A GUIDE TO SEA ANGLING

IN THE
EASTERN FISHERIES REGION
by
Norman Dunlop

Published by; the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, 15A, Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
© Copyright reserved. No part of the text, maps or diagrams may be used or copied
without the permission of the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board. 2009
Foreword
I am delighted to welcome you to the Board’s
new publication on sea fishing Ireland’s east and
south east coast. Sea angling is available along the
entire coastline from Dundalk in County Louth to
Ballyteigue Bay in County Wexford. You will find
many fantastic venues and a multitude of species
throughout the region. Whether fishing from the
shore or from a licenced charter boat there is
terrific sport to be had, and small boat operators
will find many suitable slipways for their vessels.
At venues such as Cahore in Co. Wexford small
boat anglers battle with fast running Tope,
Smoothhound, and Ray. Kilmore Quay in South Wexford is a centre of excellence
for angling boasting all types of fishing for the angler. There is a great selection of
chartered boats and the facilities for small boat fishing are second to none. Anglers can
go reef fishing for Pollack, Wrasse, Cod, and Ling. From springtime onwards at various
venues shore anglers lure, fly, and bait fish for the hard fighting Bass, while specialist
anglers target summer Mullet and winter Flounder. In recent years black bream have
been turning up in good numbers in the Wexford area and this species has recently
been added to the Irish specimen fish listing.
A variety of species, locations, and methods is synonymous with sea angling in the
eastern region, backed up by a quality infrastructure to include approved accommodation,
licenced charter boats, tackle shops, bait, and guiding services. Whether from at home
or abroad, this booklet will prove a useful reference point for any angler planning to
fish the wonderful marks and venues that abound in the area.
Tight lines and safe fishing.
Pat Doherty
Chief Executive Officer
Eastern Regional Fisheries Board
PLEASE NOTE
Errors or Inaccuracies
While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in the
guide is accurate, no responsibility will be accepted by the Fisheries Boards for any
errors or inaccuracies therein.
Access to the Seashore
References in this guide regarding access to the shore at various points, does not
imply rights of way and anglers should ensure that, where necessary, they obtain
permission from landowners in order to enter or cross private lands.
Respect for the Environment
Please leave the shore as you would hope to find it. Do not leave litter and do not
discard hooks, line or tackle which may be a danger to animals or humans.
Safety at Sea
It should be noted that all anglers going to sea in small boats must wear life jackets
at all times. Anglers under 16 years of age must also wear life jackets at all times
when on board licensed charter vessels. All other anglers on board a charter vessel
must have access to a life jacket. It is the responsibility of every angler on a charter
boat, to ask to see the current certification from the Department of Transport (www.
transport.ie) and to view a copy of the vessels insurance policy before setting out
to sea.
Tides: Tide tables are available from the following: www.sailing.ie . For standard
port note time and height of tide on specified date. For secondary locations, select
relevant standard port and apply given variations.
Spring tide: The tide with the most variation in water level, occurring two days after
the new and full moon.
Neap tides: Neap tides occur two days after the first and third quarter of the moon,
when there is least difference between high and low water
Licences & Byelaws
A state licence is not required for sea fishing. However, if you are fishing for sea
trout, a state licence is required and there are regulations relating to sea trout. These
are available from the Board or a local tackle shop, for further details see: www.
fishingireland.net
Anglers should note that there are a number of byelaws relating to bass fishing in
Ireland.
(a) It is prohibited to take and kill or have in possession any bass of less than
40cms in length, (at time of writing this may be changed to 45cms, please
refer to website for further details)
(b) It is prohibited to take and kill or have in possession more than 2 bass in
any period of 24 hours
(c) It is prohibited to fish for bass with any rod or line during the period commencing
on the 15th May to the 15th June.
Chartered boats and angling guides
There are a number of sea angling charter boats and sea angling guides operating
within the area. For further details see www.fishingireland.net/fishing/sea/
charter-boats.htm
 Contents
Fish Species 1
Basic Terminal Tackle 7
Saltwater Baits, for use in the Eastern Region. 19
Carlingford to Balbriggan, Map 1. 28
Skerries to Wicklow, Map 2. 36
Wicklow to Blackwater, Map 3. 50
Curracloe to Cullenstown, Map 4. 60

Brianiv
Cooke shore angling on the East Coast
 Mike Thrussell with a cuckoo wrasse
(photo courtesy of Norman Dunlop)

Fish Species
Flounder (Platichthys flesus)
Eyes and colour normally on the right side, but “reversed”
examples are more common amongst flounders than
among other flatfishes. Conspicuous enlarged, rough,
hard scales on head ridge, anterior part of lateral line and
along bases of dorsal and anal fins on the eyed side. Dark
brown to greenish-grey, sometimes with vague orange
spots; blind side uniform opaque white. Grows to about
5 lbs. Often occurs in fresh water well above the limits of
the tide. Specimen weight: 1.36kg. (3 lbs).

Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)

Turbot are large flatfish and are regarded as one of the
major prizes of Irish sea angling and they are also highly
regarded for the table. The upper side is a mottled brown
with numerous bony lumps or tubercules. The body is
diamond shaped. Turbot can grow to over 40lbs.

1
 Pollack (Pollachius pollachius)
Very popular sport fish. Can be taken from both boat and
shore on the eastern coast. Common over areas of rough
ground, reefs and sunken wrecks. Easily identified from
its near relation, the coalfish, by the protruding lower jaw
and by the shape of the lateral line which is bent over the
pectoral fin. Tail not forked. Usually brown or bronze on
back and flanks. Grows to over 20 lbs. Specimen Weight,
12 lbs.

Cod (Gadus morhua)

Common on most coasts and unlikely to be mistaken
for any other species, even though the colour of adults
varies. Caught over a wide range of seabed from reefs
and wrecks to areas of shingle and sand and in many
of the larger estuaries. Cod are available throughout the
year, but generally “peak” fishing times are May and June
(boat angling) and December and January (shore fishing).
Grows to over 50 lbs. Specimen Weight, 20 lbs.

Ling (Molva molva)

Long, eel-like, member of the cod family which has a
large barbel under the chin and a mouth of sharp teeth.
Olive or red-brown in colour, sometimes mottled. A
very popular sport fish, particularly with wreck and reef
anglers. Almost exclusively a boat caught fish. Grows to
about 50 lbs. Specimen Weight; 11.34 kgs (25 lbs).

Mackerel (Scomber scombrus)

Very common on all coasts in summer when they can
be taken by both boat and shore anglers in very large
numbers at times. Easily identified by dark, wavy stripes
on green upper body and silver undersides. Mackerel are
an important bait fish when fishing for other species.

2
Wrasse (Lubrus)
Large family of deep bodied, hard scaled fish. Two species
are of interest to Irish anglers: the Ballan Wrasse (Labrus
bergylta) which grows to about 10 lbs (specimen weight,
4.75 lbs) and the colourful Cuckoo Wrasse (Labrus mixtus)
(which grows to around 2 lbs (specimen weight, 1.25
lbs). Both are very common in Irish waters particularly
where there are rocky areas of weed covered reef.

Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

This blue backed, silver cousin of the American striped
bass is one of Ireland’s most sought after sport fish. It is
equally at home in the turmoil of an Atlantic surf beach
or in the quietness of an estuarine backwater. Most
common below a line drawn from Galway to Dublin,
populations exist as far north as Dundalk. A protected
species by law, with a bag limit of 2 fish per angler in any
24 hour period and minimum size of 40 cms. Grows to
about 20 lbs. Specimen weight 10 lbs.

Gurnard (Triglidae)
There are three species of Gurnard which anglers can
expect from waters in the eastern region. Grey Gurnard
(Eutrigla gurnardus) which grows to about 3.5lbs; Red
Gurnard (Aspitrigla cuculus) which grows to about 4lbs
and Tub Gurnard (Trigla lucerna) which grows to over
12lbs. Gurnards are bottom living fish, normally found on
sandy or muddy bottoms in depths of 50-150 feet.

Conger Eel (Conger conger)

Dorsal, caudal and anal fins continuous; no pelvic fins.
Dorsal begins about level with tip of pectoral. Body
rather stout and muscular. Mouth large; the upper jaw
the larger. Grows to over 100 lbs. Offshore, inshore and
in lower reaches of large estuaries. Specimen weight:
18.14kg. (40 lbs).

3
 Skate (Raja)
Three species of skate have been recorded by anglers in
Irish waters. They are:- White Skate (Raja alba) (specimen
weight 120 lbs); Long Nose Skate (Raja oxyrinchus) (80
lbs); and Common Skate (Raja batis) (specimen weight
suspended). In the interests of conservation, the Irish
Specimen Fish Committee removed the Common Skate
from its list of acceptable species in 1976. Since then,
all Common Skate taken by anglers have been returned
alive to the water.

Ray (Raja)
Popular with boat and shore anglers and often confused
with skate; but those with more rounded discs and short
noses are generally termed ray. Normally a summer
species they are available from May to October. Four
species of ray are of interest to anglers in the eastern
region. They are Thornback Ray (Raja clavata) (specimen
weight 20 lbs); Blonde Ray (Raja brachyura) (25 lbs);
Cuckoo Ray (Raja naevus) (4.5 lbs); Homelyn Ray (Raja
montagui) (5 lbs).

Shark
There are five species of shark which anglers may
contact in Irish coastal waters. They are the Mako (Isurus
oxyrinchus), Thresher (Alopias vulpinus), Six Gilled
(Hexanchus griseus), Porbeagle (Lamna nasus) and the
Blue (Prionace glauca). Of these, only the latter two
are caught with any degree of regularity in the eastern
region, the others being mainly accidental catches. Shark
fishing is more popular during the summer months.

Tope (Galeorhinus galeus)

Medium sized shallow water shark, fairly common on the
eastern coast of Ireland during summer. Greyish in colour
with short, triangular pectorals and deeply notched tail
fin. Very popular sport fish, particularly with inshore
boat anglers. Male fish to 30 lbs are often encountered
in “packs” but much larger females are either “loners”
or are found in small groups. Grows to about 80 lbs.
Specimen weight, 40 lbs.

4
Ashley Hayden with a Smoothound,
Ennereilly, Co. Wicklow
5
 Record fish caught in the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board
Species Weight Bt/Sh Captor Place of Capture Date
Angler Fish 62 lbs 9.5 ozs S George V. Williams Dun Laoghaire, Dublin 29/04/1962
Bass 14 lbs 12.5 ozs S David Flynn Ballyteigue, Wexford 11/07/1994
Bream, Red 5 lbs 0.5 ozs B Joe Monaghan Ballyteigue, Wexford 18/07/1966
Bream Black ** 3lb 4 ozs B Gordon Thornes Kilmore Quay, Wexford 18/9/2008
Coalfish 26 lbs B James Devlin Kilmore Quay, Wexford 19/07/1983
Cod 31 lbs B Joseph O’Connor Greystones, Wicklow 30/09/1967
Conger 50 lbs S Frank Reilly Dun Laoghaire, Dublin 09/08/1974
Dab 1 lb 9.5ozs S Gordon Dickenson Arklow Pier, Wicklow 25/12/1960
Dogfish, Greater Sp. 19 lbs 12 ozs B Michael Courage Bray, Wicklow 06/07/1960
Dogfish, Lesser Sp. 3 lbs 14 ozs B Peter Gaffey Howth, Dublin 13/07/1991
Dogfish, Spur 21.25 lbs B Charlie Robinson Dun Laoghaire, Dublin 10/08/2001
Flounder 4.91 lbs S Brian Russell Ballyteigue, Wexford 02/10/1993
Freshwater Eel 3.89 lbs S Anthony Hayden Kaats Strand, Wexford 24/10/1982
Garfish 2.61 lbs B Derek Duggan Tusker Rock, Wexford 17/08/1987
Gurnard, Grey* 3 lbs 1 oz B Brendan Walsh Rosslare, Wexford 21/09/1967
Gurnard, Tub 6 lbs 4 ozs B Oscar French Dalky, Dublin 05/08/1969
John Dory 4 lbs B W. Lowman Wicklow Bay 01/08/1964
Ling 28 lbs 4 ozs B John A. McDonagh Kilmore Quay, Wexford 24/08/1975
Mackerel 3 lbs 8 ozs S Roger Ryan Clogherhead Pier, Louth 01/07/1972
Monkfish 59 lbs 8 ozs S Paddy Dempsey Newcastle, Wicklow 05/08/1981
Mullet, Grey 8 lbs 2 ozs S Brian Buckley R. Dargle, Wicklow 07/09/2000
Mullet, Red* 1.26 lbs B Eamon Hayes Kilmore Quay, Wexford 30/09/2004
Plaice 5 lbs 10.5 ozs B John Harmon Greystones, Wicklow 08/06/1980
Pollack 13lbs 10 ozs B P.C.Keay Kish Bank, Dublin 25/09/1988
Pouting* 4 lbs 13.5 ozs B John Devereux Kilmore Quay, Wexford 02/04/1983
Ray, Blonde 35 lbs B Damien Barrett Greystones, Wicklow 08/08/1982
Ray, Cuckoo 4 lbs 15 ozs B T.M. Aikins Newcastle, Wicklow 17/08/1960
Ray, Homelyn 6.50 lbs S Michael Quinn Kiloughter, Wicklow 25/04/1998
Ray, Painted 10.98 lbs B Ronald Hore (GB) Rosslare, Wexford 29/09/1987
Ray, Sting 47 lbs S Christy O’Sullivan Morriscastle, Wexford 01/08/1977
Ray, Thornback 26 lbs B Patrick Mullen Greystones, Wicklow 24/06/1973
Rockling, Three Bd.* 3 lbs 1 oz S Maurice Laurent Arklow Pier, Wicklow 11/05/1990
Scad 1 lb 9 0zs B Fergal O’Leary Howth, Dublin 18/08/1987
Sea Trout 7.84 lbs S Martin McBride Cullenstown, Wexford 31/05/1998
Skate, Common 157lbs 8 ozs B Michael Kelly Bray, Wicklow 08/07/1962
Smooth Hound* 16.58 lbs B Keith Gray (GB) Carne, Wexford 25/09/2000
Sole, Black 2 lbs 8 ozs S Neil Thompson Greystones, Wicklow 19/08/1975
Tope* 66 lbs 8 ozs B Cyril Young Carlingford, Louth 15/07/1979
Turbot 18 lbs 8 ozs B Capt. J.P Saul Kilmore Quay, Wexford 24/10/1965
Whiting 4 lbs 4 ozs B Len O’Driscoll Lambay, Dublin 29/06/1957
Wrasse, Ballan 7.48 lbs B Billy McLoughlin Kilmore Quay, Wexford 29/09/1984
Wrasse, Cuckoo 2.01 lbs B John Tanner (GB) Carnsore, Wexford 22/07/1984

*Denotes Irish Record Fish i. ** to be ratified by Irish Specimen fish committee

6
Basic Terminal Tackle
There are two basic types of terminal tackle which the sea angler will find
useful in the Eastern Fisheries Region. These are the paternoster and the
ledger. All sea fishing terminal tackle is based on these two patterns or a
combination of both. It should be noted that all the ‘pieces’ which go to
make up these rigs are available in the majority of tackle shops. Let us look,
in a little more detail, at some of the terminal rig arrangements which have
proven successful in the Region.
Shore Fishing
In general, multi- hook rigs do not lend themselves to shore fishing in this
part of Ireland as the sea bed can be very mixed and the more hooks one
has on the end of the line, the greater are the chances of fouling the bottom.
When fish are feeding at distances of 100 metres or more from the shoreline,
multi-hook rigs are again a disadvantage because the more hooks and bait
one has on a trace, the less distance will be attained due to wind resistance.

7
8
Main Line

Buckle Swivel

10
”

4”
Blood Knot

Bead
16
”
Bead
Blood Knot

15
”

Bait Genie Clip

Clip

Breakaway Lead
Fig. 1 3 - 5 ozs
Size 1 to 4/0 hook

One Hook Paternoster

The One Hook Paternoster (fig.1) is the ideal setup for reaching fish which
are feeding at long range from the shore. This is a very simple rig which
sports a running dropper, between two blood knots. Small beads act as
buffers against the knots to prevent the dropper swivel from moving out of
its confines. At the bottom of the main trace, and immediately behind the
‘Genie’ lead retainer, is a bait clip. When the hook has been baited up, it is
hung tightly into the clip. The bait will then be directly behind the lead, giving
it a streamlined effect and lessening the possibility of soft baits flying off
during the cast. When the trace hits the water, it compresses and the snood
drops out of the clip, presenting a complete bait to any fish in the vicinity.
The line strength and hook size are dependent on the species sought, but this
type of rig is useful for codling and whiting in winter and bass in summer.
When fish are feeding close to the shoreline and distance casting is not
essential, the Two Hook Paternoster/Ledger (fig.2) is recommended
because it offers the angler the best of both worlds, in that, a conventional
snood can be fished while legering at the same time. This system works
particularly well for flatfish on open beaches and will also take ray, dogfish
etc from deep water rock marks which give access to sandy ground.

9
10
Main Line

Swivel

9”

10”

Blood Loop Dropper

12”

3”

Blood Knot
Bead
12”
Bead
Blood Knot

Plain Lead
2 to 5 ozs

Fig. 2 Buckle Swivel

Size 2 to 6/0 Hook

Two Hook Ledger Paternoster

BOAT FISHING
The Boat Fishing Paternoster (fig3) can, in theory, have any number of hooks
suspended from the main line on snoods or droppers, with a lead attached
below the bottom hook. The rig allows baits and lures or a combination
of both to be fished at all levels from just under the surface, through mid
water and all the way down to the sea bed. Another advantage which the
paternoster has is that a number of baits can be worked or “jigged” together
in an enticing manner without tangling with each other. It is recommended
that for ease of use this rig should have no more than three droppers attached.
A second type of boat fishing terminal tackle is the One hook Running Ledger
(fig.4) which can be fished tight to the sea bed for all the bottom living
species from dabs to Ray. Again this can be a multi hook rig (three hooks,
usually being the maximum). When fishing for larger species, such as tope or
monkfish, one hook rigs are advisable to prevent two or more fish grabbing
baits at the same time! Two large fish pulling against each other would
put unnecessary strain on the terminal tackle and almost surely lead to a
breakage. For some of these more “toothy” fish the trace should be made up
from heavy duty nylon or multi-strand wire. The free running nature of this rig
means that when a big fish picks up the bait, it can make off with it, without
feeling any resistance. The angler should allow the fish to take line until it
stops to turn the bait before swallowing. The strike should be delayed until
until ‘the fish’ stops to turn.

11
12
Main Line

Swivel

8”
Plastic Sandeel
6”

2/0 to 6/0
12” Double Snoods hooks

6”

Mackerel
Strip

8”

Fig. 3
6 to 14 oz lead
Two Hook Paternoster
 Main Line

Avis Plastic Boom

Buckle Swivel

Bead

6 to 14 ozs lead 36”

1/0 to 8/0 hook

Fig. 4
One hook running ledger

13
14
Main Line

Swivel

12”
Wire Boom

10 feet mono
20 - 40 lb b.s.

Light line

Lead

Fig. 5 Plastic Eel

The flying collar rig for Pollack and Coalfish.

There are many specialist boat rigs based on either of the above but one
of the most successful fish catchers in the Eastern area, particularly off the
Wexford coast, is the “Flying Collar” (fig.5). This is basically a ledger rig
with a longer than usual, fixed dropper. At one time wire coat hangers were
cut and shaped to create long booms, but today at least one major tackle
manufacturer produces booms for this purpose. The rig which normally uses
an artificial eel or shad is best employed while drifting over a deep water
reef or wreck and should be lowered to the sea bed and reeled back slowly
toward the boat. This process should be repeated until fish are contacted.
Pollack and coalfish are the main target fish but many other species have
fallen to this technique including conger, ling and cod.
FLOAT FISHING FROM SHORE AND BOAT
One of the most successful methods for catching a wide range of sea
fish is through the use of a Saltwater Float Fishing Rig (figure 6). Despite
what some so called “purist” sea anglers may think, float fishing is a
true sea angling method, and in many cases it is the first introduction
that beginners and freshwater anglers have to fishing in the sea. It is a very
effective way of shore fishing from piers, harbour walls, rocky headlands or
while inshore boat fishing. Mullet, mackerel, pollack, wrasse, and garfish can
all be taken this way using baits as varied as bread, worm, shellfish or fish
strips. The rig can be adjusted to suit the depth being fished and the float
slides between a movable stop knot and the trace which is attached to the
main line by a small swivel. Beads are inserted between the knots to act as
buffers. The trace is weighed down with shot, with the number used being
dependent on the size of the float and bait. As a general rule of thumb,
the top third of the float should be above water. Size of hook and bait are
dependent on the type of fish being sought and in fact a scaled up version
of this rig can also be employed from boats where larger fish such as tope or
shark are the quarry!

15
16
Main Line

Stop Knot

Bead Sliding Float

Bead

Swan Shot
Swivel

Fig. 6
Saltwater Float Fishing Rig No 6 to 1/0 Hook
 Basic rod, Line & Reel configurations for the Eastern Region
Rod Reel and Line Use Target Species

2 - 3 metre graphite Freshwater type fixed Float fishing, spinning Sea-trout, bass,
or kevlar spinning spool reel loaded with or plug fishing from mullet, mackerel,
rod. 2 - 4.5kg monofilament piers, harbour walls, coalfish, pollack
line. rocks or in esturine and garfish.
channels.

2.5 - 2.8 metre Saltwater fly reel loaded Fly fishing from rocks, Sea-trout, bass,
graphite fly rod rated with fly line suitable for piers and in estuaries. garfish, mackerel
8 to 10 weight. saltwater use. and pollack.

3.3 - 3.7 metre Small multiplying reel or Bait fishing on surf Bass, sea-trout,
graphite bass rod medium fixed spool reel beaches, in estuaries flounder dab, wrasse,
with a casting weight loaded with 5.5 - 8 kg or from rocks. and pollack.
of 80 - 112 grams. monofilament line.

3.7 - 4 metre Small to medium Rock, pier, estuary or Ray, dogfish, huss,
graphite beach rod multiplying reel or beach fishing where cod and tope.
with a casting weight medium to large fixed distance casting is
of 140 - 170 grm. spool reel loaded with necessary.
7.8 -12 kg monofilament
line and having a shock
leader of 18 - 25 kg
mono.

1.80 - 2.20 metre Small multiplying reel Boat fishing in Plaice, dabs, gurnard
graphite boat rod of loaded with 2.5 - 4.5 kg shallow to moderately wrasse, rockling, and
line class 2.7 kg - 4.5 monofilament or braided deep water. whiting.
kg. line.

1.80 - 2.20 metre Small to medium Boat fishing over Pollack, coalfish, cod,
graphite boat rod of multiplying reel loaded offshore reefs ,sand haddock, ray, turbot,
line class 4.5 kg - 6.8 with 4.5 - 6.5 kg banks and wrecks. and ling.
kg. monofilament or braided
line.

1.80 - 2.20 metre Medium to large (up to Boat fishing in deeper Blue and porbeagle
graphite boat rod of 4/0 size) multiplying water and over deep shark, skate, tope,
line class 9.0 kg - reel loaded with 9 -13 kg wrecks and reefs. conger, and ling.
13.6 kg. monofilament or braided
line.

2.20 -2.80 metre Medium multiplying reel Boat fishing in Ray, tope, huss, bass,
graphite uptide boat loaded with 6.8 - 8 kg shallow water, where and dogfish.
rod to cast 80 - 225 monofilament line and casting baits away
grams. having a shock leader of from the boat yields
18 - 25 kg. best results.

17
Diego Leccardi with a
bass from North Wexford

18
Saltwater Baits, for use in the
Eastern Region.
LUGWORM
The presence of lugworm
(Arenicolamarina) is recognised
by the spaghetti-like spiral of
sand which they leave on the
foreshore at low tide. They are
abundant in estuaries and on
many sheltered beaches
througout the area and trench
digging for an hour or so with
a garden fork will usually
produce enough worms for a
day’s fishing. In the Eastern
Region lugworm have traditionally been a shore angler’s bait, normally as-
sociated with fishing for codling, flounder, wrasse, and dabs but they are
also very effective in attracting plaice and whiting while inshore boat fishing.
Lugworm can be kept alive for a few days, wrapped in newspaper and placed
in a cool box.

RAGWORM
Red and king ragworm
(Nereis pelagica and Nereis
virens) are present in virtually
all the east coast estuaries
and bays and are a proven
fish catcher in the area, being
excellent baits for flatfish,
whiting, pouting, codling and
dogfish. Trench digging in the
vicinity of mussel banks will
usually yield enough ragworm
for a day’s fishing but they will
stay alive for over a week if kept in a cool-box, on a tray of coral sand, and
moistened regularly with fresh sea water.
Harbour ragworm or “maddies” (Nereis diversicolour) are very common
in muddy reaches of most estuaries. They are a good standby bait, when

19
 these small ragworm used in bunches, for float-fishing for mullet and wrasse
or when ledgering for flatfish. Harbour ragworm are difficult to keep alive for
more than a few days.
White ragworm or
“herringbone rag” (Nephthys
hombergi) are also fairly
common, frequenting many
lugworm beds and being
particularly effective when used
in conjunction with other baits
such as lugworm or mackerel
strip. White ragworm will stay
alive for up to a week if kept
in similar conditions to red
ragworm. It should be noted,
however, that white ragworm will not survive if put into the same tray as the
more aggressive reds.
Large white ragworm or “silvers” (Nephthys caeca) are rare and localised
in their distribution throughout the entire country but are found in isolated
patches at Sutton and Dun Laoghaire on Dublin Bay. They are the single most
sought after bait by shore match anglers who tend to jealously guard the
location of “silver” beds. Large white ragworm are often the only bait that
will attract fish in bright conditions and many shore competitions have been
won by the angler with a good supply of them. They are normally found in
clean coarse sand in the vicinity of the low spring tide line, particularly where
masonry worms (which have little use as bait) are located. Large whites can
be kept for quite long periods, in trays of moist coral sand, but should never
be mixed with other ragworm species.
CRAB
Crab has been a very popular
shore angler’s bait for many
years in the region. The upward
trend in inshore boat angling
has also seen the successful
use of crab in recent years.
The Common Shore or green
crab (Carcinus maenus)
moults at least once a year,
usually prior to mating. This
generally takes place in May

20
or June, although moulting crabs have been found as late as October in the
southern part of the region. Crabs can be collected along sheltered shores,
particularly where there is an abundance of serrated wrack (Fucas serratus)
which provides good cover for them. Not all shore crabs are suitable as baits
and only “peelers” or “softies” are used.
A “peeler crab” is one which is in the process of shedding its shell and is
generally regarded as the prime crab bait. To tell a “peeler” from an ordinary
hard-backed crab, one should twist the last segment off one of the legs. If
the segment comes away and there is white flesh underneath, the crab is
unsuitable and can be returned to its hiding place. If, however, the segment
comes away easily, revealing the newly formed, soft red flesh underneath,
the carapace and under shell can be peeled off for use as bait.
Crabs which have already shed their shells but have not yet hardened (a
process which takes about a week) are known as “softies”. They are rubbery
to the touch and cannot nip as the claws are too soft to do any damage. In
most conditions a soft crab will be almost as effective as a “peeler” although
the scent may not be as strong. In order to ensure that crab baits are properly
presented on the hook they should be tied on with elasticised thread.
Crab can be used in almost any sea angling situation from the estuary and
beach where they are excellent for most species through inshore boat fishing
for ray, dogfish and flatfish to deep sea fishing for cod.
Hermit Crab (Eupagurus bernhardus) can be collected in a pre baited drop
net in rock pools or below pier walls. Hermit is good bait for cod, ray, and
flatfish from boats, but is virtually impossible to cast from the shore due to
the soft nature of the tail section, therefore it should be tied to the hook with
elasticised thread.
Other species of crab such as the velvet swimming crab (Portunus puber) also
make excellent baits but they are seldom encountered in moulting condition.
SQUID AND CUTTLEFISH
The common squid (Loligo
forbesi) and common
cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis)
are superb baits for a wide
range of species. In the past
they were rarely seen on
fishmonger’s slabs as they
were not a popular food
item here, but in the new
millennium there has been

21
 a considerable increase in the migrant workforce and as a result many,
previously uncommon foodstuffs including squid, are now widely available.
Squid will also fall occasionally to baited lures, while boat fishing and should
be frozen while still fresh. They are well suited to being transported in a cool
box where they will remain frozen as long as the ice blocks are renewed
regularly.
Most tackle shops now carry the smaller “calamari squid” possibly (Loligo
vulgaris) which can be purchased, frozen, in handy 454g cartons of ten. These
are valuable bait for various species of ray as well as dogfish, cod and conger.
SHELLFISH
Shellfish are very useful bait, particularly when fishing for specific species, or
fish with a soft or small mouth such as haddock, sole or dab.
Cockle (Cardium edule) live buried just under the surface of damp sand and
can be gathered, in several sandy bays and estuaries. They are very useful
for shore angling and inshore boat fishing and plaice, dab, flounder, whiting
and all the wrasse family will take cockle freely. Cockle is also productive
when used in a “cocktail” with other baits such as lugworm or squid. Cod and
whiting find this combination particularly attractive.
The Common whelk or “buckie” (Buccinum undatum) is the largest of the
whelk family and the thick flesh is a tough bait for cod, whiting, pouting,
coalfish, wrasse and dogfish. Common whelks are a deeper water shellfish
than their cousins the periwinkles, living mainly among the stones and mud
of the lower shore. As with hermit crab, a pre-baited drop net hung for a few
hours at high tide from the end of a pier wall will usually yield ample whelk
for a days fishing.
The Common Gaper (Mya arenari) which is oval shaped and dark grey to
black in colour is found in muddy creeks and estuaries. They can be detected
at low tide, by searching for a key-hole shaped depression in the mud. The
hole is created by the long siphon with which the gaper filters small food
particles out of the water. Gapers can be dug up with a wide tined garden
fork and when the siphon is removed, it provides a very good boat angling
bait for a number of species. Used in combination with lugworm or ragworm,
it is also a useful shore angler’s bait for bass and flatfish.
Most other species of clam are found in deep water and do not come into
the anglers range until a gale throws them up onto the shore. The Iceland
cyprine clam, or “geegan” (Arctica islandica) for instance is a large, round,
blue-black flanked shellfish which, over the years, has accounted for numerous
specimen bass on the North Derry and Antrim beaches. Despite the fact that
“geegan” occur rarely on the foreshore they deserve a mention here because

22
after easterly gales, they have occasionally been thrown up on beaches such
as Velvet Strand and Dollymount Strand, heralding an influx of fish, feeding
on them.
The Common Mussel (Mytilus edulis) can be found on most sheltered shores,
where they can be gathered with ease. Once mussels have been opened,
the soft flesh should be removed from the shells then tied to the hook with
elasticised thread. This provides excellent bait for shore and boat fishing
where codling, coalfish, plaice and dabs are expected.
When mussels are not required for immediate use, they should be taken from
their shells and within a few hours, frozen down, in “ziplok” bags containing
batches of twenty or so. This allows for ease of storage and future transport
in a cool box. Frozen mussel is an excellent standby for winter fishing when
other baits are difficult to obtain.
Another excellent boat and shore bait is Razor fish (Ensis siliqua) which are
localised in the Eastern Region, and require a little more effort to collect than
mussel.
Razors are narrow shellfish which grow to about 17cms in length and live in
damp sand near the low water line. They are difficult to dig because they can
be up to a meter below the surface and the slightest movement on the sand
in their vicinity sends them spurting to the bottom of their hole. The best
method for capturing them is to take a carton of salt onto the beach, treading
carefully onto the razor beds. Once a razor burrow has been located, some
salt should be poured into the hole. In an effort to expel the salt, the shellfish
speeds back to the surface, where dexterity and nimbleness are then called
for to grab the razor and place safely in a bucket. This can be a very hit and
miss exercise but an hour or so will yield twenty or thirty shellfish. Razor
is tough bait which is attractive to many summer species but is particularly
effective for autumn bass and winter cod.

23
 FISH BAITS
All forms of oily fish are useful in virtually every sea angling situation, but
are particularly effective when seeking the larger predators such as shark,
tope, monkfish and skate. Probably the most important of all sea angling
baits is the Mackerel (Scomber, scombrus) which can be used for almost
every species of fish from both boat and shore. It can be used in “strip” form
for turbot, dab, pollack, coalfish and gurnard. In “last” form (the tough tail
section) for ray, bull huss, spurdog, and ling, while whole mackerel can be
used for tope, skates and conger. Mackerel can be bought in most fish shops,
in season, or can be caught
while spinning from harbour
walls or rocky outcrops. A string
of brightly coloured feathers
or lures can also be employed
while boat fishing to take
mackerel in numbers. Freshly
caught mackerel will out fish
most frozen fish baits but it is
always worth stashing away a
few fillets in the freezer for the
leaner days of winter, when fish
bait is scarce.
Most oily fish deteriorate quickly, particularly in warm weather, and should
therefore, be frozen within a few hours of capture,
Mackerel can also be frozen whole, but the innards should be removed and
stomach cavity cleaned out with salt water, before doing so.
Herring (Clupea harengus) are seldom caught on rod and line but are important
bait for many species of fish. Herring can be bought fresh in most fishmongers
and supermarkets and have the advantage that they survive freezing better
than mackerel and do not deteriorate as swiftly when thawed. Herring works
well in combination with other baits, particularly red ragworm.
The Lesser sand-eel (Ammodytes tobiannus) which grows to about 15cms
and the Greater sand-eel or launce (Ammodytes lanceolatus) which can
grow to over 30cms are very important bait fish.
Lesser sand-eel are common along sandy shores, where they are excellent
bait for sea-trout, pollack, dogfish and occasional bass. They can be collected
by the Cornish method known as “vingelling” in the wet sand with a blunt
bread knife or bill hook. The blade should be pulled in a sweep through the
top 15cms of sand and when a sand-eel is located, it will wriggle out to the
surface where speed is essential to grab it before it can escape under the

24
 Bait digging, Clontarf, Dublin City

sand again. The greater sand-eel is seldom seen on the shore line being a
deeper water fish. They can however be taken on small Sabiki type lures
while boat fishing and are prime bait for turbot, ray, tope and cod. Sand-eel
will stay alive for several hours in a large bucket of cool, aerated sea water.
SIGNPOSTING
The majority of fishing locations and bait gathering areas are
signposted throughout the
region.

25
 Map 1 Carlingford to Balbriggan

3
2

4
Carlingford
Lough

B
8
5

7
6
Dundalk

26
 = Slipway
Clogherhead 9
= Charter Vessel
= Town
10
C
Drogheda
11

= Slipway
12
= Charter Vessel 13
= Town

15 14
= Slipway
= Charter Vessel
Balbriggan = Town
16

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

KILOMETERS

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

KILOMETERS

27
 Carlingford to Balbriggan Map 1.
The south east facing Carlingford Lough forms a natural boundary between
County Down in Northern Ireland and County Louth in the Republic.
Carlingford Lough recently came under the jurisdiction of the Loughs Agency
and further information on the area can be obtained from the office in
Darcy Magee Court, Dundalk Street, Carlingford. Tel: +353 42 9383888.
Web: www.loughs-agency.org
The Cooley Peninsula is an area rich in folklore and legend and it forms an
impressive backdrop to the southern shore. Tucked into the south eastern
corner is the picturesque village of Carlingford (1) where the remains of the
12th century, “King John’s Castle” overlook the harbour.
Much of the harbour is tidal but small boats can usually be launched and
retrieved from the slipways there or from the marina along the Omeath Road
(R173) to the north west of the pier. A charter boat is available in the area
during the summer months.
Carlingford Lough is best known for it’s superb tope fishing, which usually
begins towards the end of April and runs through to September. In the main,
the tope found there are male fish in the 25 lbs to 35 lbs (11.34kgs – 15.88kgs)
bracket, but every year a number of big female fish are encountered. They
weigh up to 60 lbs (27.22kgs) with an occasional bigger fish such as the
66.5 lbs (30.16kgs) Irish Record set in 1979. Thornback ray, spurdog and
dogfish are also common in the Lough while outside, in the deeper water
beyond Greenore Point, wrasse, pouting, codling and dabs will be found.
Boat anglers should be aware that there are very strong tides in Carlingford
Lough, particularly during springs. It is important that an experienced person
takes charge of boat handling there.
Where the road (R176) runs close to the shore to the east of Carlingford
Village, there is access, at low tide, to a vast area of mudflat (A). Here
lugworm can be dug but this can be a back-breaking exercise due to the very
heavy nature of the mud. Digging sites should therefore be chosen very
carefully.
Spinning from the shore below the lighthouse at Greenore (2) accounts for
mackerel during the summer. Pollack also appear on evening tides with
occasional bass and sea trout also possible.
Night fishing from the beach produces spurdog, dogfish and ray and there is
always the possibility of hooking a tope in this area. Codling are available
during autumn and winter, particularly on night tides, but are seldom fished
for.

28
 Josie Mahon
with a mullet

This area has seen a surge of interest in saltwater fly fishing with a number of
bass falling to large streamer flies. The late summer is the best time of year,
with high water coinciding with dusk being the optimum period.
To the south east of Greenore is Ballaghan Point where the ground is very
broken and difficult to fish. In summer, mackerel occasionally come quite
close there and can be taken while spinning at high water. Be warned
though! Tackle losses are virtually unavoidable. South west of Ballaghan
(off the R175) are Whitestown and Templetown (3) where the weed and
rock give way to more sandy ground. These are popular swimming places
during summer, making fishing almost impossible during daylight. In any
case, night tides are probably more productive and turn up flounder, dogfish
and occasional bass in summer and codling in winter. There is excellent
potential in this area but very little serious angling activity.
The shoreline is very broken to the west of Cooley Point and consists mainly
of weed covered rock. This terrain offers little of interest to the shore angler
although spinning from some of the larger rock outcrops produces mackerel,
small pollack and coalfish at times.
Gyles Quay (4) is situated on the northern shore of Dundalk Bay, some 1.5
miles (2.5kms) south of the R173.

29
 This is quite a popular small boat angling location, and a slipway of quite
substantial proportions lies adjacent to the pier affording safe launching in all
but stiff south-westerly winds.
The slipway tends to dry out on spring tide lows and this should be borne in
mind when planning a day afloat there. Mackerel are normally plentiful in
the bay during summer and fishing for them is a popular “must do” pastime
for the many holidaymakers who visit the area. For the more serious angler,
the deeper water some 3 miles (4.8kms) offshore, offers dogfish, spurdog,
codling, whiting, dab, ray and tope.
Fishing from the pier is also a popular pastime in summer with high tide
producing dogfish, flounder, mullet and mackerel.
Castletown River (5) flows through Dundalk Harbour and into the sea
between Tippings Point on the northern shore and Soldiers Point to the
south. The floor of the estuary is predominantly alluvial mud, which gives
way gradually to sand beyond the buoyed channel in Dundalk Bay. There is
some fishing for mullet and flounder in the main river channel and occasional
sea trout and bass show up in spring and autumn. The Bay is very shallow,
and at low tide, literally hundreds of acres of sand and mud are exposed. The
maximum depth during this period is about eighteen metres. Despite this

30
the bay offers fair boat fishing at times in the shallows for tope, bull huss,
spurdog, mackerel and codling. In the deeper water around the Dundalk
Patches and beyond other species such as whiting, coalfish, ling, gurnard,
wrasse and pollack become available. Tides at Soldiers Point are -10 minutes
on Dublin.
The River Fane (6) flows into Dundalk Bay just south of the junction of the
N1 and R172 at Blackrock. The mouth of the river offers opportunities for
shore anglers to take mullet, flounder, sea trout and bass. Care should be
taken here to avoid being cut off from the shore, as the tide fills very swiftly,
particularly in easterly winds.
The Rivers Glyde and Dee converge before entering the sea at Annagassan
(7), one of the most picturesque harbours on the east coast. Small boats
can be launched on the southern side of the harbour, but it should be noted
that this is a tidal slipway, confining launching and retrieving to about two
hours either side of high water. It is essential that a check be made locally on
prevailing tide conditions and sea state before going afloat. Boat fishing is for
tope, ray, spur dog, dogfish and dabs. Smooth hound have also been recorded
in commercial catches in the area. Shore fishing at high tide from the quay
wall yields mackerel (in season), flounder, eel, mullet and occasional bass.
To the south east, the broken ground between Salterstown and Dunany offers
some possibilities for bass while plug fishing.
To the south of Dunany Point, the shallow beach at Cruisetown (8) runs for
some 3 miles (4.83 km) broken occasionally by rocky patches and crossed in
several places by small streams. Bass and flounder can be taken, towards the
southern end of the beach when surf is running. Night tides are generally
most productive, but there is little regular angling activity there.
In the south eastern corner of the beach, above Hackett’s Cross (B) lugworm
and occasional white ragworm can be dug at low tide.
Port Oriel (9) on the sheltered north western side of Clogherhead is a busy
commercial harbour which offers excellent launching facilities for small boat
anglers wishing to explore the local waters. Fishing is for codling, dab, coalfish,
dogfish, ray and tope. Access to the slipway and harbour area is restricted, so
anglers wishing to use the facilities should get permission from Clogherhead
Fisherman’s Co-op, Tel: 00 353 41 9881403. The pier and adjacent rock
outcrops afford a number of vantage points for spinning, float fishing and
bottom fishing with pollack, coalfish, dab and conger all possible.
On summer evenings, during the tourist season, fishing from the pier for
mackerel is a very popular pastime. A number of very large specimens have
been recorded over the years including a fish of 3lbs 9ozs. (1.62kgs) which
held the Irish Record for the species for some seven years.

31
 During easterly, autumnal winds, or immediately afterward, bass fishing is
worth trying where Ballywater Stream runs across the beach and enters the
sea at Termonfeckin (10). Anglers who are prepared to put in the hours
may be well rewarded as this area is capable of producing bass to over 10 lbs.
Flounder and dogfish may also be taken especially on night tides.
Baltray (11) is situated on the northern shore of the River Boyne Estuary.
The easterly facing beach offers good bass fishing in the vicinity of the bar
which runs at right angles to the shore and has been created by gravel and
sand being deposited by the strong currents deflected along the beach by the
River Boyne breakwater. Fish to over the specimen size of 10 lbs (4.54kgs)
are possible here but there is very little angling pressure. On the Boyne River
side of the breakwater, spinning with plugs or “German Sprat” type lures or
free-lining sandeel are popular methods for bass from June to September. The
last hour of the ebb and first two hours of the flood tide being the optimum
time. There is a tidal slipway south of the reservoir which allows access to the
estuary. Trolling a “Red Gill” or similar lure behind a boat is a very effective
way of taking bass and has a number of local devotees. Outside the estuary,
bottom fishing will produce plaice, flounder, dab, dogfish and ray.
Peeler crab can be collected at low tide in the weed margins of the main
channel during May and June, while lugworm can be dug at several locations
on the mudflat adjacent to the R167 between Baltray village and Roe’s Point
(C).
It is thought that Drogheda (12) or Droichead Atha (the bridge of the ford)
was established by a Norse chieftain named Thorgestr in 911. Today this busy,
modern town is the gateway to the beautiful and historical Boyne Valley.
Anglers fishing from the Quays will find mullet and flounder, while bass
and sea trout are also possible. When spring tides coincide with a dry spell,
during summer, mackerel may move well upstream. On these occasions they
can be taken in numbers in the vicinity of the old yacht club on the southern
shore and a carnival atmosphere often prevails as every available rod and
reel are pressed into service. Several slipways are located along the quays
affording access to the estuary for the growing number of small boat angling
enthusiasts in the area.
On the southern side of the river at Mornington (13) access to the estuary
mouth is much more difficult than on the northern bank. The breakwater
has not been concreted there, and the adjacent foreshore is very soft sand,
making for almost impossible walking conditions. The fishing found on this
side can also only be carried out safely for two hours either side of low water.
Despite this, the scramble over the beach and rocks may prove to be well
worth the extra effort. Crab baits, fished tight to the base of the rocks can be

32
very effective for bass and flounder while casting plugs out into the channel
and allowing them to be carried round by the current before retrieving has
also proven a potent bass catching method. Spinning also accounts for a
number of sea trout to over specimen size of 6 lbs (2.72 kg) each season from
May onwards.
Tides at River Boyne mouth are -20 minutes on Dublin.
The shallow beaches at Bettystown and Laytown (14) produce sporadic bass
fishing with the best opportunities occurring when surf is running and the
water is coloured after an easterly blow. Where the River Nanny enters the
sea a deep pool has formed below the railway bridge. Mullet are known to
have taken flies there and crab fished into the main channel attracts flounder,
eels and occasional bass in autumn.
Similar fishing can be found where the Delvin River enters the sea just east
of the N1 road at Gormanstown (15). Night tides are regarded as providing
the best opportunities. Despite showing a lot of potential, the fishing on the
beaches in this area is under utilised and visitors will seldom meet another
angler.
Balbriggan (16) affords excellent launching facilities for small boat anglers.
There are plans to upgrade this harbour’s commercial potential and visitors
must be aware of this at all times.
The main harbour area is quite confined, particularly at low water. The
entrance is also narrow and small boat users should always be prepared to
give way to trawlers entering or leaving, as their manoeuvrability is very
restricted.
The slipways are also tidal and cannot be used at low water.
Boat fishing is carried out mainly around the Cardy Rocks north of the harbour
which offer pollack, coalfish, codling and wrasse. The sandy ground to the
east produces dabs, dogfish and occasional ray.
At one time, some of the best mullet fishing on the east coast was to be found
in the harbour but this has all but disappeared due to the arrival of a group
of seals which have taken up residence there. They have become something
of a local tourist attraction and as long as they continue to get easy pickings
from local fishermen, they are sure to remain, making it very unlikely that the
mullet will return. This phenomenon is not only confined to Balbriggan but
has taken place in a number of east coast harbours recently.

33
34
1 A

2
Skerries
3
4
Rush
B

C
5
6
Malahide
D
Map 2 Skerries to Wicklow

7 8
10
9
Dublin E
11
12
14
13
Dun Laoghaire
16 15
 17
18
Bray = Slipway
19
= Charter Vessel
20 = Town
Greystones
21
22
23
24
= Slipway
25
= Charter Vessel
= Town 26
27
28
Wicklow 29 = Slipway
= Charter Vessel
= Town

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

KILOMETERS

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Arklow

35
KILOMETERS
6
7
 Skerries to Wicklow
Map 2.
Small pollack and mackerel can be taken while spinning from the pier at
Skerries (1) while mullet to over the specimen size of 5 lbs (2.27kgs) are
taken fairly regularly. Free lined bread crust or fish paste are particularly
effective. Coalfish and codling can be expected at night from the rocks to the
east of the pier.
Skerries is growing in popularity as a small boat angling centre but the
available slipways at the east pier and opposite the sailing club are tidal and
cannot be used for two hours either side of low water.
A favoured mark for inshore boat fishing is the navigation perch to the east
of Red Island peninsula where mackerel, coalfish and pollack are plentiful in
summer.
East north east of Skerries and some four miles (6.5 km) distant is Rockabill
Lighthouse, which rises to over eighty feet above Carrig da Bheola or Two
Lips Rock. The light came into service in 1860 and was manned until 1989
when it went fully automatic. Around the base of the rock in 7 to 9 fathoms
(12.8mts to 15.5mts) boat anglers will find good fishing for pollack, wrasse,
whiting, conger, coalfish, cod and dogfish. North of St. Patrick’s Island in 10
fathoms (18.3mts) is a region of mixed ground which yields dabs, plaice,
tope, ray, codling, conger and spurdog. Generally this area fishes best at
anchor, particularly when high tide and dusk coincide.
Ragworm and some lugworm can be dug on the foreshore below the
promenade (A).
The pier and slipway at Loughshinny (2) are tidal but small boats can be
launched at high water and there is some inshore fishing for spurdog, codling,
whiting, occasional ray and tope. Mackerel are often taken from the pier on
high tides during the summer and small coalfish and codling appear at night
during autumn.
At Rush (3) the pier and slipway are also tidal but it is possible to launch and
retrieve there at half tide. Boat fishing is mainly concentrated around Lambay
Island which lies some three miles (4.8 km) to the south east. Good fishing
is normally found there, while at anchor, in about 15 fathoms (27.40mts) for
spurdog to over 15 lbs (6.60kgs), bull huss up to 17 lbs (8.60kgs), conger,
dogfish, ray and tope. Drifting over the reefs will produce pollack, coalfish,
wrasse and occasional ling. At the quay in Rogerstown Estuary, south of the
village, a charter boat is occasionally available during spring and autumn.

36
Anglers of the future
mackerel fishing

Free lined sandeel at the mouth of the main estuary channel produces bass to
over the specimen size and occasional sea trout. This area also offers excellent
opportunities for the fly-fishing enthusiast.
The Rogerstown Estuary (B) is a popular bait collection area and the inner
reaches, particularly along the northern shore provides digging for ragworm
and lugworm. Crab can be gathered under the weed near or on the channel
banks while sandeel can be dug over the sandbars at the entrance on spring
tide lows. Access can be gained via the Balleally Road from the R127 or Pipe
Road from the R128.
Donabate Strand (4) runs south from Portrane for over 2 miles (3.22kms)
to the northern entrance of Malahide Estuary. Night fishing in autumn turns
up occasional codling, bass and flounder and the recognised hotspots are the
rocks at the Martello tower and opposite the lifeguards hut.
The town of Malahide (5) is situated on the southern shore of Malahide
Estuary and there are two slipways adjacent to the town marina which give
access to the main channel. Bottom fishing in the channel from boat or
shore is for flounder and eels. Drift lining sandeel on a flood tide can also be
rewarding for mackerel (in season) occasional garfish, bass and sea trout.

37
 Boat fishing between two and three miles off shore has produced cod, ray,
whiting, tope, spurdog, pollack, mackerel, coalfish, dabs and plaice.
A shallow saltwater lake which runs inland for some 3 miles (4.83kms) and
is 1 mile (1.60kms) across at its widest point was formed in 1844 as a result
of the construction of the railway viaduct which carried the main Dublin to
Belfast railway line. The viaduct was rebuilt in 1965 and today has twelve
spans and is 577 feet (84.12 m) in length. The Broadmeadow and Ward
Rivers run into the lake which in turn has an outlet below the railway line and
out to sea through the estuary. At the western extremity of the lake there are
several pools in the river channel above and below Balheary Bridge. Mullet
and sea trout over the specimen size for both species have been caught there
while fly fishing or free lining baits.
To the north of the estuary, on the banks of the channel at Corballis (C),
lugworm, clam and small white ragworm can be dug. Access is from the
R126, via the road signposted Corballis Golf Club. At the southern end of the
golf course, king ragworm can sometimes be found where the shingle meets
the mud.
On the southern side of the estuary mouth is a sandbank where bass and
flounder can be caught on a flooding tide. On neaps, this area can be fished
throughout the tide but on springs, it is necessary to move back to the beach
below Lambay Court bungalows, two hours before high water. Specimen
bass to 11 lbs (4.99kgs) have been taken there and night tides are generally
more productive than daylight ones. Further south the shore becomes rocky
providing several fishing platforms, the most notable of which is the “Bathing
Place” where whiting, codling, coalfish, dogfish and smoothhound, mackerel
and bass have been recorded in summer. Fishing should not be attempted
when swimmers are in the water and in any case it is probably more
productive on night tides when swimmers are generally not in the vicinity.
Below the championship Golf Course at Portmarnock (6) is the shallow,
three miles long, Velvet Strand. Bass, flounder, plaice, dab and smoothound
occur around the rocks to the north of the beach especially while night fishing
in summer. Distance casting will also sometimes produce dogfish, whiting
and codling in autumn.
Mullet, flounder and sea trout are common in Baldoyle Creek (7) particularly
at “Hole In The Wall” on the southern shore where occasional bass to specimen
size will also be encountered in autumn. Lugworm and ragworm can be dug
on the estuary below the R106 at Baldoyle Church (D).
The bustling fishing port of Howth (8) is as famous for its fresh fish as it is for
the rocky “Hill of Howth” which towers above the town, providing spectacular
sea views and containing many exclusive residences. It is just nine miles

38
from the centre of Dublin and is almost an island, linked to the mainland by a
narrow spit of land. Despite its proximity to Ireland’s capital city, Howth has
maintained a very strong sense of identity which is reflected in the constant
coming and going in the harbour of a multitude of vessels including dinghies,
yachts, cruisers, motorboats and trawlers of myriad colours, shapes and sizes.
Boats can be launched from the slipways in the harbour to fish around
Ireland’s Eye, a small island north of the pier where coalfish, pollack, codling,
dogfish, whiting, mackerel and dabs can be expected. In deeper water off
Howth Head, ray, bullhuss and occasional supurdog are fairly common. The
local angling club have a purpose built centre on the west pier. This is usually
the first port of call for anglers visiting Howth.
Both the main piers are popular with shore angling enthusiasts and the head
of the west pier has been designated an “angling only” zone. This is almost
certainly a unique situation but one that should be encouraged in other areas.
At weekends, during the mackerel fishing season, literally hundreds of anglers
descend on the harbour. On these occasions, it is virtually impossible to find
a space from which to fish after 10 o’clock in the morning. Places are also
eagerly sought on the rock marks to the east of the harbour at Balscaddan. As
well as mackerel, the piers can produce whiting, pollack, coalfish and codling,
while the rock marks give up a wide variety of fish including mackerel, plaice,
dabs, dogfish, pouting, whiting and codling during the summer months. Tides
at Howth are generally – 1 minute on Dublin times.
On the rocks around the Bailey Lighthouse (9) there is exceptional fishing
at times for wrasse, dogfish, whiting, dabs, pollack and codling. Great care
should be exercised in this area in easterly winds, which can cause high sea
swells, or in rainy conditions when the rocks become slippery and dangerous.
If in any doubt, steer well clear. Access to these rocks is through private
property and permission to fish must be obtained.
On the southern side of Howth at Red Rock (10) bottom fishing into the
channel on either side of the boat club will yield bass, flatfish, dogfish and
occasional smooth hound. The southern shore (E) is also a good bait
collecting area and the rocky ground east of the boat club, up to the Martello
tower, turns up peeler and soft crab below the weed. Lugworm, ragworm
and clam can be dug in the mud and mussel banks to the west of the boat
club and below the R105 at Sutton.
The four miles long Bull Island is an extensive area of sand dunes and salt
marsh which is separated from the mainland by a muddy inter-tidal zone.
This is an internationally important over-wintering site for large numbers of
wild fowl and waders and is one of Ireland’s premier bird watching stations.

39
 The island is fronted by the shallow Dollymount Strand (11) which is
best fished after an easterly gale, particularly at night. Bass to over 13 lbs
(5.89kgs) have been recorded there and anglers can also expect codling, eels
and flounder. Just east of the Dublin suburb of Raheny is the main access road
to the beach. This crosses a causeway onto the island from the main coast
road at St. Anne’s Park.
The southern end of the island is terminated by the 1 mile (1.6 km) long
Bull Wall (12), which is further extended at the south eastern end by a
half mile long (.80km) breakwater which is a popular bait digging area This
structure forms the northern perimeter of the main shipping channel into
the River Liffey and the Port of Dublin. Small pollack, codling, whiting, bass
and flounder can be taken there. The hotspots are at the viaduct where the
tide runs under the bridge or at the end of the wall below the monument.
Fishing is at its best in August and September. Mullet move well up the River
Liffey and through the city centre in mid summer and have been caught as
far upstream as Heuston Station. Bread flake, either float-fished, or free lined
are the popular tactics. Each year a number of fish over the 5 lb (2.27 kg)
minimum specimen qualifying weight are recorded. On the southern side
of the Liffey Estuary, the River Dodder enters the main channel at Ringsend
Basin and mullet run up as far as Landsdown Station. Mullet and school bass

40
 Rostoonstown Strand, Co. Wexford

congregate, sometimes in large numbers, in the section of river between the

basin and the Pigeon House
Power Station (13) where the hot water outlet is the main attraction. As
the vast majority of fish caught in this stretch are immature, they should be
handled carefully and returned alive to the sea.
Below Poolbeg Lighthouse (14) at the end of the three miles long southern
Liffey breakwater, spinning produces bass and mackerel. One hour either side
of low water is the best period. Conger are taken there occasionally on fish
baits, placed close to the piles or amongst the boulders and big smoothounds
can be taken in May and June.
To the south east of the River Liffey is a large expanse of flat beach at
Sandymount Strand (15). The tide strips a long way out at low water and
this is a popular exercise area for Dublin “Southsiders”. It is also a popular
location for beach anglers to practise their casting techniques, because there
is literally miles of space and the distance a lead has flown can be easily
measured in the sand.
Towards the low tide area there is a complex system of gullies, channels and
pools. Some of the deeper depressions, notably “Cockle Lake” hold school
bass, mullet and specimen sized flounder. Fishing is best on the last hour of

41
 the ebb and first two hours of the flood. An important feature of this beach
is the rapidity with which the incoming tide flows back. This can be further
exacerbated when the wind is pushing the tide from the northern or easterly
quarters. There is a very real danger of getting into difficulties, so caution
must be exercised at all times.
The Strand (F) is also a good bait gathering area and lugworm can be dug
on the foreshore below the car parks on the promenade, Cockle Lake and at
the Seapoint end of the beach where the elusive “snake” white ragworm can
sometimes be found on spring tides.
The ferry port of Dun Laoghaire (16) is some 7 miles (11 km) from Dublin
City centre and is accessed via the N31. It was named after the ancient
Irish high king Laoghaire who had a fort (Dun) there prior to the arrival of
the Vikings. There is a long established boating and sailing tradition in the
harbour and the Royal Irish Yacht Club, founded in 1813, had its headquarters
in a prominent position on the sea front. This was the first purpose built
yachting clubhouse in the world and is now a listed building. Past members
include the first Duke of Wellington, Daniel O’Connell (the Liberator), the
physician Sir Dominic Corrigan and novelist George A. Birmingham.
The 450 berth marina was opened in March, 2001 and offers full facilities
to visitors. The harbour provides pier fishing for much of the year. From
the west pier, dabs, conger, occasional bass (1.81kg) are available during
summer. Whiting, codling, pouting and coalfish can also be taken from the
end of the pier in autumn and winter. From the seaward side of the east pier,
spinning over rocky ground accounts for mackerel and pollack between May
and September.
Up to four slipways are available in the harbour from which to launch small
boats to fish the Burford and Kish Banks on Dublin Bay, where codling,
whiting, pollack, coalfish, pouting and ray are fairly common between May
and September. In mid summer, large numbers of big spurdog are to be
found in the deeper water outside the bay and included an Irish Record of
21.25 lbs (9.64kg) in 2001. East of the harbour off Scotsman’s Bay mackerel
are usually plentiful in season while codling, pouting, plaice, whiting and
dogfish are all possible.
Car parking is tightly controlled in the harbour precincts and a parking disc
must be displayed at all times including Sundays. Tides at Dun Laoghaire 5
minutes on Dublin.
At the time of writing Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have proposals
for new beach byelaws which will restrict fishing at particular locations. For
further details please contact them at: (01) 205 4700, www.dlrcoco.ie

42
South east of Dun Laoghaire, the small harbours at Bullock and Colliemore
(17) are good starting points for exploring the inshore boat fishing off the
“Forty Foot”, the Maidens and Muglins Rocks, Dalkey Island and Sound. In
summer the species to be expected include wrasse (off Bullock), pollack,
small codling (especially in the inner sound) and coalfish. In winter, small
codling, dab and whiting are common in ten fathoms off Bullock. The tides
in Dalkey Sound are swift and extra care should be taken in easterly winds.
There is some shore fishing over rough ground at Colliemore for mackerel, in
season, codling, coalfish and occasional conger, flounder and eels’ while from
the rocks on the northern side of Sorrento Point, mackerel and pollack can be
taken while spinning. Bottom fished baits will also attract whiting and small
codling and dogfish on slack tides.
South of Sorrento Point lies the picturesque Killiney Bay (18) which has in
the past been compared to the Bay of Naples. There is sporadic fishing on the
beach for whiting and small codling, dogfish, whiting, coalfish and occasional
bass. In past years, codling may appear after onshore winds during the
summer months. The best of this fishing was on evening tides into darkness.
Towards the southern end of the beach where the Loughlinstown River enters
the sea, the ground becomes interspersed with weed covered rock. Here
wrasse and rockling can be taken. Occasional specimen bass have also been
recorded in autumn. Access to the beach is via an underpass from the R119.
Inshore boat fishing is fairly productive over sand in seven or eight fathoms
(12.80m to 14.63m). Species to be expected are plaice, dab, gurnard and
dogfish. From time to time, bass shoal over the Frazer Bank. Freelined
sandeel can prove very effective at these times and could result in a fish over
the 10 lb (4.54 kg) specimen size.
The popular holiday resort of Bray (19) known as “the Gateway to Wicklow”
lies, mainly, between the River Dargle in the north and the 78 ft (780m)
high, Bray Head to the south.
The Dargle enters the sea between two breakwaters from where anglers can
cast into fairly deep water. Codling, dabs, flounder and plaice are regularly
taken with bass appearing periodically during summer. Spinning will also
take mackerel at high water in season. The inner harbour holds a few conger,
flounder and eels and shoals of mullet are consistent visitors. There are
two slipways from which small boats can be launched. Boat fishing in the
deep water off Bray Head is for tope, spurdog, dogfish and codling. Ray and
bull huss also turn up infrequently. During the summer the beach, which is
backed by a fine esplanade, is a popular focal point for tourists, so little shore
fishing can be practised during the day. Night fishing, however, will provide
sport with dogfish, codling, whiting, rockling, coalfish and flatfish. When the

43
 beach is busy during daylight, an alternative may be found from the rocks at
the northern side of Bray Head where float fishing will yield wrasse, pollack
and mackerel.
Greystones (20) is one of Ireland’s longest established, and most popular
angling centres for both boat and shore anglers. As a result of many years
of organised angling in the region, much is known about the fishing locally.
Small boats can be launched from two slipways in the harbour for fishing for
a wide range of species. Plaice can be taken occasionally using worm, mussel
or cocktail baits in conjunction with attractor spoons. It is possible in good
seasons to record bags of 20 fish in a day during July and August. Specimens
to 5.5lbs (2.50kgs) have been recorded. Worm, mussel or “cocktail” baits are
generally most successful particularly when used in conjunction with attractor
spoons. The inshore banks are also capable of producing excellent ray fishing,
particularly for blonde ray, up to near record size of 35 lbs (15.88kgs). Other
specimen fish that have been taken are: tope, spurdog, thornback ray and
smoothhound. The “bread and butter” fishing, however, is for whiting,
coalfish, dabs and dogfish which provide good sport for much of the year
and are the key species in the large number of small boat and dinghy fishing
tournaments which are staged annually.
The North Beach, which runs from Bray Head to the harbour, generally fishes
best for shore anglers on evening tides when coalfish, pouting, pollack,
dogfish, dab and occasional plaice and bass can be expected. The beach is
very rocky particularly at the northern end which is also weedy and towards
the harbour, where years of erosion has left rubble and debris from the old
railway embankment and harbour wall, (which is almost inaccessible at the
time of writing) partially buried on the beach. Tackle losses are therefore
almost unavoidable.
The outer wall of the harbour offers pier fishing for pollack, coalfish, flatfish,
codling and school bass, while the rocks between the rear of the old La Touche
Hotel and the school are worth investigating for plaice, codling, pollack and
coalfish. The rock venues may prove particularly productive during calm or
bright spells when fish appear to move off the beaches to seek cover or
deeper water. There is good parking there with easy access to the fishing
from the road.
The “steep-to” shingle beach south of Greystones runs for some 15 miles
(24.14 km) all the way to Wicklow, broken only by the short stretch at
Ballygannon where the county council has reinforced the beach with
large bounders to protect it from erosion.
This is probably one of the most famous of all Irish match fishing stretches
having been the stage for many major tournaments including several
European and World Championships. A look at returns from the various

44
competitions over the years makes interesting reading because no less than
22 species have turned up. This probably goes some way to explaining
why these beaches remain extremely popular with resident and visiting
anglers alike.
Generally the Wicklow beaches fish best after an easterly blow when long
casting is seldom necessary to get among fish. During calm spells, however,
a bait cast into the 100 yd to 120 yd (91.44 m to 109.73 m) band has a much
better chance of success. There are, of course, exceptions to this. During
warm, calm weather, plaice seem to do the opposite to all other species
and move close in, where they can be caught occasionally at times no more
than 30yds (27.45 m) from the shore. In recent times tope are appearing
providing great winter sport for the shore angler.
The South Beach, Greystones (21) can be the most frustrating of all the
local beaches to fish. When it is on form, there are few places to match it for
codling, dogfish, dabs and plaice, while opposite the outflow pipe, pollack
and coalfish can be caught regularly. This beach, however, experiences
unexplained lean periods, even in what appears to be very suitable conditions.
As a result of this, the beach has received the nickname of ”The Hungry Acre”.
Access to the South Beach is via the tunnel, under the railway line, from the
car park on the R762.

45
 Around the rocks are coalfish, codling, rockling and dogfish are the main
species encountered. Every year, however, these rocks produce a number
of bass to about 6 lbs (2.72 kg). Spinning is a popular method for catching
fish. Fishing is best on the first two hours of the flood tide and an hour either
side of high water. Access to Ballygannon involves a walk from the car park
at the Golf Driving range. It can be dangerous to fish here at night, extra care
should be taken.
By taking the turn at the signpost, from the R761 in the village, easy access
will be found to the beach at Kilcoole (22). Plaice and dabs are usually quite
prolific here and specimen fish of both species have been recorded. Spinning
for bass and mackerel is also popular. Winter tope are providing great sport
for the shore angler.
An area about 500yds (457m) south of the railway platform is regarded as
offering best opportunities. Codling, dogfish and coalfish also turn up there
regularly. Every spring the area of beach south of Kilcoole is the nesting site
for one of Ireland’s scarcest breeding birds, the little tern. This area generally
is a sensitive bird watching area and anglers should be aware of this.
The area is usually taped off to indicate the extent of the nesting area but
chicks will invariably stray outside this zone and are very difficult to see
among the stones and shingle.
Unfortunately they can be accidentally stood on and to prevent this happening,
anglers are requested to avoid this area during the breeding period.
Behind the beach is a complex system of channels and gullies, which drain
a number of streams running down from the Wicklow Mountains. This area
is in turn drained by a channel which runs to sea under a railway bridge at a
point on the shore known as the Breaches (23).
The freshwater entering the sea there encourages flatfish to move close to
the shore and flounder are quite common, both at the outflow and in the pool
behind the railway line. Other probable species are codling, dab, coalfish,
bass and sea trout. Mullet also move under the bridge and into the pool and
channels behind the beach. Some of these fish appear to be well over the
specimen weight of 5 lbs (2.27kgs) but to date there has been little attempt
to catch them. This area also looks perfect habitat for freshwater eels. Time
spent fishing for both of these species may be well rewarded. Access involves
a long walk from either Kilcoole in the north or Newcastle to the south.
At Newcastle (24) the water close in is slightly deeper than on the
surrounding beaches and the 5 fathom (just over 9 m) line is nearest to the
shore there. Traditionally : November has some of the best whiting and dab
fishing in this area particularly in the vicinity of a railway workers hut about
1 mile (1.61 km) north of the access gate. During summer, dogfish, plaice,
coalfish and gurnard are all possible. The beach is signposted from the village
and is about a mile from the R761.
The beach at Five Mile Point (25) contains less stone and shingle and much
more sand than the other beaches. In spring, smoothhound to over the

46
specimen size of 7 lbs (3.17kgs) have been caught there during the hours
of darkness, with ragworm and peeler crab being the best baits. Homelyn
ray and plaice are to be found here in May and mackerel during the summer,
however for much of the year this area appears to be something of a nursery
for immature fish of 6 inches (15.24 cm) or so, from several species including
cod, dab, flounder and whiting. Access is via a mile (1.61 km) long road from
the R761.
Many anglers regard Killoughter (26) as the best of all the Wicklow beach
venues. This opinion has probably come about because the beach turns up
quality fish with a fair degree of regularity. Included in catches have been
specimen homelyn ray, thornback ray, smoothhound, bullhuss and occasional
spurdog. Early in the season dogfish and the occasional ray can be taken
Fishing for the “more regular” species such as whiting, dogfish, flatfish
and tub gurnard has also been regarded as above average. Tope are also
appearing here in recient years providing great sport for the shore angler.
Two hours either side of high water is the optimum period with night tides
most productive. At the time of writing, the access lane from the R761 is
littered with deep potholes which are inclined to fill with water after heavy
rain. Great care should be exercised while driving down this lane as damage
to vehicles could easily occur.
The North Beach, Wicklow (27) is accessed from Wicklow town via the
“Burrow Road”. This beach can fish exceptionally well during daylight
particularly on the overcast days of autumn and winter. Early in the season
dogfish and the occasional ray can be taken. Night fishing can also prove
worthwhile with the area next to the boulders below the car park or on the
Burrow around the Monkey Pole (a well known fishing mark, the actual pole
has been removed in recent times) being two of the favoured vantage points.
Codling, coalfish, dabs, dogfish and whiting are some of the species on offer.
Behind the Burrow and North Beach is the almost land-locked Broadlough
(28) which drains the Vartry River. Small bass, mullet and eels are common
in the brackish water but the best fishing is for the big flounder which move
up and down the lough with the tide. Fish to over 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) have
been taken but like several other locations in Wicklow, time spent could pay
major dividends for that elusive specimen fish. Anglers must, however, be
prepared to move location several times during the day. At low tide, flounder
and mullet will be found at the weir in the main channel and as the tide fills,
they move up the lough until they reach the northern shore at high water. As
the tide recedes, so the fish move back towards the sea.
Wicklow Harbour (29) affords excellent launching facilities for small boat
anglers and the ground off Wicklow Head provides good sport, mainly in
summer, for occasional, spurdog, tope, ray, plaice and codling. Shore fishing
from the pier and breakwater offers opportunities for mackerel (in season),
pollack, coalfish, dogfish, rockling, flounder, dab and wrasse. There is also
limited space for bottom fishing from the rocks below the castle ruins on
Wicklow Head. A short cast will put baits onto sand for plaice, dabs and
dogfish in daylight. Night fishing will also produce occasional codling and
coalfish but the rocks here can be very dangerous and they should only be
visited in calm dry weather. Tides at Wicklow are 21 minutes on Dublin.

47
 17
Bray 18

48
19

Wicklow
1

2
3
Map 3 Wicklow to Blackwater

5
6

Arklow 7
D
 8 = Slipway
9 = Charter Vessel
= Town
Gorey 10

Courtown Harbour 11
12
13
= Slipway
Cahore Pt 14
= Charter Vessel
= Town
F
15
16 = Slipway
Enniscorthy 17 = Charter Vessel
= Town
18
19
20
22 21

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

KILOMETERS

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

KILOMETERS

49
 Wicklow to Blackwater
Map 3.
On the north east side of Wicklow Head (1), a walk is required from the car
park on the R750 to reach the available rock fishing below the golf course on
Brides Head. Spinning there will produce mackerel (in summer) and pollack.
Float fishing should turn up coalfish and wrasse. On the southern side at the
“Long Rock” spinning will again account for mackerel and pollack. Fish baits
will produce occasional conger while plugs cast across the current will take
bass.
Best period for the latter species is on a dawn or dusk tide. Worm and crab
baits cast over sandy patches turn up dabs and plaice in July and August.
Some three miles (4.83km) south of Wicklow Head is the beautiful Silver
Strand (2) where there is good surf fishing early in the year for bass, flounder,
dogfish and plaice. Night fishing turns up spurdog and infrequent ray in the
summer months.
Rock and sand are interspersed in a cove between Silver Strand and Brittas
Bay, known as Jack’s Hole (3). Beach and rock fishing produces bass, flounder,
plaice and pollack in autumn while school bass have been noted there, in
numbers, during the winter months. Access from the main road (R750) is
difficult and care should be taken.
Brittas Bay (4) is a popular bathing place and for this reason, fishing is not
usually carried out in daylight during the peak holiday months of July and
August. Easterly gales, however, are not uncommon at this time of year and
during these periods, the majority of holidaymakers will be discouraged from
venturing onto the beach due to the high winds and rough seas which are
invariably also accompanied by driving rain. Bass over the specimen weight
of 10lbs (4.5kg) have been taken in these conditions and the angler prepared
to persevere should be rewarded. At other times, night fishing will produce
bass, codling, whiting and dogfish. Sandeel and crab are regarded as the top
baits on this beach. There are excellent facilities at Brittas and access to the
beach is from the car parks on the R750, via one of the paths through the
sand dunes.
On its way south the R750 passes over the Redcross River by way of the
quaintly named Pennycomequick Bridge. The river then enters the sea
immediately to the east at Ennereilly Strand (5) which has become a very
popular venue for fishing night matches due to the apparently ever-present
dogfish, which also appear to be well spread along the entire stretch.

50
Beach fishing near the rocks to the south yields bass, flounder, whiting,
codling, dogfish and plaice. One hour either side of high water is the best
period.
The town of Arklow (6) sits astride the Avoca River which enters the sea
through a long, narrow harbour to the east of the N11. The first evidence
of habitation in the area dates back to 6400BC, but it was probably the 2nd
century before a settlement was established. The Vikings, who arrived some
hundred years later, are responsible for giving the town its name.
They called the locality “Arn-kell” after a local Norse chieftain and “lo” which
meant a low-lying meadow near water. The Irish name “A T’inbhear Mor”
means “the large inlet”.
A marina, with first class berthing facilities is situated between the road
bridge and the north pier. For further details contact + 353 40239901.
A fleet of commercial fishing vessels are housed in the main harbour on the
southern shore. Dinghy or small boat fishing in the area is concentrated over
the numerous offshore sand banks for dogfish, ray, codling, whiting and tope.
The best sport is to be found in the summer months from early June to the
end of August. Fishing should not be attempted in strong easterly winds
as this causes the sea to break over the bar at the harbour mouth and boat
owners should also note that there is a 3kn speed limit within the harbour
confines.
Shore anglers are spoiled for choice, as there are several good fishing locations
in the immediate vicinity of Arklow particularly at Ferrybank on the northern
side and also below the estuary mouth on South Beach where bass are fairly
common at times. Although the average size is only around 3lbs (1.36kg),
much larger fish, though infrequent, are taken annually. Codling, whiting,
dabs are all common at night particularly in autumn, while sole to over the
specimen size of 2lbs (.91kg) have also been taken. On the Roadstone Pier,
south of the town, bottom fishing will produce codling, whiting, dabs, flounder,
plaice, pouting and dogfish with night tides in autumn most productive. An
Irish Record, three-bearded rockling of 3lbs 1oz (1.39kg) was also recorded
there in 1990. The Roadstone Pier is privately owned and permission must
be obtained at the site office before fishing there. Due to the complex nature
of the offshore banks and the geographical position of Arklow, the area
experiences four tides each day. The main tide, however, is -2.5 hours on
Dublin.
Four miles south of Arklow is a small beach surrounded by rocks at Clogga (7)
where there is float fishing and spinning for bass and mackerel from the rocks
in summer. Bottom fishing from the beach over sand is for bass, dogfish and
flounder while codling and whiting are probable in winter.

51
Mick Doyle with a flounder
from Cullenstown, Co. Wexford

Kilmichael (8) is just inside the Wexford County boundary and is best
accessed by turning southeast at the Scarnagh crossroads on the N11 and
following the signposts. From the rocks below the old coastguard station,
now well appointed holiday homes, good sport is available for bass. Fish
are generally caught there while float fishing or spinning either with a metal
lure or a plug on a flood tide. Sea trout and mackerel will also be taken
occasionally. The best period is when high tide coincides with dawn. Casting
worm or crab baits out over sand, on the northern side of the point, produces
flounder, dogfish and bass. Codling also put in an appearance in winter. The
rocks on the southern side of the point are backed by clay cliffs, and from
there, dogfish and flounder can be caught during daylight. Tope and bass are
more liable to show on night tides particularly in spring and summer. Night
fishing on the beach immediately below the point can be excellent in winter
for whiting, codling and flounder. Spring and early summer sees good fishing
for bass and smooth hound but crab baits are essential at this time.
Two miles south of Kilmichael, the Kilgorman River crosses the beach and
enters the sea at Clones (9). This beach is a favourite of many anglers
because it generates consistently good fishing in spring and autumn. After
an easterly blow the beach provides excellent fishing for codling, bass and

52
flounder. During calmer periods, at night, tope, smooth hound, dogfish, bull
huss and ray can be expected.
Clones is best approached from the N11, two miles south of Inch village, by
taking the turn at Rogan’s Crossroads, signposted Castletown, then via the
road north of the post office.
At Ballymoney (10) there is some beach fishing in several little coves for
flounder, coalfish and bass in autumn. Fishing in Tara Cove in particular can
be very rewarding at night.
Courtown (11) is a very popular holiday destination, particularly with
Dubliners and there are a large number of holiday parks, containing literally
thousands of mobile homes, in the surrounding area,. In fine weather, the
local beaches are a hive of activity and for this reason, fishing is virtually
impossible. Night tides, however, are worth trying for dogfish, ray, smooth
hound and tope. When surf is running the main target species is bass and
big baits cast from the beach around the harbour mouth seem to attract the
better fish. Indeed the biggest fish ever taken there, which weighed in at
13lbs 12ozs (6.24kg) fell for a large mackerel fillet.
Courtown Harbour is a well-known mullet fishing venue. Bread is the most
widely used bait, but ground baiting the day before fishing takes place, usually
gets fish feeding well. The local mallard population, however, can turn what
should be a relaxing day into one of total frustration as they scoff literally
every crumb that hits the water. This leaves the angler with no alternative
but to pack up. Mallard are not as plentiful in early spring, prior to the nesting
period or in autumn, when the year’s brood have fledged and moved on.
These periods, therefore, would appear to offer best opportunities.
Boat fishing locally is for ray, flatfish, tope, spurdog, bull huss, smooth hound,
bass, codling and dogfish. Dinghies and small boats can be launched from the
slipway on the eastern side of the harbour. At low water on spring tides, the
harbour can almost dry out, so launches and retrievals should be calculated
to take this into account. Easterly winds can also cause a heavy groundswell
at the harbour mouth. Passage to sea should not be attempted in these
conditions.
As at Arklow, the tides at Courtown are affected by the alignment of the
offshore banks. Tides are generally calculated as -3hrs 30min on Dublin.
Courtown can be approached by taking the R742 from Gorey.
Three miles (4.83km) south of Courtown, there is good general shore fishing
at Pollshone (12). The best fishing is usually on evening and early morning
tides from the rocks at the southern end of the beach with spring and autumn
being the best seasons. Species available include bass, flounder, eels, dabs,

53
 dogfish and smooth hound. Fresh soft or peeler crab is by far the most
successful bait in this area.
Up to ten bass, to 8lb or 9lb (3.63kg to 4.08kg) on a single tide were once
possible off Roney Point and around the Roney Rock (13). Those days have,
sadly gone, but in the right conditions, bass can still be caught there in the
run of tide between the headland and the rock. Spinning is the best tactic
while using plugs or “Jensen” type lures.
South of Roney Point a rough shingle beach terminates at Glascarrig Point
(14). Fishing close to the rock in the sandy gullies on the northern side
produces flounder to 2lb (.91kg) on crab baits. Dogfish and occasional bass
are also occasionally taken. Bass fishing is usually best on a flooding tide at
dawn, to the east of the point, where crab baits are also successful. Silver
coloured plugs worked slowly around the rocks can also be very effective.
The small harbour and slipway at Cahore (15) is a popular venue for small
boats because it affords access to some of the best spring and summer fishing
on the entire east coast. The maze of inshore sandbanks produces consistent
fishing for tope to over 50lbs (22.68kg), bull huss and thornback ray to 15lbs
(6.80kg), smooth hound and bass to 10lbs (4.54kg), painted ray, dogfish,
whiting, plaice and dabs. The parking of boat trailers can be something
of a problem at weekends or periods of fine weather during the season,
so intending visitors are advised to travel early to ensure a space near the
harbour. The beach to the north of the harbour, particularly between the
groynes and the pier, produces codling, whiting and dabs in winter, while
smooth hound, dogfish and bass can be expected in summer. Behind the
castle on Cahore Point lies several rocky outcrops. A short cast will put baits
over sand where plaice, dab and flounder can be expected. The “hotspot” is
in the south-eastern corner where the tide washes round the point causing
a back eddy across the beach. Bass can be taken there also while spinning
or bottom fishing but dogfish can be a nuisance while employing the latter
method. Lugworm is usually the best bait while shore fishing at Cahore
in winter with ragworm and crab the top baits in summer. Night tides are
generally best throughout the year. Cahore can be approached via the R742
at the signposted turn in Ballygarret village.
To the south of Clonevin Cross Roads on the R742, a small road leads to the
beach at an area known as Old Bawn (16). Bass fishing can be good here
from May to July. This period also provides sport for dogfish, smooth hound,
flounder, spurdog and occasional tope. Night tides are best.
The stretch of beach at Ballinoulart (17) some 2 miles (3.22km) further
south has produced a number of specimen bass over 10lbs (4.54kg).
Usually the best fishing is to be encountered when surf is running during, or

54
 Pete Turner with
a Garfish, Wexford

immediately after, an easterly blow. The best periods are in May and early
June or September and early October with crab, ragworm and sandeel being
the most commonly used baits.
Situated to the east of the holiday village of Kilmuckridge lies Morriscastle
Strand (18) which is one of the most popular and productive early season
beaches in Ireland. In good years, fishing can begin there in early April with
the first inshore migration of the predatory species. A wide range of specimen
fish have been recorded there including monkfish, thornback ray, painted ray,
sting ray, tope, smooth hound, spurdog, bass, bull huss and dogfish. The
consistently good quality of the fishing to be found at Morriscastle has seen
the area develop as a popular match fishing venue with many important
events being staged there. It is also the beach, which sets the standard,
against which all other Wexford beaches are judged. If a tactic or bait works
on Morriscastle, then it can be safely assumed that it will work on all the other
local beaches. The best fishing is to be found during the hours of darkness
with crab, sandeel, mackerel and ragworm being the most successful baits.
Just south of Morriscastle, a maze of narrow roads leads off the R742 to an
area of beach which is crossed by a stream at Tinnabearna (19). It was on
this beach, in the late seventies, that the first Irish Record smooth hound was
recorded. Up until then this species had not been “officially” recognised in

55
 Irish waters. Since that time this beach, like Morriscastle, has produced a
wide range of species, including tope, ray, spurdog and bass, and has become
popular in spring. During May and June the area to the north of the stream
is most productive. As the season wears on, the section of beach south of the
stream, where the ground becomes rocky, appears to improve. Night fishing
is essential for best results there, although the overcast days of autumn can
be productive for bass and flatfish. At times distance casters too will have an
advantage, as many of the banks which run parallel to the shore, are more
than 100 yards (91.5mts) distant.
About 2 miles (3.22km) further south on the R742, another small stream
crosses the beach at Ballynamona (20). Just to the north of the stream,
anglers can expect bass, flounder, dab, ray, smooth hound, spurdog and
dogfish. Like all the other venues in this area, night tides in springtime are
most productive.
South of Ballynamona, the beach tends to become a little steeper and
at Ballyvaldon (21) the water close to the shore is deeper than in the
surrounding area. It is not, therefore, necessary to fish night tides exclusively
and the ability to cast a bait a long way is not as important. The species
of fish available are similar to those found elsewhere but anglers probably
catch more bull huss there, than anywhere else on the east coast. Spring and
autumn are the most popular periods.
The village of Blackwater (22) lies at the junction of the R742 and R744 and
is a good centre for exploring the local beaches, on either side of the River
Blackwater, which enters the sea some two miles to the south-east. There
is good spring and autumn fishing on the northern side at Ballyconniger for
bass, flounder, eel, codling, dogfish, tope, ray, smooth hound and spurdog.
Access to this area is not easy and invariably means a long walk. As a result,
this section of beach sees very little angling pressure. Where the river crosses
the beach, however, is very easy to reach and is much more popular with
anglers. Good autumn fishing for bass and codling is possible on evening
tides. Flounder, rockling, dogfish and occasional ray are also available there.
The beach immediately to the south of the river is very broken and tackle
losses are almost certain but a mile (1.6km) further south at Ballynaclash, the
conditions are much easier to cope with and when a surf is running the bass
fishing there can be outstanding.

56
 David Gray with a tope
from Killiney Bay,57
Dublin
 Enniscorthy

4
5
2

6 Wexford 3

7
Rosslare
Harbour 8

= Slipway 9
= Charter Vessel Killmore Quay
= Town

E 11
15
14 D
13 12
Saltee Islands

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

58 KILOMETERS
 Map 3 Wicklow to Blackwater

= Slipway
= Charter Vessel
= Town

= Slipway
A
= Charter Vessel

B = Town

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

KILOMETERS

10
C

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

KILOMETERS

59
 Curracloe to Cullenstown
Map 4.
The popular holiday village of Curracloe (1) is some 5 miles (8km) due south
of Blackwater. It was in this area that Steven Spielberg filmed the stunning
beach landing sequences for “Saving Private Ryan” starring Tom Hanks.
During the summer, many holidaymakers bring their fishing tackle with them
to fish on the beaches to the north at Ballinesker and south towards Raven
Point. Unfortunately, the summer fishing does not compare with the spring
and autumn shoulder periods. In spring, bass, smooth hound and flounder
can be taken on a flood tide, while in autumn and winter, codling, whiting,
dabs and dogfish are common. There is a 3 mile (4.8km) walk from the car
park south of Curracloe to Raven Point. The best access is by following the
main track through the forest, then across the dunes to the beach at the
southern end. This is a very important area for wildlife and all visitors are
requested to stick to the designated walkways. The walk should be well
rewarded as this area is seldom fished but bass, dogfish, ray and tope are all
possible for much of the year.
The estuary of the River Slaney enters the sea in the sheltered Wexford
Harbour. This area is a very popular match fishing location, especially along
the northern shore where access is easiest. Flounder can be caught almost
everywhere in the harbour, but bass are much more elusive. Due to the
shallow nature of the shoreline, chest waders are essential because anglers
must be prepared to wade up to 100 yards (91.44mts) in places, at low tide.
This allows casts to be made into the channels which fish use like roadways
to navigate around the estuary. As the tide floods, fish appear to move out
of the channels and into casting range. Wading should only be attempted in
those areas where the mud is firm enough to allow it. Generally, most of the
recognised, signposted hotspots are safe. It should be noted, however, that
the rules of some tournaments prohibit wading as a safety measure.
Ardcavan (2) is easily approached from the R741 to the west. Flounder,
eels, bass, plaice and occasional sea trout can be taken there on a rising
tide. Peeler and soft crab are virtually essential baits, as all others are
gratefully accepted by the large, local crab population! The sea wall to the
east of the access road borders one of the most important wetland nature
sites in Ireland. In winter, the area is home to internationally significant
numbers of Greenland white-fronted geese and to avoid disturbing these birds,
fishing from the wall into the estuary should be curtailed. The area of beach
between Ardcavan and the municipal caravan park to the south-west (A) is

60
a noted crab gathering area while some ragworm can be dug, with difficulty,
in the shallow mud at various places.
Spinning from the northern breakwater of the River Slaney (3) produces
bass on a flood tide but bottom fishing with crab or ragworm is regarded
locally as the more productive method. Flounder, dogfish and eel will also
fall to these baits. In summer “school bass” tend to congregate adjacent to
the breakwater and road bridge where they can be taken in large numbers on
virtually any bait presented to them. As these fish are juveniles which have
not reached spawning age, they probably represent the future of bass fishing
in the entire area. Anglers are requested to handle these fish with care and
return them safely to the water.
A narrow slipway is located on the breakwater which allows small boats to be
launched and retrieved. Unfortunately this slip dries out, becoming unusable
two hours either side of low water.
The species encountered by boat anglers are similar to those found on the
shore but the beauty of using a boat in Wexford Harbour is that numer-
ous marks which are out of range and inaccessible to shore anglers can be
investigated. For instance the vast area of sand banks and deep gullies near
the estuary mouth provides excellent fishing, in fine weather, for bass, tope,

61
 dogfish and ray. The other advantage of boat fishing is that when fish are
moving up or down the estuary on a flood or ebb tide, the boat can easily
move to intercept them and therefore ensure optimum fishing time.
One of the most popular venues on the estuary is Kaats Strand (4) which is
signposted a mile (1.6km) north of the road bridge and to the west of the
R741. Fishing is similar to other marks with flounder and eels tending to pre-
dominate, however, a number of specimen bass to over 10lbs (4.5kg) have
been recorded there with September and October being the best months.
The majority of bass are taken on a flooding tide with crab being far and away
the most successful bait.
Another popular estuary fishing spot is at the junction of the R730 and N11
at Ferrycarrig Bridge (5).
To the east of the bridge the road runs along the river bank and during the
summer holidays, numbers of local youngsters go fishing there. Small school
bass are very common and take baits freely. As previously mentioned, these
immature fish should be handled with care and returned safely. Occasionally
a larger fish will fall to bottom fished crab, lugworm or ragworm.
The historic town of Wexford (6) which dates back to early Celtic times
lies along the southern shore of the Harbour. The Irish name for the
town is Loch Garman (Garman’s Lake) after a legend, where a Celt, called
Garman Garbh, was drowned in a great flood caused by an enchantress. In the
early tenth century the Vikings called the settlement “Weissfiord” (inlet of
the mudflats).
There is a fine all tide slipway to the west of the town at Wexford Boat Club
where a warm welcome awaits all visitors. A nominal charge is made for the
use of the club facilities which include toilets, showers, lounge bar and safe
parking for car and trailers. For further details contact Tel: + 353 91 22039 /
91 47504.
There is good shore fishing for bass, flounder and eel opposite the boat club
at the old bridge wall or from the car park wall. The largest bass ever taken
in this area weighed 13lb (5.9kg) and took peeler crab.
In the late nineties the town quays underwent dramatic improvement
work and this created several new vantage points for shore anglers. Bass,
flounder, plaice, eel, codling, whiting and coalfish are all available with the
hours around high water the most productive. Ragworm and crab are the
two most widely used baits in Wexford. There are several well stocked
tackle shops in the town where live and frozen baits can be purchased. It is
advisable to order live bait the day before fishing to ensure a supply. Tides at
Wexford Quay are -4hrs 15mins on Dublin.

62
The south eastern side of the harbour is protected from the open sea by a
narrow spit of land which runs north for 3 miles (4.83km) and terminates
at Rosslare Point (7). Bass can be taken on plugs and lures fished in the
deep channel on the western or “inner” side of the point. A flooding tide
particularly on an autumn evening is the best period. The strong tides in
the area make bottom fishing very difficult but the reward for perseverance
during the slack water period of springs or on the gentler neap tides can be
worthwhile for bass, flounder, dogfish and occasional ray.
On the seaward side of Rosslare Point, the tides are not as strong and bottom
fishing is much easier. Sandeel and mackerel baits cast out from the eastern
facing groyne will attract tope to over the specimen size of 40lbs (18.14kg),
spurdog and dogfish. Crab and worm baits will account for smooth hound to
over the specimen size of 7lbs (3.17kg), bass, dogfish and flounder. Rosslare
Point can be reached by taking the R740 off the N25 through to Rosslare
village, then turn left and follow the Burrow Road until it becomes a track
which runs directly to the point. Care should be exercised in this area as the
track can become difficult to traverse on spring tides or in wet conditions.
Lugworm and ragworm can be dug at low tide on the mudflats below the
Burrow Road (B).
Night tides in autumn will yield bass on Rosslare Strand, particularly when
surf is running. Fish to over 12lbs (5.44kg) have been recorded with crab and
lugworm the most successful baits. The section of beach from the carpark
in the village to the track across the Golf Course is the most widely used by
anglers.
North of the village of Kilrane, a narrow road runs from the N25 to a small
cove at Ballygerry, just to the east of Rosslare Harbour (8). Two slipways
are located there with the outer one the most suitable for launching boats.
Local inshore fishermen keep their boats in the cove, and as space is limited,
care should be taken to avoid impeding their activities by ensuring that cars
and trailers are parked properly. Boat fishing on Rosslare Bay is for ray, plaice,
dabs, codling and gurnard. An Irish Record for grey gurnard of just over 3lbs
has been held there since 1967. During the summer some of the best boat
fishing is to be found in the buoyed channel leading into the ferry termi-
nal. Common sense and vigilance should be exercised there because modern
day ferries travel at considerable speed and what was a small speck on the
horizon a moment ago can be almost on top of you the next. The major-
ity of ferries moving in and out of Rosslare Harbour would also have great
difficulty avoiding a small boat anchored in their path particularly in the narrow
confines of the channel.

63
A ling from Kilmore Quay, Wexford

To the south east of Rosslare Harbour lies a long, shallow underwater reef
known as the Splaugh Rock. In the late sixties, this area was famous for
the large numbers of bass that shoaled there in spring and autumn.
An armada of small Wexford cots hunted the free feeding bass and lures like the
German Sprat took up to 40 fish on a tide to each boat. Alas, like bass fish-
ing everywhere, this wonderful sport declined due to over exploitation, so
that by the mid eighties, it had all but gone. Since then, there has been
something of a recovery and today trolling with redgills, shads or similar lures
can catch bass. To the south of the harbour wall, there is shore fishing over
mixed ground for bass, dogfish and flounder. A number of specimen bass of
over 10lbs (4.53kg) have been recorded on this stretch, particularly where
the flooding tide flows across the rock outcrops at Greenore Point. Tides at
Rosslare are -5hrs 58mins on Dublin.
St. Helens (9) is located 3 miles (4.82km) south east of the N25 and Kilrane.
The beach, which lies to the north of a small harbour, is a popular swimming
place in summer. Most of the fishing carried out there is at night in spring
and autumn when bass and flatfish are the quarry. Boats can be launched,
with some difficulty, at high tide from a disused slipway on the northern side
of the harbour. Launches or retrievals should not be attempted without the

64
use of a four-wheel drive vehicle. There is ample parking for vehicles and
trailers beside the slipway.
Ballytrent (10) is some 4 miles (6.5km) south east of Kilrane. This is possibly
the best autumn bass fishing venue in the south east, particularly after an
easterly blow has put up a good surf. Dogfish, flounder, dab and occasional
plaice also turn up there. Crab, ragworm and sandeel are the best baits with
night tides or overcast days offering most opportunities.
The slipway in the south western corner of Carne Pier (11) is only viable at
high tide. Small boats can, however, be launched across the beach, below
the car park. The sand is usually quite firm but to avoid difficulties, boats
should only be launched by four-wheel drive vehicles. Carne is the nearest
launch site for fishing the reefs 6.5 miles (10.45km) away at the Tuskar rock.
Over twenty five species have been recorded in the area including tope to
over 50lbs (22.68kg), an Irish Record smooth hound of 16.58lbs (7.52kg)
and an ex Irish Record cuckoo wrasse of just over 2.00lbs (.91kg). Anglers
fishing from the pier have recorded bass to over 11lbs (5.00kg) with crab and
sandeel proving to be the most successful baits. Spinning at high water on
evening tides also accounts for bass and mackerel.
To the west of the pier (C) lugworm and sandeel can be dug in the sand at
low tide, while crab can be collected around the rocks on the seaward side
of the pier.
Carnsore Point (12) is located in the extreme southeasten corner of
Ireland and can be reached by passing the turn off for Carne at the Lobster Pot
Restaurant and following the road for a further 2 miles (3.22km) until it
peters out into a track. This track runs east over very rough terrain and is
not recommended for the standard family saloon! The point is made up of
very rocky ground, running onto shingle, where big wrasse, rockling, dogfish
and pollack can be caught. Tides are extremely strong there and fishing is
virtually impossible on anything other than neap tides when the prime fishing
periods are directly after low water and one hour either side of high water.
As the coast swings away from the east, towards the west, the inshore waters
come under the increasing influence of the North Atlantic Drift (an offshoot
of the Gulf Stream). As a result, the sea is marginally warmer and therefore
produces a greater diversity of marine species.
The Coombe (13) is a south facing, steep-to, shingle and sand beach, which
runs for over 8 miles (12.88km) from Carnsore Point, west, almost to the
port of Kilmore Quay. The eastern end is affected by the strong currents at
Carnsore and as a result is best fished on neap tides. The currents ease,
however, the further west one travels. Night fishing, on a flood tide in spring
or autumn is regarded locally as offering best opportunities. Species to be

65
 expected are bass, dogfish, flatfish, codling and seatrout. Tope to over 30lbs
(13.60kg) turn up regularly, but wire traces are almost essential to ensure
that any hooked fish are actually beached. From time to time an opening
is cut through the beach to ease flooding on Lady’s Island Lake. On these
occasions, large numbers of fish are attracted to the outflow and sport can be
hectic from the beach there. The trick therefore, is to know exactly when the
flood easing exercise is to take place!
One of the easiest access points to the beach is on the western shore of
Lady’s Island Lake at Rostoonstown, where a road runs for 3 miles (4.8km)
south from the R736. From the beach there spinning in summer, particularly
on flood tides, can produce large numbers of mackerel. Occasionally seatrout
and bass will also be taken.
Some 2miles (3.22km) farther west is another outflow, this time a permanent
fixture, from Tacumshin Lake. This is known by local anglers as the “Tunnel”.
It is a large concrete culvert that runs from the lake, under the dunes, through
the beach and out to sea. Several specimen bass over 10lbs (4.5kg) have
been recorded there and flounder, dab, dogfish and occasional ray have also
turned up recently.
he beach at Ballyhealy is 2miles (3.22km) southeast of the R739 and in
autumn, it produces codling and bass. Generally this section of the beach
fishes best after an onshore blow, which creates surf conditions.
Tides at Carnsore Point are + 29mins. on times at Cobh.
When broaching the top of the hill leading down to the picturesque village
of Kilmore Quay (14) with its quaint, thatched and whitewashed cottages,
pubs and restaurants, one could be excused for a first impression that the air
of peace and tranquillity which greets you, applies to the entire surrounding
area. On arrival at the bottom of the hill, however, it quickly becomes clear
that this is no sleepy hamlet, but a busy commercial fishing port. The harbour
also contains a 55 berth marina from which up to 8 fully licenced, purpose
built, charter vessels operate annually. The huge all-tide slipway, possibly
the widest in Ireland, has contributed greatly to the rapid expansion of small
boat angling locally. Indeed the boat fishing from Kilmore has built up a truly
deserved international reputation. Over 40 species have been recorded
including blue shark and tope to over 50lbs (22.68kg), thornback ray to
over 20lbs (9.00kg), bass to over 12lbs (5.45kg) and Irish Records for
pouting of 4.80lbs (2.18kg) and Red Mullet of 1.26lbs (0.57kg).

66
Courtown South Beach, Wexford
(photo courtesy of Joanne Grant Photography)

67
 All the boat fishing hotspots, such as the marks around the Saltee Islands
2.5miles (4km) offshore to the Barrels, Brandies, Bores and Conningbeg Rock
afford a very wide variety of sea bed types from mud, sand and gravel to
boulder and reef.
This diversity offers great opportunities for the experienced angler and
novice alike.Shore fishing locally also provides exciting prospects, and fishing
from the piers will produce wrasse, flounder, mullet and bass. To the east
of the harbour is a long, low lying spit of rock known as St. Patrick’s Bridge.
Fishing with crab baits close to top the rock will yield bass and wrasse. Plugs
worked across the reef on a flood tide will also produce bass with additional
possibilities for pollack and seatrout. Plugs and lures can also be used
successfully, for bass, to the west of the harbour at Forlorn Point. Lugworm
and clam can be dug at low tide on the eastern side of the harbour (D)
Details on berthing charges and facilities at Kilmore Quay can be obtained
from the harbourmaster’s office on +353 53 912 9955. Kilmore Quay can be
reached by taking the N25/R739 Roads from Wexford town which is 14 miles
(22.50km) to the north.
Ballyteigue Strand (15) lies west of Kilmore Quay. The 5.5mile (9km) long
sandy beach produces good bass fishing when surf is running. Fish to over
10lbs (4.54kg) have been recorded in autumn when codling, whiting, dab
flounder, and occasional ray are also possible. The beach can be difficult to
fish on spring tides, particularly after a period of onshore winds, which cause
rafts of floating weed to collect along the shore. Tackle losses are unavoidable
in these conditions. Behind the beach, a narrow strip of sand dune known as
the Ballyteigue Burrow separates the sea from a long estuary, which drains
the slob lands between Bridgetown to the northeast and Duncormick in the
northwest. Just before the main channel enters the sea, a deep hole has
formed where local fishermen moor their boats. This is where several Irish
record flounders have been caught including a fish of almost 5lbs (2.27kg)!
Crab and lugworm are the best baits there. The western side of the entrance
can be approached from Cullenstown, where fly fishing in the tideway with
streamer flies has proven to be very effective in taking bass and seatrout.
Bottom fished crab or sandeel baits on slack water will also yield bass and
flounder. Further west towards Blackhall, the ground becomes very rough and
difficult to fish; although a number of very big bass have been recorded over
the years. Plug fishing on early morning tides could pay off there particularly
in autumn. Peeler crab can be collected in May and June along the weedy
margins of the estuary (E) and lugworm can be dug on the northern shore
at low tide.

68
69
 Notes

70
Notes

71
 Notes

72