Cliff-base rock ledges below Bray Head, named after the historical smuggling cave largely destroyed in the 1847 railway construction (the name persists locally for the area). Deep, clear water with strong currents that concentrate pollock, wrasse and coalfish. Single-figure pollock with occasional 6 to 8 lb fish is the realistic expectation from the rocks themselves; consistent shore-caught doubles are not well evidenced in modern reports (the published double-figure fish come from boat work on the Wicklow wrecks). A mark for experienced rock anglers who understand the sea.
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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.
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Primary target
Safety
Tides and weather charts. Confirm tides and Met Éireann sea-area forecasts before travelling.
Serious rock under Bray Head, quality pollock and wrasse, experienced anglers only, never fish alone.
Species · 7 min read
Wrasse Fishing Ireland 2026
Wrasse fishing in Ireland for 2026: Wicklow rock marks, kelp baits and lure tactics through the May to August peak on the east coast.
Read guide →Beginners · 6 min read
Shore Fishing Safety in Ireland: Rock, Beach and Night Sessions
Essential safety knowledge for Irish shore anglers: rock mark awareness, wave safety, night fishing preparation and what to do if things go wrong.
Read guide →Spots · 7 min read
Wicklow Head Fishing 2026
Wicklow Head fishing in 2026: pollack, wrasse and mackerel on the county's top rock mark through the May to August inshore peak.
Read guide →On the ground
Baits
Methods
Access
Access is typically on foot from Bray town, following the cliff walk south from the seafront before descending carefully toward the rocky shoreline at the base of Bray Head. The terrain is rough and uneven and the historical smuggling cave that gave this area its name was demolished during the 1847 railway construction, the name has carried through locally for the area. Not a suitable mark for beginners or those unfamiliar with the area. Only fish here in calm settled conditions, never alone, and always let someone know where you are going. A low tide approach is recommended.
Parking
Parking is available in Bray town near the seafront.
Where to top up
Bray town has fishing tackle shops within walking distance of the seafront. Good selection of lures and terminal tackle for rock fishing.
Tackle
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13ft rock rod (heavy)
Extra backbone for rough ground and tide pressure.
Limpet sinker set
Holds bottom when current hits rocky ledges.
Rock ledger rig pack
Short, tough traces for snags and kelp edges.
Crab fishing lure
Crab lure for wrasse and bass around rock and kelp marks.
Check today's plan for tides, conditions, and gear.