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Pembrokeshire

Goodwick Breakwater

6.6 · Breakwater · Pembrokeshire

Goodwick Breakwater is a long, solid stone breakwater forming the outer arm of Goodwick Harbour, giving relatively sheltered fishing in most winds with deeper water off the seaward side. Access is straightforward on foot from the harbour area, with flat walking but often slippery weeded stones near the waterline; anglers typically fish float and light ledger for wrasse/pollack close in, and cast further into the channel for mackerel, coalfish and occasional rays/dogfish. Expect clear water on the flood, stronger tide at the end of the wall, and best sport around dawn/dusk and on the first of the flood when baitfish move in.

Should you fish Goodwick Breakwater?

56 Fair

Today · Best available

Best available: 21:00-00:00 around the rising tide

Most likely species: Lesser Spotted Dogfish and Coalfish

Fair conditions. Best available around 21:00-00:00 around the rising tide, but no window reaches the strong threshold today. Good chance of Lesser Spotted Dogfish and Coalfish.

W 4 mph Rain 24% High tide 00:44

Fishable, but pick your timing carefully.

Plan this mark

7-day fishing forecast for Goodwick Breakwater — 7-day forecast

Scores and best windows are weighted for .

Met Office Met Office · Open-Meteo

Where the data comes from. Weather and sea-state readings come from the Met Office and Open-Meteo forecast models, refreshed several times a day. High and low water are taken from tide-station predictions for this stretch of coast.

How the score works. Each window is scored 0–100 from the signals that most reliably move fish inshore: tide movement (a running tide carries food, so the last of the flood and first of the ebb are usually the prime spells), wind speed and direction (onshore wind stirs food into the surf — up to the point it makes fishing hard), sea state (a little wave and swell movement helps, heavy swell hurts), and weather — rain, temperature and light. Behind the headline number we score bite opportunity and comfort separately, and run a separate safety check on wind and swell. The size of the tide counts too: spring tides move more water than neaps, so the tidal range for this stretch of coast is weighed alongside the tide's direction, your target species and this mark — and unusually big springs strengthen the safety check, because the water rises faster and covers more ground.

Your target species counts. Pick a species below and the score also weights what we know about it — its season, preferred sea temperature, tide stage and sea state, and whether it feeds by day or night.

The rating is guidance, not a guarantee — conditions change fast on the coast, so always judge the sea in front of you before you fish.

Wednesday looks better than today. Unlock the week to see its score and exact window.

· windows & tide

Spring vs neap tides. Spring tides have a larger difference between high and low water, so more water moves on each tide — usually stronger flow that stirs up food and gets fish feeding. Neap tides have a smaller range and generally gentler movement. The range here is compared with what is normal for this stretch of coast, and the cycle swings between springs and neaps roughly every week, following the moon.

Big spring tides: the water rises faster and covers more ground than usual — double-check access routes and cut-off points before you fish.

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Goodwick Breakwater is best approached as a flexible light-to-medium tackle breakwater mark: fish tight to the stonework for wrasse and pollack, or work the deeper seaward side and outer end when tide is moving for mackerel, coalfish, dogfish and occasional larger night fish. The most reliable edge is usually a pushing tide, dawn or dusk, and water with some movement or slight colour — but the outer sections should be avoided when swell or strong onshore wind makes wash a risk.

  • Know when to fish the outer face and when to drop back inside.
  • Use the first flood to intercept mackerel, pollack and baitfish movement.
  • Target wrasse tight to the blocks without getting buried in snags.
  • Pick the safer plan when swell makes the end of the wall risky.
  • Switch tactics fast when summer shoals appear, then thin out the tangles.

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Goodwick 0.5 mi Fishguard 0.7 mi Dinas Cross 3.6 mi Letterston 5.2 mi Newport (Pembrokeshire) 6.5 mi

Explore nearby towns: Goodwick · Fishguard · Dinas Cross · Letterston · Newport (Pembrokeshire)

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Forecast tuning currently supports Bass and Mackerel — more species are on the way.

Overall rating

6.6 /10

Blend of catch potential, access, safety, and overall experience.

Category scores

Catch Potential 6/10
Species Variety 7/10
Scenery & Comfort 7/10
Safety 6/10
Accessibility 8/10

Mackerel 8/10
Tip: Summer shoals; feathers or small metals work best. Fish mid-water on the flood, especially near the end in clearer water.
Pollack 7/10
Tip: Close to rocks/steps on the seaward side; rag or soft plastics on a light ledger/float. Best in rougher water or low light.
Ballan Wrasse 7/10
Tip: Very common tight to structure; float-fished rag/crab. Use strong hooklength and be ready to pull fish away from snags.
Coalfish 6/10
Tip: Often mixed with mackerel in cooler months; small lures/feathers. Can hug the wall in deeper sections.
Goldsinny Wrasse 6/10
Tip: Small wrasse around kelp and boulders; bits of rag or prawn on size 4–6. Great for float sport in calm spells.
Lesser Spotted Dogfish 5/10
Tip: After-dark ledgering with squid or mackerel strips into the channel; more likely in summer/autumn on neap tides.
Bass 4/10
Tip: Occasional, mainly in warmer months; dawn/dusk with small lures or live/sandeel-style presentations near baitfish activity.
Dab 4/10
Tip: Common enough on mixed ground when you find sand; fish small worm/squid baits with short snoods and keep moving if blanking.
Conger Eel 4/10
Tip: Occasional at night from the deeper end; big fish baits on a strong running ledger. Expect heavy snags close in.
Plaice 3/10
Tip: Sporadic on cleaner patches inside/near the harbour mouth; small worm baits on a clipped-down light rig during calmer seas.

Local knowledge

Goodwick Breakwater fishing guide

Practical access, seasons, methods, tides, safety and facilities for this mark.

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