Nash Point

Nash Point is a classic Vale of Glamorgan rock-and-rough mark with deep water, kelp beds and broken ground that consistently produces quality fish when conditions are right.

• Best known for rough-ground species (wrasse, bass, conger, pollack) plus decent winter codling/whiting when the sea has colour
• A “proper” rock mark: snaggy, tide-driven and exposed to weather, so it rewards planning and safe footing
• Works well for both bait fishing and spinning/lure fishing, depending on swell and water clarity

Nash Point sits on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast west of Llantwit Major, with access via coastal paths and cliff-top approaches down onto rock ledges.

• Approach is typically along public footpaths; you’ll usually be walking the last section with tackle
• Expect uneven ground and steps/descents to the ledges; in places the route can be slippery after rain
• Mobile signal can be patchy in spots; go prepared if fishing alone
• If you’re unfamiliar, visit at low water first to learn safe lines down and exit points

The mix of kelp, gullies and tide-swept water makes this a varied mark, with the best fish often coming tight to structure.

• Labrus wrasse (ballan/corkwing): common in the kelp and around boulders through the warmer months
• Bass: patrol gullies and white water, especially in overcast conditions or with a bit of surf
• Conger eel: present in deeper holes and broken ground; nights can be productive
• Pollack: possible where you can fish into deeper water and keep lures/baits just above weed
• Codling/whiting (seasonal): more likely when there’s a coloured sea and a bit of swell pushing food in
• Rockling, dogfish, pouting: regular “background” species, especially after dark
• Flounder/dab: occasional on any cleaner patches, though this is primarily a rough-ground venue

Nash Point rewards tackle that can cope with weed, tide and snags—think strong end gear and a plan for landing fish.

• Rough-ground bait fishing: clipped-down rigs or simple strong paternosters with heavier snoods to reduce tangles in tide
• Wrasse tactics: crab, mussel, prawn or fish baits lowered into gullies; fish locked-up to pull them clear of kelp
• Bass bait fishing: peeler crab, lug/rag, or fish baits worked in the white water and along gully edges
• Lure fishing: weedless soft plastics, metals and shallow divers can work when the sea isn’t too thick; keep contact and avoid burying into kelp
• Conger fishing: large fish baits at night into deeper holes; use abrasion-resistant leaders and robust hooks
• Tackle notes: bring spare rigs and leads—snags are part of the game; a drop-net or long-handled gaff can be useful where ledges are high (only where safe and appropriate)

This is a tide-and-swell mark: fish movement and safe access both change quickly with sea state and height of tide.

• Tide: generally fishes around mid-tide and into the flood when water pushes into gullies; some ledges become unsafe or cut off near high water
• Swell: a light to moderate swell and some colour can switch on bass and winter species, but too much swell makes it dangerous and unfishable
• Water clarity: clearer water can favour wrasse and lure fishing; coloured water often helps bait fishing for bass and winter fish
• Wind: onshore winds can add life but also risk; strong winds make footing and casting hazardous
• After rain: algae-covered rock becomes extremely slick—treat “wet rock” days with extra caution

Nash Point is exposed and rocky, with real risk from swell, slippery weed and being cut off by the tide.

• Do not fish alone if you’re new to the mark; let someone know your plan and return time
• Wear proper footwear (felt/studded soles or suitable rock boots) and consider a flotation suit or PFD
• Watch the sea for 10–15 minutes before committing to a ledge; rogue sets can and do arrive
• Check exit routes at low water; some positions can be cut off quickly on the flood
• Avoid carrying too much—hands-free carrying helps on steep/uneven approaches
• Landing fish can be hazardous on surgey ledges; don’t take risks for a fish
• Not suitable for wheelchair access; limited suitability for anyone with reduced mobility due to uneven terrain and steep paths

This is a natural, relatively remote coastal mark with limited amenities right at the fishing ledges.

• Parking is typically on/near the approach points (check local signage for permitted areas)
• No guaranteed shelter on the rocks—bring waterproofs and warm layers even in summer
• Limited or no toilets at the immediate mark; plan ahead using nearby villages/visitor facilities
• No bait/tackle shop on the rocks—arrive with everything, including spares and first-aid essentials

A bit of local-style preparation makes a big difference here—both to catch fish and to avoid unnecessary danger.

• Visit at low tide first to identify gullies, kelp lines, and safer standing spots
• Fish the edge of the kelp rather than straight into it; many takes come as baits/lures swing along the seam
• Carry a lead-lift or be ready to change lead sizes as tide strength increases
• For wrasse, keep drags tight and strike/haul firmly to prevent them burying in weed
• For bass, focus on white water and the back-eddies in gullies; dawn/dusk and overcast spells can be particularly good
• Pack light but include essentials: spare rigs/leads, line cutters, headtorch, and a simple first-aid kit
• Take all litter home—discarded line is a serious hazard to wildlife on this coast

There isn’t a single, universally posted “sea angling ban” associated with the whole Nash Point area that anglers can rely on without checking, and rules can change by season and location.

• Check on-site signage at access points for any restrictions linked to conservation, cliff works, nesting birds, or private land boundaries
• Observe any local byelaws and national rules relevant to your target species (e.g., size/retention rules) by consulting official Welsh/UK sources before you fish
• Be mindful that parts of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast can have protected features; avoid disturbance to wildlife and habitats
• If in doubt about a specific ledge or access route, ask locally or choose a clearly established, safely accessed spot