Penychain, Criccieth today

[tegs]

Was going to get out today no matter what! The offshores had calmed down by late afternoon and with high tide at about 7.40pm I got the gear together and set off. This was to be my maiden voyage with rods and only the second in salt water.
The venue at Penychain (turn left at Afonwen roundabout) is pretty easy to get to but is very flat with smooth ground quite far out, but you can paddle over to the right by Haven holiday park and further around the point which is pretty rocky. I've seen mackerel caught off the beach here with feathers on a fly rod in late August when you get shoals of baitfish literally boiling up the water. But thats in August and this is May 3rd so I wasn't that hopeful!
Anyway, was out about two and a half hours and sum total was two doggies, as ever ;D really glad I didn't blank though on the first time.
The sky started to darken a bit by 7pm and quite a rolling swell came in, which would have been great fun mid day but I thought best to get in before it got worse at that time of night. Coming in through the surf was wicked mind you ;D

So, at least I've finally had fish on the deck and got some good practice in all round. Loved it.
This venue could be good in high summer despite it being quite shallow as it can be a millpond there while further south the surf can be quite rough. A good mackerel venue for sure?

One last thing....... to anyone thinking of getting into kayak fishing........ I've read a few debates about clothing/radios etc and whether its all necessary, well, my advice is dont even think about going out to sea without ALL the necessary safety equipment i.e. drysuit, a good radio etc. Trust me, the feeling of security it gives you when you're actually out there is invaluable

Cheers all

[steve07]

well done tegs glad you had a good trip and a few fish!

[kickingk]

Tegs,

Is it easy to park & how far is it from the car to the sea, this used to be my favouite venue but I had access through the Haven site so any info would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Karl

[tegs]

Its pretty easy to get to Karl. The roundabout is only signposted with a dead end sign so its a bit of a quiet spot. Just turn down the lane and there's usually plenty of parking under the railway bridge. You used to be able to drive to the beach but the path has been made narrower now. It's no more than 150yds to pull the yak, just a bit awkward over the stony bit. Low tide can be quite far out though

[izzetafox]

Tegs,
I am at Haven in two weeks and intend to fish Penychain.
I have fished just west at Abererch and had a few schoolies from the beach. I was thinking of having a go with the bass lures from the yak any idea on prospects?
Also been told on another thread that you can find conger at the foot of the rocks.
I know that ' Butlins Point ' always used to be known as a mackie hotspot to rival The Gimlet.

Cheers
Terry

[kickingk]

Terry,

When the mackies are in it puts Gimlet to shame ;D Great fun on the fly rod!!
We are booked in for a weekend in June & I can't wait!! ;D ;D ;D
Cheers
Karl

[izzetafox]

And if you fish from a yak you don't have to worry about your car in the car park, or the smell of p%ss and rubbish left on the rocks. Last year I had 4 kids start diving off the Gimlet whilst I was fishing, their Dad's were spinning to the left. I am not saying the estate at the back iss rough but I could hear the strains of 'Duelling Banjo's' drifting over.

If you yak around there try driving past the Gimlet, through the caravan site right up to the harbour entrance. Great launch site and if there is a surf running you can actually land inside the harbour mouth with no problems.

[tegs]

I would have thought lures close to the rocks would be good, but as pointed out, you can expect a lot of 'activity' around that area all summer........... there were boats and bleedin' jetski's there yersterday.
As for the conger, I personally caught what must be the Welsh (if not British) record for the smallest eel ever there last year ;D it was about 8" long and the thichness of a thumb! Still, shows they must be there.

[izzetafox]

about 8" long and the thichness of a thumb

That's about as big as I fancy having in my lap if the truth be known. :-) Mind you there is already something there similar to that size. ;-) ( I wish!!)

[izzetafox]

I am heading for Aberdaron for a fortnight in July and a week at the back end of September so hopefully I'll get a few more quality Welsh trips in this Summer.