Gelliswick Bay

Gelliswick Bay is a sheltered, easy-to-reach sea mark right by Milford Haven, offering comfortable fishing in most weathers and a good chance of “mixed-bag” species. It’s not the most rugged or remote Pembrokeshire venue, but it can fish consistently—especially around dusk, after dark, and when there’s a bit of tide run.

• Best known as a convenient bay mark for families, short sessions, and anglers staying around Milford Haven
• Generally fishes cleaner than many open-coast beaches when the swell is up elsewhere
• Can be busy with dog walkers, paddleboarders and small craft in summer, so timing and considerate casting matter

Gelliswick Bay sits on the Milford Haven Waterway side of Pembrokeshire, tucked in close to Milford Haven town and its marina/boat facilities. Access is straightforward, with short walks to the shoreline compared with many Pembrokeshire marks.

• Approach is typically via local roads around Milford Haven, with nearby parking in the area (check restrictions and signage)
• Short, relatively level walk to the foreshore in most places; ideal for carrying heavier kit or taking youngsters
• The bay’s sheltered nature means you’re not dealing with long cliff paths, but you are in an active harbour environment

Expect classic “harbour and bay” species with the chance of better fish when conditions and bait are right. Species mix can change quickly with season, water clarity and boat traffic.

• Flatfish: flounder and dabs are common targets in the softer ground; plaice can show at times
• Bass: possible around rocky edges, structure and along the tide lines—often best at dawn/dusk or after dark
• Schooling species: mackerel can appear in season when baitfish are present, especially if casting metal lures
• Wrasse and pollack: more likely around the rockier fringes and any kelpy pockets
• Codling/whiting in the colder months can be possible in the wider Haven area, though results are variable and conditions-dependent
• Small species (rockling, poor cod, etc.) may turn up after dark on smaller hooks

Gelliswick suits both bait fishing and lure work, with tactics chosen based on whether you’re on cleaner sand/mud or near rougher edges. Keeping rigs simple and adapting to tide strength is usually more productive than over-complicating.

• General bait fishing: a running ledger or 2-hook flapper works well over cleaner ground for flounder/dabs
• Bass tactics: try a pulley/clip-down with a larger single bait (e.g., worm/crab/fish baits depending on season and availability) or fish smaller baits on lighter gear for schoolies
• Lure fishing: metals for mackerel; soft plastics for bass when the water has some movement and colour
• Float fishing can score in calmer conditions around structure, but be mindful of harbour traffic and wash
• Match your lead size to the tide run—go heavier if you can’t hold bottom, but avoid over-leading in calmer neaps
• Present baits neatly: in sheltered bays bites can be tentative, so sharpen hooks, use fresh bait, and scale hook size to target species

Because it’s inside the Milford Haven Waterway, Gelliswick often stays fishable when the open coast is blown out, but the tide can still push hard in places. The best sessions usually coincide with movement, low light, and a bit of colour in the water.

• Tide: expect improved sport on a building tide and around peak flow; slack water can be slower for some species
• Neaps vs springs: neaps can be easier for holding bottom and finesse tactics; springs can switch fish on but may demand heavier leads and more careful positioning
• Water clarity: slightly coloured water often helps bass and general feeding; very clear water can make fish cautious in daylight
• Wind: sheltered from many directions, but strong winds can still funnel up the Haven and create chop and weed
• Timing: dusk into darkness is a consistent window; early morning can also be productive before activity increases in the bay

This is one of the more accessible Pembrokeshire venues, but it’s still a tidal harbour shore with the usual risks: slippery weed, sudden depth changes, and boat movement. Treat it as a working waterway rather than a quiet open beach.

• Footing: expect slippery rocks/weed and soft mud in places—wear proper boots with grip and take care on algae-covered edges
• Tide awareness: rising water can cut off lower spots; plan an exit route and avoid pushing out onto isolated patches
• Harbour traffic: be alert for small craft, wash and lines—don’t cast across navigable channels and be prepared to reel in if boats approach
• Night fishing: take a headtorch, spare light, and keep gear organised to avoid trips on uneven ground
• Family-friendly but supervised: the bay is suitable for newcomers, yet children should be closely supervised near the waterline

Being close to Milford Haven, facilities are generally better than at remote cliff marks. You can usually turn a session into a comfortable, low-hassle trip.

• Nearby shops, food options, and services in Milford Haven
• Parking is typically available nearby, but may be time-limited or seasonal—check local signs
• Tackle and bait options are often available locally in the wider Milford area (availability varies by day/season)
• Mobile signal is usually good compared with more exposed parts of Pembrokeshire

Gelliswick tends to reward anglers who fish tidy rigs, stay mobile within the bay, and time sessions to avoid peak leisure activity. Small tweaks—bait freshness, hook size, and finding subtle depth changes—often make the difference.

• Walk the shoreline at low water to note channels, depressions and any rough ground; fish the edges of these features as the tide fills
• If you’re plagued by small fish, upsize baits or switch to a single-hook presentation to target better bass/flatfish
• Keep casting angles sensible: in a harbour setting, a shorter accurate cast to a feature can outfish long casting into featureless ground
• After dark, scale down for flatfish if bites are shy; for bass, focus on tide lines and any disturbance from current or structure
• Be courteous: give other anglers space and watch for kayaks/paddleboarders, especially in summer evenings

I’m not aware of a blanket, always-in-force ban on angling at Gelliswick Bay itself, but local restrictions can apply in harbour environments and may change. The Milford Haven Waterway also has operational considerations that anglers must respect.

• Check for local signage on access, parking, and any seasonal or safety restrictions before setting up
• Observe any harbour byelaws/operational rules (e.g., staying clear of navigation routes, moorings, and working areas)
• If you plan to collect bait (worms, crabs, shellfish), confirm local rules and any protected area constraints; don’t assume collecting is permitted everywhere
• Follow current Welsh fisheries rules and best practice for size limits and catch-and-release—verify via official Welsh Government/NRW resources or posted notices
• If in doubt, ask locally (harbour staff/tackle shops) about any no-fishing zones or sensitive areas that anglers should avoid