SPECIES PROFILE
Garfish
Garfish from Wicklow piers and rock marks, surface tactics, baits and float depths for this acrobatic summer visitor.
Eric, Greystones · Reviewed Apr 2026 · IFI-aligned
See if garfish are worth targeting todayIn season
May to AugIn season now
Typical size
300 to 500 g and 40 to 70 cm long
Conservation
OK to keep
Season on the coast
Peak and catchable months from the catalogue season window, parsed for Wicklow shore fishing.
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F
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M
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- Peak
- Catchable
- Off season
- Now
Where they live
Surface water around pier mouths and mixed rock marks where they track mackerel and sandeel shoals, the site species guide lists Greystones Harbour, Wicklow Town Pier and Jack's Hole as Wicklow venues.
What to use
Small strip of mackerel skin (bright side showing) · Sandeel · Tiny soft plastics · Small spinners and spoons
How to fish them
Float-fish strip or sandeel no more than 30 to 60 cm down, species-guide and SummerFishingWicklowArticle both stress that fishing too deep is the common mistake; watch for silver fish tracking the bait to the rod tip and slow the retrieve so garfish can commit.
Suggested gear
Starter searches matched to tactics above
Amazon UK affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See the fishing calendar for month-by-month targets.
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13ft beachcaster rod
A solid all-rounder for surf, casting and tide runs.
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6000 to 8000 fixed spool sea reel
Balanced line capacity for beach and mixed ground.
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Pulley rig ready-made pack
Fast setup for clean ground and snag avoidance.
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Crab fishing lure
Realistic crab lure for bass, works from piers, beaches and rock marks.
Wicklow marks
Greystones Harbour & PierPier
Sheltered marina pier, ideal for families and beginners. Good wrasse, pollock, mackerel and an established autumn squid fishery.
Jack's HoleBeach
Mixed beach/rock cove south of Wicklow. Autumn night fishing for bass and pollock; winter school bass.
Wicklow Town PierPier
Deep-water working-harbour pier. Pollack, coalfish, winter whiting; rare connection to autumn shore-tope traffic on big distance baits.
Read next
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Mackerel Fishing Ireland 2026
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Bass fishing on the Wicklow coast in 2026: marks, baits, lures and tides as fish move inshore from late May through the summer season.
Target garfish on today's plan
Ranked marks, species windows, and gear for the Wicklow shore.