Broad Haven (South)

Broad Haven (South) is the southern end of Broad Haven beach and adjacent rockier ground on Pembrokeshire’s exposed St Brides Bay coastline. It’s a classic mixed mark where you can fish clean sand for flatfish and bass, or work rougher fringes for wrasse and pollack depending on sea state.

• • Best known for: bass, flounder/dab/plaice in season, wrasse and pollack off the rougher edges
• • Style of venue: open surf beach with rocky outcrops and kelpy margins
• • Most productive when there’s a bit of colour and movement in the water rather than a flat-calm sea

Broad Haven (South) refers to the southern portion of Broad Haven’s wide bay, where the sand begins to meet rockier ground and small reefs. Access is straightforward in normal conditions, but the beach is very tidal and the rougher edges can cut you off if you linger.

• • Approach from Broad Haven village and head to the south end of the beach; you’ll quickly see where sand gives way to broken rock/weed
• • At lower water, you can walk further south to fish gullies and edges; on a pushing tide, plan your route back early
• • After heavy weather, expect steep shingle/sand banks and stronger surf that can make carrying kit harder

This mark offers a good spread of species because you can switch between surf tactics on clean sand and lure/bait work near rock and weed. It’s not a “numbers” mark every day, but it can fish very well when conditions line up.

• • Bass: the headline fish; patrol the surf line, especially with a bit of swell or colour
• • Flatfish (seasonal): flounder, dab and occasional plaice depending on time of year and water temperature
• • Wrasse: around the rock/kelp edges in calmer seas; best targeted with crab or worm baits close in
• • Pollack: possible from the rougher ground, especially if you can safely reach deeper water at mid-to-high tide
• • Rockling/small codling (occasional): can show after rough weather, but don’t bank on it
• • Mackerel: sometimes within range during summer runs, more likely where you can reach deeper water near rock

You can fish Broad Haven (South) effectively with either bait fishing from the sand or lighter lure/float approaches along the rougher margins. Match your method to the sea: surf and colour favour baited rigs; calmer, clearer conditions suit lures and close-range work.

• • Surf bait fishing (sand): 2-hook flapper or clipped-down rig with lug/rag or tipped baits for flatfish and bass
• • Bass baits: lug/rag, crab, sandeel (where sourced legally), and fish baits in coloured water; keep presentation streamlined in surf
• • Lure fishing: metal jigs or casting spoons in surf for bass; soft plastics worked along the edge where sand meets rock
• • Rough ground tactics: short casting and accurate placement into gullies/kelp lanes with stronger traces and abrasion-resistant leaders
• • Float/ledger for wrasse: fish crab, rag or mussel tight to structure; be ready to pull fish clear quickly to avoid snag-ups

The venue is very tide-driven: the water pulls off a long way and features change dramatically from low to high. In general, it improves with some sea movement, but the same conditions can make it dangerous on the rocky fringes.

• • State of tide: mid-tide to high often concentrates bass closer; low water can expose gullies and channels worth exploring on foot
• • Swell: a moderate swell with a bit of colour can switch bass on; too much swell can make it unfishable or unsafe
• • Wind: onshore winds create surf and colour; strong crosswinds make presentation difficult and increase line-bow
• • Water clarity: clear, calm water can be tougher for bass on the sand—consider dusk/dawn, lighter lines, or move to rough ground
• • Weed: after storms, drifting weed can be heavy—use shorter traces and check gear frequently

Broad Haven is generally accessible, but it’s an exposed Atlantic-facing bay with real surf hazards and a fast-encroaching tide over long distances. The rocks and kelp at the south end can be extremely slippery, and routes that are easy at low water may not be safe on a rising tide.

• • Tide awareness: don’t let the tide cut you off when exploring towards the southern rocks; always leave yourself an exit
• • Surf risk: avoid wading in surf; unexpected waves can knock you over and fill waders quickly
• • Slippery ground: kelp-covered rock is treacherous—wear boots with good grip and consider a wading staff on uneven ground
• • Night fishing: effective for bass, but only if you already know the layout; keep headlamp, spare light, and a clear retreat plan
• • Family access: the main beach is family-friendly in good conditions, but the rocky margins are not suitable for children without close supervision

Broad Haven is a popular seaside spot with amenities close by in the village, which makes it convenient compared with more remote Pembrokeshire marks. What’s available can vary by season and time of day.

• • Parking: public parking areas are typically available near the beach/village (arrive early in peak season)
• • Food and drink: cafés/takeaways are usually nearby, especially in holiday periods
• • Toilets: public facilities are commonly present near the main beach access (check opening times)
• • Tackle and bait: you may need to source bait in advance depending on season and shop hours in the wider area

This mark rewards mobility and reading the water rather than casting blindly. The southern end is at its best when you treat it as a series of small micro-marks—seams, gutters, and edges—rather than one uniform beach.

• • Find the seams: cast into the darker water and along the sand/rock boundary where bait gets funnelled
• • Work close in: bass often feed in the first few metres of surf; don’t assume the longest cast wins
• • Time it: dusk into darkness can be excellent for bass; for flatfish, steady fishing through a pushing tide can pay
• • Tackle balance: on the sand you can fish relatively clean; near the rocks step up leader strength and expect losses if you push too tight
• • Keep moving: if you’re not getting bites, shift 50–100 yards to locate a better gutter or cleaner patch of ground

There can be local restrictions and seasonal considerations in Pembrokeshire, including protected areas and rules around bait collection or fishing near certain features. Fishing is commonly practiced here, but you should treat regulations as changeable and check locally.

• • Check signage on arrival: look for beach notices relating to protected zones, temporary restrictions, or safety closures
• • Bait collection: if gathering crab, mussel, or worms, confirm what’s permitted locally and avoid any protected habitats
• • Sea bass rules: national bass regulations can change; make sure you are up to date before targeting or retaining fish
• • Respect other beach users: this is a busy bathing beach in season—fish well away from swimmers and follow any local guidance
• • If in doubt: consult official sources (local authority/National Park/NRW notices) and local tackle shops for current, mark-specific advice