Exploring Boat Fishing Around Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula
10/28/20252 min read
Boat Fishing Spots Around Anglesey & The Llyn Peninsula
If you’re after some of the best sea fishing in the UK, few places compare to Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula. With deep waters, rocky drop-offs, reefs, and clean sandy bays, this corner of North Wales offers something for every angler — from wreck hunters chasing big pollock to weekend fishers looking for a few mackerel for the BBQ.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top boat marks, what species to expect, and a few local tips to help you make the most of your time on the water.
Why Fish These Waters?
Both Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula benefit from strong tidal flows, mixed seabeds, and clean water — a perfect recipe for diverse sea life. Whether you launch from Holyhead, Pwllheli, or Aberdaron, you’re minutes away from grounds holding bass, tope, smoothhound, pollock, wrasse, rays, and mackerel.
Top Boat Fishing Marks
1. Holyhead Deep (Anglesey)
Depth: 150ft+
Species: Tope, bull huss, spurdog, smoothhound, and the odd porbeagle shark
Tips: Fresh mackerel or squid baits fished mid-water can attract tope up to 50lb+. Strong tides here, so pick slack water or use heavy leads.
Access: Launch from Holyhead Marina — sheltered and well equipped.
2. Trearddur Bay
Species: Pollock, wrasse, codling, and mackerel
Tips: Great mark for lighter tackle fishing around the reefs and kelp beds. Soft plastics and slow jigs work well.
Best Time: Early summer through autumn on the flood tide.
3. Rhoscolyn Reef
Species: Ballan wrasse, pollock, and bass
Tips: Use lures close to the rocks — but be ready to lose a few! When tides ease, drifting over the reef produces non-stop action.
4. Bardsey Sound (Llyn Peninsula)
Species: Tope, smoothhound, huss, rays
Tips: One of the strongest tide runs in Wales. Ideal for experienced boaters only. Anchor up during slack and fish crab baits for smoothhounds or fresh mackerel for tope.
Bonus: Dolphins and seals are frequent visitors — keep a camera ready.
5. Aberdaron Bay
Species: Bass, mackerel, gurnard, and whiting
Tips: Fish the sandbanks and channels during early morning or evening tides. Ideal for spinning or light ledgering.
6. Porth Colmon to Porth Oer
Species: Pollock, ling, codling, and coalies
Tips: Several wrecks lie within a few miles offshore. Use shads or pirks to target bigger pollock. Watch the wind — it picks up fast here.
Best Time of Year
SeasonMain TargetsSpring (Apr–Jun)Early tope, smoothhound, wrasseSummer (Jul–Sep)Mackerel, pollock, bass, topeAutumn (Oct–Nov)Rays, codling, congerWinter (Dec–Mar)Dogfish, whiting, codling
Local Tips
Launch Points: Holyhead, Rhosneigr, Pwllheli, and Nefyn all have good slipways.
Bait: Fresh crab and mackerel outperform frozen. You can often catch bait near the launch site.
Weather: Always check the forecast — wind against tide can make these areas rough quickly.
Regulations: Check local byelaws and minimum landing sizes before heading out.
Recommended Gear
20–30lb class rod & reel for general tope and ray work
Soft plastics (Savage Gear, Sidewinder) for pollock and wrasse
Size 6/0–8/0 hooks for larger species
Anchor & warp suitable for 100ft+ depths
Fishfinder/GPS combo – essential for wreck and reef marks
Final Thoughts
Boat fishing around Anglesey and the Llyn Peninsula is as exciting as it gets in the UK. One day you’re pulling in double-figure pollock over a wreck, the next you’re into screaming-run tope in Holyhead Deep. The mix of wild scenery and productive waters makes this region a true gem for sea anglers.
So, fuel up, check your tides, and get ready for some unforgettable days afloat.
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