Skrinkle Haven

Skrinkle Haven is a small, steep-sided cove on the south Pembrokeshire coast with classic mixed ground: sand in the bay and rough rock/kelp around the edges. It can fish very well for typical Welsh inshore species, but it is a committing mark where sea state and access conditions make or break the session.

• Best thought of as a short-range, mixed-ground venue rather than a “big cast” beach
• Productive in settled weather with a bit of colour in the water
• Not a beginner mark in swell, wind, or after heavy rain when the path and rocks are greasy

Skrinkle Haven sits between Manorbier and Freshwater East on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, backed by cliffs and reached via a steep descent. Access is straightforward in dry, calm conditions, but it becomes hazardous when wet or when swell is running into the bay.

• Approach is typically on foot from nearby parking areas on the coast road and then along the Coast Path to the descent (expect a walk)
• Final access is down a steep path/steps to the beach; take minimal gear and keep hands free where possible
• Fishing options include the beach itself and the rocky margins/ledges either side (choose based on sea state)
• Avoid carrying bulky trolleys or excessive kit: this is a “rucksack and two-rod” kind of venue

The cove’s combination of sand, rock and kelp lends itself to a varied catch, with the edges often outscoring the open sand when there’s cover and movement. Expect typical south Pembrokeshire species rather than a single “headline” fish.

• Bass: along the surf line and especially tight to the rocky edges at dawn/dusk or in a light swell
• Flounder: over sand with worm baits, particularly when there’s a bit of colour in the water
• Wrasse: in and around kelp/rock margins in calmer conditions (close-quarters fishing)
• Pollack: from the rockier sides, especially where deeper water pushes in close
• Dogfish and occasional rays: possible from the sandier areas with fish baits, especially after dark
• Conger: a possibility from rougher ground if you deliberately target them (only if you can fish safely and control fish near snags)

Skrinkle Haven rewards matching the approach to the ground in front of you: clean sand calls for simple rigs, while the sides demand abrasion resistance and a plan to keep gear out of kelp. Keep terminal tackle robust—this is not the place for fine line if you’re fishing the rocks.

• Beach/sand tactics: simple running ledger or clipped-down paternoster with 2–5oz leads depending on surf and drift
• Rough-ground tactics: shorter traces, stronger mono/fluoro, and a slightly heavier lead to hold bottom near kelp
• Baits for bass: peeler crab (where permitted/available), sandeel, mackerel strip, lug/rag; fish baits work well in coloured water
• Baits for flounder: lug/rag (often with a small bead/attractor); keep baits neat for more bites
• Wrasse/pollack: float-fishing or light ledgering close in with crab or worm; lure fishing can work when water clarity allows and swell is modest
• Cast placement: work the seams—surf line on the sand, and the “edge” where sand meets rock/kelp
• Tackle tips: use abrasion leaders around rock, and carry spare gear—snags are part of the game on the sides

This mark is highly condition-dependent: a bit of movement can switch it on, but too much swell can make it unfishable and unsafe. Plan around tide height and how much water is pushing into the cove.

• Best tides often include the middle hours of the tide when water depth improves and fish patrol closer in
• Bass tend to show best on a rising tide into dusk/dark, or early morning with a light swell
• Wrasse and pollack are generally easier in calmer seas with clearer water, fishing close to structure
• Wind: onshore wind can help bass by adding colour, but quickly makes the cove messy; strong onshores can be dangerous
• Swell: even if it looks “fishable” from above, surges can sweep the rock margins—assess from a safe vantage point before committing
• Water clarity: slight colour is often ideal for bait fishing; very clear, flat conditions can be harder in daylight

Skrinkle Haven is scenic but serious: steep access, potentially slippery rock, and surge in the corners mean you must pick your spot carefully and have an exit plan. Treat it as a remote-ish mark where self-reliance matters.

• Steep descent/ascent: allow time and energy for the climb out, especially after a long session
• Slips and falls: wet limestone/seaweed is extremely slick; wear proper footwear with grip and consider a staff
• Swell and surge: avoid the rocky sides if waves are washing the base of the cliffs or if you can hear/see “boom” sets wrapping in
• Tide cut-off risk: some areas around the margins can become awkward to pass at higher water—don’t let the tide trap you
• Night fishing: only for competent anglers familiar with the path and landing area; use a headtorch and carry a backup light
• Mobile signal can be variable under cliffs; tell someone your plan and expected return time
• Take care with cliff edges above the cove, particularly in wind or after rain

Facilities are limited at the mark itself, so go prepared. Nearby villages and larger towns provide supplies, but once you drop into the cove you’re committed.

• No shelter, lighting, or toilets on the beach
• Bring drinking water, a basic first-aid kit, and spare layers even in summer
• Tackle and bait supplies are generally found in the wider Pembrokeshire area; don’t assume anything is available close by
• Keep gear compact: rucksack, bait box, and minimal rod setup suits the access

This is a venue where a little local know-how saves a lot of effort, especially regarding sea state and snag management. Fishing it “light and mobile” usually beats trying to set up a full beach-casting spread.

• Walk down and watch the water for 5–10 minutes before committing to a swim; look for rips, clearer lanes, and where weed is collecting
• If fishing the sides, fish slightly shorter and tighter to features rather than trying to punch long casts into unknown rough
• Carry spare rigs and pre-tied traces—snags and abrasion are common near kelp
• In calm conditions, consider a stealthy approach for bass (lighter leads, smaller baits, less disturbance)
• After heavy rain, expect the path and rock to be slick; also expect extra colour in the water, which can improve bait fishing
• Take all litter home; the cove is popular with walkers and is very visible

I am not aware of a blanket, year-round ban on angling specifically at Skrinkle Haven, but this coastline can fall under local restrictions, seasonal wildlife considerations, and general byelaws. Because rules can change and enforcement depends on the managing authority, you should verify on the day.

• Check for any on-site signage at access points and along the Coast Path (temporary restrictions do occur)
• Confirm current sea fisheries byelaws for the wider area (e.g., minimum sizes, bag limits, protected species, and methods)
• If collecting bait (e.g., crabs or worms), make sure you are doing so legally and responsibly, and check whether any areas are protected or restricted
• Respect any conservation zones and nesting/roosting wildlife; avoid disturbing birds on cliff ledges
• If in doubt, ask locally (tackle shops/charter skippers) and follow the most up-to-date official guidance