Little Haven

Little Haven is a classic Pembrokeshire village mark where you can fish from the sheltered inner bay, the rocky edges at either side, and—when conditions allow—the more open ground around the headlands.

• Best thought of as a mixed ground venue: sand and shingle in the bay with reef, kelp and boulders as you move toward the points
• Can produce fish most of the year, but it’s particularly good when you match your approach to the state of tide and sea
• Not a “big-cast” mark everywhere; much of the fishing is about placing baits into gullies, seams and clean patches among rough ground

Little Haven sits just south of Broad Haven on the St Brides Bay side of Pembrokeshire, with easy access from the village down to the beach and harbour area.

• Access is generally straightforward via village roads and the slip/harbour area, but space can be tight in peak season
• The beach is close to parking and accommodation, so expect heavy public footfall in summer
• In calmer weather you can walk along the bay to explore, but the ends of the bay become increasingly rocky and uneven

You’re fishing typical west Wales mixed-ground species, with the bay favouring clean-ground feeders and the points/edges holding rough-ground fish.

• Bass: often along the surf line, around the harbour/rocks, and where current pushes into the bay (especially in low light)
• Flounder: clean sandier patches, estuary-like conditions after rain, and around the inner bay on smaller tides
• Dogfish & rays: more likely when you present baits on cleaner ground with a bit of depth; rays are seasonal and conditions-dependent
• Wrasse: tight to kelp, boulders and broken ground on the edges; best in clearer water and steadier seas
• Pollack: around rougher ground and deeper water toward the points (often better on lures)
• Mackerel: when they run inshore, can be taken from rockier areas or deeper water with feathers/spinners
• Conger (occasional): possible where there are deeper holes and heavy rough, but not the main draw of the mark

Little Haven rewards adaptable tactics: fish the bay like a beach mark when the sea is gentle, then switch to rough-ground rigs and stronger gear as you move onto the rocks.

• Clean-ground/bay fishing: running leger/clip-down rigs for distance and tidy presentation; target sand channels and the surf line
• Rough-ground/edges: simple strong rigs (pulley/pennel variants) to reduce snagging and help lift fish over kelp and boulders
• Baits: ragworm/lug for flounder and general scratching; crab and fish baits for bass/wrasse/pollack; squid/mackerel strips when scent and durability matter
• Lure fishing: soft plastics and metal lures for bass/pollack; work gullies and current lines rather than open featureless water
• Float tactics: in calm, clear conditions a float-fished crab/worm close to kelp can pick up wrasse and the odd pollack

Tide and swell dictate how fishable Little Haven is and where you’ll get the best sport; the bay can be comfortable in moderate conditions, while the points demand care.

• Flood tide often brings fish closer as water depth and movement increase across the bay
• Smaller to mid tides can make the bay easier to read and fish, especially for flounder and bass patrol routes
• Larger tides create stronger flow around the edges and can fish well if you can safely hold bottom and avoid snags
• A light surf can be ideal for bass; too much swell can make the rocks unsafe and stir weed into the water
• After heavy rain, coloured water can help bass confidence, but it may also bring debris and affect clarity for wrasse/pollack

This is a family-friendly village setting, but it’s still open coast: the beach is easy, while the rocky ends can be hazardous, particularly with swell.

• Slippery rock and weed are common—studded boots and a wading staff are sensible if you leave the sand
• Avoid fishing close to breaking waves on the rocks; swell can surge unexpectedly even on apparently calm days
• Watch for tide cut-off routes when walking toward the headlands; return early if unsure
• The beach area is more accessible than the rocks, but soft sand/shingle and steps/ramps may affect mobility depending on where you set up
• Take care around the slipway/harbour area: wet algae-covered surfaces can be very slick

Being a small coastal village, Little Haven has the advantage of nearby amenities, especially compared with more remote Pembrokeshire marks.

• Local parking is usually available in or near the village, though it can be busy in holiday periods
• Food, toilets, and accommodation are typically close by in season (availability varies by time of year)
• Tackle and bait availability may require a short drive depending on opening times—plan ahead for early/late sessions
• Mobile signal can be variable along parts of the coast; don’t rely on it for safety

Little Haven fishes best when you treat it as several marks in one and move to match sea state, tide and target species.

• In summer daylight, pressure can be high—consider dawn, dusk, and night for bass
• Start in the bay on clean patches, then edge outward only if conditions are calm and you’re confident on rough ground
• Carry a few different lead sizes: you may need just enough weight to hold in the bay, but more near the points on stronger tides
• If weed is coming through, switch to tougher baits (squid/fish) and simpler rigs to keep fishing effectively
• Be courteous: it’s a small community with swimmers, paddleboarders and kayaks—choose a quiet area and cast safely

There’s no single well-known blanket ban that universally applies to “Little Haven” as a fishing mark, but Pembrokeshire has sensitive habitats and seasonal/local restrictions can apply.

• Check for local signage on the beach, slipway and access points (especially any notices relating to conservation, byelaws, or safety)
• If fishing near harbour activities, follow any local harbour rules and avoid obstructing access
• Observe national rules on minimum sizes and protected species; if you’re unsure, verify with official Welsh/NRW guidance before fishing
• If you intend to collect bait (e.g., crabs, worms), confirm whether bait digging/collection is permitted locally and follow best practice
• Use sensible catch-and-release where appropriate, and be mindful that bass and some other species can be subject to changing rules—check current official guidance before your trip