Aberdaron in July

[Izzetafox]

Guys,
I am in Wales again for two weeks in July. We are staying in a cottage overlooking the beach in Aberdaron.
I have fished the area on the western side of the bay below the cliffs with limited success from the yak.
Now I know most of the rock ledges in this area produce huss but has anyone had any success in the bay?
Any suggestions on methods to try from the yak in Aberdaron Bay?

Another question I have is....every time I go to Aberdaron I look out to the Seagul Islands, (Ynys Gwylan Fawr & Ynys Gwylan Bach). I am determined to paddle around them this year. I am hoping to use the route as shown.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s166/harry1606/aberdaron.jpg
Following the beach east to the headland then head out to the islands on the shortest hop, go around the islands then taking the direct route back.
There is supposed to be a sea cave on the southern edge of Gwylan Fawr and the islands hold one of the largest colonies of breeding puffins in the UK so it would be a worthwhile trip,
My question is does anyone know of the tidal flows and currents around these islands?
I know the the rising tide flows east to west so I guess I would be best to paddle out just before slack water on the ebb, then paddle round during slack water and come back as the tide comes in.
I believe I should miss the worst of the tide because of the bay itself. I am aware of the notorious currents and rips on the western side of the bay from Pen-y-cil towards Ynys Enlli ( Bardsey Island and Bardsey Sound) and I aim to keep well clear.
Any advice or details of any possible dangers would be gratefully received.
Cheers
Terry

[Wilds]

I have fished this area in the summer months for several years now and will be back this summer for a long weekend in july. The western side of the bay we have never caught fish in great numbers for some reason and if i were you i would try going round the eastern headland and fish in some of the sheltered bays round there. Close in you will find Wrasse , Pollock , Mackeral , Doggies , Huss , Bass and even tope.

As for paddling around the islands , i have seen on numerous occasions people doing this. Having said this i would be very catious on what state and strength of tide to do it. When in the boat fishing for Mackeral behind the islands we always drift parellel to them either north east to south west (incoming tide) or south east to north west (outgoing tide). The tide , just like around Bardsey sound is very strong and would not like to paddle against it for very long.

Paddling directly from the beach towards the islands you should be fine and not be effected by the tide so much. The area between the larger island and the headland there is a reef which can be easily located as the water here is always more turbulant even on the calmer days. The tide over the reef can be very strong and so would avoid this area as much as possible when the tide is running.

As for the caves , there is one beach side of the larger island and a larger cave south side of the smaller island both of which you can usually find the local seals in.

There are no real dangers as far as submerged reefs are concerned. The water drops away rapidly from most sides of both islands and we have landed with the boat many times on both islands. The shallowest side is in front of the bigger island in front of the small cave but usually the water is so clear you will be able to see the kelp even when in 25ft+ of water.

Hope some of this helps.

Will be there weather permitting 24th - 27th July and if you want to PM me we can swap details and if you are there on these dates we will be on the water to offer any assistance if needed and if my engine breaks down you could always paddle us in !!!

[Izzetafox]

Thanks Wilds that is a great help.
Unfortunately I am there from 5th to 19 so will miss you but I will post here if I survive my exploits. Your info will definitely make things safer for me cheers.

Terry

[Wilds]

All good , hope you get the weather and a few fish , Happy Paddling...