The Roman Road, Aberdovey, Gwynedd

MARK DESCRIPTION
The Roman Road is at the eastern end of Aberdovey on the north flank of the famous Dovey estuary. The actual mark is a flattened rock ledge running along the rock face just above the high water mark.

There is rough ground and heavy weed close in, but this gradually gives way to an all sand seabed.

A highly rated bass mark from April through until early October, but is equally reliable for flounders in the spring when they're returning from spawning, but especially from October through January when they make the return journey back to sea after a summers feeding.

Summer time also sees a few good plaice taken, dogfish, and eels over 2lbs. Mullet run the rock edges over high water and fish over 5lbs are regularly reported.

The tide runs fast on the flood, but is easier on the ebb. The two hours either side of high water is the best time to fish, though bass can appear at any stage of tide, even the middle ebb. Springs are more reliable than neaps.

Heavy rain pouring down the estuary sees the fishing suffer badly and it's wise to leave this mark alone until the rain water has passed through.

TACKLE AND BAIT
A variety of tackle choice here. The bass hunt close in and a snap out rig fished hard in to the rough ground is preferred for these. A simple two hook up and down rig is ideal for the flounders and eels, and will take any resident plaice.

Float fishing a sandeel also takes the bass and gives you a chance of the mullet using a size 8 hook and mackerel flesh bait. Spinners and plugs worked over the top of the weed during calm, settled spells from June to September is the other proven method for bass and can produce sea trout, but you'll need a river licence for these.

Crab is deadly for the bass, flounders and eels, but is in short supply locally. Lug or rag should be used for plaice and will also take the flounders, odd eels and school bass.

LOCAL TACKLE SHOPS INCLUDE
Non in Aberdovey, though several shops sell bits and pieces such as mackerel feathers etc. Bring plenty of hooks, weights etc, with you.

HOW TO GET THERE
Come off the main A470 heading for Machynlleth and take the A493 to Aberdovey. There is a large car park near the harbour, but this gets busy in summer. Walk back eastwards past the Penhelig pub and under the railway bridge looking for a footpath through a wooden gate on the right hand side. Follow the path round to the Roman Road.