Pen Anglas

Pen Anglas is a rugged, wave-washed rock mark on the north Pembrokeshire coast, best known locally as a rough-ground lure and float venue when conditions allow. It can fish very well for wrasse and pollack in summer and for winter species when a bit of sea is running, but it’s not a “casual chuck-a-line” spot.

• Exposed headland/rock ledges with kelp, gullies and broken ground
• Strong potential for wrasse/pollack on lures and float-fished baits
• Also a worthwhile scratch mark for winter codling/whiting in the right swell
• Access and safety dictate when it’s fishable more than anything else

Pen Anglas sits on the open Atlantic-facing side of Pembrokeshire and is reached via coastal paths and rough ground rather than a roadside platform. Expect a walk-in, some uneven footing, and routes that can change depending on recent weather and cliff conditions.

• Park only where permitted and avoid blocking gates/track access used by locals and emergency services
• Approach is typically along public footpaths/coastal path then down to rock ledges; allow extra time for finding a safe descent
• In wet weather the final approach can be slippery (mud/grass/seaweed), so treat it like a short hike rather than a “spot hop”
• Mobile reception can be patchy; tell someone where you’re fishing and when you’ll be back

The mark’s mixed rough ground and kelp beds favour summer lure and bait species, while autumn/winter seas can bring traditional shoreline fish in closer. Daylight and dusk sessions often outscore bright mid-day, especially in clear water.

• Ballan wrasse (prime target in warmer months)
• Pollack (often tight to kelp edges, gullies and deeper water)
• Mackerel (seasonal; better when bait is present and water has a bit of colour)
• Bass (possible where there’s white water and baitfish, especially around dawn/dusk)
• Conger eel (occasional from deeper, rougher holes after dark)
• Winter scratch: whiting and occasional codling depending on season, sea state and local runs

Pen Anglas rewards anglers who fish “to the structure” and keep tackle appropriate for kelp and abrasion. It’s a venue where you usually lose more gear by being undergunned than by being too strong.

• Spinning/plugging: metal lures, soft plastics and hard baits worked along kelp lines and into gullies; upsize leaders for abrasion resistance
• LRF/HRF-style wrasse fishing: short-range drops into kelpy holes with tough mono/fluoro leaders and strong hooks
• Float fishing: a sliding float or fixed float with crab, ragworm or small fish baits drifted along broken ground in calmer conditions
• Bottom fishing (when the sea has some movement): clipped-down rigs and tough traces; keep rigs simple to reduce snag losses
• Night fishing (selectively): for conger in deeper, rougher water—fish heavy gear and be ready to steer fish clear of kelp

This is an exposed mark where sea state and tide matter at least as much as “what bait.” It often fishes best with some water movement and a bit of colour, but becomes unsafe quickly when swell or surge increases.

• Best tides are commonly mid-tide periods when there’s flow without the ledges being washed through (varies by exact stance)
• A light to moderate swell can switch the mark on for bass/pollack; too much swell makes it unfishable and dangerous
• Clear, calm conditions can still produce wrasse and pollack, but you may need to scale down and fish close to cover
• Onshore winds and big surf can make access points and exit routes hazardous—plan for the tide to be higher on the way back
• After heavy rain, coloured water and dislodged food can improve bass and general sport if the swell isn’t excessive

Pen Anglas is not suitable for inexperienced rock anglers in rough conditions, and it demands constant attention to the sea. Treat it as a serious rock mark: if in doubt, choose a safer, more sheltered venue.

• Wear studded boots/rock boots; kelp-covered rock is extremely slippery
• Always carry a headtorch (even for day sessions), a basic first aid kit, and a means of calling for help
• Never fish alone on exposed ledges; keep an eye on sets and avoid turning your back on the sea
• Identify a safe escape route before you start fishing and reassess it as the tide rises
• Consider a flotation aid in swell/white water; avoid low ledges and any stance that gets washed regularly
• Not generally accessible for those with limited mobility due to uneven paths, slopes and slippery rock

This is a wild, walk-in mark with little to no on-site infrastructure. Plan as if you’ll be self-sufficient for the session.

• No toilets or shelters at the rocks
• Nearest facilities are typically in the closest villages/towns you pass through—stock up before walking in
• Take all litter and discarded line home; rough ground venues quickly become hazardous when left untidy
• A small backpack and dry bags are useful for spare layers, food, and keeping electronics safe

Pen Anglas tends to reward careful water-reading and a mobile approach rather than sitting on one cast. Small changes—like shifting ten metres to a new gully—can transform the session.

• Start by watching the water for 10 minutes: locate kelp edges, deeper gutters and any baitfish activity
• For wrasse, fish baits right into the rough and be ready to pull hard immediately; give them an inch and they’ll bury you in kelp
• For pollack, work lures down the face and along the edges—takes often come as the lure drops or lifts over kelp
• Carry a lure retriever and spare end tackle; snags are part of the game here
• If swell builds or the ledge starts getting regularly splashed, call it early—this coast can change very fast

I’m not aware of a specific, blanket ban on angling at Pen Anglas itself, but Pembrokeshire has areas with seasonal wildlife considerations and local access sensitivities. Regulations and access can change, so treat this as a “check first” venue.

• Check for any local signage at access points regarding nesting seabirds, conservation areas, or temporary restrictions
• If the mark lies within or near protected sites (common on this coastline), follow any guidance about staying on paths and avoiding sensitive cliffs
• Observe national sea angling rules (e.g., size limits where applicable) and practice responsible catch-and-release, especially with wrasse
• Avoid fishing directly beneath occupied cliff-nesting areas if present; keep noise and disturbance to a minimum
• If you’re unsure about access, consult local tackle shops/angling clubs and official Pembrokeshire Coast guidance before your trip