South Beach, Tywyn, Gwynedd

MARK DESCRIPTION
A mainly clean beach but with wooden and stone breakwaters at the northern end, and a finger of rock guarding a small stream that flows across the beach on the south side. The old Welsh shore record for turbot was set here with a fish of 10lb 4oz, but netters have now reduced stocks.

A superb flounder mark in the post Christmas period with fish to 2lbs possible most tides.

Bass appear from April on, accompanied by turbot, plaice, thornbacks and eels. Garfish can be numerous here in May. Mackerel can be caught in July and August over high water on spring tides.

September on produces good numbers of whiting, big dabs, dogfish, thornbacks and small eyed rays in settled weather, sole are rare but possible, and monkfish have been hooked and lost. Rough seas in October can produce bass to 6lbs.

Codling to 2lbs show infrequently during winter, but most tides give dabs, dogfish, flounder, pout and rockling.

TACKLE AND BAIT
Distance can make the difference here, so choose a 5oz beach caster and 15lb line. Bass rods are okay for flounder fishing close in.

Peeler crab is the best all round bait in the spring and even takes the rays. Turbot eat half mackerel fillets or frozen sandeels. Try sandeels or squid for the small eyed's. Lug and rag tipped with squid, fish or mussel appeals to dabs, whiting etc. Plain lug is best for those rarer sole and codling.

Spinning the high water mark with small silver Tobies in summer hooks mackerel, bass, garfish and occasional sea trout. You need a licence to take the trout, though!

Bait is non existent locally, so bring plenty with you.

HOW TO GET THERE
From Machynlleth, take the A493 through Aberdovey to Tywyn. Turn left towards the promenade by the Talyllyn Railway. Car parking is on the extreme left of the promenade, and make sure you pay! Walk south past the caravan site until you reach the beach proper. Penllyn Rocks can be seen 250yds further on.