Goodwick Breakwater

Goodwick Breakwater (Fishguard Bay, north Pembrokeshire) is a classic, easily reached harbour-wall mark that can fish well for a mixed bag, especially when the water has a bit of movement and colour. It’s a popular “all-rounder” venue: spinning for mackerel and pollack in season, and bottom fishing for wrasse, dogfish and the occasional better fish when conditions align.

• A long, solid breakwater offering height, depth and tide flow without the commitment of more exposed rock marks
• Best treated as a light–medium tackle venue with the option to scale up if targeting conger/huss at night
• Can be busy in summer and during settled weather—arrive early for the prime corners and deeper water

The breakwater sits at the mouth of Goodwick Harbour, facing into Fishguard Bay, with straightforward access from the harbour area. You’re fishing a man‑made structure, so footing is generally predictable, but it’s still a marine environment with swell and spray in rougher weather.

• Access is typically on foot along the wall from the harbour side; expect a walk to reach the more productive outer sections
• The “business end” is usually the seaward and outer stretches where depth and tide pull are strongest
• Mobile signal and escape routes are generally better here than on remote rock marks, but weather can still turn quickly

Goodwick Breakwater offers a varied species list, with the mix changing through the year and with sea state. Expect a combination of pelagics when they’re in, plus resident structure-loving fish around the rocks and blocks.

• Mackerel: common in season, especially on tides with some pace
• Pollack: a key target on lures and float-fished baits near the wall and rocky edges
• Wrasse (ballan and corkwing): frequent close in; excellent sport on float tackle
• Dogfish and occasional huss: more likely after dark on bottom baits
• Conger eel: possible around deeper, rougher sections, especially at night (expect snags)
• Bass: can show, particularly in low light and with some water movement (often better around dawn/dusk)
• Flatfish (occasional): possible in quieter corners and toward sandier areas of the bay, though not the main draw here

This is a flexible mark where you can tailor tactics to sea conditions: lures and feathers in clear, settled water; baits and heavier leads when there’s swell or when fishing after dark. Snags are part of breakwater fishing—choose rigs and tackle accordingly.

• Spinning/feathers for mackerel and pollack: cast into tide lines and work back at mid‑water; vary retrieve speed until you find fish
• Soft plastics and metal jigs: effective for pollack; fish close to the wall and let lures sink before working them up
• Float fishing for wrasse/pollack: present ragworm, crab or prawn baits tight to structure; keep tackle robust to steer fish clear
• Bottom fishing (day): use simple ledger rigs with crab, ragworm or mackerel strip; expect wrasse/dogfish and the odd better fish
• Bottom fishing (night): step up trace strength and hook size for huss/conger; use fresh fish baits and be prepared for heavy snags
• Practical rig choices: consider weak links or sacrificial leads to reduce tackle loss; carry spare terminal tackle

Goodwick typically fishes best with some tide run and a bit of “life” in the water rather than dead-calm slack periods. As with many Welsh marks, a manageable sea can improve catches, but too much swell can make the outer wall unsafe.

• Tide: a pushing tide and the first part of the ebb often produce, especially where flow meets deeper water
• Water clarity: slight colour can help bait fishing; very clear, bright conditions can favour finesse and lures worked deeper
• Wind and swell: moderate surf can switch fish on, but strong onshore wind and big swell can make the end sections dangerous
• Time of day: dawn/dusk regularly outscore bright midday; night fishing improves chances of conger/huss and bigger predators
• Seasonal pattern: summer is best for mackerel and active lure fishing; autumn can be strong for predators and rougher-water feeding spells

Although it’s an accessible harbour-wall mark, Goodwick Breakwater can be hazardous in swell, with slippery surfaces and sudden wash. Treat it with the same respect as any open-coast structure.

• Wear a lifejacket/BA, especially if fishing the outer sections or in any swell
• Watch the sea for 10–15 minutes before committing—sets can wash over without warning
• Footing: algae and spray make surfaces slippery; use studded boots and keep tackle organised to avoid trips
• Height/landing fish: bring a drop net or long-handled net; avoid hand-lining fish up the wall
• Night fishing: use a headtorch and keep a clear route back; don’t fish alone in rough weather
• Consider other harbour users: give space to walkers, boat activity and any operational areas

Goodwick is a convenient venue with town/harbour amenities nearby, which makes it suitable for short sessions and for anglers who prefer easy logistics. Availability can vary with time of year and local activity.

• Parking is generally available in or near the harbour area, with a walk to the fishing spots
• Shops/cafés and basic services are typically close by in Goodwick/Fishguard
• Shelter can be found on inner sections, but the outer wall is exposed to wind and spray
• Tackle and bait supply locally can vary—bring what you need, especially for evening sessions

Small adjustments make a big difference here: fish the flow, use the structure, and carry gear that helps you cope with snags and height. When it’s busy, mobility and courtesy often put more fish on the shingle.

• If mackerel are present, start with feathers or a small jig, then switch to a single lure once you locate the shoal to reduce tangles in crowds
• For pollack, work lures close to the wall and any visible rock/blocks; many takes come as the lure lifts off the bottom
• Crab baits can be excellent for wrasse and better fish—fish them tight in and be ready to hit bites quickly before a fish locks you in
• Carry spare leads, clips and traces: snagging is normal on breakwater rough ground
• A drop net saves lost fish and reduces risk—especially when the wall is high above the water
• If the sea is pushing in, fish slightly back from the very end where you can still reach depth but have safer footing

I’m not aware of a blanket, permanent “no fishing” rule that always applies to Goodwick Breakwater, but harbour structures can have changing restrictions for safety and operations. Always treat posted notices and instructions from harbour staff as definitive.

• Check for local signage at access points (harbour bylaws, restricted areas, and temporary safety closures)
• Be mindful of navigation/operational zones—avoid casting near moving vessels and don’t obstruct working areas
• If any part of the wall is designated closed (repairs, storm damage, security), do not enter even if other anglers are present
• Follow Welsh/UK sea angling rules and any species-specific protections; if targeting bass or other regulated species, confirm current guidance from official sources
• Take litter home and handle fish responsibly—harbour marks stay open when anglers keep them tidy and safe