FIELD NOTES
Tactics, gear, and guides for Wicklow shore anglers. Written from the marks between Greystones and Arklow.
40 articles · Wicklow coast · Updated regularly
THIS WEEK
The complete guide to sea fishing in Co. Wicklow: the best marks, species, seasons, tides, baits and local knowledge for shore anglers on the east coast of Ireland.
9 min read · sea fishing Wicklow
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Showing 39 articles
SpeciesWhen mackerel arrive on the Wicklow coast, where to fish them from shore, and how to fish them through the June peak. Local timing, gear, tactics, and a responsible take.
8 MIN · MACKEREL
TacticsThe best shore fishing rods for Irish beaches and piers in 2026. Beachcaster, spinning, and float rod recommendations tested on Wicklow marks.
8 MIN · SHORE FISHING ROD
TacticsUnderstanding tides is the single biggest factor in shore fishing success. How to read tide tables and plan sessions around tides on the Wicklow coast.
7 MIN · TIDES
SpeciesGarfish arrive off Wicklow in late April. How to catch them from piers and beaches: float rigs, baits, and the best marks on the east coast.
7 MIN · GARFISH
SpeciesPollack are one of the hardest-fighting shore species in Ireland. Best marks, rigs, and tactics for Wicklow pier and rock fishing, updated 2026.
7 MIN · POLLOCK
SpeciesBass fishing on the Wicklow coast in 2026: marks, baits, lures and tides as fish move inshore from late May through the summer season.
8 MIN · BASS
SpeciesSmoothhound arrive off Wicklow from late May 2026. Peeler crab, rigs, marks and evening tides for Ireland's top summer shore shark.
6 MIN · SMOOTHHOUND
BeginnersEverything a complete beginner needs to start shore fishing in Ireland: gear, bait, rigs, where to go and what to expect on your first sessions.
10 MIN · BEGINNERS
SeasonalWicklow shore fishing by month for 2026: species to target, peak seasons and local timing on the east coast from Greystones to Arklow.
7 MIN · SEASONAL
SpeciesHow to catch flounder from Irish beaches and piers: the best marks, baits, rigs and tides for one of the most reliable winter shore species on the Wicklow coast.
6 MIN · FLOUNDER
TacticsHow to catch bass from harbour walls and piers in Ireland: the right lures, baits, timing and approach for pier bass from spring through autumn.
6 MIN · BASS
TacticsEverything you need to know about peeler crab: how to find it, identify it, prepare it and use it to catch bass, smoothhound and more from Irish beaches.
6 MIN · PEELER CRAB
TacticsWhy fishing after dark produces more and bigger fish: the species, marks, gear and safety essentials for night shore fishing on the Wicklow coast.
7 MIN · NIGHT FISHING
TacticsThe three rigs that cover almost every Irish shore fishing situation: running ledger, pulley rig and paternoster, explained simply with step by step instructions.
7 MIN · FISHING RIGS
SpeciesHow to target tope from Irish beaches: the right marks, baits, tackle and timing for one of the most powerful and sought-after shore species on the Irish coast.
8 MIN · TOPE
SpotsBrittas Bay fishing in 2026: bass and smoothhound from late May, baits, tides and access on Wicklow's premier summer beach.
7 MIN · BRITTAS BAY
TacticsThe best lures for catching bass from Irish beaches and piers: soft plastics, surface lures, colours, retrieves and setups that consistently produce fish on the Wicklow coast.
8 MIN · BASS LURES
SpeciesMackerel arrive off Wicklow in late May. Best marks, rigs and timing for shore mackerel in Ireland, updated 2026.
7 MIN · MACKEREL FISHING IRELAND
SpeciesWrasse fishing in Ireland for 2026: Wicklow rock marks, kelp baits and lure tactics through the May to August peak on the east coast.
7 MIN · WRASSE FISHING IRELAND
SpotsWicklow Head fishing in 2026: pollack, wrasse and mackerel on the county's top rock mark through the May to August inshore peak.
7 MIN · WICKLOW HEAD
SpotsTop 10 Wicklow shore fishing spots for 2026: ranked marks from Bray to Brittas Bay with species, seasons and summer access notes.
9 MIN · FISHING SPOTS WICKLOW
SpeciesThe most commonly caught fish from Irish beaches: how to target, hook, handle and return dogfish from Wicklow shore marks. The reliable species that never lets you down.
6 MIN · DOGFISH
SpeciesHow to catch whiting from Irish beaches: when they arrive, the best Wicklow marks, baits, rigs and tactics for Ireland's most reliable winter shore species.
7 MIN · WHITING FISHING IRELAND
SpeciesPollack and coalfish from Wicklow rocks and piers in 2026: ID tips, lures and marks as pollack peak from late May through summer.
7 MIN · COALFISH
SeasonalThe complete guide to winter fishing on the Wicklow coast: species, marks, tactics and essential gear for fishing through October to February when most anglers stay home.
8 MIN · WINTER FISHING IRELAND
TacticsHow to source, keep and use ragworm for Irish shore fishing: king rag for bass and smoothhound, harbour rag for flounder and mullet. The most versatile bait in the sea.
6 MIN · RAGWORM
SpotsGreystones fishing in 2026: pier, beach and rock marks for bass, pollack, mackerel and wrasse as the summer season builds from late May.
7 MIN · GREYSTONES FISHING
BeginnersEssential safety knowledge for Irish shore anglers: rock mark awareness, wave safety, night fishing preparation and what to do if things go wrong.
6 MIN · FISHING SAFETY
SpeciesHow to catch thick-lipped grey mullet from Irish harbours and estuaries: groundbaiting, float tactics, bread flake and ragworm for Ireland's most challenging inshore species.
7 MIN · MULLET FISHING IRELAND
BeginnersA practical guide to shore fishing equipment for Irish beaches: rods, reels, line, terminal tackle and lures at sensible budgets, without the unnecessary extras.
7 MIN · FISHING GEAR IRELAND
SeasonalWicklow spring fishing 2026: bass, smoothhound, mackerel and pollack from March to May as the coast wakes up before the June peak.
7 MIN · SPRING FISHING IRELAND
BeginnersThe complete answer. No licence is required for sea fishing in Irish tidal waters. What you do need to know about minimum sizes, bag limits and bass conservation rules.
5 MIN · SEA FISHING LICENCE IRELAND
SeasonalSummer shore fishing Wicklow 2026: bass, smoothhound, mackerel and wrasse marks and tactics for June through August on the east coast.
7 MIN · SUMMER FISHING IRELAND
TacticsThe most important summer bait species on the Irish coast: how to catch fresh sandeel, use frozen sandeel and present it for bass, pollack, flounder and more.
6 MIN · SANDEEL BAIT
SpeciesEuropean squid are now a genuine target species from Wicklow piers in autumn. Here's how to catch them on egi, covering technique, timing, gear and how to cook your catch.
7 MIN · SQUID
TacticsA step-by-step breakdown of the eging technique. How to dart, sink and detect takes from squid on Irish piers, with tips specific to Wicklow harbour conditions.
6 MIN · EGING
SpeciesPlaice run close to Wicklow beaches from March to July. Best marks, rigs and baits for shore plaice on the east coast, updated 2026.
7 MIN · PLAICE
TacticsBass feed most aggressively after dark on Wicklow beaches. Tactics, marks, and safety for night shore fishing on the east coast.
7 MIN · BASS
SpotsWicklow Town offers pier, harbour, and rock fishing within walking distance. Best marks, species, and seasonal timing for 2026.
8 MIN · WICKLOW TOWN