Whitesands Bay

Whitesands Bay (near St Davids) is a classic Pembrokeshire surf-and-rough-ground venue with genuine variety through the year, from summer bass and rays to winter codling and a strong chance of flatfish in suitable conditions.

• Best thought of as a surf mark with options: open sand for distance casting and the headlands/reef edges for mixed ground species
• Can fish very differently depending on swell direction, surf size and how much weed is moving
• A good “plan A/plan B” venue: if the open bay is too lively, the edges can sometimes be more manageable (though often rougher underfoot)
• Expect changeable conditions; it’s a mark that rewards reading the water rather than fishing it on autopilot

Whitesands Bay sits a few miles west of St Davids and is one of the easier Pembrokeshire beaches to access compared with many cliff marks, with parking close to the sand.

• Access is typically via the main beach car park and slip/paths onto the sand; walking distance to the central beach is short
• The more productive “features” are often nearer the ends of the bay where rock and reef influence the surf line
• In stronger conditions, keep an eye on drift lines of weed and the way waves are breaking—these can dictate where you can sensibly fish
• Mobile signal and general footfall can be good in season, but don’t rely on it for safety if heading towards the rocky fringes

Whitesands can produce a broad range of species, with the mix changing sharply between calm, clear spells and windy, coloured surf conditions.

• Bass: prime target in warmer months, especially in surf, overcast light, and when sandeels/crabs are about
• Flatfish: flounder are common; plaice and dabs can show depending on season and water clarity
• Thornback ray: possible in the bay in the warmer half of the year in settled spells
• Conger and wrasse: more likely tight to rock/reef edges than on the open sand (best in summer/autumn)
• Dogfish, huss and occasional spur-type sharks: can feature when conditions and bait choices suit
• Winter visitors: codling can appear in colder months after storms, along with whiting and other “bits” in mixed surf

This is primarily a surfcasting venue, but you can also fish it as a light-gear lure mark for bass in the right conditions, and as a rough-ground bait mark around the edges.

• Surfcasting: 4–6oz leads are typical depending on surf strength; use grip leads when the undertow is dragging tackle
• Rigs for mixed surf: simple clipped flapper or pulley pennel for bigger baits; long hooklengths can help for flatfish in calmer seas
• Baits for surf: lug and rag are reliable; crab (peeler or hardback sections) is excellent for bass and can pick out better fish; mackerel or squid add scent and durability
• Lure fishing: metal lures and soft plastics can work for bass when water isn’t too coloured; fish the seams where surf meets calmer water and around any gullies
• Rough ground edges: step up abrasion resistance (heavier leader, stronger hooks) and keep gear tight to avoid snags; float-fishing or ledgering can work when swell is modest
• Match the approach to weed: if kelp and wrack are moving, shorter hooklengths, streamlined baits, and more frequent recasts save frustration

Whitesands responds strongly to tide size, swell and wind direction; “perfect” conditions are often a moderate surf with some colour and defined gutters.

• Tide state: fishing can be good throughout the tide, but many anglers favour the flooding tide into high water for bass and general surf species
• Tide size: bigger tides can create stronger movement and deeper gutters; smaller tides can fish well for flatfish in settled weather
• Surf and colour: a bit of surf and coloured water often improves bass chances; very clear, calm seas can make daytime fishing tougher
• Wind: onshore winds can make it fish well (up to a point) by putting surf on the beach; strong onshore can make it unfishable and dangerous
• Weed: after blows, drifting weed can be the main limiting factor—if you’re constantly retrieving weed, consider moving or changing tactics
• Reading the water: look for gutters, rips, and “holes” where waves don’t break as hard—these are natural fish highways and resting areas

It’s an accessible beach mark by Pembrokeshire standards, but it’s still Atlantic-facing with powerful surf and strong currents possible, and the rocky edges demand care.

• Surf safety: avoid wading in heavy surf; rip currents can be present—fish from dry sand and keep well back from sudden wave surges
• Slips and trips: the rocky ends can be very slippery with weed and spray; studded boots and a headtorch (after dark) are sensible
• Tides: don’t get cut off if you explore towards rocks—turn and check your exit route as the tide floods
• Night fishing: effective for bass and rays, but only if you know the terrain; keep a conservative margin from the waterline
• Weather exposure: it’s open and can turn quickly; take warm, waterproof layers even in summer evenings
• Accessibility: the main beach area is relatively straightforward, but fishing the more feature-rich ends may involve uneven ground

As a popular beach, Whitesands generally offers better amenities than many remote Pembrokeshire marks, especially in season.

• Nearby parking close to the beach (usually pay-and-display/seasonal arrangements)
• Toilets are often available at or near the main beach facilities (availability can be seasonal)
• Food and drink outlets may operate in season; out of season, plan to be self-sufficient
• St Davids is close for shops, fuel, and tackle odds-and-ends
• Lifeguard presence is typically seasonal and aimed at swimmers—do not assume it changes fishing safety in winter or at night

Whitesands rewards small adjustments: shifting 30–50 yards to find a gutter edge, swapping bait to match the food in the surf, or timing effort around a brief improvement in surf and colour.

• Walk the beach on arrival: identify a main gutter and any side rips; fish the down-current edge where food is carried
• Bass in surf: crab baits in a modest surf can outfish everything; keep rigs simple and baits presenting naturally
• Flatfish: in calmer spells, use lighter leads, longer hooklengths and worm baits; target the quieter water behind a bar or inside a shallow bay gully
• Keep tackle robust: abrasion from sand and the occasional stone/reef influence near the ends can quickly weaken light mono
• If weed becomes constant, don’t just “battle through”—move to a cleaner stretch or shorten hooklengths and rebait more often
• Fish care: bass and rays are common catch-and-release targets—use forceps and unhooking mats where appropriate and return fish quickly

There is no widely-publicised blanket ban on sea angling at Whitesands Bay, but local rules can change and parts of the Pembrokeshire coast have seasonal or activity-based restrictions.

• Check on-site signage at the beach access points and car park for any seasonal restrictions, byelaws, or protected-area notices
• Be aware of marine protected areas in the wider region; some designations affect specific activities—confirm whether any restrictions apply to angling methods (e.g., bait collection, fixed gear)
• If collecting bait (rag/lug, crab, etc.), follow local guidance and any shore-gathering rules; when unsure, don’t dig or take from sensitive areas
• Observe general UK sea angling best practice: dispose of line responsibly, respect other beach users, and avoid fishing near swimmers during busy periods
• If targeting bass, ensure you follow current Welsh/UK rules for bass retention—these can change, so verify with official sources before you fish