Almost hidden away at the very western end of Milford Haven, Dale is protected from the prevailing winds and is fishable in most conditions.

The beach slopes gently to the sea and is made up from mixed shingle and muddy sand. There is a slipway in the middle, with a rocky outcrop to the north side. The slipway area fishes well in the dark on the flood tide, with the rocks a good bet towards high water. There's a handy pub on the quay too that serves excellent food.

SPECIES
Bass, flounder and dogfish are the common catch from April right through to February. April to July sees eels caught, with garfish and the occasional shoal of mackerel through the summer. Mullet show around the boat pontoons in front of the pub early and late in the evenings. Longer casts take the occasional ray in May and June.

Winter fishing is for whiting, dabs, dogfish, bass and flounder. The best flounder showing either side of Christmas and through to February.

BEST BAITS
Peeler or soft crab is essential here for the bass, flounders and eels. Worm baits take smaller flounder and bass, plus the dabs and whiting in winter. Fish baits take the better whiting and any rays.

TACKLE
Long range tactics with a standard 5-6oz beachcaster, 6500 reel and 15lb line with a shock leader will catch you more fish here, especially the rays. Tide run is minimal and 5oz grip leads are ample.

Three-hook flapper rigs or clipped down one-hook rigs take the most fish.

Try a small strip of mackerel under a bubble float for the garfish, with bread or mackerel flake picking up the occasional mullet.

GETTING THERE
Take the A40 to Haverfordwest, then the B4327 straight in to Dale. There is a car park above the beach, fee paying during the summer.

Comment...