Fishing at Freshwater West
One of Wales' best-known bass beaches — a mile of exposed Atlantic surf backed by big dunes, best fished after dark once the surfers have gone in, with rocky corners at either end holding fish even when the middle beach is blown out.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | Apr–Nov, peak Jun–Oct | Fished after dark in the surf and around the rocky corners on lures, sandeel or a fresh mackerel bait; 42cm minimum. |
| Pollack | Sep–Dec | Evening spinning among the rocks at North Corner on the top of the flood or first two hours of the ebb. |
| Flounder | Sep–Feb | Worm bait fished in the sandy gullies at low water, best on a settled low-water spring. |
| Turbot | May–Sep | Sandeel or fish strip on a flowing trace fished through the surf table at high water. |
| Coalfish | Oct–Jan | Small lures or feathers worked among the rocky outcrops at either end of the beach. |
Tactics
Night fishing is far more productive than day here — surfers dominate daylight hours. Fish the top half of the flood and first two hours of the ebb tight to the rocks at North Corner, or work the sandy gullies at low water for flounder and turbot.
Best tide: Top of the flood through to two hours of the ebb at the rocky corners; low water for the sandy gullies · Best time: After dark, once the surf crowds have left
Dogs
Access & parking
Take the B4319 from Pembroke through Castlemartin village; two free National Trust car parks (dawn to dusk, no overnight parking), one with toilets and an emergency phone. Sat-nav: SA71 5HW.Get directions → Family rating: ★☆☆ — One of the more hazardous marks in the guide: strong undertow, quicksand patches, and rocky outcrops at each end that can cut anglers off on a rising tide — not a beginner or young-family venue.
FAQs
Is Freshwater West dog friendly?
Yes — unlike many Pembrokeshire beaches it has no seasonal dog ban, so dogs are allowed all year round.
Is Freshwater West safe for swimming or wading while fishing?
No — the beach has quicksand patches and strong undertows, and the rocky corners can be cut off by the tide, so care is essential and it should be avoided in rough seas.
What's the best time to fish Freshwater West for bass?
Night fishing produces the best results, particularly around the top of the flood tide into the first couple of hours of the ebb, once the daytime surfers have left.
Nearby marks
Last updated 7 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.