Strumble Head

Strumble Head is a classic, wild Pembrokeshire headland mark where rock anglers can find real variety and the chance of quality fish, especially when there’s a bit of sea on. It’s a proper “big coast” venue: rewarding in the right conditions, but exposed and unforgiving if you get it wrong.

• Best thought of as a collection of ledges, gullies and rough ground marks around the headland rather than one single peg
• Fishes very differently depending on swell direction and wind strength—small changes can transform it
• Typical targets are wrasse and pollack in calmer summer conditions, with bass and occasional smoothhound/dogfish in the mix; in rougher water you may also connect with codling/whiting at the right time of year
• Not a beginner’s rock mark due to access, wave exposure and the need to read water

Strumble Head sits on the north Pembrokeshire coast near Fishguard, with fishing done from rugged cliffs, rocky points and low ledges depending on where you choose to drop in. Access is generally via coastal paths and informal tracks, and the final approach is often over rough, uneven ground.

• Main approach is typically from nearby parking areas serving the coast path; expect a walk-in and allow time for the return in daylight
• Paths can be steep, narrow and slippery after rain; some descents to lower ledges are scrambles rather than “walks”
• Mobile signal can be patchy in places; don’t rely on it for navigation or emergency contact
• Plan your route out before you descend—some ledges are safe to fish but awkward to leave if conditions change

Strumble Head is primarily a rough-ground, lure-and-bait rock mark with strong potential for hard-fighting species. It tends to fish best when you match tactics to sea state: cleaner water for wrasse/pollack, coloured water and surf for bass and general “storm fish.”

• Pollack: common around kelp edges and deeper run-ins; best on lures, livebaits (where permitted), or float-fished baits
• Wrasse (ballan and occasionally corkwing): abundant in the right ground; best in calmer seas over kelp and broken rock
• Bass: possible in swell/colour, especially around white water and gullies; also in low light on lures
• Mackerel: can show in season from higher rock positions if shoals are in tight
• Dogfish, conger (occasional), and assorted “rough ground” species can appear depending on depth and kelp
• Winter/rough-weather species (variable): whiting/codling can be possible in the wider area when seas are coloured—results are highly condition-dependent

This is a mark where versatility pays: you’ll often do best carrying a lure rod and a heavier bait outfit, then deciding on the day which suits the sea and the ground. Snags are part of the game—tackle choice should reflect that.

• Spinning/shore jigging for pollack and bass: fish soft plastics, metal jigs and hard lures along current lines, gullies and the edges of kelp beds
• Float fishing for wrasse/pollack: a strong float setup with a tough hooklength can be deadly over kelp and rock
• Bait fishing on rough ground: use simple, robust rigs (e.g., pulley/short snood styles) designed to reduce snagging and help lift fish clear
• Typical baits: crab, prawn, ragworm, mackerel strip and squid; match bait to target (crab for wrasse, fish baits for pollack/conger)
• Line and tackle: abrasion resistance is key—rock and kelp will punish light gear; carry spare rigs and leaders
• Landing fish: a long-handled net or drop net is often essential from higher ledges; never assume you can handline fish up safely

Strumble Head is strongly influenced by tide and swell, with tide races and surging water around points and gullies. Picking the right day matters as much as picking the right spot.

• Tide: moving water often improves sport, but strong flow can make some ledges unfishable—adjust lure weights and choose sheltered angles
• Sea state: a moderate swell can switch bass on in the white water; too much swell can make ledges dangerous or impossible
• Water clarity: clearer water often favours wrasse and pollack; coloured water and foam lines can favour bass
• Wind: onshore winds can build dangerous swell quickly; crosswinds can make lure control and float presentation difficult
• Light levels: dawn, dusk and overcast conditions can improve bass fishing; bright calm days can still be excellent for wrasse over kelp

This is an exposed headland environment where conditions can change fast, and where a slip can have serious consequences. Treat it as a serious rock mark and fish within your limits.

• Wear appropriate footwear with strong grip; studded boots can help but still won’t make greasy rock “safe”
• Avoid fishing low ledges in swell: rogue waves are a real risk around headlands
• Always identify an exit route before you commit to a platform, and keep kit minimal so you can move quickly
• A buoyancy aid is strongly advised on rock marks; a helmet is sensible if scrambling below cliffs
• Never fish alone if you can avoid it; at minimum, tell someone your plan and return time
• Accessibility is limited: many pegs involve steps, uneven ground and scrambles, making it unsuitable for most mobility-impaired anglers

Facilities at the fishing itself are minimal—this is a wild coastal venue rather than a serviced promenade mark. Plan to be self-sufficient.

• No toilets or shelters on the rocks; bring waterproofs and warm layers even in summer
• Limited freshwater and no lighting—carry drinking water and a headtorch for any late return
• Nearby towns/villages in the wider area offer tackle, food and fuel, but you should arrive with what you need
• Take a litter bag and remove all line/packaging; seabirds and marine life are vulnerable to discarded tackle

Strumble Head rewards anglers who adapt and who respect the ground—small tactical changes can make a big difference. If you’re new to the area, start cautiously and build knowledge over a few sessions.

• Carry two setups: a lure rod for prospecting and a heavier rod for baiting deeper gullies or rougher water
• Spend time watching the water before fishing: note surge patterns, where kelp ends, and where baitfish are pushed by tide
• Fish “edges”: the seam between kelp and clean rock, and the line where white water meets darker water, are prime feeding zones
• Use tackle you can afford to lose—snags are common, and saving every rig often costs fish and time
• If bass are the goal, focus on foam lines and gullies in a workable swell, and prioritise low light
• For wrasse, fish close and controlled—keep baits tight to cover, but be ready to pull hard to stop fish burying in kelp

There isn’t a single, universally posted “Strumble Head ruleboard” that covers every ledge, and restrictions can vary with protected areas and local management. You must check on-the-ground signage and official sources before fishing, especially around headlands and within/near conservation designations.

• Strumble Head lies within a coastline with multiple conservation designations; some activities may be restricted even if angling is generally allowed
• Check for any local byelaws, seasonal rules, access restrictions, or notices relating to wildlife protection and cliff safety
• If fishing from or near any privately managed land, comply with access guidance and stick to the coast path where required
• Follow current best practice on bass and other regulated species (size limits, bag limits, methods) by checking official Welsh/UK guidance before your trip
• If you see signage indicating no access or no fishing for a specific area/ledge, treat that as definitive and move elsewhere