When it fishes well
Night tides in autumn most productive across the species mix. Crab essential for the spring/summer bass and hound run.
BeachIntermediate
Arklow South Beach & Ferrybank
A river-mouth shore complex: Ferrybank on the north side of the Avoca estuary, South Beach below the estuary mouth. The biggest accessible south-Wicklow venue for shore anglers. Bass averaging around 3 lb with larger fish annual, plus smoothhound, dogfish, flounder and small whiting through the mix. Sole over the 2 lb specimen size has been recorded historically, an unusual east-coast species note. Roadstone Pier to the south is privately owned (permission required at site office) and held the Irish Record three-bearded rockling at 3 lb 1 oz in 1990.
Open today's plan
SSE 26
Wind
1.0m
Swell
Flooding · High in 6h 21m
Tide
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Session plan
Ranked marks, species targets and today's call for the Wicklow coast live on the plan page — not on individual mark guides.
Open today's planTide window
Night tides in autumn most productive across the species mix. Crab essential for the spring/summer bass and hound run.
Primary target
Bass
Safety
River-mouth currents, mind the channel. Two distinct beaches, do not confuse access points. Roadstone Pier requires permission at site office before fishing.
Live readings
Tides and weather charts. Confirm tides and Met Éireann sea-area forecasts before travelling.
Species and seasons
Target list and season windows
- BassIN SEASON: spring to autumn (averaging ~3 lb
- DogfishIN SEASON: year round
- Dover soleIN SEASONSeasonal
- MackerelIN SEASON: June to September
- PlaiceIN SEASON: spring to summer
- SmoothhoundIN SEASON: May to September (crab baits)
Field note
Avoca river mouth complex, bass and hounds on the beaches, check access around the ferrybank.
Read before you go
Spots · 9 min read
Wicklow Sea Fishing Guide: Everything You Need to Know
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.
Read guide →Species · 8 min read
Bass Fishing Wicklow 2026
Bass fishing on the Wicklow coast in 2026: marks, baits, lures and tides as fish move inshore from late May through the summer season.
Read guide →Species · 6 min read
Smoothhound Fishing Ireland 2026
Smoothhound arrive off Wicklow from late May 2026. Peeler crab, rigs, marks and evening tides for Ireland's top summer shore shark.
Read guide →
Practical notes
On the ground
What to bring
Baits
- Crab (essential spring/summer)
- Lugworm
- Ragworm
- Mackerel strip
Methods
- Standard surf rigs
- Crab for big bass and hounds
- Lug for autumn species
- Float-fished bread (Avoca estuary mullet)
Getting there
Access
Easy car park access at South Beach. Ferrybank a short walk from the harbour. The Avoca Estuary upstream of the bridge holds specimen mullet (over 5 lb) on float-fished bread in summer and flounder April to December on bottom worm or lures. Arklow Piers in general are 'fishing down the wall with small hooks' venues, same LRF pattern as Bray. Roadstone Pier south of the town is privately owned; permission at site office.
Parking
Free car park at South Beach; harbour parking for Ferrybank.
Hazards
River-mouth currents, mind the channel. Two distinct beaches, do not confuse access points. Roadstone Pier requires permission at site office before fishing.
Nearest tackle
Where to top up
Arklow town tackle shops.
Gear for this mark
Tackle
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Sand spike rod rest
Keeps rods stable on long beaches and surf tables.
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Pulley rig pack
Clean‑ground staple for distance and tidy traces.
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Grip lead sinker set
Grip and distance options for varying swell and tide.
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Crab fishing lure
Realistic crab lure, deadly for bass on Wicklow surf beaches.
Ready to fish Arklow South Beach & Ferrybank?
Check today's plan for tides, conditions, and gear.