Monkstone Point

Monkstone Point is a classic South Pembrokeshire rock-and-reef mark with clear water, rough ground and a genuine chance of quality fish when conditions line up.

• • Best thought of as a rough-ground lure and bait mark where you fish the edges of kelp, gullies and broken reef rather than expecting long clean casts onto sand
• • Can be very consistent for wrasse and pollack in summer, and can throw up bass when there’s a bit of colour or a feeding tide
• • Not a “comfortable” easy-access spot: it’s a proper rock mark where sea state and swell direction decide whether it’s fishable

Monkstone Point sits on the coast near Saundersfoot/Tenby, with rock platforms and reefy fingers that push into deepish water for the area. Access is typically via coastal footpaths and then down onto the rocks, which can be awkward and slippery.

• • Expect a walk-in and some scrambling; allow extra time to get on and off safely, especially with a full load of gear
• • Choose your route in daylight first; the safe way down is not always obvious on a first visit
• • Plan your exit before you start fishing—on some tides/swell states, a “fine on the way down” descent can feel very different when the sea lifts

This is a mixed-species rough-ground mark, strongest for inshore predators and reef fish. Species availability is very seasonal and heavily influenced by water clarity, swell and weed growth.

• • Wrasse (ballan and smaller species): prime target over kelp and broken reef in warmer months
• • Pollack: often best on lures close to structure, particularly on a moving tide and in slight swell
• • Bass: possible along current lines and gully mouths, especially around dawn/dusk or after a bit of sea movement
• • Mackerel: can show in summer/autumn when shoals are in tight, especially if you can reach deeper water
• • Conger: a possibility in deeper cracks and boulder fields if you fish heavier gear and don’t mind losing tackle
• • Flatfish and smoothhound are less typical here than on nearby cleaner beaches, but can be encountered where sand pockets meet rock

Monkstone Point rewards anglers who fish “tight” to features and keep contact with their lure or bait as it works through the gullies. Tackle losses are part of the game, so rig choice and fishing angle matter.

• • Lure fishing: soft plastics, weedless rigs, and small-to-medium metals for pollack/bass; work parallel to the rock edge rather than straight out
• • Float fishing: very effective for wrasse using a strong float setup and presenting baits tight to kelp beds and rocky holes
• • Bait fishing on the bottom: use short traces and strong hooks; fish into gullies and holes with crab, ragworm or fish baits depending on target species
• • “Search” approach: spend time watching the water for seams, boils and clear channels through weed, then fish those lanes repeatedly
• • Tackle advice: abrasion-resistant leader is sensible; carry spare weights and a few sacrificial rigs for the rougher ground

The mark is defined by tide run and sea state: a gentle lift and a bit of movement can switch it on, while too much swell can make it dangerous and unfishable. Water clarity also matters—crystal-clear conditions can push fish tight to cover.

• • Moving water usually outfishes slack periods; focus effort around a building or easing tide when food is being pushed along the reef
• • Moderate swell can improve sport for bass and pollack by adding cover and washing food out of the kelp
• • Big swell or strong onshore wind can make the rock ledges unsafe; if waves are reaching the platforms, pick another venue
• • In very clear, calm weather: scale down, fish early/late, and work lures/baits right into shade lines and kelp edges
• • After a blow: expect dislodged weed and debris; fish the cleaner lanes and consider slightly heavier lures/weights to keep control

This is a serious rock mark where footing, swell and wet kelp are the main hazards. Treat it as a venue where you go only when conditions are clearly suitable and you have a safe retreat.

• • Wear proper rock boots/studs and carry minimal gear you can manage hands-free on the scramble
• • Avoid fishing alone if you’re unfamiliar; at the very least, tell someone your plan and expected return time
• • Keep well back from wave-washed edges; rogue sets can arrive even when it looks settled
• • Beware of weed-covered slabs and angled rock that becomes like ice when wet
• • Night fishing is not recommended here unless you know the access intimately and conditions are benign
• • Mobile signal can be patchy on sections of the Pembrokeshire coast; don’t rely on it as your only safety plan

Facilities are limited at the mark itself, and anything you need should be brought with you. Nearby towns/villages typically provide the usual services, but the immediate shoreline is natural and undeveloped.

• • No on-mark toilets, shelter or lighting; dress for exposure and carry water
• • Tackle and bait are usually better sourced in nearby coastal towns before you arrive
• • Parking arrangements vary by approach route; be considerate of residents, gateways and any local restrictions

Small details—where the kelp starts, where the sand pockets sit, and how the tide pulls around the point—make a huge difference here. Spend time watching before you cast, and fish it like a reef mark rather than a long-cast venue.

• • For wrasse: fish crab baits tight to holes under a float or with a light running rig, and be ready to bully fish away from snags immediately
• • For pollack: cast along the edge of structure and retrieve with pauses; many takes come as the lure drops beside kelp fronds
• • For bass: target white water and current seams; a slightly coloured sea often fishes better than flat calm clarity
• • Carry a drop net or long-handled landing tool if you’re on higher ledges—lifting fish on light gear risks break-offs and accidents
• • Keep an eye on weed: if you’re constantly fouling, adjust position to find a cleaner channel rather than forcing the same cast

I’m not aware of a blanket, permanent “no fishing” rule specifically for Monkstone Point, but Pembrokeshire has areas with access, conservation and seasonal considerations. Always treat local signage and official guidance as the final word.

• • Check for any site-specific notices at access points (coastal path signs, car parks, or local authority/park information)
• • Be mindful of protected areas and wildlife: avoid disturbing nesting birds and sensitive habitats on the cliffs and ledges
• • Observe bass and other species rules as they change over time; verify current requirements via official UK/Welsh government sources before you fish
• • Follow good practice: take litter home, minimise tackle losses, and consider catch-and-release for wrasse and other slow-growing reef species