Carew Quay

Carew Quay is a sheltered estuary mark on the Carew River (a tidal arm feeding into the Milford Haven Waterway), best known for light‑tackle fishing in calm conditions rather than big open‑coast surf sport.

• Ideal when the main beaches and rock marks are unfishable in swell or strong winds
• Primarily an estuary species venue: flounder, school bass, mullet (often), with occasional surprises on bigger tides
• Expect fishing to be tide‑led, with short feeding windows around tidal movement
• A good “session mark” for a few hours rather than an all‑day roving venue

The quay sits in the village of Carew beside the tidal river, with easy access to the water’s edge and nearby parking, making it a convenient, low‑effort mark for a quick tide.

• Fish from the quay wall and adjacent banks/edges where safe and where you are not obstructing moorings or river traffic
• Access is typically straightforward compared with many Pembrokeshire rock marks, but can be busy with walkers and sightseeing visitors
• Treat it as a working/boating area: keep gear tidy and be prepared to move if asked by local users

Species here reflect the sheltered, muddy/sandy estuary habitat, with the best sport coming from flatfish and occasional bass and mullet when conditions line up.

• Flounder: a main target, especially where you can present baits on clean mud/sand close to the edge or along the channel line
• Bass (mostly school fish): taken on lures or baits during stronger tidal run; handle carefully and return unwanted fish promptly
• Mullet: often present in milder months; can be very tackle‑shy—bread/float tactics or light feeder approaches can work
• Eels: possible after dark in summer; be equipped for safe unhooking
• Occasional estuary extras: small schoolie pollack near structure, and the odd better fish when bait is in the system

Keep tactics simple and tide‑aware: light leads, long traces when needed, and accurate placement along depth changes tend to outscore heavy “chuck and chance” approaches.

• Bottom fishing (best all‑round): running ledger or simple paternoster with just enough weight to hold; lengthen traces if bites are cautious
• Flounder rigs: a long flowing trace with small hooks and modest baits; add beads/attractors sparingly if the water is coloured
• Baits: ragworm, lugworm, maddie, small strips of mackerel/sandeel for bass; for flounder, worm baits usually beat big fish baits
• Lure fishing: small soft plastics, spinners, and shallow divers worked with the tide for school bass; keep hooks barbless/flattened if practicing catch‑and‑release
• Float/feeder for mullet: light lines, small hooks, fine presentation; introduce loose bread or groundbait only where permitted and sensible
• Positioning: aim for the edge of the main flow, crease lines, and any channel drop‑offs rather than the slackest water

Carew Quay fishes best when the tide is doing something—most bites come on the push and the pull, with a noticeable lift in activity on bigger springs.

• Tide state: look for the first couple of hours of the flood and the first part of the ebb; slack water can be slow
• Tide size: moderate to bigger tides generally give better movement and feeding, but very strong run can require heavier leads and tighter lines
• Water clarity: a touch of colour can help daytime bass; clearer water can suit mullet and cautious flatfish if you scale down tackle
• Weather: sheltered from big swell, so it’s a good option in windy conditions—though strong wind against tide can make bite detection tricky
• Time of day: dusk into darkness can improve bass and eel chances; daylight can be best for mullet activity

This is a comparatively accessible mark, but it still demands estuary awareness—slips, tides, and quay edges can all bite back.

• Quay surfaces and steps can be slick with algae; wear grippy footwear and take extra care when landing fish
• Watch the tide behind you: water can rise quickly and cut off low edges; plan an exit route before you start
• Use a drop net or long‑handled landing net—lifting fish on light tackle up a wall can cost fish and damage them
• Be mindful of boat traffic, moorings, and lines; keep casts clear of navigation and never block access points
• If fishing after dark: headlamp, spare light, and a clear, uncluttered stance are essential

Being in/near a village quay, this is one of the more convenient Pembrokeshire marks for a short session with minimal fuss.

• Nearby parking is typically available in the village/at designated areas (use signed bays and avoid obstructing locals)
• Public footpaths and walking routes nearby can mean regular passers‑by—fish considerately
• Shops/toilets may be available in the wider area depending on opening times and season—plan ahead for early/late sessions
• Mobile signal is often reasonable in settled weather but don’t rely on it as a safety measure

A little finesse goes a long way here: lighter leads, tidier rigs, and good bait presentation usually beat distance casting.

• Fish the “seams”: cast to the line between fast and slow water and let the bait settle naturally
• Scale down when bites are finicky: smaller hooks, shorter baits, and lighter lines can transform flounder and mullet sessions
• Keep disturbance low: avoid repeated heavy casting and noisy movement on the quay if you’re targeting mullet
• Bring a few lead sizes: just enough to hold bottom is ideal—too much weight kills presentation
• Respect other users: it’s a scenic spot, so a friendly word and tidy gear prevent conflict

I’m not aware of a blanket, always‑in‑force “no fishing” rule specific to Carew Quay, but estuary/harbour areas can have local restrictions and bylaws that change.

• Check on‑site signage at the quay for any prohibitions, time limits, or areas reserved for mooring/operations
• Confirm current local bylaws for the Milford Haven Waterway/estuary system and any site‑specific rules with the relevant harbour/port authority where applicable
• Follow national sea angling rules on size limits and protected species; if unsure, return fish and verify before retaining any catch
• If you intend to use groundbait or fish for mullet around boats/moorings, ensure it is permitted and won’t cause nuisance
• Leave no trace: take litter and discarded line home, and avoid causing obstruction or hazards on a public quay