Stackpole Quay

Stackpole Quay is a small, sheltered harbour mark on the south Pembrokeshire coast, best known for light- to medium-tackle fishing in relatively calm water compared with the open cliffs and surf beaches nearby.

• A good “all-rounder” for anglers who want shelter from swell and wind, especially when exposed marks are unfishable
• Mixed ground typical of an estuary/harbour mouth: mud/sand in the inner reaches with rock, weed and scoured channels nearer the entrance
• Suits short sessions, lure fishing for bass in summer, and bait fishing for flatfish, eels and school species
• Expect it to fish best on a bit of movement rather than at slack water

The quay sits within the Stackpole Estate area and is reached via minor roads with a short walk to the water’s edge, making it one of the more convenient marks locally.

• Access is generally straightforward to the harbour wall/quayside and adjacent banks, but footing can be slippery with weed and algae
• Best explored at low water first so you can see the channel edges, snaggy rock and any mooring tackle
• The inner harbour is sheltered; the harbour mouth and nearby rocks are more exposed to tidal push and swell
• Be mindful of residents, boat users and seasonal visitors—space can be tight at peak times

Species reflect a sheltered harbour/estuary environment with occasional better fish on the flood when cleaner water pushes in.

• Bass (often best on lures or fresh bait on the flooding tide, particularly in warmer months)
• Flatfish: flounder and plaice are realistic targets; occasional sole may be possible in suitable conditions
• Mullet can appear in the calmer inner water (best approached with light tackle and subtle presentation)
• Eels (especially after dark and in warmer months)
• Wrasse and small pollack/coalie can show closer to rock/weed and the harbour mouth
• School species such as mackerel may be possible when they run the coast, usually nearer the entrance where water is deeper and cleaner

Keep tactics simple and mobile: fish the tide lines, channel edges and any areas where current scours a little depth.

• Bottom fishing: light pulley or running ledger with just enough lead to hold; long snoods can help for flounder/plaice over sandier patches
• Baits: ragworm/maddie, lug, crab (for bass), sandeel, and small fish baits; scale up to crab or fish when targeting better bass
• Lure fishing: small soft plastics, surface/subsurface plugs and metals worked along the harbour mouth on the flood; fish tight to structure but expect snags
• Float fishing: useful for mullet or wrasse in calm water—present baits close to edges and around any weed/rock
• Night sessions: effective for eels and bass; fish quietly and avoid shining lights across the water where possible

This mark usually responds to tidal movement rather than big surf, and it can be a reliable choice when swell makes open-coast spots dangerous.

• Best phases are typically the flood and early ebb when cleaner water and food are moving through
• On very small neaps, the harbour can feel “still” and sport may be slower; on bigger springs, expect stronger flow at pinch points
• After heavy rain, water can colour up and carry debris—often better nearer the entrance where the sea influence is stronger
• Light winds are ideal; strong onshore winds can funnel chop into the harbour mouth and make presentation awkward
• Clear, calm conditions can suit mullet and sight-feeding species; a bit of colour can help bass confidence

Although sheltered, Stackpole Quay has typical harbour hazards and can become surprisingly slippery and awkward on changing tides.

• Quay edges and rocks can be very slippery with weed—wear studded boots/cleats and take extra care when landing fish
• Keep clear of mooring ropes, chains and boat traffic; do not cast across navigation lines or obstruct slipways
• Watch the tide: shallow areas can cut off easy returns if you wander onto lower rocks/banks without planning
• Swell can surge into the harbour mouth in certain conditions—avoid low rocks near the entrance when there’s any swell running
• Use a headtorch and lifejacket for dusk/night fishing, and fish with a companion if possible

Facilities are limited but the quay area is convenient compared with more remote cliff marks.

• Parking is usually nearby, though it can be busy in season; park considerately and do not block access for boats or emergency vehicles
• Basic shelter is provided by the harbour itself, but there may be little cover from rain—dress for the forecast
• Local amenities are generally a short drive away rather than on the quay itself
• Take all litter and spare line home; the enclosed nature of a harbour makes debris particularly harmful to wildlife and boat users

Small details matter here—fish the obvious features carefully and you can pick up consistent sport on lighter gear.

• Walk it at low water to identify the main channel, firmer sand patches and the snaggy zones around rock/weed
• For flounder, try worm baits with small, visible attractors (beads/spoons) and keep leads light to avoid burying in soft ground
• For bass, focus on the first of the flood and any current seams where baitfish are pushed along edges and corners
• Keep rigs simple and robust around harbour hardware; expect tackle loss if you fish too tight to chains and moorings
• Carry a long-handled landing net—steep quay edges can make lifting fish on the line risky and can damage fish intended for release

Stackpole Quay sits in an area with sensitive habitats and managed access, so rules can vary by location and season.

• I’m not aware of a blanket, always-in-force prohibition on rod-and-line sea fishing at the quay itself, but restrictions can exist locally
• Check on-site signage for estate/harbour rules, access limits, and any seasonal wildlife protections before you fish
• Observe UK sea angling best practice: comply with any local byelaws, minimum sizes, and protected species guidance (verify current rules via official sources)
• Be considerate around boats, swimmers and other harbour users; if asked to move by an authorised person, do so promptly
• If you plan to collect bait or shellfish, check separate regulations—these can differ from rod-and-line angling rules