Lydstep Haven

Lydstep Haven is a small, steep-sided cove on the south Pembrokeshire coast, better known for its scenery and calm-water feel than for big, wide-open surf fishing. For anglers it’s a niche mark: worthwhile in settled weather for close-range mixed ground, but limited by access, snaggy terrain and holiday-season crowding.

• Best suited to light–medium rock/rough ground tactics rather than long-range beach casting
• Can produce a “bit of everything” on the right tide: wrasse, pollack, dogfish, occasional bass and flatfish at the cove mouth
• A mark where timing (tide height, water clarity, swell) matters more than brute casting distance

The haven sits below the limestone cliffs between Tenby and Manorbier, with access typically via the beach/cove itself rather than open cliff ledges. It’s relatively sheltered compared with nearby exposed headlands, but that shelter also means less water movement at times.

• Access is usually by walking down to the cove/beach; surfaces can be slippery on seaweed-covered rock and shingle
• The best fishing areas are commonly the edges of the cove and the approaches toward the mouth where depth and flow increase
• Expect the area to be very busy with walkers, swimmers and paddleboarders in summer—plan early/late sessions

You’re mainly fishing mixed ground with kelp, boulders and gullies, so species are typical of south Pembrokeshire rough ground. Results vary a lot with water clarity: a slight colour can help, while gin-clear water can make daytime fishing harder.

• Wrasse: commonly available around kelp and rocky margins in warmer months
• Pollack: possible near the mouth and any deeper gullies, especially on lure or float-fished baits
• Dogfish: a frequent catch after dark with bottom baits
• Bass: possible at first/last light, after a bit of swell, or when sandeels/whitebait are present
• Flatfish (flounder/dab): occasional on cleaner patches of sand/shingle, especially if you can find a small clear area

This is a close-quarters venue where controlling your tackle and avoiding snags is the game. If you fish too heavy and too deep into kelp, you’ll donate gear—fish the edges and fish “up” in the water when possible.

• Spinning/soft plastics: work metal lures or soft sandeels around the mouth and along rock edges; keep moving until you locate fish
• Float fishing: a strong option for wrasse/pollack—present ragworm, maddies or small crab baits just off the kelp tops
• Light rough-ground bottom fishing: short traces and abrasion-resistant line help; fish into gullies rather than straight into thick weed
• After-dark baits: squid, mackerel strip, lug/rag on a running ledger for dogfish and any opportunist bass
• Tackle tips: use sturdy hooks and consider a weak-link/rotten-bottom style setup if you must fish close to heavy snag

The haven fishes best with enough water to cover the rough ground and create some flow at the mouth. Very low water can leave you casting into shallow weed and rock, while too much swell can make the cove unsafe or unfishable.

• Tide height: aim for mid-tide upward to high water for better depth and access to the mouth
• Water state: a slight swell and a bit of colour can improve bass and general feeding; dead-calm clear water often slows sport
• Wind: offshore or light cross winds are most comfortable; strong onshores can push swell into the cove and stir dangerous surge
• Time: dawn/dusk are the most consistent for bass and pollack; nights can be good for dogfish on baits

This is a confined cove with rock shelves and weed, so slips and unexpected surge are the main hazards. It is not a mark for pushing it in big swell, and it’s easy to get distracted by fishing and lose awareness of incoming water.

• Watch for wave rebound and surge off the cliff lines, especially near the mouth
• Seaweed-covered limestone can be extremely slippery; wear suitable footwear and take a wading staff if you use one
• Keep a close eye on the tide to avoid being cut off on low ledges or tucked-in corners of the cove
• In summer, be mindful of other beach users—cast only where you have a clear, safe arc and consider barbless or crushed barbs for quick unhooking
• Mobile signal can be variable in coves; fish with a buddy when conditions are marginal

Facilities depend on season and the immediate area; the haven itself is a small natural beach rather than a developed harbour. You’ll generally need to be self-contained for tackle, bait and refreshment.

• Limited/seasonal nearby amenities compared with Tenby; plan ahead for bait and food
• Parking and access arrangements may be managed locally; allow time for the walk down and back with gear
• No reliable shelter on the rocks—bring waterproof layers even on fine days

Lydstep Haven rewards anglers who fish tidy and mobile, choosing lines that keep baits or lures just above the worst of the kelp. Think “edges and gullies” rather than heaving a ledger into the thickest weed.

• Start by prospecting the mouth of the cove, then work back along the rocky margins where depth changes
• If you’re snagging every cast, move a few yards and fish a slightly higher water column (float/lure) rather than persisting on the bottom
• For wrasse, keep baits small and present them tight to cover; be ready to steer fish away from kelp quickly
• For bass, focus on low light and any signs of baitfish, especially after a modest swell that adds colour
• If the beach is busy, switch to early morning or evening sessions and keep rigs compact to reduce risk to others

There can be local restrictions in parts of the Pembrokeshire coast (including seasonal bylaws, access rules, or conservation-related measures), and some beaches/coves have rules that change with time of year. I can’t confirm from here whether any specific prohibition applies at Lydstep Haven, so treat this as a “check first” venue.

• Check on-site signage at access points and car parks for any fishing restrictions, seasonal rules, or prohibited zones
• If the cove lies within or adjacent to a protected area, additional guidance may apply—confirm with Pembrokeshire Coast National Park information and local fisheries/byelaws before fishing
• Observe national rules on sizes and limits, and release protected or out-of-season species where applicable
• Be considerate of other users and avoid fishing in crowded bathing areas, especially during peak holiday periods