www.fishing.visitwales.com

fishingwales

Game – Monsters of river and lake

Coarse – Double-figure barbel, carp and pike.

Sea – Scarlets go hunting bass.

Check out page 29 for Fishtec FREE sunglasses offer

Wales is a land of lakes, rivers and coastline. In a country that is nearly 7 times smaller than England you have over 22,000 acres of lakes, 2,400 miles of sea-trout rivers and 2,500 miles of wild brown trout rivers together with 750 miles of coastline, the vast majority of which is available to the travelling angler.

For the family,. being close to mountains and sea is a huge advantage as the weather no longer dictates enjoyment. From long walks on sandy blue fl ag beaches to enjoying spectacular walks in the mountains, there is something for all tastes.

This brochure was written, designed and produced by fi shermen for fi shermen and their families. The following pages show you what Wales can offer, from double fi gure sea-trout, rainbow trout, carp, pike and barbel to fantastic sea fi shing. With a population of only three million you will never feel crowded or get stuck in a queue. The only time you will pause is to admire the breathtaking scenery. As the noted Frank Ward once wrote “The attractions of Wales seem inexhaustible”

Every effort has been made with the detail of the brochure. However neither the Environment Agency Wales, VisitWales, Sweet creative or the editor can be held responsible for the actions of any company mentioned or for any diffi culties you may have during your trip. Fishing is a hazardous sport and you should be mindful of your safety and that of others at all times.

Design: SweetProduced by: Environment Agency Wales and VisitWalesCopyright: Envrionment Agency Wales and VisitWales 2009Front cover image: VisitWales Image Centre

Photography: Steve Thornton, Steffan JonesGwyneth Llywelyn, Mick Rouse of Angling Times, Mel Russ, Lyn Davies, Wynn Davies, Keith Daviesand VisitWales Image Centre

a fi sherman’s welcomeVisit the wild side of life. Visit Wales.

Wynn Davies, Editorfi shing.wales@wales.gsi.gov.uk

05 Sea-trout heaven – Steffan Jones catches leviathans / 08 The essence of fi shing – Cerys Mathews on what fi shing means to her / 10 Pike with a Welsh fl avour – 10 fi sheries to try / 12 Carp with a Welsh fl avour – 10 fi sheries to try / 14 Converted – Dave Lewis goes bass fi shing with the Scarlets / 18 The lady and the river – Louis Noble’s love affair with the Dee / 21 Where to go grayling fi shing in Wales / 22 Nine wonders of Wales – lakes with migratory fi sh / 26 Wonderful Wye – Martin Bowler fi shes for barbel / 29 Free sunglasses offer / 30 Double fi gure delight – Hywel Morgan fi shes Clywedog. / 34 Tales of the riverbank – river restoration work. / 36 Spine-tingling excitement – Dave Lewis fi shes Monknash / Twin Peaks – Wynn Davies has a memorable weekend / 41 How to game fi sh in Wales / 42 How to coarse fi sh in Wales / 43 How to sea fi sh in Wales / 46 Tackle shops and Tourist Information Centres / 49 Get yourself a guide/ 51 Useful information – Fishing laws

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Inspired?

The Wye & Usk Foundation Dolgarreg, 29 North RoadBuilth WellsPowys LD2 3DD

Tel: 01982 551 520 Email: admin@wyeuskfoundation.orgwww.wyeuskfoundation.org

the Wye & Usk Passport The Passport gives you access to some of the fi nest waters in Wales to fi sh for salmon, trout, grayling and coarse fi sh. Fishing on over 130 miles of rivers and streams and over 2,000 acres of still water is only a telephone call or a few clicks of a mouse away.

Call to order a free copy of our brochure or see our website www.wyeuskfoundation.org

11

Over 100 miles

of salmon, coarse,

wild trout and

grayling fishing in

superb, unspoilt

surroundings

The Wye & Usk Foundation

Tel: 01982 551 520

www.wyeuskfoundation.org

2009 Season onwards

Registered Charity No. 1080319

FREE

With sea-trout averaging 5½lbs in May on many rivers and still carrying an average weight of 4lbs by the middle of July, along with fish of over 20lbs recorded, you would be forgiven for thinking that we were talking about some far flung destination where ‘Cerveza’ and ‘Empanadas’ would reflect the local lingo! Not so! Welcome to one of Wales’ best kept secrets; the sea-trout.

But what makes sea-trout so special? No other species captivates and drives an angler, sometimes to despair, like sea-trout. Sea-trout fishing is a lot more than just about the catch – it becomes an addiction, sometimes of unhealthy proportions! As the shadows loom and all colour is lost under the night-sky, the period of quiet contemplation and solitude soon transforms to expectation and anticipation as the once devoid pool comes alive with sea-trout marking their presence with an acrobatic display.

The sea-trout are primarily targeted in the night, due to their shy and retiring nature in the daytime during summer

low-flows and clear waters. However, a spate of daytime action can be nothing short of exhilarating, be that with a fly, spinner or worm. For the fly angler it is the night-time sport on a humid summer evening that holds the true attraction. At first the mere thought of flailing a length of carbon around in the dark sounds nothing short of idiotic. As the flies find their way to the trees behind, then the trees in front, demoralisation and a feeling of attempting the insurmountable soon sets in. However, when one pull from a sea-trout is achieved these will soon be forgotten, the addiction will take hold and the drug will drive you for as long as you fish. This really is the zenith of the fly anglers’ quarry in the UK.

Why Wales? Very little light pollution, rivers that produce the largest fish and largest catches in the UK, easy to get to, good accessibility on all rivers, relatively cheap, an abundance of wildlife, beautiful and unspoilt countryside and if this wasn’t enough; Wales is the country that holds the longest tradition of

fishing for sea-trout, especially so at night. So why travel thousands of miles, spending thousands of pounds getting to a destination like Tierra-Del-Fuego, where the wind will drag the hair from your scalp and the countryside is a monotonous plane?

What about the usual ‘Where, When and How?’ The ‘Where’ and ‘When’ are correlated, as the when you go where is of particular importance to a diadromous species such as the sea-trout, because they enter different river systems at different times, and different run sizes and fish sizes enter at different stages throughout the year. As a general rule; nothing can beat local knowledge when it comes to dictating an individual river’s run, as this is something that is monitored and cultivated not only yearly but through many generations, which has made timescales largely predictable. As such, the first step is to decide where you would like to target sea-trout, and then a little further research can pay dividends.

sea-trout heaven Steffan Jones on Wales’ prolific sea-trout fisheries

Left to right: Netting a trophy sea-troutRewards of night fishing

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© Croeso Cymru - Llywodraeth Cynullaid Cymru

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Afonydd, llynnoedd a chronfeydd dwrRivers, Lakes & Reservoirs

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ˆ

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

GAME FiShinG WAlES04 www.fishing.visitwales.com

Indeed, many of the noted rivers have tributaries that are worthy of a mention in their own right, and many of these tributaries make for excellent starting points for newcomers to the sport, being less intimidating than the main rivers.

With your river system now chosen, our Welsh sea-trout journey progresses through to the ‘How’. Firstly, acquire local knowledge and whenever possible do try and source a local guide. The benefits of a local and well-rehearsed guide has never been as pertinent as when night-time sea-trout fishing. Not only will the guide be there to assist you in overcoming well-known obstacles, to which there will usually be well-known remedies, but they will also mature you into the art and get you accustomed to ‘things that go bump in the night’.

As a general rule, and for the majority of the larger or well known Welsh sea-trout rivers, a rod between 9-11ft rated for a #7-9 is ideal, with a 10ft #8 being a perfect ally – no need to splash out on a ‘sea-trout’ branded rod; any reservoir/lake rod will suffice, and cross over admirably.

I would personally advise a middle or middle-tip action blank as fast rods and tight loops can spell disaster at night both from the fishing and the catching perspective.

A floating line is paramount, and an essential addition to your armoury. However, chances are you will need to search out those deeper-lying fish at some stage, where even the heaviest of flies on your floating line will not suffice. As a rule I would advise you to carry at least three lines; a floater, intermediate and a medium/fast sinker. These should also be accompanied with a set of salmon/steelhead polyleaders in various densities, to allow you to explore other tangents and depths. The key here is to be prepared; better to have it with you and not use it, rather than be found wanting.

The same advice is reiterated when flies are in question too. Bring everything and the kitchen sink! You never know what will charm the bar of silver from the deeps – over the seasons I have heard of several sea-trout in excess of 10lbs falling to

patterns such as; zulu, sparklers, and even a dry daddy long-legs skated as a surface lure in the dead of night! Most shops now hold an array of sea-trout patterns, many of which target the anglers equally as well as the sea-trout. However, in general these can provide inspiration as well as supplementary stocks to your armoury. There are several books as well as online articles on the FishingWales website regarding tried and tested patterns for sea-trout, which would hold you in good stead when compiling an arsenal.

Always carry a life-vest as accidents can happen in the most unsuspecting of locations. Further to that, some safety glasses are a wise investment at around £5 a pair, and a wading staff can be of use when fishing unknown waters, as can a rescue whistle and a mobile phone in a waterproof bag. Secondly, always carry more torches than you need, with 2 being a minimum. A good headtorch with changeable settings that include a red-light or red-filter is advisable, as the red light preserves your night vision. Further to that, some heavy nylon – we rarely

revert to nylon strengths below 12lbs when night fishing, with good reason – a priest, disgorger, and some late night sustenance compiles the makings of a sea-trout tackle bag. Carry enough clothing, as temperatures and weather fluctuates considerably during the night. It is, of course, advisable to carry a coat even though we all know it never rains in Wales...

Rods I usually carry 2 rods set up with different tactics; one usually holding a floater, the other a sinking line of some description. I currently use the Airflo Airlite 10ft for #7/8 rods.

Reels Don’t skimp on quality – quality doesn’t always equate to expensive! Make sure the drag is smooth, and that it can hold a decent amount of backing to cover all eventualities.

lines I use a lot of the Airflo 40+ extreme lines, in densities from floating through to di-5. These are great lines for medium and large river systems. The Sewincaster range of lines are also a firm favourite, and are specifically designed for this aspect of the sport.

Waders of some description are usually essential, even though wading above your knees is rarely required. I would advise felt and studded (combination) soles.

Nylon Terry Eustace pro gold in 12lbs and 15lbs. Alternatively, maxima ultragreen. Also, a spool of 15-20lbs fluorocarbon for surface lure work, and a spool of 8lbs fluorocarbon for dusk and daylight fishing – I have faith in Airflo G3.

www.fishing.visitwales.com 0706 Main picture: Steffan with a double-figure sea-trout

Steffan’s night-time setup and tackle bag contents:

Sea-trout guiding and courses in WalesSteffan runs Angling-Worldwide, a company that specialises in sea-trout fishing packages, courses and guiding in Wales, with a history of doing so stemming back for over a decade. For further information contact:

www.anglingworldwide.comSteffan@anglingworldwide.comT: 07879 898 344

Angling-Worldwide, Crosslane, Dolgran, Pencader, Carmarthenshire, SA39 9BY

‘Why travel thousands of miles, spending thousands of pounds getting to a destination like Tierra-Del-Fuego,

where the wind will drag the hair from your scalp and the countryside

is a monotonous plane.’

GAME FiShinG WAlES

WoRth A Go:

Zulu

Black and Red Tube

Snake

My affair with fishing began in Pembrokeshire around 5 years ago. Just off tour and 37 weeks pregnant, I roamed the pier near my cottage and persuaded the captains into letting me tag along on the tourist boats heading out to the shoals of mackerel just off the cliffs. Rocking on the sea, jigging for mackerel, was the best way to get through those last days. It tickled me to think of my baby and all the water in my tummy, being surrounded by water on the boat. I compare fishing to selling on eBay, seeing who will take the bait. You get that level of the unknown and the thrill of things being out there that you can’t see.

I have since been shark fishing about 30 miles from St Ann’s Head aboard the White Waters II, in an area called Celtic Depths where I hooked a massive blue shark. It took me a good half hour to land, it was eight feet long and weighing in at a 130lbs. Fifteen minutes into the fight and my arms were on fire. The shark tried to go under and around the boat. Without taking my eyes off the line, I traversed an awkward, sightless obstacle course around the boat, guided by the captain Andrew Alsop: over and under rods and railings, across the bow and back to the transom - all the while arms and back aching but never wanting to let go. Eventually landing the fish, I was awed by its beauty and stroked its skin - the rough surface chafed the tips of my fingers.

After a couple of photos, we hoisted him back, his sleek form punctured the surface of the water and with a strong kick of his tail, he disappeared. I was elated.

Fishing has given me some fantastic memories, including fly-fishing for trout and grayling, but by far the best memories are the times my children and I have fished together. One such occasion was when I visited Holgan Farm with my daughter Glenys Pearl. It is owned and managed by ex-world match angling champion Ian Heaps and we were privileged to have Ian’s company and advice for the day.

Our day began over a cup of tea in the fishery farmhouse kitchen with Ian and his wife Margaret, but in no time at all we moved to the peg Ian had arranged for us on the complex’s Tench & Crucian lake. Ian began by giving a brief demonstration on how to ‘fish-the-pole’, emphasising the importance of maintaining accurate feeding on a little and often basis.

I listened intently to Ian’s advice, and settled in for a days’ fishing, baiting up with kernels of sweetcorn, gently positioning the float with the pole while at the same time feeding a few grains with my free hand and yes, catching my first fish on the pole, a plump and perfectly scaled crucian carp in absolute mint condition. During the following

couple of hours I ended up with a respectable net of fish consisting of more crucians, carp, goldfish and roach.

At first Glenys Pearl was distracted from the fishing; watching a float came a clear second best to rides around the lake on Ian’s golf cart, Margaret’s seemingly endless supply of chocolate biscuits in the kitchen, Peter the farm peacock and a full size inflatable dancing Santa Clause! But eventually the novelty of all these other distractions wore off and she returned to see how I was getting on at the water’s edge, just as I was in the process of landing yet another fish; and that was precisely what was needed to focus her young and active mind onto the fishing. Now in addition to feeding, fishing and catching fish, I found I had the undivided attention of my daughter, who soon proved to be a master at loose feeding. It was a perfect day which will live in our memories forever.

To take my children fishing and finding peace and solitude away from the hurly burly of my life is wonderful. Days spent fishing, talking without distraction and sharing the experience in trying to catch the unknown is wonderful. Time seems to magnify and the minutes multiply. It is, for me, a very special way of being with my children.

the essence of fishing

Cerys Mathews on what fishing means to her

‘...landing the fish, I was awed by its beauty and

stroked its skin’

‘ You get that level of the unknown and the thrill of things being out there that you can’t see’

08 Clockwise from top left: Cerys fishing with Glenys Pearl The elusive quarry Some words of wisdom from Ian HeapsCerys and Glenys enjoy success

CoARSE FiShinG WAlES

Float-fishing the margins for carpThe golden rule is not to have more than two feet of line, maximum, from the end of the rod to the float. If you find a tow and it is going from right to left, then sit facing the left-hand side of the peg, so the float can’t move. If you try to fish facing the right, the float will move and you won’t be able to present the totally still bait that is necessary to fish this method.

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carp with a Welsh flavour- 10 fisheries to tryllyn Gweryd Covering 12½ acres and a natural spring fed lake, Llyn Gweryd provides excellent carp fishing. It is now regarded as one of the leading carp waters in Wales and is regularly reported in the angling press. There are 18 all weather bivvy pegs plus a further 22 pegs and contains good size carp: mirror carp to 27lbs, common carp to 26lbs and ghost carp to 20lbs. A number of the pegs are suitable for disabled anglers. There is also Llyn Louis, a ¾ acre lake containing carp to 10lbs; it is ideal for those starting to fish for carp. Contact 01824 780230

llyn Carfan Said to be the first fishery to introduce carp into Pembrokeshire, the original lake is 3 acres. Several varieties are present and include commons, leathers and grass carp, many to over 20lbs. Well off the beaten track, both lakes have well-manicured open banks with easy access. You are able to take your car almost to the waters edge nearly all around the main lake. This is an important consideration for disabled anglers who should find it a convenient and safe venue. The whole fishery is a haven for all sorts of wild life, particularly birds. Contact 01994 240 819

Dyffryn Springs The Fishery is situated in the beautiful open countryside of the Vale of Glamorgan in the small village of Dyffryn. There are three coarse lakes. Wallace and Worelton lakes are 1 & 3 acres and stocked heavily with mainly carp & ide. These lakes are aimed at the pole/float fisherman with match fishing being offered. The Reservoir is an established coarse lake of about two acres stocked with roach, bream, tench, ide, perch and various carp including some large grass carp in excess of 20 lbs. Contact 029 2059 5929

Springwater lakes has 3 lakes, one of which is well stocked with mirror, common, crucian carp, roach, rudd, bream, perch, tench and golden orfe. An excellent mix of quality coarse fish to provide an interesting day’s sport. The Specimen Lake is approximately 3 acres with depths 3-12 feet, well stocked with mirror and common carp weighing 10-30 lbs plus. This mature lake with its irregular shape and many features, including 2 islands, plus stock of large fish, will have great appeal to the specimen angler. Contact 01558 650 788

nine oaks There are 3 carp lakes, one of about 1 acre called Main Lake, a ½ acre House Pool and a small Novices Pool. Whilst we have carp into the mid-20’s we don’t claim to be a “big fish” water. What we have is excellent carp fishing with the average carp being about 5-6lb and a great variety of carp is stocked. Improve your Coarse Fishing in 2006 placed Nine Oaks in the top six fisheries in England and Wales for surface fishing for carp. If you like the adrenaline “buzz” of hard fighting fish where even the smaller fish think they are bigger, then a visit is a must. Contact 01545 580482

Eisteddfa has a lake with 7 well spaced pegs so booking is advisable and there is lakeside parking for the disabled angler together with a large fishing platform. The lake is well stocked with carp from 5lb to 25lb and the average fish is 14 lb. The lake record is 25½lb. Only experienced fishermen are allowed to fish this lake. There is also a Family Lake ideal for children and beginners and a Pleasure Lake which is around 2 acres, with an island, reed and lily beds. There are 28 well spaced out pegs, and the depth of the lake varies from 4.6 to 6 feet. Contact 01766 523425

Bron Eifion The 6 acre Coarse Lake has a reputation for being one of the most densely stocked lakes in Wales. Bron Eifion’s lakes are established old Estate and are full of natural feed for the fish. They are surrounded by mature woodland - a peaceful and relaxing setting to spend the day’s fishing. They cater for a wide variety of anglers, from the total novice to the experienced matchman and from the specimen hunter to the pleasure angler. Many species including common and mirror carp to 20lbs, f1 hybrid carp (champagne carp), crucian carp, ghost carp, ghost koi carp. Contact 01766 523512

llyn y Gors This venue is rated as one of the top ten fisheries in the UK and is growing all the time. After having produced a 35lb 2oz mirror carp two years ago, a 40lb mirror carp should soon follow, whilst a record bag of 204lb is held on the match lake. The Karpium is the brand new lake built at Llyn y Gors and has matured into a fantastic scenic lake. In addition to the Karpium there is another 5 lakes to choose from, which includes a Beginner’s Lake and the famous Match Lake. Contact 01248 713410

and 60lb+ catfish in October 2007, Celtic Lakes Resort is set to become one of the premier “big fish” waters and fishing holiday destinations in the whole of the UK. Elysium (Lake 6), the specimen lake holds the biggest carp. Originally stocked with over 350 Marc Simmonds mirror carp between 4lb and 10lb and 350 common carp between 2lb and 20lb, the specimen lake has already produced carp to well over the 30lb mark. Contact 07870 162535

Celtic lakes There are 6 well stocked lakes, each landscaped to perfection with stunning native and tropical plants and waterfalls. Each lake is brimming with coarse fish including bream, perch, roach, rudd and tench, as well as carp to 39lb and catfish to 64lb. Celtic Lakes Resort is one of the few fishing holiday destinations in Wales to stock catfish so if you can handle a huge cat, Celtic Lakes Resort is where you’ll find it. With the introduction of 40lb+ specimen carp

teglan The top lake is Teglan’s specimen lake, and covers 1.75 acres. Roach, bream, tench and carp are stocked, with carp being the focus (there are 8 sub-species of carp). There are carp up to 35lbs in the top lake, with good doubles being an everyday occurrence. There are also green and golden tench of up to 4lbs, roach up to 3lbs, rudd to 2lbs, bream to 2.5lbs, and a few golden orfe.

The bottom (river-side) lake, which is another 1.75 acres in size, is stocked with carp, bream, tench and roach. The river-side lake has fish up to 4lbs – and there are in excess of 12,000 fish there. Contact 01570 471115

CoARSE FiShinG WAlES

Jon to take snap.

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pike with a Welsh flavour- 10 fisheries to trytrawsfynydd lake Although a 1200 acre reservoir the lake has a lot of its natural characteristics, and is very similar to an Irish lough, with its pins and rocky shallows. There are a fleet of 40 boats with outboard motors available. The lake has no prohibited areas although care should be taken as there are outcrops of rocks sub-surface; most of the dangerous rocks are marked by the pins. Pike have started to be caught here by anglers fly-fishing for trout. With very little real effort or specialist techniques used for the pike, fish to 17lb have already been caught. Who knows what may come out soon? Contact 01766 540234

llangorse lake Probably the premier pike water in Wales which is certain to produce more than one Welsh record fish in future. Its 400 acres range from an average of 5/8ft deep at the ends to over 25ft in the middle section. No bank fishing is allowed (conservation area) but a hire boat is nearly always available. Ledgered dead-bait can be used very successfully almost anywhere for pike up to and well over 25lbs. Flies to try at Llangorse are the Yellow Devil or a Gary Glitter even. On days that the lake resembles the North Sea fish can be caught in water 2 to 3 feet deep. Contact 01874 658 226

llyn Maelog is a 65 acre lake on the island of Anglesey and is situated 200 yards from the beach with a caravan park on site. It’s a great place for all the family. This lake is 65 acres and is available with day tickets. Llyn Maelog is a shallow, reed-fringed lake and another fantastic dead bait and lure water. In the last year pike have been up to 25lb 2oz so it’s well worth a visit. Contact 01407 810136

llyn Brenig A 920 acre still water and is a put and take trout reservoir which has established an international reputation for quality fly fishing, and is now gaining a great reputation for its pike fishing. The reservoir opens in November and February for pike fishing; it has proved very popular and the size, quality and number being caught more than justifies the trip. Contact 01490 420 463

River Severn This river is the longest river in the United Kingdom and has fantastic pike fishing, all the way from Newtown down to the border. River Severn pike are some of the hardest fighting pike you will ever catch. They are the most stunning looking fish with vivid markings and when the river is clear they are perfectly camouflaged. Pike have been caught in the Severn up to 30 pounds in weight. The preferred method on the River Severn is to roam down the river sink and drawing dead baits. Contact 01686 624871

Bosherston lily Ponds Located on the south-eastern side of the Castlemartin Peninsula, Bosherston has become famous for its lily ponds. They were formed by the Stackpole Estate in the 18th-19th centuries and are now protected as a nature reserve.

As well as being noted for its otters, waterfowl and water lilies, the Ponds have good stocks of coarse fish, particularly pike and tench, with roach, perch and eels also present. Nearby is the secluded Barafundle Bay with its wide expanse of sand and usually few people. Contact 01646 661359

Pontsticill & Dolygaer Reservoirs There are two reservoirs here, Pontsticill is over 300 acres with depths varying to over 100 feet and Dolygaer is about 40 acres with an average depth of 18 feet. The reservoirs are in effect one lake linked together by spillway and an underground aqueduct, which allows the free passage of fish between them. Due to the altitude of the waters winters can be fairly unpredictable and consequently April to October tend to be the most productive times of year. Only artificial spinners and sea fish baits are to be used for pike fishing. The use of gaff is banned. No pike or coarse fish is to be removed from these waters. Contact www.mtaa.co.uk

llyn tegid (Bala lake) This lake is the largest freshwater lake in Wales and is approximately 4 miles long and ¾ mile wide. Pike aren’t the only fish you will find here – perch, roach, grayling and the unique gwyniad are in these waters. Boat fishing gives a more mobile approach and easy access to most areas. Try fishing the south west end of the lake where there are several bays and features. These are ideal pike holding areas with several places where the water depth alters quickly from shallow to deep. Paths or permissive paths give easy access to the lake. Contact 01678 520626 or 01678 520370

the north and the smaller moat on the east are perhaps the best, being away from the road and nicely grassed. Large pike can turn up just about anywhere and reach 27lbs with plenty over 14lbs, while both silver and bronze bream up to 4lbs can provide very heavy catches. Contact 02920 885409

Caerphilly Castle lakes Besides its awesome leaning tower of the historic 13th century baronial castle in Caerphilly town centre it is notable for its 25-acre complex of military water defences. Almost totally free of surface weed, the lake is fed by a tributary of the River Rhymney. Most sections of bank are convenient though the large section to

River Wye The River Wye is a real favourite with pike anglers. The Wye flows steadily from the Welsh Mountains, twisting and turning until it merges with the mouth of the River Severn. It has always been famous for producing mammoth pike and has recorded fish to over 35 pounds. There are many places along the River Wye where anglers stand a good chance of catching numbers of pike. My favourite method along here is float ledgering sardines and herrings and I’ve had multiple catches of double figure pike. Contact www.wyeuskfoundation.org

CoARSE FiShinG WAlES

Within minutes of starting our drift Stephen Jones, the Wales and Scarlets fly half and former British Lion, hooked the first bass of the day. Stephen had already quietly admitted to me that his previous sea angling experience was limited, but watching the way the one-time Welsh captain deftly handled a fishing rod you’d never have guessed it, as in quick succession Peter Nicholas, our skipper, was called upon to net first this fish, which Stephen closely followed with a second and then a third bass. On Stephen’s face was his characteristic cheeky grin which came to epitomise Wales’ previous Grand Slam successes.

Without a doubt Peter Nicholas is one of the finest charter skippers you will find fishing anywhere in the British Isles, especially so when it comes to catching bass. Like all of the very best skippers, first and foremost Peter is an angler at heart, and it is certain there are few anglers who can match Peter’s knowledge and experience when it comes to fishing off the productive and spectacularly beautiful Gower Coast and neighbouring Carmarthen Bay.

‘Panther’, Peter’s charter boat, is based at Bury Port, and consequently she is strategically placed to offer anglers the very best spring, summer and autumn fishing, notably for the bass and tope for which the area is justifiably famous.

Thanks to a substantial investment in a new marina development, only recently has it become feasible to run a charter business in the Lougher Estuary, on whose northern coastline Burry Port is located. This is classic bass fishing country, and Peter’s clients can very quickly be fishing the many hallowed bass marks located around Worms Head and the Helwick Bank, marks which certainly rank amongst the finest you’ll find anywhere in the UK.

Burry Port is located a few miles outside of Llanelli, a town with a rich rugby tradition, and on a recent trip with Peter I was privileged to be part of a very special crew, as I would be joining a group of players from the Llanelli Scarlets that included some of the biggest names in the Welsh game today.

In addition to Stephen Jones, included in the day’s ‘squad’ was Phil John, the current in form Scarlets prop who is also an extremely keen angler, and it was Phil who had invited his fellow team mates along for a days fishing. Out on their first ever bass trips were Reagan King, the Scarlets New Zealand born centre and capped All Black, outside half Clive Stewart-Smith and wing forward Jonathan Mills.

We met at eight on a wet and blustery morning, when Peter greeted us with a welcome cup of coffee and the news

that not only had the bass fishing been superb, but that the weather was forecast to appreciably brighten up by midday. After slipping through Burry Port’s new lock gates and negotiating the tricky channel leading out into the estuary, Peter opened the throttles and soon we were skimming past Burry Holme Island, another noted bass hotspot, and heading across Rhossili Bay towards Worms Head.

Being the most experienced angler Phil John took charge, which was an easy choice as Phil is a big bloke and no one was going to argue with him! I watched as he helped everyone tackle up while briefing his team mates about the intricacies of presenting a live sandeel on light tackle while drifting for bass.

convertedDave Lewis takes the Scarlets fishing

www.fishing.visitwales.com 1514 Left to right: Stephen Jones with a bassThe Scarlets line up and wait for the bass.Mine’s bigger than yours, Phil John tells Jon Mills

‘The bass we were catching were perfectly

conditioned and noticeably plump fish, which were absolutely

perfect for the table.’

SEA FiShinG WAlES

As we rounded ‘The Worm’ we were greeted with a sight that is sure to inspire sea anglers the world over: birds – hundreds of them, hovering and diving over the surface of the sea – as sure an indication of feeding fish beneath the surface as you’ll ever see. With an ear-to-ear smile Peter eased back the throttle and quietly positioned Panther on a line set to drift right through the feeding melee, and in no time at all we were fishing amidst the area of greatest activity.

Ten minutes later we finished that first drift: fishless. Visibly puzzled by our total lack of success, once again Peter moved us into position, and if anything by now there were even more screeching gulls and terns marking the hot spot, yet once again we emerged fishless from what had appeared to be another perfect drift. The same thing happened on the third drift at the end of which an obviously baffled Peter suggested trying a totally different approach. It was a classic situation of when years of experience on the water can be called upon to turn the fortunes of a day’s fishing around.

This time we ran further inshore onto much shallower and rougher ground located right along the very edge of the

reef, and while Peter warned us that some tackle losses would be inevitable while fishing over such graunchy ground, he felt confident we would find some fish feeding amongst the submerged kelp filled gullies; he was right and straight away our ‘squad’ started catching fish. The bass we were catching were perfectly conditioned and noticeably plump fish, which were absolutely perfect for the table. But Peter is a strict conservationist, and all of the fish we kept were measured and if they were not comfortably over the minimum 37.5cm Welsh size limit they were released.

After a couple more drifts off Worms Head the fish went off the feed, but by now Peter had got the measure of the day and had formulated a game plan and team strategy for the second half of ‘the match’. He confidently predicted that at this stage of the tide there would be bass feeding on one particular section of the Helwick Bank: and once again he was right!

Conditions offshore, away from the shelter afforded by Worms Head were livelier, with a hefty ground swell rolling in from the south-west that was actually breaking in explosions of white water

along the shallow edges of the bank a few hundred yards behind us. But what fishing we experienced that day out on the Helwick Bank! No sooner had a sandeel been dropped down to the bottom, than a couple of delicate taps on the rod tip generally preceded a bent rod and smiling angler. The fishing was truly outstanding and at times Peter was literally running from one end of the boat to the other to net fish.

By the end of the afternoon we had accounted for over 60 bass, over half of which were released including many that were comfortably in size. Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable day, and I couldn’t help noting that our crew of highly talented sportsmen were just as competitive while fishing on a boat as they are on a rugby field, but thankfully not quite as aggressive! As we steamed back toward Burry Port I went into the cabin and came across the somewhat surreal spectacle of Stephen Jones and Reagan King fast asleep, a British Lion and an All Black snoozing side-by-side, heads together in perfect harmony…fishing has a habit of building bridges!

To book a trip with Peter Nicholas aboard Panther, tel: 07855 342959 or 01554 759034. Check out his website at www.boatfishingwales.com During the spring, summer and early autumn months Panther is berthed at Burry Port, moving to Swansea for the winter cod fishing. Contact Peter Nicholas for details.

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Left to right: Stephen enjoying his fishing.Sandeels, sliperry characters.Regan King, All Black with an all silver.The boat is booked!

if only catching fish was this easy.

We hope this magazine will inspire you to come fishing in Wales.

Get a copy of the All Wales Freshwater Angling Guide for just £3 to cover p&p. You’ll get details of where to go, what you may catch and maps to plan your trip.

Call 08701 211 250 for your copy and create some memorable stories of your own.

BE inSPiRED

www.fishing.visitwales.com

A fly fisherman of fifty years standing, I have been privileged to fish in many places. However, thirty years ago I fell in love with the River Dee and that affair still rages to this day.

What brought us together was my pursuit of grayling and surely, there can be no lovelier fish with those elegant lines, silver shot with purple and gold, the huge dorsal fin and exquisite pear shaped eyes.

What a terrific river – rising in the mountains above Bala, it runs through Lake Bala (Llyn Tegid), quickly attaining a fishable size below the town. This is undoubtedly home to very large grayling. It then meanders through the areas of outstanding beauty and significant fishing of Llandderfel, Corwen, Carrog, Llangollen,Trevor, Erbistock and Bangor on Dee where a never – ending variety of shallow, streamy water is to be found.

The Dee is noted particularly for the quality of its grayling fishing and anglers come from near and far to catch this superb sporting fish. That said, there is

no danger of overcrowded banks due to the many miles of quality available water. Whilst there is always the chance of a specimen approaching three pounds, the average size is high and two pounders are commonplace.

A river of outstanding beauty, its character changes as you move from the top to the middle reaches near Llangollen. Generally of medium width, it can be fished without difficulty and the visiting angler can tackle it with confidence; most stretches offer safe wading .

A significant advantage is accessibility - places such as Manchester and Liverpool are only a mere ninety minutes away from great fishing .

However, of paramount importance is the fact that grayling can offer superb sport almost all year round. Come and take a trip with me through a typical year!

Let’s begin in mid - June, as the grayling season re-opens...

The Summer period, if we’re lucky, will be marked by seasonal weather and normal water conditions. Trout will be very active and it’s often difficult to stop them taking the fly meant for grayling but the variety and uncertainty can be great fun – do we really mind?

It does help if we can fish the areas that are traditionally more attractive to grayling and this is where a fast, shallow run slows slightly and deepens to approximately two to three feet. It’s surprising how often a good pod of grayling are concentrated over a relatively short distance. However, grayling will regularly be found rising quietly on glides, particularly in the tail of a pool.

In my experience, this time of the year lends itself to the more delicate methods of dry fly, upstream single nymph and classic wet fly and the angler proficient in all methods can expect excellent sport.

Dry fly can be productive in several ways, either by fishing the runs with patterns to imitate hatching flies, generally Olives, or prospecting with the ever popular Klinkhamer style. What can be particularly testing and productive is the tackling of “sippers” with very small aphid or Cul-de-Canard emerger patterns, sometimes as small as sizes 20 – 26.

The next method is the single, slightly weighted nymph, fished upstream. The predominantly shallow water lends itself well to the “induced take” method and a well presented nymph fished with a rise and fall technique can be deadly. Nothing beats a classic Pheasant Tail nymph for this.

Top left to right: A grayling is drawn to the net Success on the Dee Grayling about to be released Llangollen Steam Railway

the lady and the river

Louis Noble’s love affair with the lady and her river

‘A river of outstanding beauty, its character

changes as you move.’

The area offers other attractions which include the renovated Llangollen steam railway with its regular rides through stunning scenery and the canal which has horse drawn boat trips – these, together with other places of interest makes the Dee valley an ideal centre for fishing and family outings.

www.fishing.visitwales.com 19GAME FiShinG WAlES

Our final method is a team of delicate wet flies, highly effective when fished across and down but the secret is to fish them in such a way that maximum “dead drift” is achieved. Typical Northern spiders work extremely well and this method is especially useful when hatching flies are sparse. Strongly recommended are Partridge & Orange and Waterhen Bloa, in sizes 14 and 16.

Autumn brings what I consider to be the finest fishing period of the year, and from early October to late December we can indulge ourselves in a variety of methods. Given the right conditions, superb sport can be experienced by the use of dry and wet flies, the increasingly popular method of ‘duo fishing’ with a nymph under a dry, Czech nymphing and long trotting with natural baits.

A problem factor these days is the fluctuation of river levels which has a major bearing on the method we choose. Long periods of heavy rain result in high water so we must be able to combat this. A good feature of the Dee is that it soon runs clear after heavy rain and thankfully grayling don’t mind how high it is.

At lower levels, dry and wet fly are still effective but a change of tack is needed for high water and this is where both Czech nymphing and long trotting score. The use of up to three heavy ‘bugs’ can be devastatingly effective and even in the

coldest water will yield grayling from right under the rod tip. It certainly is a method worth learning and will keep the fly rod working all winter. This also works very well of course at normal heights.

The traditional method of long trotting is popular and will appeal to the visiting angler who is more experienced at coarse fishing. Quite simply, it is float fishing at fairly long range and will outscore all other methods when conditions are particularly difficult. Dedicated trotters use centre pin reels and specialist rods but a good fixed spool reel and match rod will fit the bill.

Traditionally, a worm of approximately 1.5 inches is best but grayling love maggots – however, it is most important that byelaws are checked because maggots are not allowed on many stretches of the Dee. Some anglers have excellent sport using sweetcorn.

Winter is the final season of our year - from late December until mid-March, we can go out with optimism. Czech nymphing and trotting will be the chief methods but if the weather is kind in early March, we can once again use wet flies and even dry should there be hatches of Large Dark Olives.

There is a contingency plan available in the event of extremely high water and that is to fish just below Bala Lake

(Llyn Tegid). At the northern end by the outflow, there is a long canalised stretch which runs to the regulating sluices and many grayling occupy it with some really large specimens. A favourite local method in cold weather is to use large lures on a fast sinking line but the flowing water means that trotting can also be viable.

The true grayling fanatic can also take advantage of a rare phenomenon - Bala Lake which has a healthy grayling population that can be taken on fly. From January to March on a calm sunny day, following frost, a good method is the use of normal trout wet flies, size 12 and 14 fished on an intermediate line. I have even witnessed several being caught in October on a team of classic spider patterns at Llangower, on the south/east side where Nant Rhyd-wen runs in.

And so our grayling year ends, but you can see what opportunities exist for catching this wonderful fish in a beautiful river – for me, it doesn’t get any better than this.

‘ The true grayling fanatic can also take advantage of a rare phenomenon - Bala Lake which has a healthy grayling population that can be taken on fly.’

www.fishing.visitwales.com 21

Grayling fishing opportunities in Wales….

There is some excellent grayling fishing to be found in Wales, from the Dee in the north to the Taff and Rhymney in the south.

Mid Wales has the upper reaches of the Severn together with its many tributaries, the most important of which is the Vyrnwy.

In the mid to south area we have the Wye and tributaries and finally, in the south we have the Taff and Rhymney.

Access is variable with plenty of day ticket water but for others it is necessary to join the local clubs and associations.

Here is some information which will enable you to fish for our wonderful Welsh grayling, broken down by catchment areas.

north Wales River Dee

1. Bala & District AA has excellent day ticket fishing from Bala Lake downstream to Llandderfel. Grayling can also be caught in the lake itself.

Membership available from Trevor Edwards, Secretary – please refer to website.

Day tickets available from: Derwen Stores, High St, Bala. Tel: 01678 521084

Post Office, High St, Bala. Tel: 01678 520317

Tourist Information Centre, Bala. Tel: 01678 521021

2. Ty Isaf Farm, Bala has water between Llanfor & Llandderfel. Tel: Mr.Evans 01678 520574

3. Corwen & District AC – no day tickets but membership available. Rivers Alwen & Ceirw included. Refer to website

4. Capenhurst AC has water below Carrog but membership only. Call Mr.A.T.Howden, Secretary. Tel: 01244 880621

5. Midland Fly Fishers Ltd has 4 miles of excellent water from Glyndyfrdwy downstream. Membership not available but day tickets from Watkins & Williams, Ironmongers, 4 Berwyn St, Llangollen. Tel: 01978 860652. Open 7 days.

6. Wirral Game Angling Club have beats at Carrog and Chirk. Membership only. Refer to website.

7. Llangollen AA has several miles of fishing in the area. Membership available. Day tickets from Watkins & Williams, Ironmongers, 4.Berwyn St, Llangollen. Tel: 01978 860652. Open 7 days.

8. Maelor AA has 3 miles of excellent water near Trevor. Membership available.

Day tickets only available from Derek’s Cycles, Well St, Cefn Mawr. Tel: 01978 821841

9. Prince Albert AS control stretches at Llanderfel, Cynwyd, Newbridge, Erbistock and Bangor on Dee but issue no day tickets. Membership available with 2 year waiting list. See website.

10. Bryn-y-Pys AA have water below Overton Bridge at Erbistock down to Bangor on Dee. Day tickets from Deggy’s Fishing Tackle, 2 Ruabon Rd, Wrexham. Tel: 01978 351815

11. Bangor on Dee Salmon AA have excellent grayling fishing with day tickets available from Middle Shop, Royal Oak or Buck Hotel in the village. The grayling population is increasing considerably in the area.

River Alyn

1.Warrington AA issue season tickets for a good stretch below Rossett to the Dee. Refer to website (Fishing on Severn also available.)

2. Rossett & Gresford Flyfishers Club have increasing grayling stocks above Rossett. Membership only. Refer to website.

Mid Wales River Severn

1. Llanidloes – day tickets from Traveller’s Rest Restaurant, Llanidloes. Tel: 01686 412329

2. Caersws AA control several miles around Caersws and Llandinam.

Day tickets available from the Spar store in Caersws and Maes Mawr Hotel. Tel: 01686 688255

3. Newtown – there is a very good free stretch below the new bridge.Water in and above the town is controlled by Severnside & Newtown AC and day tickets are available from Newtown Angling, Short Bridge St. Tel: 01686 624044

4. Welshpool, ¾ mile of water. Tickets from Sport Hafren, Welshpool. Tel: 01938 552202

5. Prince Albert AS control several stretches – membership only.

River Banwy

1. Prince Albert AS control 3 stretches – membership only.

2. Cann Office Hotel, near Llangadfan. Day tickets from hotel. Tel: 01938 820202

3. Llanfair Caereinion, Day tickets available from Elan Valley Visitor Centre. Tel: 01686 629615

4. near Welshpool: tickets & information from Sport Hafren. Tel: 01938 552202

5. Llysun Farm, Llanerfyl, 1 mile both banks. Tel: Mr.Tudor 01938 820347

River Clywedog

Llanidloes, Llanidloes & District AA offer day tickets, available from Traveller’s Rest Restaurant. Tel: 01686 412329

River Vyrnwy 1. Prince Albert AS control several stretches – membership only

2. Crewe Pioneer Anglers have ½ mile near Welshpool. Tel: 01270 255999 for details & permits.

3. www.vyrnwyaccomodation.co.uk has details of six stretches near Llanwyddyn, Oswestry.

4. Glyndwr Fishery, Dolanog – 2.5 miles of excellent fishing but only limited season tickets available. Tel: 01363 774926 for details.

5. Llanymynech, Montgomery AA issue day tickets. Tel: 01686 629615

6. Bryn Vyrnwy Caravan Park, LLansantffraid issue day tickets. Tel: 01691 828252

River Tanat

1. Green Inn, Llangedwyn has ½ mile fishing. Day ticket.Tel: 01691 828234

2. Horseshoe Inn, Llanyblodwel, 1 mile approx. Day ticket. Tel: 01691 828969

River Cain

Green Hall, Llanfyllin, small but good. Tel: Mrs.Lewis 01691 648364

River Camlad

Montgomery AA issue day tickets. Tel: 01686 629615

River Rhiw

Near Berriew, Montgomery AA issue day tickets. Tel: 01686 629615

River Ceiriog Ceiriog Flyfishers at Chirk have increasing numbers in lower stretches. Membership only. Tel: 01691 773632

River Wye & tributaries

This catchment offers a rich and diverse opportunity for grayling fishing, from the upper & lower Wye to its notable tributaries , the Monnow (and Honndu, Dore), Ithon and Irfon.

1. The Wye and Usk Foundation Passport scheme offers a superb range of day ticket fishing on the above and can be contacted on 01982 551 520 or www.wyeuskfoundation.org

There is little significant water not available through the Foundation.

2. Hay-on-Wye, free fishing on town water downstream of the bridge to the Pump Station.

3. Glaslyn Estate near Rhayader, superb fishing for holiday guests but no day tickets. Tel: 01597 810258 for booking details.

River Irfon..in addition to Foundation

1. Builth Wells, Groe Park and Irfon AC have 3 miles. Tel: 01982 552759 for tickets and information.

2. Hendre Farm, Builth Wells has 3 miles. Tel: 01982 551070 for tickets and information.

South Wales River Taff

Has a growing reputation for excellent grayling fishing and several clubs control water for which day tickets are available :

1. Bedlinog & District AC. Tel: 02920 885409

2. Birchgrove (Cardiff) AS. Tel: 02920 460697 or 02920 619828

3. Bute AA, Tel: 02920 460697 or 02920 619828

4. Cynon Taff AC, limited day tickets. Apply by email to sewinfly@hotmail.com

5. Glyncornel AA. Tel: 01443 432289

6. Osprey AA. Tel: 01685 877122

7. Glamorgan AC. Tel: 02920 460697 or 02920 619828

River Rhymney

1. Llanbradach AC, tickets from Terry’s Tackle. Tel: 02920 885409

2. Caerphilly AS, tickets from Terry’s Tackle. Tel: 02920 885409

3. Royal Oak AC, Ystrad Mynach, tickets from Terry’s Tackle. Tel: 02920 885409

River Ogmore

1. Ogmore AA, Bridgend. Tel: 01656 721591

River Ewenny (tributary of Ogmore) 1. Ogmore AA. Tel: 01656 721591

2. Pencoed & District AC. Tel: 01656 660683

3. Glamorgan Anglers. Tel: 01446 711216

Dark Olive

Klinkhamer

Shellback Shrimp

WoRth A Go:

Left to right: Fly-fishing on the DeeA Dee grayling

www.fishing.visitwales.com 23GAME FiShinG WAlES

llyn Coron is an 80 acre lake well known for its wild brown trout fishing and the runs of sea-trout coming in from the River Ffraw. The lake holds good stocks of perch so watch out for fish feeding on fry later in the year. The lake lies at the heart of Anglesey which abounds with areas where interesting birds, plants and other wildlife can be seen and enjoyed. Being an island it has over 100 miles of coastline with varied habitats, such as sea cliffs, dunes and beaches, salt marshes and mud flats. Contact: 01407 810801

llyn Padarn is a two mile long lake lying at the entrance of the famous Llanberis Pass, on the northern flank of Snowdon, and guarded on one side by Dolbadarn Castle. Here, Llywelyn Prince of Gwynedd imprisoned his brother Owain Goch between 1255 and 1277. Wonder at the vast empty galleried workings of the disused Dinorwic Slate Quarry, once the largest in the world, where over 3,000 quarrymen were employed. The lake boasts excellent wild brown trout fishing from the season’s opening on 20 March. During the summer months, outstanding sport can be had with arctic char, both outstanding in appearance and taste. Salmon and sea-trout can also be caught. Boats are available for hire. Contact: www.hgt.gwynedd.gov.uk/SG

llyn Cwellyn is a relatively large lake of around 220 acres and is designated a Special Area of Conservation. Because of its depth the lake supports one of the few populations of arctic char together with a very healthy wild brown trout population; it also has a run of salmon and sea-trout. A little know fact is that Environment Agency electrofishing data indicates the presence of a healthy juvenile salmon population in the River Gwyrfai, downstream of Llyn Cwellyn, and research shows that the river contains a largely unexploited salmon population with a characteristically late run. The flora of Cwellyn both submerged and floating is one of the reasons for the conservation area and although the water has acidified, quality remains high and the water is clear. Contact: www.hgt.gwynedd.gov.uk/SG

llyn nantlle lies at the head of the River Llyfni and extends to around 50 acres and it truly is situated between a rock and a hard place; at the eastern end of the lake you have one of the most spectacular views from a boat anywhere. Llyn Nantlle is a shallow fertile lake, with an average depth of around ten feet and the maximum depth of just over 20 feet occurs in only a very small area near the outfall of the river. Now this small area should not be overlooked as it holds migratory fish; it is this area they first lie after running the river. The rod catch for the Llyfni in 2005 was 2 salmon and 221 sea-trout, whilst the ten-year average is 19 salmon and 411 sea-trout, together with wild brown trout a very interesting fishery. Contact: www.hgt.gwynedd.gov.uk/SG

llyn Gwynant lies on the River Glaslyn, in the Nant Gwynant valley, and is about 2 km north east of Llyn Dinas; Snowdon lies 3 km to the north west. The lake is natural, having been formed by glacial action and is 113 acres in size. The lake holds salmon, sea-trout and wild brown trout with easy access from the A498 road which runs along its south bank. It was used as a filming location in the 2003 film ‘Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life’. It is arguably the most beautiful lake in Wales. Contact: www.penrhyndeudraeth.cymru.org

llyn Dinas also lies on the River Glaslyn a few miles north of Beddgelert at an altitude of about 55 metres above sea level. It has an area of 60 acres and is fairly shallow, with the maximum depth only 10 metres. The lake offers good fishing for salmon and sea-trout and wild brown trout. It takes its name from the nearby Dinas Emrys, a rocky and wooded hill just downstream of the lake where the remains of both medieval and older fortifications have been found. A rock near the lake named Carreg yr Eryr (the stone of the eagle) was said in a charter of 1198 to mark the spot where the boundaries of the three cantrefs of Aberconwy, Ardudwy and Arfon met. According to Giraldus Cambrensis an eagle used to perch on it once a week, anticipating battle between the men of the three cantrefs. Contact: www.penrhyndeudraeth.cymru.org

nine wonders of Wales Nine wild fisheries where you never know what you might catch

Nine wonders of Wales 1. Llyn Coron

2. Llyn Padarn

3. Llyn Cwellyn

4. Llyn Nantlle

5. Llyn Gwynant

6. Llyn Dinas

7. Llyn Cwm Bychan

8. Llyn Tegid

9. Talyllyn

1

8

64

97

53

2

2

7

3

5

8

9

1

4

6

if only catching fish was this easy

ShoW & tEll

24

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llyn Cwm Bychan is a lowland lake, approximately ¾ of a mile long and ¼ of a mile wide and lies at the foot of the Rhiniog mountains. The lake nestles below Rhiniog Fawr and the Roman Steps which cuts through the mountain range. The lake lies at the head of the River Artro; as well as wild brownies from mid-May onwards the lake holds salmon and sea-trout. As the River Artro is only 7 miles long, fish do not take long to reach the lake from the sea. The lake also holds, if you believe local legend, a fish known locally as a “red bellied char” which is entirely feasible as the lake was formed some 1.6 million years ago by the last glaciers and is very deep in parts. Numerous lakes in this area do indeed hold char but modern evidence of the existence of these fish in this lake however is hard to find. A public road runs to and alongside this beautiful lake, and although narrow it is in good condition and access is easy. The road ends at the car park and campsite located at the eastern end of the lake, where everybody must park, as to park in the passing places would cause enormous inconvenience. Contact: Honesty box by the entrance to the car park.

llyn tegid at 1,084 acres is Wales’ largest natural lake; it is of glacial origin and used to extend to some 8 miles long. The lake is steeped in legend. Llyn Tegid means Lake of Serenity and it is easy to see why after spending a day fishing there. The lake has been a fishery of importance from early times. It is said that on moonlit nights you can see towers and buildings under the waters, and that bells can be heard. These buildings, according to legend, were the palace of King Tegid, husband of Ceridwen, the mother of Taliesin. Llyn Tegid is also home to the rare and protected whitefish called the Gwyniad which roams the deeps. Here, as well as a good head of coarse fish, there is salmon, sea-trout, wild brown trout and grayling. Contact: www.balaangling.co.uk

talyllyn is a natural 220-acre, shallow brown trout lake nestling in the southwest corner of the Snowdonia National Park and below the peak of Cader Idris. It forms the headwater of the river Dysynni that flows westwards for 10 miles before entering Cardigan Bay just north of Tywyn. Talyllyn provides fishing for a good head of wild brown. Fly-fishing only is allowed and there is no anchoring of boats. The lake sees runs of sea-trout and salmon as the season progresses. There are 14 boats with outboard engines plus 2 Wheelyboats for hire. Bank fishing is on the south shore only. Float tubes can be launched from the car park. Adjacent to the lake is the renowned Tynycornel Hotel providing accommodation, meals and bar facilities to anglers. There is a small tackle shop, freezer facilities, drying and rod room.Contact: www.tynycornel.co.uk

‘ Visit the new Fishing Wales website at www.fishing-visitwales.com for Tackle and Tactics, Reports and Recent Catches for all the above lakes.’

nine wonders of Wales

Show and tell us what you caught while fishing in Wales and we’ll award a £100 Fishtec voucher to what we rate as the best catch every month.

Find the fishery which you caught at, go to the recent catches page, hit ‘upload your catch’ and away you go.

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The world of angling is certainly a big one with a never-ending stream of adventures to live out. From casting a fly to a wild brown trout or lowering a float into a cauldron of fizzing bubbles for a tench, it’s impossible for an angler to ever stop dreaming of the next fish stripping line from his or her reel. High up the to-do list on any angling CV must be to wield a rod on the magnificent River Wye. As a professional angler I walk many banks but few are as splendid as this venue so I can understand the draw and if this challenge has passed you by, all I can say is make sure it doesn’t for another year. Not convinced? Well read this story and then tell me how you can afford to miss out.

Frank Warwick’s pedigree in the carp angling world is second to none and he certainly doesn’t need me to ratify this fact. Like all the best carpers I have ever met his first love though is for angling and then secondly his chosen species – the carp. By respecting every fish – large or small – his passion for our sport runs deep and in turn it pays him back handsomely with more monsters than most of us have had hot dinners! I therefore wasn’t too surprised when he asked me if I could help him with a long held ambition to catch a barbel. Despite his illustrious career one had still to grace his net and he wanted to put that right.

Of course I was only too pleased to be of assistance as time spent with Frank is always enjoyable and perhaps he would become a convert to the finer things in life! But where would we go?

The River Wye and its surrounding valley always does its utmost to captivate an angler. The sheer beauty is unsurpassed in Great Britain and to lavish praise on this world is never difficult. Standing on its banks I have yet to see a season where a desire to fish isn’t overwhelming. Stunning scenery delightfully laced with the awesome, untempered power of the river – if anywhere was appropriate to catch your first barbel this was the place.

Unlike their central England cousins Wye barbel are long, lean, fighting machines which never exhibit a beer gut fuelled by a pellet overload. They look like barbel should. A specimen on a national scale is never going to be on the cards but on the flip side nor will you find them hounded to a point of paranoia, wedged up under snags and only venturing out during darkness. With this and so much more on offer I made a phone call to my friends at the Wye and Usk Foundation.

A rendezvous with Frank spelled the beginning of our adventure together and soon we were walking the river’s banks. Untamed by man she weaved her way

down the valley and as we followed this course I showed Frank what to look for. Barbel, like all fish, enjoy change, be it a bend, a pool or a snag and if you can find a combination of these scenarios then it’s highly probable that your target will be found at home. Within 15 minutes three candidates were located and it was decided each one needed lacing with free food to help confirm this. For me a bait dropper isn’t the best way forward to make such introductions on a river like the Wye. Firstly casting the contraption any distance, which can be required in big rivers, is a little haphazard and then we come to the snags! The bottom is littered with dropper munching boulders and the loss of two or three in a day can end up costly. To my mind the way forward is groundbait or to be more exact XL trout pellet powder laced with pellets. This concoction can then be formed into orange sized balls and introduced with the minimum of fuss and after receiving a dosage of 8 in total it’s easy to determine if the barbel are in residence. A series of line bites occur as the fish demolish the free feed, alerting you to the inevitable take to come. Following my own advice each spot was fed and our attention moved onto tackle.

wonderful wye

Martin Bowler introduces a friend to the charms of the Wye barbel

‘ High up the to-do list on any angling CV must be to wield a rod on the magnificent River Wye’

www.fishing.visitwales.com 2726 Top left to right: Frank relaxes before the battle Martin with his 11lb 2oz River Wye barbel Frank prepares the bait

CoARSE FiShinG WAlES

The Wye, as I explained, is a brutal river at times that doesn’t suffer fools gladly. You can forget the advice offered on our more sedate rivers requiring finesse and camouflage. To use such tactics on this venue will only see you eaten alive. I think at this stage Frank was a little shocked with the watch leads and 15lb mainline. The number one mistake though for a visiting angler is not bringing heavy enough weights and then they are simply washed away into snags. Placed, on the end of this ironmongery came the bait – a single 14mm Dynamite hair riggable pellet which removes the necessity for fiddly drilling. All that was left to do was nick on a PVA mesh bag of free offerings and let Frank make his first cast.

Crunching across the lunar landscape made up of tonnes of smooth pebbles dumped on the inside of the bend during last winter’s floods, a point at the head of a pool was reached. Here the bottom fell away and in its depths we hoped a barbel would be found. By casting across to the crease, the line was swept down into this zone depositing its cargo over the gravelly run below. It was now vital to allow out a large bow of line to compensate for the river’s force, despite

using a 5oz lead. Hoisted into the air the tip nodded its approval about being called into action. I explained to Frank that what would follow if we were lucky would leave him in no doubt that a barbel had grabbed hold of the pellet so he needed to be prepared for what lay ahead.

Minutes passed and the initial surge of suspense began to wane until suddenly the rod butt became airborne and we were back on red alert. Before I could open my mouth Frank was embroiled in a battle with a steam train. It was a time when no quarter was given between each opponent both desperate to keep hold of the rod. Years of similar affairs with carp gave Frank the edge and frantically the barbel made its final move, fortunately to no avail. With an outstretched net the mesh swallowed up its final lunge and Frank had become a barbel angler at last! I only hoped that it had lived up to expectations. Its size was not an issue, just pure exuberating that a first had been achieved

With Frank now in situ and catching, I couldn’t help myself from casting a line, such is the draw of this marvellous river. Wye barbel like to let you know of their

presence quickly and as the rod took on a life of its own, leaving the rod rests, I began my own game of tug of war. Unfortunately the barbel began to win and despite clamping down close as I dared to breaking the line, it piled into the water. Panicking I jumped into the margin and rushed downstream. My only option to avoid the line breaking was to follow it and continue the battle by drawing it away from the snags.

The plan worked and I at least got on a level footing in the contest. Could it really be a barbel with such power or was it a rogue carp? Each time I pumped the rod skywards I hoped the answer would come and at last it did. A copper flank made up of a thousand glistening scales stared back at me and I knew I had tempted a very big Wye barbel indeed. The final skirmish held no surprises as its energy had been spent and I too had a barbel in the net. At 11lbs 2ozs it was a new river best for me and combined with Frank’s first ever barbel the day had well and truly come up trumps. So if the battery of bite alarms are no longer ‘floating your boat’ don’t despair: the Wye can save you.

28 Left to right: Wonderful River WyeFirst ever barbel for Frank

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‘ A copper flank made up of a thousand glistening scales stared back at me and I knew I had tempted a very big Wye barbel’

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This hidden gem of a lake is nestled high in the mountains above the town of Llanidloes and offers the angler great sport in a beautiful part of Mid Wales. The fishing is controlled and run by a local club and all their hard work over the years has proved very successful. This lake offers the angler fantastic sport with the chance of catching a fish of a lifetime. On a visit a year or so ago I was challenged to go and catch a big fish (double figure) for the cameras and I can tell you this is no mean feat as many anglers have fished for decades and so have I without catching a specimen fish at all. To hedge my bets I called on a friend and fellow Welsh International angler Peter Thurnall as I thought two heads are better than one.

Before I go into the tips I have to say that both Peter and my self were a bit nervous but not as nervous as Lyn the photographer, as all of us were dreading ending the day with a basket of small fish. The day that we fished was overcast with a corduroy ripple and offered us the best fishing conditions, but as we set out towards the cages where most of the big fish have been caught, little did we know that all our dreams would come true on the first drift. Both of us had set up with fast sinkers, Peter on a Di8 and myself on a Di7. Peter was using a two inch sparkler and I had on a blob about 3ft from the

line and a minky booby some 4ft away from that. We fished over the front loch style as this is the way both of us feel more comfortable in doing. Peter was casting over the bow as he was using the heavier equipment.

I set the boat some 20 yards up from the cages and we drifted slowly past. As we came halfway along I felt some interest in the booby and before I could say anything all hell broke loose with this fish fighting like a submarine. The rod was doubled over most of the time and I saw my backing shoot up the rings on several occasions. All our hearts were in our mouths and my heart was going ten to the dozen as we all knew this is what we were after. Some 10 or so minutes later into the net came this fin perfect 10lb rainbow.

Well, job done I thought it can’t get better than this, but some 40 minutes later having taken enough pictures to fill a gallery my line shot away again with the tell-tale heavy and powerful surge. The fight was long and hard with a lot of comments coming from the other end of the boat (something about being jammy) but some 12 minutes later in came another big fish: 8lb. This is more than we could have wished for, a brace for 18lb and all my luck used up for a few years methinks!

double figure delight

Hywel Morgan goes in search of Clywedog’s legendary trout

‘Some 10 or so minutes later into the net came this fin

perfect 10lb rainbow’

www.fishing.visitwales.com 3130 Left to right: Hywel’s magnificent brace of rainbowsLlyn Clywedog

GAME FiShinG WAlES

hyWEl’S toP 10 tiPS FoR CAtChinG BiG FiSh

Hywel Morgan started at local country fairs, progressing to the CLA Game Fair where for three successive years he won every event. Having won more than a 100 individual titles, Hywel decided to return to fishing. He has represented Wales on twelve occasions (and has been captain for his country three times). Individually he has been one of the most successful competitors from all the home countries, gaining results in silver, 4th, 7th and 10th places.

Cruncher

Pearly thorax Pheasant tail

WoRth A Go:

Sparkler

no.4 Bank Fishing Stealth is the important factor here. If the fish are crashing into the fry in shallow water make sure that you are not visible. Use bank side vegetation to camouflage yourself and if you are boat fishing do not go too close to the bank as this will spook the big fish. Remember they are big because they are wiser than the other fish and if anything looks out of the ordinary then you can say goodbye to your chance of bagging a fish of a lifetime.

no.5 Bright sunny days On some days you will not see the action on the surface so you have to go down in the water to find those big fish. This is what we did at Clywedog and boy did it work. This is why I carry so many lines as it enables me to find the fish depth easily and once you have found it then make sure you keep your flies at that level for as long as possible. I started with the Di7 using a count down method. After the first cast I counted to 10 seconds before starting the retrieve and every cast following it I added another 5 seconds before starting the retrieve. The takes started to come after a 35 second count which meant that the fish were just below 20ft. If the takes had come after 15 seconds then I would have changed to a slower sinking line so that the flies would have remained at the fish taking depth for longer.

no.6 Retrieve There is a lot of talk as to which retrieve is best for fry feeders and I think it is trial and error on the day as what would be deadly one day will not work the next. Some will say that long and steady pulls are the best while others will say short pulls followed by a slight pause is deadly. On the day we fished it was a slow figure of 8 with some long pulls put in once in a while.

no.7 hooks When you are targeting those big fish make sure that the hooks are up to the job. Always use strong hooks and make sure that they are sharp as you need to set the hook well to keep hold of those big fish. I always carry a hook sharpener just in case the hook becomes blunt.

no.8 Boat set up Being a competitive angler, to me there is only one way to fish and that is loch style. I enjoy this way of fishing as it gives both anglers an equal opportunity and it enables you to fish your flies slower. Make sure that there are no snags hiding anywhere in the boat as if you do hook one of these fish then the last thing you want is for your line to get tangled in something. When I caught the second fish I did have a little tangle in my sinking line but fortunately as the fish ran away it pulled the tangle out much to my relief.

no.9 northampton style This is where the point of the boat is pointed down wind and the anglers fish in opposite directions. This is a fantastic way of covering vast amounts of water and locating fish. Firstly you cast out square to the boat and as it drifts away you feed the line out to allow it to sink. Once the required depth is achieved through the count down method (I even know some anglers that use stop watches) then the line is retrieved in long steady pulls. This is a very relaxing way of fishing as you do not cast very often and when using very large flies it is also far safer as both anglers are casting outside the boat.

no.10 Persistence It feels a bit strange writing this section having just spent some 4 hours fishing and producing a magnificent brace such as this but that to me was a day in a lifetime. Targeting the bigger fish can test the patience of the most dedicated angler but if your want to catch a fish of a lifetime then you must put the hours in and stick to you guns. This will mean hours and hours, even days of total boredom but when you get it right the rewards far outweigh the effort you have put in and as you can see from the smile on my face, it’s time well spent.

no.1 tackle choice (Big guns) When fishing for the big fish make sure that your rod is up to it, as not only will you need the extra power to fight the bigger fish but also you will need a rod that will cast the bigger flies that you need to imitate the bait fish that these predator fish are feeding on. If you are going to boat fish then a 10ft 8/9 wt would be ideal but if you are going to bank fish then a shorter rod would be better – 9ft 8/9. When using these rods and lines remember that you should also use stronger fluoro. On this day I was using 12.5 and found that I had no problem fighting and landing both fish.

no.2 tackle choice If the fish are feeding on pin fry then you do not have to up your tackle as a normal boat rod will do – 10ft 7wt. This will cast the imitations easily and allow you to fish comfortably all day. The best pattern I have found is a pearly thorax pheasant tail or a cruncher with a bit of sparkle behind the hackle. Again due to the fly size you do not need to change breaking strain of your leader.

no.3 Where to fish I personally prefer boat fishing as this allows you access to all the lake and a change of location can be done easily. When drifting keep your eyes open for birds working the water as this could be the location of large shoals of fry. Where there are fry there are big fish. When you have located them then fish with the flies that are the same size as the fry. The larger fish will firstly crash into the shoals and then come back and mop up the injured and stunned fish. Cast into the middle of the shoal and leave the fly, then just twitch it back to try and imitate an injured fish.

here are my top 10 tips for catching big fish

www.fishing.visitwales.com 3332 Left to right: Loch style on Clywedog Stunning surrounding scenery A coulam 16 Wheelyboat Hywel with his fin perfect 10lb rainbow

GAME FiShinG WAlES

Llyn Clywedog is the first fishery in Wales to acquire the brand new, award winning Coulam 16 Wheelyboat, a purpose-built fishing boat modified to provide roll-on roll-off access for wheelchair users. Disabled anglers now have the use of a boat that not only offers them independent access to the water but also looks and performs like a normal boat. The boat’s ingenious modifications are very discreet which means it is a genuinely dual-purpose craft and can be used by anyone, disabled or not.

For fishing and casting tuition contact Hywel on:-

T: 01974 831541 M: 07812197891 info@hywelmorgan.co.uk www.hywelmorgan.co.uk

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Welsh rivers have benefited hugely in recent years, as the Environment Agency and River Trusts act together, investing in restoring river habitats and access for migratory fish.

Pass masters As salmon and sea-trout swim upstream in search of clear waters and gravels to spawn, their progress is often impeded by man-made obstacles. Environment Agency Wales – the body responsible for safeguarding fisheries in Wales, is striving to remove as many of these barriers as possible, investing more than £4m on fish passes and barrier removal since 2002, opening up more than 400km of river.

‘Fish passes can be a massive boost to our rivers,’ said Dr Ben Wilson of Environment Agency Wales. ‘Our aim is to make all major man-made weirs and barriers passable by fish for the benefit of future stocks. More habitat, means more fish, but it could also be critical in helping to protect our fisheries from the effects of climate change.’

high tech solutions One way is the state-of-the-art Larinier fish pass. Pontymoel fish pass, near Pontypool, is one of the latest examples. This was part of a major engineering project to bring salmon and sea-trout back to the River Llwyd, a tributary of the Usk. Big projects like this need big money, of course, and thankfully the Agency has benefited from the very real financial support of the Welsh Assembly Government, which has also enabled them to access funding from the European Union.

local talent Not all fish passes are as big, or expensive. Using locally sourced Welsh oak, the Agency has started to build cost-effective fish passes that not only benefit fish populations, but are also better for the environment and the local economy. Last year, they installed the first ever wooden Larinier fish passes at Cynghordy, on the River Bran near Llandovery, improving fish access to 15 kilometres of nursery streams. Dave Charlesworth, Agency Fisheries Project Manager and

keen sea-trout angler, said: “This was a great project. Improved access to the Bran will mean more returning adult fish in the main river Tywi, a fishery of international renown and of great importance to the local rural economy.”

Rock and roll In other rivers, the Agency has opted for a different approach again, using what are known as rock ramp fish passes to create a natural-looking river cascade for fish to swim through. Abersannan ford near Llandeilo is one such fish pass. A similar but bigger ‘ramp’ has just been completed on the River Monnow, opening up one of the largest tributaries of the River Wye. “This type of fish pass is very successful as it resembles natural features found on the river bed,” says Pete Gough from Environment Agency Wales.

Weir today gone tomorrow Of course, another option is simply to remove the weir – which is precisely what’s happened on the River Dulais, another tributary of the Tywi.

habitat fit for all fish Good habitat is also essential for successful spawning, and here the River Trusts and Agency have excelled. Working together, more than 400km of valuable nursery streams have been restored and protected. This is not only of great importance to the migratory fish, but the resident trout love it too. Wild brownies on the Wye have thrived, as anyone fishing the Wye and Usk Foundations passport beats will have noticed.

Access to all Building fish passes, removing barriers and protecting river habitat, are of paramount importance in enhancing and supporting fish stocks and the fisheries that depend on them. Without the support of the Welsh Assembly Government, and the growing rivers trust movement in Wales, this work would never have been undertaken. So successful has the partnership been, that the investment is set to continue.

tales of the riverbank

“ No fish pass is perfect,’ says Dr Wilson, ‘removing barriers, where possible, is the best type of fish pass.”

‘ The rivers of Wales, from the resurgent Valleys to the majestic Snowdonia streams, are all special places and it’s right that we invest in them.’ says Dr Ben Wilson.

Spotlight on important river restoration work

‘...investing more than £4m on fish passes and barrier removal since 2002, opening up more than 400km of river.’

www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Left to right: Welsh green oak fish passHabitat corridor protecting a valuable spanwing tributaryNew byepass fish pass on the River Monnow“Larinier” fish pass bafflesRock Ramp at Abersannan in the Tywi catchment

If anyone were ever to publish a list of the UK’s most haunted sea angling venues, there is little doubt that Monksnash would make it into the top 10! Situated on the spectacular Vale of Glamorgan ‘Heritage Coastline’ in South Wales, approximately midway between Cardiff and Swansea Bay, anglers wishing to fish this superb and invariably little used beach must be prepared for a long though not especially arduous walk but one that over the years has sent a cold shiver down the spine of even the hardiest beach angler!

You see, to get to the beach at Monknash, first you must walk down a narrow and thickly wooded path that passes the ivy entangled ruins of the sixteenth century monastery from which the beach gets its name, and there lies the problem. At first light on a summer’s morning with heavy dew still lying thickly on the grass and the dawn chorus in full voice it’s a beautiful walk, but at night, which is when many anglers fish this beach, it’s a very different story.

The encroaching trees meet overhead to create a tunnel that very effectively blocks out the brightest moonlight, while even the lightest breeze will rustle spookily through the thick undergrowth making your imagination run wild. More than just an occasional angler who has fished here after dark will swear to unexplained ghostly happenings at night while walking along this blacker than black path, so you had better make sure your headlamp is fully charged to light the way!

For anyone who is prepared to run the gauntlet of the various ‘ghosts and ghouls of Monknash’, the rewards can be truly spectacular. View the beach at low water from the surrounding cliff tops and you will see that it consists of a rich mix of golden sand and rock, with the main beach being effectively sandwiched between large slabs of rock. To the east it’s nearly all rock with myriad food – holding rock pools and deep dissecting gullies, obviously classic feeding ground for the wide range of species that return with the flooding tide to forage across the area.

Offshore lies the Nash Sandbank, and here lies the final piece of the Monknash jigsaw. ‘The Nash’, as it is known locally, is famous amongst boat anglers for being one of the most productive areas to fish in the Bristol Channel. It’s a venue that

invariably produces prolific catches of rays, turbot, bass and smoothounds, and it is these species that often overspill from the main bank system and venture to within casting range of shore anglers fishing at Monknash.

In reality there are very few areas anywhere that consistently produce good ray fishing from the beach during daylight hours, but at certain times of the year Monknash is one of them. During the main summer months, night fishing is usually far more productive, but during April and May plenty of rays and other species are caught here during the daytime, even in bright sunshine. The sea temperature at this time of the year is still decidedly chilly, but bright spring sunshine serves to warm the shallow water just offshore sufficiently enough to bring the fish inshore to within casting range to feed.

spine-tingling excitement

Dave Lewis experiences shore fishing that is out of this world.

“ For anyone who is prepared to run the gauntlet of the various ‘ghosts and ghouls of Monknash’, the rewards can be truly spectacular.”

www.fishing.visitwales.com 3736

hit the horizon

SEA FiShinG WAlESLeft to right: Monknash, Vale of Glamorgan.Mission Accomplished, a hard fighting smooth hound.

Small-eyed ray are the most common species of ray caught here, but spotted, blonde and just occasionally a thornback ray gets hooked too, the latter species especially if you are fishing near the rougher ground at either end of the beach. Cocktail baits consisting of blast frozen sandeels, calamari squid and either mackerel or herring are usually the best baits for the various species of ray, but be sure to use very strong, very sharp hooks tied onto 50lb BS monofilament as the shape of even a modest size ray ensures the fish will exert a huge amount of pressure on each and every component of your tackle. When targeting rays, of course you can expect to catch plenty of lesser-spotted dogfish, too, especially if you fish the beach after dark.

It is possible to fish at Monknash on all sizes of tide, and while the better casters will likely catch fish well on small to mid-range tides, many anglers might find fishing on the larger tides will be more productive for them. This is especially the case at night, which during much of the year is when even this beach fishes at its absolute best. The beach itself is pretty much snag free and one effective technique many local anglers use to good effect, especially those who cannot cast a big bait a long distance, is to cast

out then leave the bait in situ while gradually paying out line as they steadily move back with the flooding tide, a tactic which has accounted for many a specimen ray here.

Hard fighting, fast running, tackle-testing smoothounds, both the common and the starry variety, are another popular spring and summer species at Monknash. The optimum time to fish here for smoothounds is during the last three hours of the ebbing tide, ideally on a small to mid-range tide. The rough ground located at the eastern end of the beach is the noted smoothound hotspot, and when a pack of ravenous smoothounds move inshore to feed on the rich pickings found over the rough ground the action can be fast and furious.

Double or even treble hook ups amongst groups of anglers are not unheard of. A generous portion of juicy peeler crab is the optimum bait for this sleek member of the shark family, and of course this is a bait that will account for most other species too, notably the highly sought after bass.

If fishing here and at any of the other many productive rough ground venues located along this spectacular coastline, then it is essential you use a rig that

incorporates some form of ‘rotten bottom.’ This is a weak link attachment that is used to secure the lead to the rig, the idea being that should the lead become snagged among the rocks, as it surely will, then given a steady pull the weaker line will snap resulting in just the loss of a lead weight, which helps to keep both tackle and fish losses to an absolute minimum.

Consequently the pulley rig is a very popular and effective choice with locals who fish at Monknash, due to the rough terrain and high average size of fish that are caught. The design of the pulley rig ensures that when a fish is hooked the pulley action of the rig means the lead is held high in the water, hopefully keeping it well away from snags. In addition to smoothounds, which are usually abundant from May to September, the rough ground areas at Monknash are productive for bass, conger, huss and rockling from April through to November, with whiting and occasionally codling making a showing throughout the autumn and winter months.

In addition to rays, dogfish and pan-sized turbot, the beach itself occasionally fishes well for bass, and notably when a decent swell and resulting surf is rolling onto the coast. Anglers specifically

targeting bass in the surf use simple paternoster rigs and depending on the size of the surf either a grip lead or a plain round bomb shaped lead, the latter being the ideal choice when fishing a modest surf as it ensures the bait rolls around the bottom in a most natural way.

Either freshly dug lugworm or razorfish, both of which are widely available at local tackle shops, are the best baits for bass, along with blast frozen sandeels that are favoured by dogfish and turbot. Historically Monknash used to be a famous venue for producing shore caught monkfish, but these days they are rarely caught…but provided you have a decent bait in the water you never know! Prime time to fish the beach is considered to be just after the tide has started flooding up the beach, and then for the first two to three hours of the flood.

In addition to Monknash, there are a multitude of other popular and productive venues found along the coastline between Cardiff Bay and Swansea Bay, all of which offer excellent fishing opportunities for a similar range of species. Some such as ‘The Knap’ pebble beach at Barry offer the easiest possible access for a couple of hours fishing and consequently are ideal for junior, elderly or less able anglers. Others such as Aberthaw, Stout Point, Witches Point, the Deeps at Ogmore and Sker Rocks do involve a bit of a trek to reach, and are more suited to the more active angler. As always, for the very latest up-to-the-minute local advice and catch information contact any one of the many excellent tackle shops, which you will find throughout South Wales. Visiting anglers will find a wide range of accommodation options to cover all budgets along the Glamorgan Coastline of South Wales.

‘ Hard fighting, fast running, tackle-testing smoothounds, both the common and the starry variety, are another popular spring and summer species at Monknash.’

www.fishing.visitwales.com 3938 Left to right: Creating a stir, a smoothie comes to the hand.A cracking ray falls for a cocktail bait.Waiting for the bite.

The cliffs at Monknash.Use plenty of elastic to keep the baits intact during distance casts.

SafetyThe cliffs along much of this stretch of the coastline are constantly crumbling and rock falls are common. DO NOT fish or walk directly beneath the cliffs and always guard against having your safe retreat from the beach cut off by a flooding tide. Always make sure you tell someone exactly where you plan to fish along with what time you expect to return.

how to get thereExit the A 48 at Cowbridge and take the B4270 south towards Llantwit Major then the B4265 west towards Marcross. Turn left when you see Marcross signposted, then take a right following the sign towards Monknash. Head for the Plough and Harrow pub and park in a field just down the lane from the pub, (cost around £2 which is put into an honesty box on the gate). Follow the lane down from the field for a few hundred yards and then take the ‘haunted pathway’ down to the beach. It’s not a tough walk but takes 15-20 minutes so travel as light as possible.

SEA FiShinG WAlES

www.fishing.visitwales.com 4140 Left to right: The magnificent Millennium Stadium / Cardiff National anthem begins Welsh fans appreciation

GAME FiShinG WAlES

How many times can you indulge two of your favourite passions in one weekend? The answer I suspect is not many. With other commitments getting in the way, life has a habit of not even allowing you to indulge one. However there is one way which has been so obvious that it has completely passed me by and I have only recently realised what I have been missing.

It all started with an invitation to watch Wales play rugby at the Millennium Stadium. The invitation was from the Welsh Assembly and the purpose of the gathering was to promote Wales and Cardiff to a group of journalists. If you have never been to the Millennium Stadium then believe me, it is one stadium that you just have to visit. I think, together with everyone I have met who has been there, that it is the best sporting arena in the world bar none. Add to this the fact that Wales are possibly playing the best rugby for a long time, made the invitation irresistible.

With the first passion taken care of, it was time to accommodate the second.

The River Taff runs by the Millennium Stadium and it has a fast-growing reputation about the quality of its fishing, be it game or coarse. It is a river I have very little knowledge about so it was time to phone a friend. Steffan Jones is an excellent fisherman and guides on the Taff, so who better to approach for advice? He not only offered advice, but the pleasure of his company on the river for a day; now this had all the makings of a memorable weekend. Since the game fishing season was closed we would target the river’s grayling. Some would say that the Taff is rapidly becoming the best river in the Principality for this beautiful fish. Steffan advised that the river around Radyr would offer good sport, and that a train could be caught from the centre of Cardiff to Radyr or a princely sum of £3 return, and day tickets obtained from Gary Evans for £6, so for £9 we had the prospect of an excellent day’s fishing with the added bonus of no one having to drive the morning after the game.

Driving down accompanied by my son Huw, we were both very excited, my son

even more than I if that was possible.

Booking into the hotel with our fishing gear amidst a throng of rugby fans drew some odd glances, and the occasional wry comment, but after talking with a few, who were fishermen, you could see the idea was contagious.

Attending and watching a rugby game at this stadium is one of the highlights of any true rugby fan’s life; the atmosphere and rugby fervour is unique. It really does make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and that is no exaggeration. The company was excellent and the food and drink were superb and, to cap a perfect day, Wales won. After the game another great advantage of the stadium came to the fore. It is unique as it is right in the centre of the city, so we just had a short walk into the city centre to continue our celebrations. Believe me, even the hard-nosed journalists were bowled over with the stadium and the city centre which is a delightful mixture of modern and impressive period buildings, with the Castle at its heart.

twin peaks

Wynn Davies’ memorable weekend in Cardiff

‘ the quality and average size of the fish was incredible’

‘ it is the best sporting arena in the world bar none’

Llandaff train station Tackling up in the car park Walk to the River Taff

Steffan’s Czech nymph masterclass Instant success on the Taff A beautiful Taff grayling

game fishing in Wales – a beginner’s guide

www.fishing.visitwales.com 4342 Left to right: The beautiful Edwards Bridge over the River Taff Steffan battles a salmon.

The next morning dawned, and it was a revelation. Instead of the bleary anti- climax the day after the celebrations usually brings, we were bright and full of anticipation for the days’ fishing. Plans finalised over breakfast, we changed into our waders and with our rods, took a short walk to the train station, which got us even funnier looks. Buying our tickets and travelling on the train in waders is an experience not to be missed, and when the train stopped at Radyr we could see the Taff about 20 yards from the station. On meeting Steffan in the car park he informed us that the river was running high and coloured due to the recent rains but it was still fishable. As we tackled up the talk inevitably turned to methods, so I took unfair advantage of Steffan. Huw had always wanted to learn the Czech Nymph method and since this type of fishing has never really attracted me I asked Steffan if he would be kind enough to teach Huw. Within ten minutes of introducing Huw to Czech Nymphing, he was catching fish; this is a testament

both to the Taff’s grayling stocks and Steffan’s teaching techniques. Believe me, he continued to catch fish throughout the day on Czech Nymphs and that is no fisherman’s tale. The quality and average size of the fish was incredible, and whilst we did not encounter any large specimens the average fish was around a pound, which in anyone’s book is impressive. As if that was not enough Steffan hooked a fish that bent his rod double; looking at Steffan playing the fish the question was – what was it? Since the river was running high and powerful it may have been a large grayling or brown trout or it could even have been a salmon or sea-trout. After some anxious moments and the reel being emptied a number of times, the fish rolled on the surface in front of Steffan and the mystery was unravelled, it was a salmon. This really did up the ante, and after some more heart- stopping moments the fish rolled lazily on the surface and swam away, inexplicably leaving the line slack, which was greeted with some words of wisdom directed at

the fish. Even though the fish was lost, this was turning out to be a red letter day.

As we worked down the river we kept catching on a variety of methods and it was a hugely enjoyable day with a basketful of fish – which we had no right to expect due to the height and colour of the river. The whole experience of the journey and the fishing completely blew the cobwebs of the previous evening out of our heads, leaving us refreshed and ready for our homeward journey, with plenty to discuss.

‘ the fish rolled lazily on the surface and swam away, leaving a slack line, which was greeted with some words of wisdom directed at the fish’

If your passion is game angling, then Wales is for you. It has a wealth of rivers and lakes in a variety of stunning scenarios; choosing where to fish is often more difficult than actually catching your fish.

Welsh rivers account for more than half the sea-trout caught in England and Wales. Couple this with the number of large seatrout caught every year and the availability of fishing, it makes for a very special destination. The sea-trout run from early April right through to September, with the large sea-trout first to appear followed by the smaller fish from mid June onwards. The fish run in all water conditions so throughout the season you are very likely to encounter fresh fish. The sea-trout range in size from ¾lb to 20lb, although the average size is 2lb –3lb with the seatrout run peaking in June, July and August. Access is available to the holiday angler to both club and private waters on all these rivers, and you can organise both guiding and tuition if required to ensure an enjoyable trip.

Wild brown trout are abundant, whether you fish the famous rivers or intimate brooks, the stunning lowland lakes or the majestic highland lakes; the challenge is the same. These trout are truly wild and the angler must use all his skill to catch them. When fishing for wild trout, you step back in time; do not expect the high average weight of stocked lakes. The average weight of wild trout is around ½lb with a good fish weighing in at 1lb. However it must be said there are fish in the 2– 4 lb range; especially in the lakes, these fish when hooked fight with such savagery, it takes your breath away. The pursuit of these fish, takes you to places of such beauty and tranquillity that just being there is reward enough, away from the humdrum of modern life, you can sit there in peace and solitude, totally at one with yourself and nature.

The stocked still waters of Wales offer an exceptional angling opportunity amongst what is arguably the most breathtaking scenery in Europe. It is affordable,

accessible and can be enjoyed by all – the majority of these reservoirs and small stillwaters have blended with their natural surroundings so well it is hard to believe they are man made! These large still waters, together with small fisheries of quality; provides the angler with plenty of choice.

Wales has always had quality grayling fishing, but the choice of rivers is now expanding. The rivers of South Wales are gaining a high reputation for the quality of their grayling. The quantity and quality of grayling is undisputed; the Dee, Wye and Severn all hold fish to over the 4lb mark and the rivers of the South, such as the Taff, Rhymney and Ewenny now have established populations with fish being caught to the 3lb mark. With grayling the novice angler has an opportunity to learn. Although not easy to catch, they are not as easily frightened as trout or sea-trout; and will not be put off by a couple of clumsy casts. One thing is certain: when you have fished in Wales; you will treasure the memories.

Cul-de-canard Emerger

Gold Heads Hares Ear

Czech Nymph

WoRth A Go:

So you are visiting Wales and fancy chancing your arm at sea angling…great idea! Wales offers what is widely regarded as some of the finest sea angling opportunities that are available anywhere in the British Isles, and regardless of whether you decide to fish offshore, aboard a boat or from our rich and varied coastline, you and your family are sure to enjoy a most memorable experience. As a sport, sea angling is about so much more than simply catching fish, but what could possibly be more satisfying than catching your own fish for the evening meal?

Almost every harbour around the beautiful Welsh coastline plays host to a charter boat or two, while at ports such as Penarth, Swansea, Milford Haven, Aberystwyth, Amlwch and Rhyl you’ll find several. Booking a trip aboard a charter boat is probably the easiest way for the visiting angler to experience Welsh sea angling at its very best, as all of our skippers are passionate about their fishing and enjoy nothing more than introducing newcomers to the sport.

You can either book a charter boat for the sole use of yourself, family and a group of friends, or you can book individual places; most boats fish a maximum of 10 or 12 anglers. Best of all, many skippers, and especially those based in key holiday areas, have all of the equipment on board, which they either loan as part of the charter fee or hire for the duration of the trip at nominal cost. Most will be more than happy to arrange any bait necessary for the day’s fishing; all you have to do is step aboard and start fishing!

However, many charter boats are booked months in advance, especially during the peak holiday periods, so if you do intend fishing afloat during your holiday it is advisable to contact a skipper and confirm a place on your preferred days as soon as possible. If you are a novice or have any preferences regarding the type of fishing or species you would like to catch do tell the skipper, as they will be in a position to advise on the best dates to suit your requirements.

Certainly if you intend fishing from the beach, pier, harbour wall, estuary or remote rock marks, then a visit to the tackle shop for the very latest up-to-the-minute local advice is an absolute must. Some shops will even be able to put you in contact with a local sea angling guide or even an angling instructor; all will be able to advise on the tides and the optimum times to fish at different locations, while pointing out any specific safety issues. Obviously such invaluable advice will be hugely worthwhile regardless of how much previous angling experience you might have.

Angling is one of life’s great experiences and of course there is a long and rich tradition of combining sea angling with a family holiday at the coast, regardless of your age, ability, agility or gender. So go on, give sea angling a go. You never know, it might well be that it’s you and your children that end up getting hooked, and not just the fish!

If you’re already into coarse fishing, or want to learn the ropes, Wales is the place to try. Nowhere in the world are you likely to find so much variety of first-class angling packed into such a small country. Just about all species are present, from Gudgeon to big hard-fighting barbel to specimen carp and pike. Even a long holiday isn’t enough to sample everything, so unless you intend to specialise, there could be a problem of what tackle to bring along.

Some fisheries specialise in very large specimens, and you don’t have to be an expert to succeed.

So what tackle will you be taking on holiday to come to grips with Welsh coarse fish? Probably a lot more than you’ll need, for a bet! It’s a matter of expedience rather than judgement and deciding what to leave behind. A favourite rod is obviously essential, as is a spare with reels to suit with good quality line and trusted end-tackle. Welsh fish grow as big as anywhere else and you won’t like it much if a potential record heads out for

the horizon trailing your float and most of your line. Bait is easily purchased, often at the fisheries themselves, so there’s no real need to bring loads with you unless you can’t do without your own special deadly recipe. A large landing net is essential, however, and if you’re after carp, a good unhooking mat. If you are a beginner a general-purpose carp rod of 10-11ft should do the trick; ideal for distance casting and strong enough to handle large lake carp or powerful barbel from the Rivers Wye and Taff. A reel with a couple of spare spools wound with 6, 12 and 18lb nylon is recommended with spools of thinner nylon for traces. Floats, shot and weights of choice together with a rod rest and a selection of barbless hooks completes the list of necessary tackle.

Big items like a bivouac, umbrella, barbecue and easy chair are optional. Travel as light as you can for freedom of movement. It’s all too easy to overload yourself, and most of it can be dispensed with if you think about it.

Wet-weather gear – well, that depends on how lucky you feel, but you’ll probably have your umbrella anyway. Don’t bother with a keep-net unless you intend competing in a local match. No true angler keeps large fish in a keep-net unless they’re going to weigh them in. One thing you should never forget, though, is your Rod Licence or you’ll have to buy another before you go fishing. Keep non-essentials to an absolute minimum and you’ll be able to fully enjoy all the quality coarse fishing that Wales has to offer.

If you have any specific queries call the fishery owner and ask his advice. Tackle shops are also a good source of information; if you get in touch with a shop near your chosen fishery they will normally have some local knowledge that can make sure your trip is a resounding success.

Wales has a very large number of interesting and exciting family attractions, safe beaches, attractive towns and scenic walks. Or you could teach them all to fish, of course!

sea fishing in Wales – a beginner’s guide

coarse fishing in Wales – a beginner’s guide

www.fishing.visitwales.com 4544

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Aber Discount tackle 3 Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, Dyfed SY23 1NY Tel: 01970 611200

Aeron Sports & Fishing tackle Aeron Hall, 2 Bridge Street, Aberaeron, Dyfed SA46 0AP Tel: 01545 571209

Anglers Corner 80 Station Road, Llanelli SA15 1AN Tel: 01554 773981

Anglers Corner 1 Pill Road, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire SA73 2NS Tel: 01646 698899

Anglers Den 21 High Street, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA61 2BW Tel: 01437 760045

Bay Fishing tackle High Street, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire SA69 9EJ Tel: 01834 813115

Castaway 1 College Row, Cardigan, Dyfed SA43 1LL Tel: 01239 621856

Celtic Flycraft 54 Abernant Road, Cwmgors, Ammanford, West Glamorgan SA18 1RB Tel: 01269 825591

Country Stores 3a Church Street, Gowerton, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA4 3EA Tel: 01792 875050

Crafty Catchers 31 King Street, Carmarthen SA31 1BS Tel: 01267 234710

Ewenny Angling Supplies ltd 11b Ewenny Road, Bridgend CF31 3HN Tel: 01656 662691

Fly Shack 38 Swansea Road, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA15 3YT Tel: 01554 776001

Fishfinder 51 King Street, Carmarthen SA31 1BH Tel: 01267 220226

Keens tackle 119 Bridgend Road, Aberkenfig, Bridgend CF32 9AP Tel: 01656 722448

Mainwarings Angling Centre 44 Vivian Road, Sketty, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA2 0UH Tel: 01792 202245

nine oaks Craigfryn, Oakford, Llanarth, Dyfed SA47 0RW Tel: 01545 580482

Pembroke Angling 31 Meyrick Street, Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire SA72 6AL Tel: 01646 622712

Rods & Wheels Margaret Street, New Quay, Dyfed SA45 9QJ Tel: 01545 560931

Roger’s tackle Pilot House Wharf, Swansea, West Glamorgan SA1 1UN Tel: 01792 469999

S & K Fishing Supplies 45 Wyndham Street Bridgend CF31 1EB Tel: 01656 655651

Sea Stores 4 Brunel Quay Neyland, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire SA73 1PY Tel: 01646 601946

Sportfishing international 19 Charles Street, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire SA73 2AA Tel: 01646 690518

tackle & Bait 149 Windsor Road, Neath West Glamorgan SA11 1NU Tel: 01639 634148

tenby Angling The Market, High Street, Tenby, Pembrokeshire SA70 7EU Tel: 01834 844430

the Salmons leap Cenarth, Newcastle Emlyn, Dyfed SA38 9JP Tel: 01239 711242

tight lines Direct 72-74 Wind Street, Ammanford, Carmarthenshire SA18 3DR Tel: 01874 612825

West Wales tackle 8 Lammas Street, Carmarthen SA31 3AD Tel: 01267 243900

Anglers Supplies 172 Penarth Road, Grangetown, Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF11 6NL Tel: 029 20220723

Arthur Bale & Son 166 Richmond Road, Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF24 3BX Tel: 02920 499889

Aspinall’s Angling Supplies 36 Cross Street, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 4LU Tel: 01446 742645

Barry Angling Centre 14 Park Crescent, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan CF62 6HD Tel: 01446 747638

Bob’s Hillside, Mwyndy, Pontyclun Rhondda CF72 8PN Tel: 01443 227267

Cal White 39 Merchant Street, Pontlottyn, Mid Glamorgan CF81 9PD Tel: 01685 841245

Cliff harvey Angling Supplies 10 Albion Industrial Estate Cilfynydd Road, Pontypridd, Rhondda Cynon Taff CF37 4NX Tel: 01443 400766

Cwmbran Angling 39 Richmond Road, Pontnewydd, Cwmbran, Gwent NP44 1EQ Tel: 01633 868890

Dave Richards 73 Church Road, Newport, Gwent NP19 7EH Tel: 01633 254910

Fish a Mania 91 Main Street, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2HL Tel: 01446 737699

Fishing World 1 High Street, Tonyrefail, Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taff CF39 8PG Tel: 01443 670218

Fishtec Unit 5 & 6, Ffrwdgrech Industrial Estate, Brecon, Powys LD3 8LA Tel: 01874 612600

Garry Evans newport ltd 29 Redland Street, Newport Gwent NP20 5LZ Tel: 01633 855086

Garry Evans Fishing tackle 109 Whitchurch Road, Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF14 3JQ Tel: 029 20619828

Green’s Fishing tackle Bryn Road Pontllanfraith, Blackwood, Mid Glamorgan NP12 2BU Tel: 01495 221881

Merthyr Angling Centre 185 High Street, Cefn Coed, Merthyr Tydfil, Mid Glamorgan CF48 2PG Tel: 01685 379809

newtown Angling Unit 3 Severnside Centre, 26-27 Short Bridge Street, Newtown, Powys SY16 1AA Tel: 01686 624044

Phil’s tackle 2 Constitutional Buildings, Canon Street, Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taff CF44 7AW Tel: 01685 877670

Pill Angling Centre 160 Commercial Road, Newport, Gwent NP20 2PJ Tel: 01633 267211

Rods & Reels King’s Head Lane, Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3DP Tel: 01982 551706

Sport hafren 18 Church Street, Welshpool SY21 7DP Tel: 01938 552202

Svendsen Sports Block E Capital Point, Capital Business Park, Cardiff CF3 2PX Tel: 029 20791700

Sweet’s Fishing tackle 14 Porthycarne Street,Usk Monmouthshire NP15 1RY Tel: 01291 672552

tackle & tow Bars 22 Stuart Terrace, Talbot Green. Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taff CF72 8AA Tel: 01443 226611

tredegar Angling Centre 5A Morgan Street, Tredegar, Gwent NP22 3NA Tel: 01495 725570

Abersoch Angling The Harbour, Abersoch, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 7AW Tel: 01758 712646

Aber Discount tackle 3 Terrace Road, Aberystwyth SY23 1NY Tel: 01970 611200

Anglesey Bait Centre Gallows Pound, Beaumaris LL58 8YL Tel: 01248 810009

Bangor Angling Supply Stores 21 High Street, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 1NP Tel: 01248 355518

Beachcaster St Annes Chambers, High Street, Barmouth LL42 1AR Tel: 01341 281537

Barmouth Angling 1 Ael Y Don, Church Street, Barmouth, Gwynedd LL42 1EW Tel: 01341 280480

Barry’s Fishing tackle 6 College Green, Tywyn, Gwynedd LL36 9BS Tel: 01654 710357

Bayview Angling 12 Greenfield Road, Colwyn Bay, Conwy LL29 8EL Tel: 01492 535888

Blue Shark Sea Fishing trips 9 Ronaldsway, Rhyl, Denbighshire LL18 2LB Tel: 01745 350267

D & E hughes 24 Penlan Street, Pwllheli, Gwynedd LL53 5DE Tel: 01758 613291

Deggy’s Fishing tackle 2 Ruabon Road, Wrexham, Clwyd LL13 7PB Tel: 01978 351815

Dereks tackle Shop Paris House, Well Street, Cefn Mawr LL14 3AE Tel: 01978 821841

Fishtails Link House, Bridge Street, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 1AU Tel: 01341 421080

Foxon’s tackle Penrhewl, Lower Denbigh Road, St. Asaph, Denbighshire LL17 0ED Tel: 01745 583583

Geoffs tackle & Bait 163b Wellington Road, Rhyl, Denbighshire, LL18 1LW Tel: 01745 356236

lionels tackle Shop 11 Ewloe Place, Buckley CH7 3NJ Tel: 01244 543191

llandudno tackle 57b Mostyn Avenue, Llandudno, Conwy LL30 1DZ Tel: 01492 871550

Morrisons of Wrexham 38 Mount Street, Wrexham, Clwyd, LL13 8DW Tel: 01978 364460

Paddys Bait & tackle North Parade, Llandudno, Conwy LL30 2LP Tel: 01492 877678

Rowlands Sbaner A hanner 9-11 Tegid Street, Bala, Gwynedd LL23 7UR Tel: 01678 520382

S. t. Russell 4 Parc Ffynnon, Llysfaen, Colwyn Bay, Conwy LL29 8SA Tel: 01492 516101

hafod hardware East Street, Rhayader, Powys LD6 5DS Tel: 01597 810 383

Fishing tackle & Bait Rhonas Rd, Clydach, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 0LB Tel: 01873 730754

www.fishing.visitwales.com 47

tackle shops in Wales

Find out more by choosing some of the FREE guides featured on this page. Get them from www.visitwales.co.uk/brochures. Or call 08701 211256

Beaches leaflet Lists Wales’ most appealing beaches, including Blue Flag, Green Sea and Seaside Award.

Farm Stay Wales The genuine countryside experience in self-catering or B&B accommodation. www.farmstaywales.co.uk

Go Do Wales – a Rough Guide Special Wales for the independent traveller. Includes comprehensive information on backpacker and hostel accommodation. www.godowales.com

Golf Wales ‘Golf as it should be’ in Wales. www.golfasitshouldbe.com

Wales Active magazine Wales on foot, wheels and water. Details of over 170 activity businesses.

Wales Bus, Rail and tourist Map and Guide An essential source of information if you’re travelling around Wales by public transport.

Wales – B&B touring Map Contains a choice of B&B accommodation and attractions – all graded for quality by Visit Wales and/or AA.

Wales View magazine Our annual magazine showcasing the new, the best and the slightly alternative.

Wales – Where to Stay Contains a huge choice of holiday accommodation – all graded for quality by Visit Wales and/or AA.

To order any of the guides featured above, call 08701 211252 or log onto www.visitwales.com

48

get yourself a guide

Take your pick from the FREE guides featured on these pages. You’ll find brochures on Wales’s Holiday Areas, plus information- packed guides on a range of activities and outdoor pursuits.

www.fishing.visitwales.com 49

Aberaeron Tel: 01545 570602 Fax: 01545 571534 aberaerontic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Aberdulais Falls Tel: 01639 636674 Fax: 01639 645069 aberdulaistic@nationaltrust.org.uk

Aberdyfi Tel: 01654 767321 Fax: 01654 767321 tic.aberdyfi@eryri-npa.gov.uk

Abergavenny Tel: 01873 853254 Fax: 01873 852796 abergavennyic@breconbeacons.org

Aberystwyth Tel: 01970 612125 Fax: 01970 612125 aberystwythtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Bala Tel: 01678 521021 Fax: 01678 521021 bala.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk

Bangor Tel: 01248 352786 Fax: 01248 352786 bangor.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk

Barmouth Tel: 01341 280787 Fax: 01341 280787 barmouth.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk

Barry island Tel: 01446 747171 Fax: 01446 747171 barrytic@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Beddgelert Tel: 01766 890615 Fax: 01766 890615 tic.beddgelert@eryri-npa.gov.uk

Betws y Coed Tel: 01690 710426 Fax: 01690 710665 tic.byc@eryri-npa.gov.uk

Blaenau Ffestiniog Tel: 01766 830360 Fax: 01766 830360 tic.blaenau@eryri-npa.gov.uk

Blaenavon Tel: 01495 742333 Fax: 01495 742332 blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk

Borth Tel: 01970 871365 / borthtic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Brecon Tel: 01874 622485 Fax: 01874 625256 brectic@powys.gov.uk

Bridgend Tel: 01656 654906 Fax: 01656 646523 bridgendtic@bridgend.gov.uk

Caerleon Tel: 01633 422656 Fax: 01633 422656 caerleon.tic@newport.gov.uk

Caernarfon Tel: 01286 672232 Fax: 01286 676476 caernarfon.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk

Caerphilly Tel: 029 2088 0011 Fax: 029 2086 0811 tourism@caerphilly.gov.uk

Cardiff Tel: 08701 211 258 Fax: 029 2023 2058 visitor@cardiff.gov.uk

Cardigan Tel: 01239 613230 Fax: 01239 614853 cardigantic@ceredigion.gov.uk

Carmarthen Tel: 01267 231557 Fax: 01267 221901 carmarthentic@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

Chepstow Tel: 01291 623772 Fax: 01291 628004 chepstow.tic@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Conwy Tel: 01492 592248 Fax: 01492 573545 conwytic@conwy.gov.uk

Dolgellau Tel: 01341 422888 Fax: 01341 422576 tic.dolgellau@eryri-npa.gov.uk

Fishguard Tel: 01348 872037 Fax: 01348 872528 fishguardharbour.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Fishguard town Tel: 01437 776636 Fax: 01348 875582 fishguard.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

harlech Tel: 01766 780658 Fax: 01766 780658 tic.harlech@eryri-npa.gov.uk

haverfordwest Tel: 01437 763110 Fax: 01437 767738 haverfordwest.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

holyhead Tel: 01407 762622 Fax: 01407 761462 holyhead@nwtic.com

Knighton Tel: 01547 528753 Fax: 01547 529027 oda@offasdyke.demon.co.uk

llanberis Tel: 01286 870765 Fax: 01286 871924 llanberis.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk

llandovery Tel: 01550 720693 Fax: 01550 720693 llandovery.ic@breconbeacons.org

llandudno Tel: 01492 577577 Fax: 01492 575968 llandudnotic@conwy.gov.uk

llanelli Tel: 01554 777744 Fax: 01554 757825 discoverycentre@carmarthenshire.gov.uk

llanfairpwllgwyngyll Tel: 01248 713177 Fax: 01248 715711 llanfairpwll@nwtic.com

llangollen Tel: 01978 860828 Fax: 01978 861563 llangollen@nwtic.com

Merthyr tydfil Tel: 01685 379884 Fax: 01685 379884 tic@merthyr.gov.uk

Milford haven Tel: 01646 690866 Fax: 01646 690655 milford.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Mold Tel: 01352 759331 Fax: 01352 759331 mold@nwtic.com

Monmouth Tel: 01600 713899 Fax: 01600 772794 monmouth.tic@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Mumbles Tel: 01792 361302 Fax: 01792 363392 info@mumblestic.co.uk

new Quay Tel: 01545 560865 Fax: 01545 561360 newquaytic@ceredigion.gov.uk

newport Tel: 01633 842962 Fax: 01633 222615 newport.tic@newport.gov.uk

newport (pembs) Tel: 01239 820912 Fax: 01239 821258 newportTIC@Pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk

oswestry Tel: 01691 662488 Fax: 01691 662883 oswestrytourism@shropshire.gov.uk

oswestry town Tel: 01691 662753 Fax: 01691 657811 ot@oswestry-welshborders.org.uk

Pembroke Tel: 01437 776499 pembroke.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Penarth Tel: 029 2070 8849 penarthtic@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Porthcawl Tel: 01656 786639 Fax: 01656 782387 porthcawltic@bridgend.gov.uk

Porthmadog Tel: 01766 515312 porthmadog.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk

Presteigne Tel: 01544 260650 Fax: 01544 260652 presteignetic@powys.gov.uk

Pwllheli Tel: 01758 613000 Fax: 01758 613000 pwllheli.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk

Rhyl Tel: 01745 355068 Fax: 01745 342255 rhyl.tic@denbighshire.gov.uk

Saundersfoot Tel: 01834 813672 Fax: 01834 813673 saundersfoot.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

St Davids Tel: 01437 720392 enquiries@stdavids.pembrokeshirecoast.org.uk

Swansea Tel: 01792 468321 Fax: 01792 464602 tourism@swansea.gov.uk

tenby Tel: 01834 842402 Fax: 01834 845439 tenby.tic@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

tywyn Tel: 01654 710070 Fax: 01654 710070 tywyn.tic@gwynedd.gov.uk

Welshpool Tel: 01938 552043 Fax: 01938 554038 weltic@powys.gov.uk

Wrexham Tel: 01978 292015 Fax: 01978 292467 tic@wrexham.gov.uk

tourist information centres

YOUR FISHING PARTNER

Fishtec, Unit 6, Industrial Estate,Brecon, Powys. LD3 8LA www.fishtec.co.uk

Call Now for your FREE copy of the New Fishtec Fly Fishing, Carp

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Fishing Wales AD 19/2/09 9:42 am Page 1

rod fishing byelaws for Wales

50 www.fishing.visitwales.com

bass nursery areas in Wales

Fishing for bass from any vessel, as well as fishing for any species of sea-fish using s (Ammodytidae) as bait, is prohibited in 37 separate areas for all or part of the year. These areas, their extent and the seasonal duration of the prohibition are set out below. The legislation is Statutory Instrument 1999 No 75 The Bass (Specified Areas) (Prohibition of Fishing) (Variation) Order 1999).

The nursery areas comprise river estuaries, harbours and power station outfalls where juvenile bass usually predominate and are more easily caught, particularly during the summer months. In certain nursery areas, fishing may also be subject to other restrictions implemented by the local sea fisheries committee or the Environment Agency [National Rivers Authority]. Such restrictions may include prohibitions on the setting of fixed nets or restrictions on the use of mobile gear.

The prohibition on bass fishing in nursery areas does not apply to fishing from the shore. However it is expected that shore anglers and their associations will respect the need for this prohibition and return to the sea any bass caught within nursery areas.

27. Aberthaw Power Station. All tidal waters enclosed by a line drawn at a radius of 1 nautical mile from Breaksea Point All year.

28. Burry Inlet. All tidal waters enclosed by a line drawn 071° true from Whiteford Lighthouse to Llanelli Docks and a line drawn 180° true from Whiteford Lighthouse to the shore. Between 30 April and 1 November

29.Taf, Tywi and Gwendraeth Estuary. All tidal waters enclosed by a line drawn 119° true from Ginst Point to Pen Towyn Point Between 30 April and 1 November

30.Milford Haven. All tidal waters enclosed by a line drawn from the shore along the eastern side of the Texaco Terminal approach jetty to the southern-most part of the T jetty thence eastwards along the southern edge of the jetty to the extremity at No. 3 berth (51°).

31.Teifi Estuary All tidal waters enclosed by a line drawn from the Boathouse, Penrhyn to the Cliff Hotel, Gwbert. Between 30 April and 1 November.

32. River Dyfi All tidal waters enclosed by a line drawn 168° true from Trefeddian Hotel (52° 32.8N, 04° 03.6W) to the flag pole at Ynys Las (52° 31.4N, 04° 03.8W). Between 30 April and 1 November.

33. River Mawddach. All tidal waters enclosed by a line drawn 226° true from the flagpole at Barmouth (52° 43.1N, 04° 03.1W) to the perch at 52° 42.7N, 04° 03.7W thence 155° true to the corner of the sea wall at Fairbourne (52° 42.5N, 04° 03.6W). Between 30 April and 1 November.

34. Dwyryd/Glaslyn Estuary. All tidal waters enclosed by a line drawn 152° true from the White House (52° 54.4N, 04° 09.1W) to Harlech Point (52° 53.7N, 04° 08.5W). Between 30 April and 1 November.

35. Conwy Estuary. All tidal waters enclosed by a line drawn in a northerly direction from Penmaen-bach Point 001° true to the most westerly point of Great Ormes Head. Between 30 April and 1 November.

36. Dee Estuary All tidal waters enclosed by a line drawn 213° true from Hilbre Point to Mostyn Quay. Between 31 May and 1 October.

41. (87N, 04° 57.58W) and then 098° true through the Pennar Beacon to the Llanreath foreshore (51° 41.55N, 04° 57.58W) and by a line drawn 162° true along the seaward side of the Pembroke to Neyland road bridge; Between 30 April and 1 November.

Byelaws are statutory rules put in place by the Environment Agency to protect fish stocks and apply to all waters, whether they are owned by angling clubs, local authorities or private individuals. Whilst owners may impose stricter rules, they are not able to dispense with any byelaw that may apply to their water.

If in doubt always check with the fishery owner or contact the Environment Agency on 08708 506 506 (Mon-Fri 8-6) or email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

Full fisheries byelaws for Wales together with a simplified guide for anglers can be downloaded from the Environment Agency’s website at the following address:- www.environment-agency.gov.uk

new byelaws for the 2009 fishing season

Ban on the sale of rod-caught salmon and sea-trout

It is now an offence to sell rod-caught salmon or sea-trout in England and Wales. In addition, the carcasses of all salmon and sea-trout caught by licensed netsmen in England & Wales must be individually tagged after capture.

These new laws will act to reduce the opportunity for poachers to sell on illegally caught fish and will also reduce the number of fish caught and killed by a minority of licensed anglers who previously have offered their catch for sale. Anglers will still be able to catch and kill fish for their own consumption or to give to friends.

www.fishing.visitwales.com