Techniques

Shore fishing techniques.

Methods for Irish conditions, from ledgering to eging for squid. Each guide includes a practical method and kit list.

Step-by-step rig guides Full gear guide

9 methods

Pick the method for your mark.

Each technique is written in a Wicklow context, not generic textbook advice.

Bait Fishing · Beginner

Running Ledger

Calm to moderate surf on open beaches.

Best for Bass, Flounder, Dab, Smoothhound, DogfishRead guide →

Bait Fishing · Beginner / Intermediate

Pulley Rig

When fishing large, fragile baits at distance in a surf or casting wind.

Best for Bass, Cod, Smoothhound, TopeRead guide →

Bait Fishing · Beginner

Two-Hook Flapper

Night sessions from October to March for whiting and dabs.

Best for Whiting, Dab, Flounder, Dogfish, RocklingRead guide →

Lure Fishing · Beginner

Spinning & Jigging

Mackerel season (June to September) from harbour walls and piers.

Best for Mackerel, Pollack, Coalfish, Bass, GarfishRead guide →

Lure Fishing · Intermediate

Soft Plastic Lure Fishing

Bass in the surf from April through November (peak autumn Sep to Nov), best in 1 to 2ft of surf with some colour.

Best for Bass, Pollack, Wrasse, CoalfishRead guide →

Squid · Beginner / Intermediate

Eging for Squid

October through December from pier walls and harbour mouths.

Best for European Squid, CuttlefishRead guide →

Float Fishing · Beginner / Intermediate

Float Fishing

Harbour walls and pier edges where direct access to deep water is limited.

Best for Pollack, Wrasse, Mackerel, Mullet, GarfishRead guide →

Lure Fishing · Intermediate

Surface Lure Fishing

Dawn and dusk in calm conditions from April through November (peak autumn Sep to Nov).

Best for Bass, Mackerel, GarfishRead guide →

Specialist · Intermediate

Uptide Fishing

Strong tidal runs on beach marks, especially when fishing in a group where downtide lines cross.

Best for Bass, Flounder, Whiting, SmoothhoundRead guide →

Choosing

Which method, today?

Most anglers own one outfit and fish it everywhere. The catch rate goes up when the method fits the ground and the target instead. Answer two questions and start with the guide that matches.

What ground are you standing on?

Open sand or shingle beach, bait in the surf: Running ledger
A beach with a strong run of tide across it: Uptide fishing
A harbour wall or pier with deep water close in: Float fishing
Rock, weed and broken ground where bait rigs snag: Soft plastic lures

What are you after?

Whiting, dabs and dogfish on dark winter evenings: Two-hook flapper
Mackerel when the summer shoals are in off the walls: Spinning and jigging
Bass feeding on top in calm water at dawn or dusk: Surface lures
Squid under the pier lights on still autumn nights: Eging for squid
A bigger fish on a large bait cast to distance: Pulley rig

Conditions override all of it. A flat, clear sea pushes fish out and rewards lures and long casts; coloured water after an onshore blow brings them in close to a simple bait rig. If you are not sure what the sea is doing, the day's plan scores each mark for it before you leave.

READY TO FISH

Choose a method. Check the mark.

Find live conditions and the Wicklow spots that fit your next session.