Porthselau

Porthselau is a small, exposed inshore mark on the north Pembrokeshire coast, close to St Davids, where mixed ground and strong tide lines can bring fish within casting range.

• • It’s best thought of as a rough-ground venue with opportunities for bass, wrasse and pollack in summer, and codling/whiting with the odd ray or dogfish when conditions suit.
• • The fishing is often about timing: working the slack water and the first push of the tide, and choosing days with manageable swell and clear access.
• • Expect a “proper Pembrokeshire” feel: scenic but unforgiving, with weed, kelp and boulders that reward tackle discipline and careful footing.

The mark is on the Porthselau/Whitesands side of the St Davids peninsula, reached via local lanes and then on foot to the shoreline.

• • Approach is typically via nearby parking areas used by walkers and beachgoers; from there, follow established paths down to the shore.
• • Access can involve uneven steps/rocky descent, and the safest fishing is usually from more stable ledges or boulder platforms rather than the steepest sections.
• • In summer, expect more people around the broader area (especially if you’re close to popular beaches), so early/late sessions are quieter and safer for casting.

Porthselau’s mix of kelp, reef and deeper pockets gives you a genuine “mixed bag” prospect list across the seasons.

• • Bass: summer into early autumn, particularly after a bit of surf or colour in the water.
• • Wrasse (ballan and smaller wrasse species): late spring through autumn around kelp and rocky gullies.
• • Pollack and mackerel: summer; pollack tight to kelp edges, mackerel when shoals move in.
• • Codling/whiting: colder months can produce, especially after rough weather settles.
• • Dogfish, conger (occasional), and the odd ray/flatfish: possible depending on exact stance and sea conditions.

This is a venue where your method should match the ground: expect snags, weed and sudden depth changes, so simple, robust rigs and active fishing often outscore delicate setups.

• • Lure fishing: soft plastics, weedless presentations where possible, and hard lures worked along kelp edges for bass and pollack.
• • Float fishing / light ledgering: effective for wrasse and pollack in calmer conditions; fish close—often the takes are under the rod tip.
• • Rough-ground bait fishing: short snoods, strong hooks and abrasion-resistant leaders; crab, ragworm and fish baits are typical choices.
• • Uptide/longer casts (when feasible): if you can reach a clean patch beyond the worst kelp, you can present baits more effectively on the ebb/flow.
• • Tackle: bring spare leads and rigs; choose grippy footwear and consider a longer landing net/pole if your platform is above the water.

Tide and sea state make or break this mark; even on a calm day the current can be lively and the swell can wrap in unexpectedly.

• • Best tide phases: often the slack water and the first hour or two of the flood for lure and float work; bait fishing can pick up as the flow builds if you can hold bottom.
• • Sea colour: a touch of colour after a blow can help bass, while very clear water can favour careful presentations for wrasse/pollack.
• • Swell: moderate swell can fish well for bass, but heavy swell makes access and fishing platforms hazardous.
• • Wind: onshore winds can quickly roughen the water and limit safe stances; sheltered corners can still produce if you can find safe footing.
• • Weed: expect drifting weed in any swell—plan for it with stronger gear and by keeping baits/lures moving where practical.

This is not a “casual” rock mark: the shoreline can be slippery and the sea can surge, so treat it with full respect.

• • Footing: kelp-covered rock is extremely slick; cleated/rock boots are strongly advisable.
• • Swell and surge: avoid fishing low ledges if there’s any notable swell; waves can lift and flood platforms without warning.
• • Tide cut-off: some routes back can be compromised at higher water—always identify your exit route on arrival and keep checking it.
• • Solo fishing: not recommended on exposed rock; if you go alone, be extra conservative and tell someone your plan.
• • Landing fish: use a long net/gaf only where appropriate and safe; don’t overreach above swirling water.

Facilities are limited immediately at the rock mark, but you’re close to the St Davids area where you can stock up.

• • Parking: typically available in nearby public parking areas used by walkers/beach users (capacity varies by season).
• • Food/toilets: more likely in nearby visitor areas (and in/near St Davids) than at the immediate fishing stance.
• • Tackle/bait: best arranged in advance; options exist in the wider Pembrokeshire area but opening hours vary.
• • Phone signal: can be patchy around headlands—don’t rely on it for safety planning.

Fishing here is often about fishing “smart and close” rather than trying to punch huge casts into snaggy ground.

• • Read the water: look for kelp edges, darker gullies and any foamy seams—predators patrol these lines.
• • Travel light: a compact kit helps when negotiating rocky paths; keep hands free on the descent.
• • Time it: early morning or dusk can be excellent for bass; mid-day bright sun often pushes fish deeper/tighter to cover.
• • Rig discipline: keep traces short over rough ground, and don’t be afraid to step up leader strength to prevent cut-offs.
• • Respect other users: the wider area can be popular with walkers and beach visitors—choose safe casting zones and keep tackle tidy.

I’m not aware of a blanket rule that universally bans shore fishing at “Porthselau” specifically, but Pembrokeshire has areas with conservation designations and local restrictions that can affect what you can do and when.

• • Check on-site signage: especially near access points, car parks and paths—rules can change and may apply to specific sections of coast.
• • Protected areas: parts of the St Davids peninsula fall within designated conservation zones; restrictions may exist on bait collection (e.g., crabs/shellfish), species retention, or certain activities.
• • Byelaws and minimum sizes: apply to many species—verify current Welsh/Local Authority/NRW guidance before keeping fish.
• • Seasonal sensitivities: avoid disturbing wildlife and nesting areas; if asked to move by wardens/land managers, comply and relocate.
• • If in doubt: consult Natural Resources Wales and local Pembrokeshire coastal/byelaw information, and follow the most restrictive guidance you find.