Broadhaven (Stackpole)

Broadhaven (Stackpole) is a classic south Pembrokeshire rock-and-surf mark where you can cover everything from clean sand to broken kelpy ground depending on where you set up along the bay. It can fish very well for mixed species, but it’s a mark where conditions, swell and access dictate whether it’s comfortable or even sensible.

• A versatile bay mark: surf line, gullies and rough ground all within a short walk
• Best known for general shore fishing rather than any single “specialist” species
• Can be brilliant after a bit of sea movement, but quickly becomes hazardous in heavy swell

Broadhaven sits on the Stackpole side of the Castlemartin Peninsula and is reached on foot from nearby parking/paths, with the last part typically involving clifftop or dune-edge walking and steps/steep paths down. Expect a fair walk with kit, and plan your return in daylight if you don’t know the exits.

• Approach is usually via public footpaths; surfaces can be uneven and slippery in the wet
• Access points can vary with erosion and seasonal path works—follow the obvious, maintained route and any local signage
• Some areas fish best from rock ledges; others are straight beach casting depending on where you drop in

This mark offers a genuine “mixed bag” depending on season, water clarity and whether you’re fishing clean sand or the rougher edges and gullies. In clear, calm spells the fishing can be scratchy, but after a stir-up it often produces better numbers and better quality fish.

• Bass: a headline species here, especially where surf meets broken ground and around rocky edges
• Flounder and other flatfish: likely over cleaner sand, particularly in quieter surf conditions
• Mackerel: possible when shoals run close along the bay and around any deeper water features
• Wrasse: from rougher ground/kelp at the edges in settled summer conditions
• Pollack: occasional from the rockier sections where deeper water pushes in
• Dogfish and small rays: possible in the surf on suitable tides and with scent-heavy baits

Broadhaven rewards a flexible approach: fish the surf on the sand when there’s colour in the water, or switch to the edges and gullies when it’s calm and clear. Travel light enough to move, because being 50 yards off the right feature can make a big difference.

• Surf casting (clean sand): clipped-down rigs/strong traces in a bit of swell; keep leads heavy enough to hold in sweep
• Rough-ground fishing (edges/gullies): shorter traces and abrasion-resistant leaders; be prepared to lose gear if you fish tight
• Lure fishing for bass: work metals, soft plastics or shallow divers along the seam where wave-wash meets darker water; cover ground steadily
• Float/ledger for wrasse and pollack: fish close to kelp and boulders with tough hooklengths and strong hooks
• Bait choices: ragworm/lugworm and crab are reliable all-rounders; sandeel/strip baits score for bass and pollack; mackerel/squid help when targeting rays/dogs

It’s a mark that changes character with tide height and sea state, so timing matters as much as bait. A small lift in swell and a touch of colour often improves results, but big Atlantic swell can make the rocks unfishable and even the beach unpleasant.

• Tide: commonly fishes best with some water over the ground—mid-tide building to high can be productive, especially near rocky features
• Low water: can expose snags and make some rocky areas inaccessible or awkward; the beach may fish “thin” if the water pulls off too far
• Sea state: slight swell and coloured water is often ideal; heavy swell can make it dangerous and may drag weed into the line
• Wind: onshore or cross-on winds can create a good surf but may make casting difficult; strong offshore can flatten the sea and reduce daytime sport
• Water clarity: clear water often favours finesse and night/dusk sessions; coloured water suits bait fishing and close-in bass

This is an exposed stretch of coast where swell, slippery rock and tidal cut-offs are the main hazards; treat it with respect and be ready to relocate. If you’re not familiar with the exits, avoid committing to low ledges and always keep an eye on the set of the sea.

• Swell risk: rogue sets can wash rock platforms without warning—don’t turn your back on the sea
• Slippery ground: weeded rocks and damp limestone can be extremely slick; studs/cleats can help but don’t make you invincible
• Tidal awareness: some spots can become awkward to leave on the push; identify your route off before you start fishing
• Night fishing: only for confident anglers who know the access; carry a proper headtorch and backup
• Accessibility: generally not suitable for wheelchairs/pushchairs due to steps/steep paths and uneven terrain
• Mobile signal can be variable—fish with a mate if possible

Facilities are limited at the mark itself, so arrive self-sufficient. Nearby villages and visitor areas around Stackpole/Bosherston can offer seasonal amenities, but don’t rely on them late in the day.

• No on-mark shelter: bring appropriate clothing and a dry bag for essentials
• Parking is typically in designated areas serving the coastal paths; respect any restrictions and keep gateways clear
• Toilets/refreshments may be available seasonally nearby, not usually at the fishing access point

Broadhaven is often at its best when you fish “the feature” rather than the whole bay—look for seams, darker water, and any gully that funnels surf. If conditions aren’t right for your intended method, switch tactics rather than forcing it.

• Walk the bay at low tide first (in safe conditions) to note gutters, boulder lines and kelp edges for later sessions
• For bass, focus on the first hour of flood and the last of the ebb around the surf line and rocky corners
• If weed is an issue, drop down to streamlined rigs and avoid fishing tight to kelp until it clears
• Keep moving with lures: short, repeated drifts along the wave line often out-fish standing still
• Carry spare leads and traces: mixed ground and sweep can be tackle-hungry

Fishing restrictions can apply in parts of the Stackpole/Castlemartin coastline due to conservation designations, military range activity, or local safety controls, and rules can change. I can’t confirm a blanket ban for Broadhaven itself, so treat this as a “check-before-you-go” mark.

• Look for on-site signage covering access, cliff safety, and any conservation or seasonal restrictions
• The Castlemartin area can be affected by military range activity—check official notices and never enter restricted zones
• If you’re targeting bass, ensure you follow current Welsh/UK bass rules and any local bylaws (check official sources for the latest)
• Avoid disturbing wildlife and keep to paths where requested, especially near sensitive dune/cliff habitats