Giltar Point

Giltar Point is a classic Tenby headland mark where rock and mixed ground meet tide-swept water, giving you a genuine chance of quality fish when conditions line up. It can fish extremely well for short windows around tide run, but it’s a proper “respect the sea” venue with exposure, swell and weed all playing a part.

• Prominent rocky point forming the south-western edge of Tenby’s coastline
• Mix of cleanish runs and rough kelpy rock depending on where you stand
• Best known as a lure and float venue, but bait fishing can score in the right swim
• Highly condition-dependent: swell, water clarity and weed presence can make or break a session

Giltar Point sits at the far end of Tenby’s South Beach, reached by walking the beach at lower states of tide and then picking your way onto the rocks. Access is straightforward in calm weather, but becomes difficult or unsafe if the tide pushes up quickly or if there’s any meaningful swell.

• Approach is typically on foot from Tenby/South Beach; expect a walk with gear
• Some routes are only practical around lower water; plan your return before the tide cuts you off
• Rock entry points can be slippery with wrack and spray—take your time choosing a safe descent/ascent
• In big seas you may be better fishing safer, more sheltered marks nearby rather than forcing this point

The point’s tide run and broken ground attract typical Pembrokeshire rock species, and it’s also a good area for hunting predators with lures when baitfish are present. Expect a “mixed bag” venue where one session might be all wrasse and the next might throw up bass or a surprise flatfish from cleaner patches.

• Bass: commonly targeted with lures and bait when water has a bit of movement
• Wrasse: ballan wrasse are a key species on the rough/kelpy ground (best in daylight)
• Pollack: possible where deeper water and kelp edges coincide, especially on lures
• Mackerel: seasonal shoals can swing past and provide sport (and fresh bait)
• Conger: possible from rougher, deeper rock features, particularly after dark (not guaranteed)
• Flatfish (e.g., plaice/flounder/dab): occasionally from any cleaner sandier runs nearby rather than the roughest rock

This is a mark where mobility and adapting to the sea state matters—lures and float tactics often outscore static bait when the water is clear and the fish are active. When bait fishing, you’ll usually do best by presenting naturally in the run and keeping gear robust enough for kelp and snags.

• Spinning/plugging for bass: work hard baits, soft plastics or metal lures across the tide and along kelp edges; retrieve speed and angle matter
• Wrasse fishing: float-fish or light ledger close to rock/kelp with crab or other tough baits; expect powerful dives into cover
• Pollack tactics: cast into deeper seams and retrieve with pauses; fish can sit tight to structure
• Bait fishing for bass: present sandeel-style baits or other local favourites on running leger/paternoster where you can find a cleaner run
• Rig considerations: abrasion-resistant leaders and strong hooks help; carry spare tackle for inevitable losses
• Landing fish: a long-handled net can be useful in calmer conditions, but only where you can use it safely—don’t risk a swell surge

Giltar Point is primarily a tide-run mark: the sea funnels around the headland, and fish often feed best when there’s enough movement to push food past the rocks. Water clarity, swell and weed are the big variables—too calm and clear can be tricky for bait, while too much swell can make it unfishable.

• Best windows are commonly around the stronger part of the tide when there’s a defined run
• Some swims fish better on the flood, others on the ebb—be prepared to try different stances along the point
• A bit of colour or chop can improve bass fishing; very clear, flat conditions often suit wrasse/lure finesse
• Heavy swell makes the ledges hazardous and can fill the water with weed, ruining presentation
• After storms, expect dislodged kelp/weed and altered ground—great for feeding fish, awkward for clean fishing
• Night fishing can produce, but only attempt it if you already know safe lines and exit points

This is exposed rock fishing and should be treated with caution: the combination of tide, swell and slippery algae-covered stone can turn a simple session into a dangerous one. If you’re not confident reading the sea, choose a safer mark or go with an experienced local.

• Do not fish in swell that can wash the ledges—sets can arrive without warning
• Watch the tide behind you: routes back along the beach/rocks can become cut off
• Slips are common on weeded rock—use studded boots/cleats and move deliberately
• Consider a personal flotation device and carry a headtorch even for late sessions
• Avoid solo fishing in marginal conditions; mobile signal can be variable on headlands
• Some areas may be awkward for landing fish safely—plan a landing spot before you cast

Facilities are those of Tenby rather than the point itself—once you’re out on the rocks you’re on your own, so arrive prepared. The walk back can feel long with wet gear, so pack light but safely.

• Town facilities (shops, food, tackle supplies) are available in/around Tenby
• No shelter on the point: bring waterproofs, spare layers and drinking water
• Limited/no bins on the rocks—take litter and discarded line home
• Parking is typically in Tenby; expect a walk and allow time for tide planning

Small changes in position at Giltar can make a big difference because the current lines and depth change quickly around the point. Treat it as a “roaming” mark: start by watching the water, then fish the most promising seam rather than sticking rigidly to one spot.

• Spend five minutes watching for baitfish flicks, birds working, and defined current seams
• If lure fishing, cover water: fan-cast and vary retrieve until you find the pace the fish want
• For wrasse, fish tight to kelp edges and be ready to bully fish away from snags immediately
• Carry a few lure weights to cope with different tide strengths and wind directions
• If weed is heavy, switch to more weed-resistant lures or move to a cleaner run rather than forcing bait through it
• Always leave yourself a conservative “get-out time” before the tide makes the return awkward

I’m not aware of a blanket, permanent “no fishing” rule that specifically and universally bans angling at Giltar Point, but local restrictions can apply in coastal areas for safety, conservation, events, or access management. You should check current on-site signage and official local guidance before fishing.

• Check for any beach/foreshore notices that may affect access routes or certain activities
• Observe bass and other species rules (size/retention/seasonal measures can change)—verify with official sources before taking fish
• Respect any temporary exclusions (e.g., organised events, safety works, or protected-zone instructions)
• Follow good practice: handle fish carefully, return unwanted catches promptly, and remove all litter and line