Winter Fishing Wicklow: What to Catch October to February

The definitive winter species on Wicklow beaches. They arrive in large shoals from October onwards, hugging the sandy bottom in 2 to 6 metres of water. Peak months are November and December when shoals of fish averaging 30 to 45cm pack the beaches at night. A session on Kilcoole or the Murrough on a November night tide (falling shingle run on these marks), fishing fresh black lug on a three-hook flapper, is as reliable as shore fishing gets in Ireland.

A true winter species and one of the most underrated fish on the Wicklow coast. They move into estuaries and sandy bays from October through February, feeding actively in shallow water. Wicklow Harbour, the Vartry River mouth and the sandy ground at the southern end of Brittas Bay all produce flounder through winter.

The winter constant, present on almost every Wicklow mark, night or day, throughout the cold months. While not the most glamorous target, a dogfish on a quiet December night is always better than a blank. Mackerel strip on a running ledger is the standard approach.

October and November bring coalfish inshore on rock and reef marks. Wicklow Head in particular fishes well for coalfish in autumn and early winter as shoals of sprats move along the coast. Lure fishing with shads and wedge spinners produces fish to 45cm on good evenings.

Cod are much less common than they once were, but codling still show up on some Wicklow marks in winter, particularly after severe storms. Kilcoole and the Murrough are the most likely venues. A bonus fish always worth celebrating.

Fish at night

Winter day sessions are largely unproductive on Wicklow beaches. The reliable approach is to arrive an hour before dark, typically 4 to 5pm from November onwards, and fish through to 9 to 10pm. The first three hours of darkness are almost always the most productive. Whiting feed aggressively after dark.

Keep bait fresh

Winter fish, particularly whiting, are scent hunters. Change your hooks every ten to fifteen minutes regardless of bites. A fresh lug worm gives off far more attractant than one that has been sitting on cold sand for twenty minutes. Buy fresh bait the day of your session.

Scale down terminal tackle

Drop to size 1 or 1/0 fine-wire Aberdeens for whiting and flounder. Use lighter snoods, 15 to 18lb fluorocarbon rather than heavier mono. Winter fish are generally less aggressive and more likely to drop a bait if they feel resistance.

Dress properly

Thermals, a good mid-layer, a waterproof windproof outer layer, and neoprene gloves that allow you to tie knots. A cold angler who stops concentrating at 7pm has wasted their time. Head torch with red light mode is essential, it preserves night vision.