Martin’s Haven

Martin’s Haven (near Marloes, Pembrokeshire) is a classic little rocky cove on the Dale Peninsula with deep water close in, strong tidal movement and a good mix of species when conditions line up. It’s best thought of as a short-session, rough-ground mark where you fish for bites and opportunities rather than cast-and-wait distance work.

• Compact, rugged mark with kelp, boulders and broken rock—expect tackle losses if you fish tight to the structure.
• Can fish well for pollack and wrasse in summer, with bass and mackerel at times; in cooler months it becomes more about general rough-ground species.
• Exposure and swell can make or break it—on calm days it’s a pleasure; with any push of sea it can become unfishable or unsafe.

Martin’s Haven sits at the seaward end of the small inlet by the Skomer Marine Conservation Zone landing point, reached from the Marloes area. Access is straightforward on foot but involves uneven coastal paths and slippery rock once you’re down by the water.

• Park in the designated nearby parking and follow signed footpaths toward the cove; allow extra time with fishing gear.
• Final approach is over mixed ground (stone, algae-covered rock, shingle)—sturdy footwear is essential.
• Most fishing is from the rocks around the mouth of the haven and along the adjacent rocky edges rather than from any “beach” area.
• Carrying minimal gear pays here—long hikes and awkward climbs can turn a big load into a liability.

The haven is primarily a rough-ground, lure-and-bait venue with a strong summer sport-fishing profile, but it can produce year-round if you pick calm conditions and fish with the ground in mind. Species are highly dependent on sea state, clarity and tide strength.

• Pollack: common target on lures and float-fished baits tight to kelp edges in warmer months.
• Wrasse (ballan and corkwing): reliable in summer over kelp and broken ground; best with crab or small fish baits, or wrasse lures.
• Bass: possible around tide runs and white water, especially at dawn/dusk; treat as a bonus rather than guaranteed.
• Mackerel: appears in spells in summer/autumn, especially when baitfish are pushed into the bay.
• Conger: potential in deeper, snaggy gullies after dark where you can safely fish; expect heavy ground.
• General rough-ground fish: occasional rockling and other small species can show, especially on smaller baits in mixed conditions.

This is a mark that rewards mobility, reading water and fishing close to structure—long-range casting is rarely the main advantage. Lure fishing is very effective here, but bait can score when you can present it naturally without wedging up.

• Spinning/soft plastics: work metal lures, paddletails and sandeels across tide lines and along kelp edges for pollack, bass and mackerel.
• Shallow-diving plugs: useful in low light or light surf, but mind the snags and keep contact with the lure.
• Float fishing: a strong tactic for wrasse/pollack—suspend crab, rag or small fish baits so they waft just above the kelp.
• Light ledgering: only when swell is low; use rotten-bottom setups and minimal lead to reduce losses in the rocks.
• Ground management: fish slightly up-tide and let the bait/lure swing into position—don’t drag it through kelp beds.
• Tackle choices: abrasion-resistant leaders and stronger hooks help; carry spare rigs and be realistic about losses in heavy ground.

Martin’s Haven is heavily condition-dependent: too much swell makes access and fishing difficult, while dead-calm conditions can reduce sport unless there’s tidal push. The most consistent fishing tends to come when there’s movement and a bit of life in the water without dangerous surf.

• Tide: look for periods of steady flow—many anglers favour mid-tide stages when currents are running but not ripping.
• Sea state: a slight swell or a little colour can help bass; clear, calm water often favours wrasse and pollack on finesse presentations.
• Wind: onshore winds can quickly build swell and make the rocks hazardous; offshore can flatten the sea but may make presentation trickier.
• Water clarity: very clear water can demand lighter leaders and subtler lures; coloured water can suit louder, larger-profile offerings.
• Weed: after storms, drifting weed can foul lines and lures—if it’s constant, move or change methods rather than forcing it.

This is a beautiful but serious bit of coastline—slippery rock, surge and sudden swell are the main risks, and phone signal can be patchy. Treat it as a rough, exposed rock mark rather than a casual “family” fishing spot.

• Rock safety: algae-covered ledges are extremely slippery; wear boots with good grip and avoid stepping onto wet weed.
• Swell/surge: even on apparently calm days, sets can surge into the haven—keep well back and never turn your back on the sea.
• Tides: don’t get cut off—check escape routes on the way in and leave margin for error.
• Night fishing: only for competent rock anglers; have a headtorch, spare light, and a clear plan for returning safely.
• Accessibility: not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility due to uneven paths and rock scrambling.
• Personal safety: wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid on the rocks and fish with a partner where possible.

Facilities are limited at the mark itself; it’s a natural cove with minimal infrastructure geared more to access than amenities. Plan as a self-sufficient session.

• Parking is available nearby (often pay-and-display/seasonal arrangements—check locally on arrival).
• No tackle shop on-site—bring spare terminal tackle, leaders and an emergency first-aid kit.
• Toilets/cafés may be available in nearby villages/seasonal sites, but don’t rely on them being open.
• Fresh water, shelter and seating are not guaranteed—pack appropriately for weather changes.

Success at Martin’s Haven often comes from fishing “the edges”: the line where kelp meets clean water, and the seams where current meets slack. Keeping mobile and adapting to weed and swell is more important than trying to force a single approach.

• Travel light and move: if weed or swell ruins one corner of the haven, another ledge may be workable.
• For wrasse, keep baits just off the bottom—snagging is the biggest bite-killer here.
• For pollack, work lures along the face of the kelp rather than straight through it; expect hits on the drop.
• Watch for baitfish and bird activity—mackerel and bass can suddenly appear and disappear.
• Use abrasion-resistant leaders around rock and kelp; check for scuffs after every fish or snag.
• Be courteous around boat/landing activity (seasonal) and other water users—give space and keep gear tidy.

Martin’s Haven lies within a highly protected and well-managed coastal area, and parts of the surrounding waters are within the Skomer Marine Conservation Zone. Sea angling is often allowed in many UK marine protected areas, but specific restrictions can apply (for example on bait collection, access, or certain activities).

• I am not aware of a blanket, universal ban on recreational sea angling specifically at Martin’s Haven, so this mark is not flagged as banned here.
• Restrictions can change and may differ between shore, foreshore and adjacent protected waters—check on-site signage and current guidance from Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and the Skomer MCZ/NRW before fishing.
• Be especially cautious about collecting bait (crab, shellfish, seaweed) in protected areas—rules may restrict removal.
• Observe national sea angling rules (including any bass measures and minimum sizes) and follow catch-and-release best practice where appropriate.
• Respect access guidance around any seasonal wildlife sensitivities and keep clear of working/operational areas.