Greystones, Co. Wicklow
This venue was without doubt the nerve centre for east coast dinghy fishing. Big competitions such as the Shakespeare Trophy attracted anglers from all over Leinster and beyond to fish in the abundant waters. Cod and Codling, Coalfish, Pollack,and large Plaice were targeted by anglers fishing their Mussel and Lugworm baited hooks, predominantly at anchor, over the Moulditch reef and or the Kilcoole bank.
For those into bigger species, Tope, Thornback Ray, and Blonde Ray were regularly caught to specimen weight. Throw in a host of lesser species and one had a hell of a mixed fishery within which to wet a line.Today those catches are just a dream, and the cause of the demise, along with possible solutions, is dealt with elsewhere in this site. However for those prepared to persevere Mackerel still shoal in reasonable quantities off Bray Head, and the Tope fishing inside and outside of the Moulditch still cuts the mustard, along with Bull Huss, the ubiquitous Lesser Spotted Dogfish and the odd Smooth Hound. For those wanting to relive the old times, small Codling, Coalfish, and Whiting can still be caught off the cable rock (Bray Head), and along the leading edge of the Moulditch Bank, along with gurnard and dab. Plaice fishing, which used to be wonderful, with many fish to specimen weight, is sadly a distant memory.
Boats can be launched from the slipways at either Greystones or Bray. Take note, Bray harbour dries out at low tide. Essentially, if planning to trailer launch or retrieve a boat from Bray harbour, half tide down to half tide up can be hard work, as a result it is best to plan your trip accordingly. On the other hand the new marina at Greystones sports two new slipways, one of which is open at present. Although prone to being busy at weekends this slip, whose entrance is opposite the Beach House bar, is accessible at all stages of the tide.
The area is washed by strong tides, and the average depth is 5 fathoms. The ground off Bray Head and along the back of the Moulditch can be deeper, up to ten fathoms. Other than the Moulditch, which is a rocky kelp covered ridge running in a north east/south west direction, the sea bed comprises sand and gravel deposits interspersed with mussel banks. High and low water slack tides occur two hours before high and low water respectively. The southerly run (out going tide) is stronger then the northerly run (incoming tide). Wind against tide off Greystones produces a short choppy sea, so those not used to the area should keep a weather eye.
Greystones Sea Fishing: Screaming Reels.
Greystones Sea Fishing: Tope Quest, a Result.
Greystones Sea Fishing: Small Boat Fishing off Greystones.
