Fishing from Holyhead Breakwater – Complete Guide to Gear, Methods & Catches

Holyhead Breakwater Fishing Guide – Best Methods, Gear & Local Tips

Why Holyhead Breakwater Is a Must-Fish Mark

Standing strong since the 1800s, Holyhead Breakwater is the longest in the UK — stretching over 1.7 miles into the Irish Sea. It’s one of the best shore fishing spots in North Wales, offering deep water, mixed ground, and a huge variety of fish species.

Whether you’re a beginner dropping a float for wrasse or an experienced angler chasing monster conger, the Breakwater has something for everyone.

Getting There & Access

You’ll find Holyhead Breakwater just outside the town of Holyhead, Anglesey.

• Parking: Available near Holyhead Breakwater Country Park, about a 5–10 minute walk from the start.

• Access: The Breakwater can be walked or biked, but vehicle access is restricted to port and maintenance use only.

• Safety: The surface can be slippery with algae, so wear good boots and keep clear of the edge, especially during rough seas.

Fish Species You Can Expect

SeasonTypical Catches

SpringWrasse, pollock, dogfish

SummerMackerel, bass, garfish, smoothhound, conger

AutumnWhiting, codling, rays

WinterDabs, dogfish, rockling

Hot Tip: The deeper mid-section and outer end produce the biggest fish, especially during the flood tide.

Fishing Methods That Work Best

1. Float Fishing (For Wrasse, Pollock & Garfish)

Float fishing along the wall is perfect for lighter sessions.

Setup:

• Sliding float rig

• Size 1–2 hooks

• 10–15lb mainline

Baits: Ragworm, mackerel strips, or sandeel pieces.
Pro Tip: Drop your float close to the rocks — wrasse love hiding in the cracks.

Recommended Gear:

• Shakespeare Salt Pier kit

• Roddarch 6 X Sea Fishing Float Set Includes Floats, Hooks, Beads, Weights, Stops & Instructions2.

  2. Ledger (Bottom Fishing for Conger & Rays)

Setup:

• 2-hook flapper or pulley rig

• 4–6oz lead

• 30lb+ mainline

Baits: Whole squid, mackerel fillet, or peeler crab.
Best Time: Evening into darkness on the flood.

Recommended Gear:

• Penn Wrath II 12ft Beachcaster

• Penn Rival 6000 Reel

• FFT PRO BREAK OUT GRIP WEIGHTS BEACH SEA FISHING (10 PACK) 3oz 4oz 5oz 6oz 7oz

3. Spinning & Lure Fishing (Pollock & Bass)

When the water is clear, spinning can be deadly.

Lures:

• Sidewinder Super Shads

• Savage Gear Sandeel Lures

• Heddon Super Spook Surface Popper

Setup:

• 8–9ft lure rod

• 4000-size reel with 20lb braid

• 20lb fluorocarbon leader

Pro Tip: Early morning and sunset are prime times for bass.

Recommended Gear:

• Abu Garcia Vendetta Lure Rod 9ft

• Shimano Sedona 4000 Reel

4. Feathering (For Mackerel & Garfish)

A classic summer method that always delivers.

Setup:

• 3–4oz lead

• String of Sabiki or Flashing Feathers

• Medium spinning rod

Best Months: June to September
Best Tides: Flooding tides near the mid-section of the wall.

Recommended Gear:

• Abu Garcia Devil Spinning Rod

• Daiwa Sensor 15/18lb Mono Line

Complete Tackle Checklist

ItemPurpose12ft beachcaster & heavy reelFor deep bottom fishing8–9ft spinning rodFor lures and light float workRod tripodKeeps rods stable on uneven surfacesLanding net/gaffHigh wall — essential for landing fish safelyHeadlamp & reflective vestNight fishing safetyTackle box with spare rigs & leadsExpect snags — bring extrasLife jacketAlways wear near deep water

Best Tides & Conditions

• Tide: Flood tide is best — fish move close to the wall as water rises.

• Weather: Avoid strong westerly winds — they make the breakwater dangerous.

• Time of Day: Dusk and dawn for predatory species like pollock and bass.

• Water Colour: Slightly coloured water is ideal for bottom fishing; clearer water for lures.

Safety Tips

• Don’t fish alone at night.

• Always check tides and forecast before heading out.

• Keep tackle tidy — the wall can get crowded.

• Take rubbish home — keep Holyhead clean for all anglers.

Local Angler Insight

Regulars swear by fresh bait only — especially peeler crab and mackerel caught on the day. If you’re targeting conger, fish an hour into darkness with a big bait dropped right at the wall’s base. For bass, wait for a choppy sea and try soft plastics in natural colours.

Final Thoughts

Fishing from Holyhead Breakwater offers everything a sea angler could want — deep water, mixed ground, and a real chance of quality fish from the shore. With the right gear and a bit of tide knowledge, you can land anything from wrasse to double-figure conger eels.

So grab your rods, check your tides, and make your next session on Anglesey’s iconic breakwater one to remember.