiddi and is reached via the National Trust coastal paths and quarry tracks; it’s close to the village but feels wild once you’re down at water level. The approach is straightforward in dry weather, yet the final scramble and ledges can be awkward with a lot of gear.

• Access is on foot along coastal footpaths and quarry approaches; expect uneven ground and steps/rocky descents near the lagoon
• Travel light: a rucksack, compact lure kit and minimal bait/sinkers are far easier than a full beach set-up
• If the lagoon itself is busy, there are nearby rock edges on the open coast that can offer safer casting angles depending on swell

This is primarily a lure and float-fishing rock mark, with species reflecting rough ground and kelp-lined edges. Catches vary massively with sea state, clarity, and how much swell is running into the quarry opening and adjacent coastline.

• Pollack: common target on lures, especially when there’s a little colour and movement in the water
• Ballan wrasse: present around kelp and boulder habitat; best approached with careful, close-range tactics
• Bass: possible at times, particularly in warmer months and when baitfish are present; expect them to be hit-and-miss
• Mackerel: may show in season when shoals come close; useful for fresh bait if permitted and practical
• Conger: potential in deep rough ground, but this is not an easy or beginner-friendly place to target them

The best approach at Abereiddi is usually mobile lure fishing or light float/ledger work close to the structure, keeping gear simple and landing plans realistic. Big sinkers and long casts are rarely the point here—presentation tight to rock and kelp is.

• Spinning/soft plastics: fish shads, sandeels and weighted weedless rigs along kelp edges for pollack and bass
• Metal lures: use when mackerel are present or when you need to get down quickly in deeper water
• Float fishing: wrasse tactics with a strong float set-up, abrasion-resistant line, and baits like crab or ragworm where allowed/available
• Light ledgering: short-range into gullies/holes with strong hooks and a plan to keep fish out of snags
• Landing: use a long-handled net or drop net if you can position it safely; avoid marks where a fish can’t be landed without dangerous reaching

Because the lagoon and surrounding rock are exposed to Atlantic swell, conditions dictate everything—some days it’s fishable and others it simply isn’t. Moderate movement and a bit of colour can help, but too much swell or surge turns it into a no-go.

• Sea state first: avoid fishing if swell is pushing hard into the quarry opening or washing over ledges
• Water clarity: crystal-clear calm water can make fish wary; a light ripple or slight colour often improves sport
• Tides: depth is substantial, but ledge access and safe footing can change with tide height; check what areas flood and cut off
• Wind: onshore winds can make the place rough quickly; strong crosswinds can also make lure control difficult
• After rain: runoff can add colour and food—useful for bass/pollack—but can also make paths and rock dangerously slick

This is a serious rock mark with steep edges, slippery slate/rock, and the potential for sudden surges. Treat it like a mountaineering-style outing: if you’re not 100% confident in the conditions, choose a safer nearby venue.

• Wear proper rock boots or studded soles; slate and algae-coated rock can be treacherous
• A buoyancy aid is strongly advised; a helmet is sensible if you’re near cliffy sections or below other users
• Never fish alone here, and always keep well back from the edge when sets of swell roll through
• Plan an exit: identify where you can safely retreat if the sea rises or the wind swings onshore
• Be mindful of other users (swimmers/coasteerers); keep casting zones clear and line out of access routes
• Accessibility is limited: uneven paths, steps and scrambles make it unsuitable for many mobility needs

Facilities are limited at the water’s edge, but Abereiddi is a small, well-visited spot with basic amenities nearby depending on season. Expect a walk-in mark with no shelter once you’re down by the lagoon.

• Parking is available in the Abereiddi area; from there it’s a walk to the lagoon and surrounding rock
• No tackle shop on the rocks: bring spare leaders, clips and lures as snags are common
• Mobile signal can be variable on the coast; don’t rely on it as your only safety plan
• Nearby villages offer refreshments/toilets seasonally, but assume you’re self-sufficient on the mark

Abereiddi rewards anglers who fish smart and discreet, picking calm windows and moving to where the water is working. Keeping gear minimal and focusing on landable spots makes a huge difference.

• Fish first/last light for pollack and bass, especially if the lagoon is busy during the day
• Use abrasion-resistant leader (heavy fluorocarbon or similar) and check it often—rock and slate chew line quickly
• Work lures parallel to the rock face and over kelp tops rather than trying to cast “as far as possible”
• Have a pre-decided “walk away” threshold for swell; if you’re getting wet feet unexpectedly, you’ve stayed too long
• Consider nearby alternative marks on the same stretch if the lagoon is crowded or unsafe—north Pembrokeshire has plenty of rock options

There isn’t a widely publicised, blanket “no fishing” rule specific to the Blue Lagoon that applies at all times, but local management and safety signage can change and some areas may have restrictions. You should treat this as a shared, high-traffic recreation site and comply with any posted rules.

• Check on-site signage for any temporary restrictions related to events, safety, or access management
• If fishing near other water users, maintain clear separation and avoid casting when swimmers/coasteerers are present
• Observe UK and Welsh sea angling rules for protected species and any local bylaws; if unsure, verify with official sources before fishing
• Respect the National Trust/landowner access guidance where applicable (paths, gates, and any “no access” areas)