Species profile
Wrasse
Wrasse Ireland rock marks, April to November on the Wicklow coast. Crab baits, kelp tactics and how to keep powerful fish out of the weed.
Eric, Greystones · Reviewed Apr 2026 · IFI-aligned
Is it good tomorrow?Quick answer
Wrasse hold in kelp and rock on Wicklow headlands from April to November, peaking June to September. Ragworm or crab baits fished tight to structure at dawn produce consistent fish to 2kg.
Wrasse · Running now · June to September peak on the Wicklow coast
In season
April to NovemberIn season now
Typical size
300 g to 1 kg from shallow kelp-ledges
Conservation
Catch and release
Season on the coast
Peak and catchable months on the Wicklow shore.
Peak Jun to Sep · catchable Apr to Nov
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- Peak
- Catchable
- Off season
- This month
Where they live
Rocky ground, kelp forest and reef structure where wrasse hold tight to cover and rarely move far from their home territory.
Related names
- Ballan wrasse
- Corkwing wrasse
What to use
Peeler crab · Ragworm · Harbour ragworm · Prawns · Soft plastic worms
How to fish them
Fish float or light ledger rigs tight to kelp and rock, setting baits just above the weed and applying immediate side strain when a wrasse dives for cover.
Suggested gear
Starter searches matched to tactics above
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Float fishing kit
Light float gear for presenting bait above kelp.
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Ragworm bait needle
Threads ragworm cleanly for neat bait presentation.
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Crab fishing lure
Crab lure works well for wrasse around kelp.
Need a full shopping list? Lure tackle buyer guide with comparison table, prices and Amazon picks.
Wicklow marks
Bray HarbourPier
Dargle-mouth working harbour. LRF-style mixed-species pier; codling, dab, flounder and plaice with summer bass and mullet.
Bray Head Rocks, The Brandy HoleRockACCESS CLOSED
Serious rock mark below Bray Head. Quality pollock and wrasse for experienced anglers only, never alone.
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 Head, Brides HeadRock
NE face of Wicklow Head below the golf course. Reliable spinning mark for mackerel and pollock; safer than the lighthouse rocks.
Wicklow Head, Lighthouse RocksRock
Lighthouse rocks at Wicklow Head. Deep water and severe tide rip, experienced rock anglers only. Autumn herring brings tope and conger.
Wicklow Head, Long RockRock
Southern Wicklow Head rock mark. Spinning for mackerel/pollock; bass on across-current lures at dawn/dusk.
Dublin Bay guides
Not live scored. Open a mark guide for access and tactics.
Related guides and tools
Marks, tactics, bait, gear, and tomorrow's plan for this species
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Eric
Based in Greystones, Co. Wicklow, fishing the Irish coast since 2018
Target wrasse on tomorrow's plan
Ranked marks, species windows, and gear for the Wicklow shore.