The one that got away
Sea Angling
Countless people have visited Anglesey, and return. Some stay put.
Kevin Coe, an Englishman, was a high flying computer software designer and director with IBM in Boston, Mass, USA. “I didn’t like America, nor did my wife Karen, so we came back and looked at a variety of different things we could do. Computer software was off the list – far too stressful – and we had a look at pubs, hotels, post offices – that sort of thing” explains Kevin.
He’d been fishing since he was four years old, and then on a scouting mission they came across Llyn y Gors, a small fishery, tucked away in the countryside between Menai Bridge and Beaumaris. It is now the self-proclaimed premier fishery in North Wales.
It caters for all, from beginners to the hardnosed experienced coarse anglers. There are six pools or lakes in all, cottage accommodation and a campsite, and lurking beneath the waters are 35lb carp, 32lb catfish and 25lb pike.
“We try to bring in as many youngsters as we can, the same way I started” says Kevin “and we have groups coming here from all backgrounds. As part of Premier Fishing we are giving away beginners tackle.”
Llyn y Gors also boasts one of the best stocked tackle shops in the country, and with his computer background, it comes as no surprise to find the Coe’s running a thriving mail-order fishing business from Llyn y Gors.
There are other accessible and excellent Anglesey fisheries as well, Tyddyn Sargent near Benllech, and the impressive Llyn Alaw.
Sea angling has been a part of Anglesey life since the very beginning. Ask six locals for the best locations, and you’ll get six different answers and a day’s debate.
It is the variety and abundance of catches which attracts most, though the scenery would distract most people.
Around the Holyhead area seems exceptionally popular, at the Breakwater and The Range, but generally from the numerous small village ports to pointed headlands you will find rods and their owners. You will rarely be alone.
The catch? Bass. Mackerel. Whiting. Conger. Rays. Pollock. Dogfish – an exhaustive list, but there are some local restrictions, so please check.
Please search through our "What to do" section for details of charter boats.