This is one of the more consistent surf beaches on this part of the coast of West Wales, with the capability of giving a wide variety of species. Low water reveals mostly clean sand with a few small boulders and patches of gravel. Being shallow along its whole length, it is recognised as a bass beach, but September onwards produces good bags of whiting and dabs.
SPECIES
Smaller bass to 2lb can be caught throughout the winter if conditions are mild, but the bigger bass arrive in April and stay until November.
A run of thornback rays and turbot appear over the bigger tides between late March and June and then again in October. Calm periods of high pressure are best for the whiting, plaice and dabs. Two hours either side of low water fi sh best for most species, but the whiting prefer two hours either side of high water.
BEST BAITS
King ragworms and lugworms are best, taking everything except the rays and turbot which prefer mackerel or sandeels. Peeler crabs fished close to the boulders take the bass and flounders.
TACKLE
Fish are taken very close in when a good surf is running, but often longer casts produce so use a standard beachcasting set up. For long-range fishing, use either a clipped down, one-hook rig or a Wishbone. Grip weights are standard, but a plain bomb left to roll during calm conditions can search out bass. Close-range tactics often involve a three-hook flapper rig for dabs and whiting. Use a fixedspool reel for rays. Walk out at low water and cast a large mackerel bait as far as you can, then walk back with the tide releasing line as you go.
GETTING THERE
Follow the A496 from Barmouth and turn left to Traeth beach at Llanddwywe towards Bennar Fawr. Follow the road to the large car park and then access the beach along the footpath that goes through the sand dunes.
TACKLE SHOPS
Barmouth Angling, 1 Ael-Y-Don, Church St, Barmouth, tel: 01341 280480.
Beachcaster, High St, Barmouth, 01341 281537.
Harbourside Bait & Tackle, Porthmadog, tel: 01766 513719.
The Fisherman, Central Buildings, High St, Porthmadog, tel: 01766 512464.