Fishing at Barry Island (Whitmore Bay)
The main sandy beach at Barry Island, a wide Blue Flag bay separate from the rockier Nell's Point mark, with worm beds near the Friar's side point and easy access from the seafront.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch → Full fish guide
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | May–Oct | bait or lures over sand, best worked around the point on the Friar's side |
| FlounderPlaice | Sep–Apr (flounder), Apr–Sep (plaice) | worm bait fished on the bottom over the sand |
| Smooth-HoundRay (Species Unspecified) | Jun–Sep | crab or fish bait fished hard on the deck for the bigger stuff |
| WhitingDogfish (Lesser-Spotted) | Oct–Jan | leger tackle with worm or fish strip |
Tactics
Dig for lug near the point on the Friar's side at low water and fish the flood for bass and flatfish; smoothhounds and rays turn up on bigger baits through summer.
Best tide: Flood tide · Best time: Summer evenings
Dogs
Official source: View the rule at source →
Access & parking
Large pay-and-display car parks right behind the beach at Barry Island. Sat-nav: CF62 5TJ.Get directions → Family rating: ★★★ — Wide sandy Blue Flag beach with amusements and cafes right behind it, very family-oriented
FAQs
Is Whitmore Bay the same as Nell's Point?
No — Whitmore Bay is the main sandy beach at Barry Island, while Nell's Point is a separate rock mark nearby.
Are dogs allowed on Barry Island beach?
Not between 1 May and 30 September; Jackson's Bay a short walk away is dog-friendly year-round.
Nearby marks
Nell's Point (Barry Island) · Penarth Pier · Cardiff Bay Barrage
Last updated 16 July 2026 — sources & disclaimer
Compiled from angling guides, forums and the relevant council's dog byelaws, cross-checked where possible.
Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.