The Origins

There are references in historic records dating back to the late 16th Century which mention the mass of quality fish that is found in the seas off the Pembrokeshire Coast.

A letter from the Bishop of St. David's to the Lord Treasurer Burleigh in 1595 states: 'the Sea-coasts nere about it yeld plenty of fishe'.

It is suggested that fishing was taking place around the Pembrokeshire Coast from as early as the 17th Century. In many coastal trade villages, such as Fishguard, Newport, Solva, Nolton Haven, Tenby and Saundersfoot, fishing was common as it provided food for the many people who worked at the harbours and industrial works.

For several centuries fishing has also been taking place along the rivers and waterways of the County. Particularly common on the Cleddau River was that of compass-net fishing, especially with the fishermen of Hook and Llangwm. This is where two boats were moored about 20 to 25 feet apart across the river with a net stretched between the two.

Other types of early river fishing include seine fishing which was popular with the fishermen from St. Dogmaels, and coracle fishing which was commonly undertaken on the Cleddau, Teifi and Taff Rivers.

Llangwm was well known for its fishing and for its fisherwomen in particular who would walk from door-to-door selling the locally caught fish.