Porthgain Quarry

Porthgain Quarry is a rugged, deep-water rock mark beside the old slate-quarry harbour at Porthgain, offering classic Pembrokeshire mixed fishing in a dramatic setting. It can fish well for a range of species, but it’s exposed, snaggy and demands sensible tackle choices and close attention to swell and tide.

• • A steep, rocky shoreline with deep water close in, plus broken ground that holds fish.
• • Best approached as a rock/ledge mark rather than a “comfortable” harbour wall swim.
• • Expect a proper Pembrokeshire session: changeable conditions, powerful tides and the chance of quality fish if you time it right.

The mark sits around the Porthgain harbour and the adjacent quarry coastline, where rock ledges and boulder ground meet deep water quickly. Access is generally via the village and harbour area, then on foot to the rocky edges—some approaches are uneven and can be slippery.

• • Park in/around Porthgain village/harbour areas, then walk to the harbour/quarry edge (keep to established paths where possible).
• • Expect short but awkward scrambles and uneven rock in places—travel light and keep hands free.
• • In swell, some lower ledges become dangerous or unfishable; choose higher, safer platforms.
• • If you’re unfamiliar, visit at low water first to identify safe footing, escape routes and snag zones.

This is a genuine mixed-ground venue: you’re fishing rough rock with kelp and broken bottom, so you can encounter both “rough-ground” staples and passing predators. Species can vary seasonally and with water clarity, swell and tide strength.

• • Wrasse (ballan and corkwing): common over rough ground in clearer conditions.
• • Pollack: often present around kelp edges and rock features, especially with a bit of run.
• • Mackerel: can show in summer when shoals move tight to the headlands.
• • Bass: possible, particularly in surfier water or around baitfish activity.
• • Conger and occasional rays/dogfish: possible from deeper, darker water and heavier ground (where you can hold bottom).

Most anglers do best here by matching method to conditions: float and lure tactics when the sea is manageable and clear enough, or heavier bottom tactics when there’s more swell and colour. Snags are part of the game, so rigs and leads should be chosen with losses in mind.

• • Spinning/soft plastics for pollack and bass: work close to kelp lines and rock faces; be ready for takes on the drop.
• • Float fishing for wrasse/pollack: present baits tight to structure; control the float to keep the bait just off the bottom.
• • Light to medium lure outfits in calm conditions; step up gear if swell pushes fish tighter to cover.
• • Rough-ground bottom fishing when conditions dictate: short snoods, abrasion-resistant leaders, and breakout/plain leads depending on tide.
• • Baits: crab, rag/lug, squid and fish strips can all score depending on target and sea state.
• • Carry spare gear: leads, rigs and traces—this is not a “one rig all night” type of mark.

Like many north Pembrokeshire rock marks, Porthgain Quarry is heavily influenced by tide run, swell direction and water clarity. Picking the right conditions matters as much as bait and tackle.

• • Tide: generally fishes best with some run; slack periods can be slower for predators.
• • Sea state: a light swell can help; too much swell makes the lower rocks unsafe and stirs up weed.
• • Water clarity: clearer water favours wrasse and lure fishing; a bit of colour can help bass.
• • Wind: onshore winds can quickly build a dangerous surge; offshore can flatten the sea but may reduce sport.
• • Weed: after storms, drifting weed can make float and bottom fishing frustrating—be prepared to move or change tactics.

This is an exposed rock mark with real swell risk, slippery surfaces and limited “easy exit” options from some ledges. It is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility, and it demands conservative decision-making.

• • Never fish low ledges with swell running; rogue waves and surges are common on rocky Pembrokeshire coast.
• • Wear studded boots/cleats and a life jacket/buoyancy aid; take a headtorch and spare batteries for dusk/dark sessions.
• • Avoid fishing alone; keep well back from the edge when landing fish and when setting up.
• • Watch for wave sets for at least 10–15 minutes before committing to a platform.
• • Mobile signal can be variable; let someone know your plan and expected return time.

Porthgain is a small harbour village with basic amenities nearby, but once you’re on the rocks you’re self-sufficient. Plan your session around parking, daylight and what you can comfortably carry.

• • Parking available in the village/near harbour (capacity varies; be considerate of residents and businesses).
• • Food/drink options may be available in the village depending on season/opening times.
• • No fishing platforms, railings or formal “pegs” on the quarry rocks—bring what you need and pack out litter.
• • Limited shelter: if weather turns, you may need to retreat rather than “sit it out.”

Success here often comes from mobility and observation—watch the water, note where baitfish show, and don’t be afraid to change approach. The ground can be unforgiving, but the fishing can be excellent when you hit it right.

• • Visit at low tide first to map snags, kelp beds, and safe standing spots.
• • For wrasse, fish baits tight to structure and be ready to bully fish clear of kelp.
• • For pollack, work lures parallel to rock edges and retrieve through mid-water; many takes come as the lure sinks.
• • Carry a drop net or plan safe landing points—rock ledges can be awkward for lifting fish.
• • If weed is heavy, switch to lures/floats or move to a clearer edge rather than continually re-baiting fouled hooks.

I’m not aware of a clear, blanket ban specific to “Porthgain Quarry” as a fishing mark, but local restrictions can apply around working harbours, private land, and access/safety zones. Always treat signage and local direction as authoritative.

• • Check on-site signage for any “no fishing,” restricted access, or safety exclusion notices around the harbour/quarry.
• • Respect private property and any fenced/unstable quarry edges—do not climb barriers or enter closed areas.
• • Follow general sea angling best practice: take litter home, avoid blocking paths, and be mindful of other harbour users.
• • If targeting protected/regulated species or using bait collection methods, verify current national/local rules from official sources before your trip.