Ebony May Fishing Saundersfoot Mackerel Fishing

Ebony May Fishing Saundersfoot Mackerel Fishing is a charter boat operation focused on getting people of all ages and experience levels onto quality sea fish while enjoying time on the water in a relaxed, friendly setting. Rather than operating as a traditional tackle shop, it functions as a specialist sea fishing charter that appeals to both complete beginners and seasoned anglers looking for reliable access to productive grounds and practical support from an experienced skipper. The business is family-run, and that personal approach is evident in the way trips are organised, from handling group bookings to catering for specific needs such as wheelchair users and older passengers.

The core offer centres on boat-based mackerel fishing, general sea fishing trips, and more targeted sessions for species such as bass, pollack and tope, so it naturally attracts people searching online for terms like fishing charters, deep sea fishing and boat fishing trips in this part of Wales. Customers generally describe the atmosphere on board as relaxed yet purposeful, with a focus on safety and comfort as well as catching fish, which is important for families who may be nervous about heading offshore for the first time. Many first-time visitors report leaving with not only fish for the table but also practical tips that help them understand basic rigs, how to handle a rod, and what to expect from local tides and weather.

Boat, comfort and on-board facilities

The boat itself, the Ebony May, is a 10-metre Cougar catamaran designed specifically with anglers in mind, and this sets it apart from smaller or more basic vessels in the area. Twin high-powered outboard engines give it a cruising speed of around 20–25 knots, meaning less time travelling and more time with lines in the water, something regular anglers particularly appreciate when planning full or multi-day trips. The catamaran’s beam provides a wide and stable deck, with generous fishing space that helps to reduce tangles and allows groups to spread out rather than crowding shoulder to shoulder.

On-board facilities are relatively comprehensive for a fishing charter boat, including undercover seating, a toilet and a live bait tank, elements that make longer trips more comfortable, especially in unsettled weather. The side access door is a key feature that makes embarking easier for wheelchair users and less mobile passengers, and reviewers regularly mention how simple it was to get on and off compared with more traditional harbour ladders. Modern electronics are fitted, with a full navigation and fish-finding package to help the skipper locate structure, bait shoals and predator fish, which is particularly relevant for guests interested in bass fishing, pollock fishing or targeting larger species such as tope.

Fishing styles and target species

Ebony May Fishing offers a variety of trip types so that customers can choose how technical or relaxed they want their day to be. Shorter excursions typically lean towards mackerel fishing trips, where the aim is to give families and novices fast-paced action and the excitement of pulling multiple fish up from mid-water once a shoal is located. Longer sessions focus more on mixed bottom fishing for species such as ray, huss and bream, or more selective lure and bait fishing for bass and tope over reefs, sand banks and other offshore features.

Anglers report catching a wide range of fish, including mackerel, bass, gurnard, pollock, smoothhound and tope, with some trips producing tope estimated well over 50 pounds. Many visitors highlight that the skipper is willing to cover significant ground to locate feeding fish, using bird activity and local knowledge of tides and marks to decide when to move, which is a clear advantage for those booking specifically for a focused sea angling experience. For novices, the chance to try different methods such as feathering for mackerel, drifting with lures for bass or anchoring for larger species offers a rounded introduction to boat angling within a single outing.

Skipper attitude and customer care

The skipper, Stuart, is mentioned repeatedly in online reviews, and his approach is one of the defining strengths of the business. Guests describe him as patient, approachable and keen to share his knowledge, which makes a significant difference to less experienced anglers who might otherwise feel intimidated handling tackle or dealing with lively fish. He is also noted for working hard throughout the trip, changing marks, adjusting tactics and checking baits to keep people in contact with fish rather than simply sitting at anchor and waiting.

Families with children, elderly passengers and wheelchair users all comment favourably on how they were treated, from clear safety briefings to practical assistance moving around the boat. There are accounts of large family groups, including a wheelchair user, being accommodated without fuss and enjoying a comfortable cruise that combined wildlife watching, local history and light boat fishing. Many repeat visitors emphasise that communication before the trip is straightforward, with clear guidance on what to bring, how the day will run and what to expect from the sea fishing trip, which helps manage expectations around weather, sea conditions and catch rates.

Accessibility and suitability for different groups

One of the practical advantages of Ebony May Fishing is its ability to handle mixed groups, from dedicated anglers to those who simply want a scenic outing with the possibility of catching fish. The wide, stable platform and sheltered seating make it suitable for older guests or people who may be nervous about boats, while the side door and layout support wheelchair access in a way that many smaller charter boats cannot match. This flexibility is helpful for families organising multi-generational trips where not everyone is focused solely on sea angling.

The operation also runs non-fishing wildlife and coastline cruises, for example trips that pass Caldey Island and St Catherine’s, where passengers can see seals and seabirds while listening to local stories and historical notes from the skipper. For anglers who want to include partners or friends who are less interested in fishing, the option to mix light fishing boat trips with sightseeing can make the outing more appealing and easier to justify as a shared activity. However, those seeking a purely hardcore angling session should check in advance which trip format is scheduled on the day, as some cruises are more focused on scenery and wildlife than intensive fishing.

Strengths highlighted by customers

• High catch potential: Many online reviews mention good numbers of fish, including memorable sessions on bass and tope, which is a key consideration for anglers comparing different sea fishing charters.
• Comfortable, modern boat: The dedicated catamaran design, powerful engines and on-board facilities provide a more refined experience than some older charter vessels.
• Friendly, knowledgeable skipper: Stuart’s local knowledge, coaching and willingness to assist novices stand out consistently.
• Family and wheelchair friendly: The layout and boarding arrangements support a broader range of passengers, including those with mobility challenges.
• Flexible trip options: From short mackerel fishing trips to longer deep-sea sessions and non-fishing cruises, there is scope to choose an outing that matches the group’s priorities.

Limitations and points to consider

Although feedback is overwhelmingly positive, potential customers should still be aware of a few limitations before booking. A minority of reviews describe occasions where expectations around the specific harbour of departure or the style of fishing were not fully met, such as paying for a Saundersfoot trip but effectively fishing closer to Tenby with a different skipper, or spending more time dealing with weed and tangles than actual fishing. These experiences appear to be the exception rather than the rule, but they underline the importance of clarifying details in advance, especially for those with limited time or a very specific idea of the trip they want.

Like any sea fishing charter, Ebony May Fishing is heavily dependent on weather and sea conditions, and there will be days when catch rates are modest or when certain areas cannot be reached safely. Some visitors might also find that mixed-group trips balance the needs of families and novices with those of more experienced anglers, meaning the pace and techniques used may not always be optimised for specimen hunting throughout the entire session. Prices are generally described as fair for the service and time provided, but those on tighter budgets should weigh the cost against shorter pier or shore-based fishing options if they simply want a quick introduction rather than a full charter experience.

Who Ebony May Fishing is best for

Ebony May Fishing Saundersfoot Mackerel Fishing is particularly well suited to families, groups of friends and visiting anglers who value a combination of comfort, friendly coaching and the chance of connecting with quality fish. People searching online for mackerel fishing trips, bass fishing charters or general sea fishing trips in this part of Wales are likely to find that the operation offers a balanced package of catch potential and customer care. Those who are new to boat angling, or who are bringing children or older relatives, will probably appreciate the relaxed style, stable platform and willingness to adapt the day to the group’s needs.

More experienced anglers who are targeting specific species like bass, pollock or tope can benefit from Stuart’s local knowledge and the boat’s ability to cover ground quickly, provided they communicate their priorities when booking and choose an appropriate trip format. For individuals comparing different fishing boat trips in the area, it is worth weighing up Ebony May’s strengths in terms of comfort, accessibility and skipper engagement against the small number of comments about trip logistics and occasional frustrations with weed or tangles. Overall, the operation stands out as a solid option for anyone looking to combine effective sea angling with a safe and friendly day on the water, whether their goal is a first mackerel for the kids or a hard-fighting tope for the camera.