Telpyn Point

Telpyn Point is a rugged, rocky headland mark on the south Pembrokeshire coast, fished mainly for rough-ground species with occasional pelagic action in settled weather. It suits experienced shore anglers who are comfortable working over kelp, boulders and tide-swept gullies.

• Best thought of as a classic Pembrokeshire “rough ground” venue: expect bites to come close in, often in the first troughs and gullies.
• Rock and mixed ground dominate, so tackle choice and tide awareness matter more here than long casting.
• In calm, clear conditions it can fish very well for wrasse and pollack; in colour or swell it can switch on for bass and the odd conger from the deeper kelpy edges.

Telpyn Point sits on the south Pembrokeshire shoreline, reached via coastal footpaths with the final approach typically involving uneven ground and exposed rock ledges. Access is straightforward for fit anglers but can be awkward with heavy luggage and unsafe in big seas.

• Approach is usually on foot from nearby parking/lanes, then along the coast path and down to rock platforms.
• Expect steep/uneven sections, slippery rock, and limited “flat” fishing stances—take time to choose a safe platform.
• Mobile signal can be variable around headlands; let someone know your plan and expected return time.
• Fishing is often best from the point itself and adjacent rock shelves where water funnels around the headland.

This is a multi-species rough-ground mark, with wrasse and pollack the mainstay and bass a realistic target when conditions suit. Around dusk/night, deeper holes and snaggy channels can produce heavier surprises.

• Ballan wrasse (and occasional corkwing): close-range, kelp-lined gullies.
• Pollack: patrol the kelp edges and deeper runs, especially on a flooding tide.
• Bass: more likely with a bit of surf, broken water, or when sandeels/sprat are present.
• Mackerel: possible in summer when shoals run tight to the headland.
• Conger eel: a chance from the deeper snaggy sections after dark, but expect tackle losses.
• Rockling and small codling/coalies can show in cooler months depending on local conditions.

Telpyn Point rewards mobile fishing with lures or short-range natural baits placed accurately into gullies and along kelp margins. Long casting is rarely the key; presentation and keeping gear out of the worst snags is.

• Lure fishing: soft plastics, weedless rigs, and shallow/medium divers worked along kelp edges for pollack and bass.
• Spinning/feathering: metal lures or small feathers for mackerel when they’re in.
• Float fishing: highly effective for wrasse in calmer seas—fish close to the rock faces and kelp tongues.
• Light/medium ledgering: crab, peeler, ragworm, or fish baits into the run-offs and holes; use strong abrasion-resistant leaders.
• For conger: larger fish baits on a robust running ledger; keep the rod high and be ready to pull hard to steer fish away from kelp/boulders.
• Tackle notes: rough ground means you’ll lose gear—carry spare traces, heavier hooks, and consider sacrificing leads with weak links where appropriate.

The mark is influenced by tide flow around the point, with fish often feeding as water speeds up and funnels through the gullies. Sea state makes a huge difference: a little movement can help, but too much swell can make it unfishable.

• Best general periods: the flood and the first of the ebb when water pushes around the headland and into the bays/gullies.
• Clear and calm: ideal for wrasse and lure-caught pollack; scale down and fish close.
• Light swell/colour: can improve bass chances in broken water and whitewater lines.
• Heavy swell: dangerous surge and overtopping waves—often not worth attempting.
• Wind: onshore winds can make ledges wet and unpredictable; a safer option is a sheltered mark on the day if the point is taking the sea.

This is an exposed rock mark where swell, weed-slick rock and tide cut-off risks are real. Treat it as a venue for competent rock anglers and avoid it entirely in big seas.

• Wear proper rock boots or studs; the rock and kelp slime can be extremely slippery.
• Watch the sea for 10–15 minutes before committing to a ledge—sets can surge higher than expected.
• Avoid fishing alone; if you do, share your plan and time window with someone.
• Be mindful of tide cut-offs: some platforms can become awkward or unsafe to retreat from on a big flood.
• Carry minimal gear in a backpack for safer movement; keep hands free on descents.
• A buoyancy aid is a sensible precaution on exposed ledges, especially when lure fishing close to the edge.
• Accessibility is limited: uneven approaches and rock platforms are not suitable for wheelchairs or those with reduced mobility.

Facilities are limited at the mark itself; plan to be self-sufficient for bait, food, water and first aid. Nearby villages/towns in the wider area typically provide shops and services, but not at the point.

• No on-mark toilets, shelter, or lighting.
• Bring a small first-aid kit, headtorch (with spare batteries), and enough water.
• Take a litter bag—old line and bait packaging are a persistent hazard on rocky marks.
• Parking is usually roadside/nearby footpath access rather than dedicated angling parking—be considerate and don’t block gates or passing places.

Success here often comes from fishing the “features” rather than casting distance: gullies, kelp seams, and the smoother-flowing tongues of water are prime. Time spent watching the water and moving between spots usually out-fishes sitting in one place.

• Fish close: many bites come within a rod length or two of the rocks, especially for wrasse.
• Work the edges: pollack frequently sit just off the kelp line where current meets cover.
• Keep traces tough: use abrasion-resistant leader material and check it often for scuffs.
• Travel light and move: if you don’t see baitfish, bird activity, or signs of life, hop to the next gully.
• In summer, dawn and dusk can be particularly good for bass and pollack on lures.
• If you’re targeting conger, accept losses—choose a spot with the cleanest “pull” you can find and fish a locked-up clutch only when you’re ready.

There is no widely publicised, single blanket ban specific to “Telpyn Point” that can be relied upon without checking locally, but Pembrokeshire has areas with conservation designations and seasonal/byelaw considerations. You should verify current rules before fishing.

• Check on-site signage at access points and nearby car parks for any local restrictions.
• Confirm whether the mark falls within or near any protected area where bait collection, fishing methods, or targeting certain species may be restricted.
• If you plan to gather bait (crab, shellfish, worms), check local rules and avoid damaging habitat.
• Follow national guidance on protected species and minimum conservation practices; if unsure, return fish carefully.
• For the latest, consult Natural Resources Wales and local fisheries/byelaw information, and ask locally (tackle shops/angling clubs) for up-to-date guidance.