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Hells Mouth Beach, Lleyn Peninsula

Mike Thrussell 01 January, 2006 07:35:00

Best approached via Pwllheli using the A497, then the A499 to Abersoch. From Abersoch head towards Llanengan village and follow the signposts for Hells Mouth. Parking is in a lay-by some 300yds from the middle section of the beach.

GROUND
Save for rough patches at each extreme end this is a wholly clean sand surf beach with gutters running it's length at intervals. Takes on a massive surf at times, hence the name.

PROSPECTS
Produces school bass throughout the year. Spring is good for bass to average size, with flatfish, rays and dogfish taken. Summer is poor, though rough weather brings bass in shore. Huss can be hooked from the ends of the beach to long casts at night. Autumn and winter are best with big bass in the surf from September through to late November, whiting, dabs, coalfish and odd rays. Tope have been hooked from the shore here in June and July. Plaice are taken in daylight from the western end in late May and June. Odd codling show infrequently in winter.

TIME AND TIDES
Always fishes best on the bigger tides in spring and autumn. Because the beach is so shallow night tides should be chosen for the best results. Peak summer sees hundreds of holidaymakers in the surf rendering fishing impossible.

BAITS AND RIGS
No bait on the beach at all, save for some razorfish beds that only uncover on the biggest tides at low water. This is a fair bait fresh for bass, but otherwise bring lug for the bass and whiting etc, with fish baits, king rag and squid bringing the variety of fish in. Frozen sandeel can be good for rays and huss.

Fish a simple two or three hook paternoster for the smaller fish armed with Mustad Aberdeen's or Kamasan's size 2 to 1/0. A single hook paternoster is best for the rays and bass. Carry 5 and 6oz leads, both plain and wired.

WEATHER
Settled seas are best for whiting and dabs. Coalies like a bit of a breeze behind the sea as do the bass. Rays need warm sou'westerlies with calm seas. Likewise summer tope. Can get very weedy after storms at any time of year.