Porth Oer (Whistling Sands), Lleyn Peninsula, Gwynedd

Porth Oer is also called Whistling Sands because the coarse nature of the sand makes it squeak when walked on.

A quickly shelving beach flanked by a rocky headland on the left and cliff ground to the rear and right. A reef comes across at right angles from the headland but only long-range casters reach it. There are other patches of rough ground scattered across the beach, but these can cover with sand during periods of calm weather. The beach carries a big surf in southwest and west winds, and can be weedy after a blow.

SPECIES INCLUDE
Bass, codling, plaice, rays, gurnards, turbot, huss, wrasse, conger, dabs, coalfish and whiting

TACKLE
5 to 6oz beachcasters, 6500 sized reels and 15lb line are ideal for average conditions with no weed. After storms, go for a 7000 sized reel and 20lb to combat the weed and exposed snags.

Top rigs are single one-hook clipped down rigs with 2/0 hooks for bass, or 3/0 pennel rigs for codling, huss and rays. Two-hook and three hook rigs with size 2 Aberdeen's are best for the flatfish and whiting. A two-hook rig and 1/0 hooks take big coalfish right in the surf tables.

The combined spring tide run and a big surf requires 6oz grip leads, but on average conditions a 5oz Breakaway lead is adequate.

BAITS
Sandeel takes bass, turbot and the rays. Switch to lugworm for the winter flatties and codling. Rag is a top plaice bait, especially tipped with a sliver of squid. Crab cast close to the rocks finds wrasse and bass. Mackerel strips at long range take gurnards, dogfish, conger and huss.

GETTING THERE
From Bangor take the A487 Caernarfon road branching right on to the A499. At Llanhaelhearn turn right on to the B4417 and head towards Tudweilog. After Tudweilog Porth Oer is signposted and easy to follow. There is a pay in the summer car park at the top and access is down a steep road directly on to the beach.