Almost hidden away at the western end of Milford Haven, Dale is protected from the prevailing winds and is fishable in most conditions.
The beach slopes gently to the sea and is made up from mixed shingle and muddy sand. There is a slipway in the middle with a rocky outcrop to the north side. The slipway area fishes well in the dark on the flood tide, with the rocks a good bet towards high water.
SPECIES
Winter fishing is for whiting, dab, dogfish, bass and flounder. The best flounder showing either side of Christmas and through to February.
Bass, flounder and dogfish are the common catch from April right through to February. April to July sees eels caught, with garfish and the occasional shoal of mackerel through the summer. Mullet show around the boat pontoons in front of the pub early and late in the evenings. Longer casts take the occasional ray in May and June.
BEST BAITS
Peeler or soft crabs are essential for bass, flounder and eels. Worms take smaller flatfish and bass, plus dab and whiting in winter. Fish baits take the better whiting and any ray.
Try a small strip of mackerel under a bubble float for the garfish, with bread or mackerel flake perhaps tempting an occasional mullet.
TACKLE
Long-range tactics with a standard 5-6oz beachcaster, 6500-size reel and 15lb line with a shockleader are required, especially the ray. Tide run is minimal and 5oz grip lead weights are ample. Three-hook flapper rigs or clipped down one-hook rigs take the most fish.
GETTING THERE
Take the A40 to Haverfordwest, then the B4327 straight into Dale. There is a car park above the beach, which requires a fee in summer.
TACKLE SHOP
Anglers Corner, 1 Pill Rd, Milford Haven, tel: 01646 698899.
Milford Angling Supplies, The Old Custom House, The Docks, Milford Haven, tel: 01646 692765.
