Morriscastle Strand
At one time Co. Wexford’s premier shore venue, Morriscastle still can fish well on its day. Up to the early nineties large Bass, Smooth Hound, Ray, Tope, Spur Dog, and various flat fish, were commonly caught. Today Bass are still present, along with Dab, Flounder, Dog Fish, and the odd Smooth Hound. Pup Tope are a feature along this stretch of coast, which hints that their big mothers cannot be too far away.
A sweeping curve of a beach close to the village of Kilmuckridge, Co. Wexford, Morriscastle strand is sandy, relatively shallow, and backed by sand dunes. From Dublin take the N.11 to Gorey, Co. Wexford. From Gorey travel on the R741 passing through Ballycanew and Ballyedmond. The village of Kilmuckridge is signposted left about half a mile beyond Ballyedmond. Follow the signs into Kilmuckridge, Morriscastle strand is signposted from there. It is possible to bring a vehicle onto the beach as there is an access point close to the main caravan park. Saves carrying all the gear, but confine it to late evening as the strand is very popular with holiday makers.
Essentially an evening and night venue, last light into the first hour of darkness, and dawn were the traditional taking times, especially for Ray. Surf conditions for Bass, a wind from the south or south east being ideal, with calm weather better for Smooth Hounds and Ray. West and northwest winds flatten the sea here, but can create a ground swell, so colouring the water.
Crab, Mackerel, and Rag are the top baits to use. Again, like most of the east facing Wexford beaches, lateral gullies and bars run parallel with the shore. Seek the surf breaks for the gaps and fish these, as this is where the fish will congregate. Vary the distance as fish can be caught close in, but clip down rigs will be needed to reach the deeper water beyond the banks when conditions dictate.
