Linney Head

Linney Head is a rugged, west-facing headland on the south side of Milford Haven, offering classic Pembrokeshire rock-fishing with deep water close in and plenty of rough ground. It’s a proper “big scenery, big tide” venue where the fishing can be excellent, but conditions and access need respect.

• Exposed Atlantic-facing rock mark with strong tide influence and heavy swell potential
• Best suited to experienced rock anglers comfortable with height, kelp and surge
• Mixed fishing: bottom species over rough, plus occasional pelagic action when baitfish move inshore

Linney Head sits between Dale and West Angle on the Pembrokeshire coast, forming a prominent headland with cliffs, rocky ledges and kelp-fringed gullies. Access is generally on foot using coastal paths and field-edge tracks, then a careful descent to chosen ledges.

• Park considerately in the nearest permitted roadside/hamlet parking areas and walk in via public footpaths/coast path where available
• Expect a fair walk with uneven ground; in wet weather the approach can be slippery and boggy
• There are multiple fishable platforms/ledges—pick one that matches sea state and your climbing confidence
• Avoid creating new paths: stick to established trods to reduce erosion and keep landowners onside

Linney Head’s ground is a mix of rock, kelp and broken reef with deeper water and tide run off the point, so you can encounter a broad range of Pembrokeshire species. Catches vary a lot with swell size, water clarity and season.

• Wrasse (ballan and corkwing) around kelp and boulder ground in settled summer conditions
• Pollack tight to the kelp edge and in gullies, especially on a flooding tide with some colour in the water
• Conger eel and strap conger from deeper, snaggy gullies and the base of the headland in low light
• Bull huss/dogfish over mixed rough, particularly after dark
• Bass can show when there’s surf, baitfish, or sandeel presence—often best in rougher water and along white-water seams
• Mackerel/garfish can appear when shoals push close, particularly in calmer spells and around tide changes
• Occasional flatfish (plaice/flounder) possible where sand patches exist, though this is mainly a rough-ground venue

Fishing tactics at Linney Head depend on whether you’re working the kelp line for predators, or laying baits into gullies for wrasse and eels. Gear needs to cope with abrasion and snags, and you should plan for losing tackle.

• Spinning/plugging: fish soft plastics, metal, or surface/subsurface lures along the kelp edge for pollack and bass; keep the lure moving to avoid snagging
• Float fishing: a tried-and-tested approach for wrasse and pollack—present crab or rag tight to structure with a robust float setup
• Bottom fishing: fish pulley/clip-down rigs with a rotten-bottom link for snag reduction; present crab, squid, mackerel, or mixed baits into gullies and darker water for conger and huss
• Bait choices: peeler/hardback crab for wrasse and bass; rag/lug for general fishing; squid and mackerel for conger/huss; sandeel imitations for lure work
• Tackle: abrasion-resistant leaders and strong hooks are useful; carry spare weights and rigs as losses are common on rough ground
• Landing: a long-handled net or drop net can be valuable depending on ledge height; plan how you’ll safely land and unhook fish before you cast

This headland is heavily affected by tide run and Atlantic swell, and the ‘right’ conditions change with your target species. Many anglers do best when there’s some water movement and a bit of colour, but not so much swell that the ledges become dangerous.

• Tide: expect strong flow around the point; fishing can switch on during the building/flooding tide as bait is pushed along the headland
• Sea state: moderate swell can improve bass and general rough-ground sport, but too much swell makes many ledges unsafe or unfishable
• Water clarity: clear water can suit wrasse and lure fishing; coloured water often helps bass and night bottom fishing
• Wind: onshore winds quickly build swell and make rock edges hazardous; crosswinds can make lure control difficult
• Time of day: dawn/dusk and night can be best for conger and huss; daylight in calmer seas is often better for wrasse and lure fishing
• Always have a “Plan B” mark in mind—this coast can become unfishable very quickly with a changing forecast

Linney Head is not a casual “step-out-of-the-car” mark: it’s exposed, can be slippery underfoot, and swell can surge unexpectedly. Treat it as a serious rock venue and be ready to leave if conditions change.

• Many platforms are uneven rock with weed, spray and hidden holes; studded boots/cleats and a helmet are sensible precautions
• Swell can wrap around the headland and lift into gullies even on seemingly calm days; never turn your back on the sea
• Avoid low ledges in any appreciable swell; fish higher, safer stances where possible
• Mobile signal can be patchy on parts of the coast; tell someone your plan and expected return time
• Accessibility is limited: steep/rough approaches make it unsuitable for wheelchairs and challenging for anyone with reduced mobility
• Take care when landing fish—don’t overreach near the edge, and consider a drop net where height dictates

Facilities are limited at the headland itself, so you’ll need to arrive prepared. Nearby villages and the Milford Haven area generally provide amenities, but not right at the mark.

• No facilities on the rocks: bring water, food, spare clothing and a small first-aid kit
• Nearest toilets/shops are typically in local villages/towns rather than at the fishing ledges
• Limited shelter: expect full exposure to wind and showers
• Take all litter and discarded line home—this is a sensitive coastline used by walkers and wildlife

Linney Head rewards anglers who travel light, fish mobile, and choose their ledges to match the sea. Small decisions—where you stand, how you retrieve, and when you move—often make the difference here.

• Walk the mark at low water (when safe) to learn where kelp beds, channels and deeper gullies lie for future sessions
• If spinning, work the first cast tight to the kelp line, then gradually fan out—pollack often hit close in
• For wrasse, keep baits hard on the deck near structure and be ready to pull fish clear quickly before they bury into kelp
• For conger after dark, fish a snag-aware setup and keep your drag/pressure sensible—too light and you’ll be cut off in the rough
• Don’t force a low ledge “because it’s fishing”: pick a safe stance first, then adapt tactics to it
• Carry a headtorch plus a backup light; the walk out can be awkward and slow after dark

Fishing from Linney Head is generally treated as shore angling on open coast, but Pembrokeshire has areas with conservation measures and seasonal sensitivities. Rules can also vary with access arrangements, land ownership and any temporary safety signage.

• No clear, universally applicable “blanket ban” is known for Linney Head itself, but restrictions can apply in parts of the wider coastline
• Check for local signage at access points regarding cliff safety, closures, or wildlife protections
• Be aware of marine conservation designations in Pembrokeshire: they don’t always ban angling, but they can influence what methods are appropriate and what is encouraged/limited
• If you plan to take fish for the table, follow current national and local guidance and practise selective retention; return large breeding fish where possible
• Respect gates, crops and livestock: stick to public rights of way and leave no trace