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The tidal area below the
Travelling east on the M4, you will see the river winding its way under the motorway. Further down the estuary the river widens, becoming a mud and sand mix with dangerous stretches of salt marsh.
As it reaches the open sea there are many sandy coves and rocky promontories. Fish move up and down the deep channels on the strong current. You can also expect to catch small bass and mullet from most of these marks.
Leave the M4, Junction 47, for the A483. Then head west on the A4070, which connects the A484 (
1 The Boatyard
Take the road upstream at the bridge, parallel to the river. Just beyond the main boat mooring area it is possible to fish the mud flats or the river channel. Main species will be flounder but school bass and mullet follow the tide up.
Legered harbour ragworm on a flowing trace with a rolling lead can give good sport. Spinning or plugging around weed beds or obstacles will take bass. Groundbaiting is necessary to attract the mullet.
2 The Bridge
Parking is easy just upstream of the bridge. The river widens here and fishing is possible from either bank. In addition to bass, flounder and mullet, dab are often taken. These upstream marks of course only fish around the top of the tide, when bigger tides are an advantage. After heavy rain, floodwater makes fishing difficult. Best baits are harbour rag or small strips of mackerel. Spinning near the bridge will take bass.
3 Pen-Clawdd
Return east to the roundabout joining the B4295, bypassing Gowerton and taking the road to the coast. At and beyond Pen-clawdd the road runs parallel to the salt marshes. There are many interesting muddy creeks deep enough to anchor small boats. Great care must be exercised before selecting your spot because the tide rises very quickly and can cut you off. Never venture onto the soft mud. There is a new car park alongside one of the creeks in the town, which has excellent facilities. Big mullet roam the inlets often followed by school bass. If in doubt ask the locals, safety is your prime concern.
4 Llanmadoc
To reach the outer part of the estuary, travel several miles along the B4295 and turning right at the Greyhound pub. Pass the Brittania Inn and continue along to the end of the lane, parking behind the sand dunes in the field by the farm. To the right is a vast sandy beach with a deepwater channel, which shows at low water. Fish into the channel two hours either side of low on mid-range tides (11m to 12m,
5 Broughton Beach
To the left directly in front of the caravan park is the beach, which should be fished during the top half of the tide. Pools often form due to sand movement and in very hot weather school bass can be found in shoals. Mullet too roam close to rocky, weed-covered outcrops. It is an ideal spot for wading and evening fly fishing away from the currents. Flatties are usually present. In summer look for mackerel shoaling in the corners. Remember, this is best fished when people swimming have gone home. Try spinning near the rocks/boulders at dusk on high water.
6 Blue Pool Bay
Take the footpath near the caravan park walk until you reach a sign marking the Bay. On the top half of a medium-range tide, fish the rock platforms on the right onto clean ground. Dogfish, gurnard, bass and mackerel are present. Smoothhound and tope are also taken as they pass through. There is a chance of a ray or even an outside chance of a stingray or monkfish. Mackerel shoals prolific in summer. Take care, as big swells can develop suddenly.
Tackle Shops
Country Stores, Gowerton. Tel: 01792 875050.
Anglers Corner, Llanelli. Tel: 01554 773981.
