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
Is it good tomorrow?Quick answer
Garfish from Wicklow piers and rock marks, surface tactics, baits and float depths for this acrobatic summer visitor.
Garfish · Running now · June to July peak on the Wicklow coast
In season
May to AugustIn 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 on the Wicklow shore.
Peak Jun to Jul · catchable May to Aug
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- Peak
- Catchable
- Off season
- This month
Where they live
Surface water around pier mouths and mixed rock marks where they track mackerel and sandeel shoals. Greystones Harbour, Wicklow Town Pier and Jack's Hole are the main 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. 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
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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.
Need a full shopping list? Lure tackle buyer guide with comparison table, prices and Amazon picks.
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.
Wicklow Town PierPier
Deep-water working-harbour pier. Pollack, coalfish, winter whiting; rare connection to autumn shore-tope traffic on big distance baits.
Related guides and tools
Marks, tactics, bait, gear, and tomorrow's plan for this species
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Based in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, fishing the Irish coast since 2018
Target garfish on tomorrow's plan
Ranked marks, species windows, and gear for the Wicklow shore.