Brandy Cove is a little known beach to the west of Caswell Bay, on the south of the Gower peninsula.
It is a small cove with vast expanses of rock on either side and, at first glance at low water, it looks an ideal venue for bass. It certainly is. The optimum time to fish for bass is over low water, with night fishing is often the most productive.
SPECIES
Bass can be caught here from April through to November. Other summer species include wrasse, pollack, rockling, conger eels, black bream and trigger fish. Plaice and other flatfish can be caught over the sandy patches and the small beach.
Few anglers fish here throughout the winter, though if they did they would almost certainly be rewarded with whiting, codling and probably a few late bass.
BAIT AND TACKLE
Leger peeler crab at short range in the deeper gullies. Try lure fishing at high water. A standard beach rod and reel can be used, but you may prefer a bass rod or spinning gear.
GETTING THERE
Follow the coast road from Swansea towards Mumbles. As you drive into Mumbles you come to a mini-roundabout where you turn right. Drive up the hill for about half a mile and you will see Caswell Bay signposted to the left. Follow the signs and park in the large pay and display car park at the bottom of the hill. Travel light because it is a fair walk to Brandy Cove.
At low water it is possible to walk across the beach and rocks into Brandy Cove from neighbouring Caswell Bay. At all other times you will have to take the cliff path, which starts at the western end of Caswell, or another path signposted from the top of the hill leading out from Caswell.
TACKLE SHOP
Country Stores, 3a Church St, Gowerton, 01792 875050. Opening times: 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm Saturday, 9am to 1pm (4pm in summer) Sunday.
Bait: Blow and black lug, rag and maddies, crabs and sandeels, plus frozen bait.
