One bay, two villages, hence the two beaches. There is no visible border line between the two so you could be forgiven for thinking that the fishing will be the same anywhere along its shore. Not so! The two areas contrast in their catches both in quantity and quality. Horton to the east produces far better surf conditions. It’s steeper and deeper than Port Eynon with a swifter water flow along its shore. There is scope for rock fishing on Horton’s eastern side, but the beach is best.
Port Eynon to the west is shallower and slower due mainly to the protection afforded by its western promontory. At the very point of this rocky arm there’s good surf over hard ground. There are many productive gullies too. But for much of its length the waters are shallow and still, sheltered from the prevailing west and south westerly winds.
SPECIES
The rocks of Horton will produce bass, pollack, mackerel and some fine rockling while the beach yields bass and some dabs and plaice.
Port Eynon beach has its share of the flatfishes but few bass. For these head for the rocks to the west. It’s a fine point to fish and has yielded several double figure fish. You’ll also find mackerel late in the season and a few pollack. Wrasse, rockling and gurnards make up an interesting selection to fill your day.
BEST METHOD: BEST BAIT
From Horton’s rocks there is no question that the finest fishing is achieved with a ledgered soft or peeler crab. Remember that the ground is hard and tackle up accordingly. Set your crab 18 to 24 inches above your sinker to help keep the bait clear of the rough ground. Access to the water’s edge is relatively easy so there are no dangers involved with lifting fish. Plenty of depth here at high water to spin for mackerel and pollack, first light being the best time. Look for the whitebait that abound at the rock edges and you’ll find the fish.