Caerfai Bay

Caerfai Bay is a small, scenic cove just west of St Davids with classic Pembrokeshire rough-ground fishing from rock ledges into kelp, boulders and sand patches. It can fish very well for wrasse and summer species in calm conditions, while the deeper edges and nearby points can produce bass and occasional tope when tides and weather align.

• Best thought of as a short-session, mobile mark where you try a few ledges and channels rather than sitting in one spot all day
• Expect mixed ground: kelp-covered rock shelves, gullies, boulder fields and occasional cleaner sand seams
• A great venue for lure and float tactics in settled weather, with heavier kit useful if you’re targeting bigger fish around the rough

The bay is easily reached from the Caerfai area near St Davids, with straightforward access down to the beach and surrounding rocks. The walk is short but can be slippery and awkward when wet, and the best fishing often requires moving off the sand onto rock.

• Access is typically via the beach path; from there you can fish the sand/edge or work around to rock ledges at either side of the bay
• Some ledges become cut off as the tide floods, so plan your route back before you commit to a spot
• After heavy rain or swell, the descent and rock platforms can be greasy—take your time and travel light if you intend to rove

Caerfai’s mix of kelp and broken ground makes it a dependable wrasse venue, with bass a realistic prospect, especially around surf, broken water and the bay’s rocky corners. Depending on season and conditions you may also encounter typical west Wales species that patrol gullies and sand seams.

• Ballan wrasse (a staple catch from the kelp edges and boulder gullies)
• Bass (best around dawn/dusk, in a bit of colour, or where swell is pushing into the rocks)
• Mackerel (often within range in summer when shoals come close)
• Pollack (more likely around the rougher edges and slightly deeper water)
• Flatfish such as flounder/dab (more likely from any cleaner sand patches, especially if the sea is calmer)
• Occasional tope/other larger predators can show in the wider area in the right season, but this is not a guaranteed “big fish” mark

This is a mark that rewards matching tactics to ground: lighter, more mobile approaches on calm days, and tougher gear when you need to pull fish away from kelp. If you’re new to rough ground, start on the cleaner edges and gradually work closer to the kelp as you learn where snags are.

• Spinning and soft plastics for bass and pollack: work along the rock edges, across gullies and through any white water; use weed-resistant or higher-running presentations when kelp is thick
• Float-fishing for wrasse: a simple sliding float or fixed float with crab or rag can be deadly when set to run just above the kelp tops
• Light ledgering into gullies: short snoods and strong hooks help when fishing crab on rough ground; keep leads as light as conditions allow to reduce snagging
• Cleaner patches (if you find them) suit basic bottom rigs with worm baits for flatfish, especially in calmer seas
• Baits that typically score here: peeler crab/hardback crab (wrasse/bass), ragworm (mixed species), mackerel strips (bass/pollack), and small lures/metal jigs (mackerel)
• Tackle note: abrasion resistance matters—use stronger leaders than you would on a sandy beach, and check line frequently for nicks

Caerfai is sensitive to swell and tide height: a little movement and colour can switch the bass on, but too much sea makes it unsafe and unfishable from many ledges. The bay also fishes differently across the tide, with some areas only comfortably accessible around lower states.

• Moderate swell with manageable surf can improve bass chances along the rocky corners and in broken water
• Calm, clear conditions are ideal for wrasse tactics, especially float fishing and close-range lure work
• Rising tide can bring fish in closer, but also reduces safe standing room and can cut off exits—always reassess as the water floods
• Strong onshore winds and big Atlantic swell can make the mark dangerous; if wave tops are washing platforms, choose a sheltered alternative
• After storms, expect more weed and floating kelp, which can hinder ledgering but sometimes helps lure fishing for bass in coloured water

This is a beautiful but potentially hazardous rock-and-surf venue; the main risks are slippery rock, unexpected swell, and being cut off by the tide. Treat it as a “hands free” access mark—carry a backpack, wear suitable footwear, and avoid committing to low ledges without an exit plan.

• Rock platforms can be slick with algae—studded boots or good rock footwear are strongly advisable
• Watch the sea for at least 10–15 minutes before fishing: sets can arrive larger than the average wave
• Avoid fishing alone on exposed ledges, especially with swell or fading light
• Plan for the tide: identify your return route and move early rather than late
• Mobile signal and lighting can be variable; a headtorch (plus spare) is sensible if there’s any chance of finishing in poor light
• Accessibility is limited for those with reduced mobility due to the path and uneven rock terrain

Facilities are limited at the immediate mark, so arrive prepared with what you need for the session. The nearest broader services are in and around St Davids.

• Limited or no facilities directly on the beach/rock marks—bring water, food, and a small first-aid kit
• Parking and amenities are typically found in the Caerfai/St Davids area depending on where you start your walk
• Tackle, bait and supplies are more reliably sourced in local towns—plan ahead for crab/worm availability

Caerfai rewards a quiet approach and a bit of exploration; small changes in depth and kelp line can make a big difference. Keep moving until you find a gully or edge that’s holding fish, and don’t be afraid to scale down when conditions are calm.

• On calm days, fish lighter and more naturally for wrasse—too much lead and you’ll snag constantly
• For bass, focus on the rough corners and any white water created by swell; dawn/dusk can be particularly productive
• Carry a lure rod even if you mainly bait fish—mackerel or bass can suddenly appear within casting range
• Use robust end tackle and re-tie often; kelp and barnacles will quickly rough up line and knots
• If weed becomes a problem on the bottom, switch to float tactics or higher-running lures rather than forcing ledger rigs

There is no widely publicised blanket “no fishing” rule that clearly applies to Caerfai Bay itself in the way some explicitly restricted conservation areas do, but local restrictions can change and access rules may apply depending on land ownership and any nearby protected designations. Treat signage on arrival as authoritative and check official sources if you’re unsure.

• Check for on-site signs regarding access, seasonal restrictions, or protected areas before setting up
• If any part of the bay falls within or near a protected designation (e.g., marine or wildlife protections), rules may affect bait collection, keeping fish, or certain activities—verify via official Pembrokeshire/NRW information
• Follow Welsh sea angling best practice: observe any size/bag guidance, handle wrasse and bass carefully, and release fish in good condition where appropriate
• Collecting bait (crabs/shellfish) may have separate rules from angling—confirm what’s permitted locally rather than assuming