This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why night fishing produces more fish
Shore fishing after dark consistently produces better results than daylight sessions for most Wicklow species. Bass lose their caution in low light and move into very shallow water they would avoid during the day. Whiting, dogfish and rockling are predominantly nocturnal feeders. Even at busy marks like Greystones Harbour, the crowds disappear at dusk and the fish move in. If you have only ever fished during daylight hours, fishing your first proper night session will be a revelation.
Species to target at night
Bass
The primary reason most anglers fish at night. Bass move tight to shore structures, sandbars and gullies after dark, feeding aggressively on worms, crabs and small fish. Lure fishing with surface lures and soft plastics can be outstanding from May to October.
Whiting
A predominantly night species from October to April. Whiting move inshore after dark in large shoals and can be caught in numbers on beaches and piers. Two-hook paternoster rigs with small hooks and fresh bait produce consistent bags.
Dogfish
Dogfish are active at all hours but noticeably more active after dark. Reliable from every beach and pier on the coast. Mackerel strip, ragworm and lugworm all work well.
Rockling
Strictly nocturnal, rarely caught in daylight. Active from piers and rocky ground through autumn and winter nights. Small baits on fine wire hooks.
Tope
Shore tope are primarily a nocturnal species at marks like Kilcoole and The Murrough in October and November. A realistic but serious target for night sessions on the right tide.
Essential night fishing gear
Headtorch
Non-negotiable. Bring two, a primary torch and a spare with fresh batteries. A red light mode preserves night vision. Never use a phone torch as your primary light.
Spare batteries
Cold drains batteries faster. Always carry spares for both the torch and any electronic bite alarms.
Rod rest or tripod
Essential for night fishing, you cannot hold the rod for a full session. A beach spike or tripod rod rest keeps rods stable and visible.
Bite alarm or bell
A simple rod tip bell or electronic bite alarm alerts you to bites when you cannot see the rod tip clearly. Basic bells are fine for most beach fishing.
Warm layered clothing
Nights are significantly colder than daytime even in summer. Bring more layers than you think you need, a windproof outer layer is essential on exposed beaches.
First aid kit
A basic kit including a penknife, disgorger, pliers, and a torch for inspecting hooks and unhooking fish in low light. Safety is paramount when fishing alone at night.
Safety at night
Night fishing requires more care than daytime sessions. Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Never fish alone on rock marks at night, the combination of darkness, swell and slippery surfaces makes this genuinely dangerous. On beaches, set up well above the high water mark and be aware of where the tide is heading. Check the tide times before you go and know your exit route.
Railway crossings on marks like Kilcoole and Greystones South Beach require extreme care at night, trains run through the night and the lights and sound can be disorienting in the dark. Always stop, look and listen before crossing, and close the gates behind you.
Best night marks on the Wicklow coast
Greystones Harbour is the best starting point for night fishing, well lit, accessible, safe and productive for bass, whiting and dogfish. Kilcoole Beach on an autumn night tide (falling bite on this shingle stretch) is the premier night bass mark. The Murrough produces consistent whiting and dogfish on winter nights. Brittas Bay evening sessions from September onwards regularly produce bass and smoothhound into the dark hours.
Recommended gear
Night fishing essentials
Three items no night angler should be without on Wicklow beaches.
Affiliate links, we earn a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp
300 lumens, IPX4 waterproof, brightness memory. The headtorch most serious shore anglers use, essential for any night session. Bring a spare set of batteries.
View on AmazonShakespeare Saltwater Sand Spike
Lightweight aluminium rod spike, push into the sand and rest your rod at the right angle to watch the tip. Essential for night fishing when you cannot hold the rod all session.
View on AmazonFishing Alarm Bells (10 pack)
Simple clip-on rod tip bells that ring when a fish takes the bait, easy to see and hear in the dark. Basic, reliable and cheap. Perfect for beach fishing at night.
View on AmazonPlan your next session