South Wexford Beaches
The beaches of South Wexford produce consistent sport from May through to the following January. Predominantly steep to shingle/gravel banks giving access to deep water, one or two locations such as “The White Hole” could be classed as surf strands characterised by rolling tables of water, particularly when the wind is in the south. Subject to an east/west lateral run which gets stronger the nearer one gets to Carnsore Point, most fishing marks get hampered by floating weed especially after an onshore blow.
Due to the sensitivity of some venues to overfishing this profile will only give a general overview. Common species to expect are bass, flounder, smooth hound, tope, mackerel, and dogfish. Anglers fishing marks giving access to rough ground can add wrasse and pollack to the mix. Codling, whiting, and coalfish make an appearance during the Autumn and Winter months, while it is not unheard of for mullet to hit a lure or snaffle a lugworm baited hook. Plaice do show up along with in recent years gilt head bream. Fishing improves after dark, and as for best tide times they vary relative to the location, a rough rule of thumb being fish three hours up to three hours down.
Lugworm is the most consistent bait to use with peeler crab a close second. If fishing during the late spring and Autumn crab moults, casting onto rough ground, or targeting flounder and smooth hound then by all means put peeler first. Tope run during calm anti cyclonic weather making an appearance usually around the June weekend and can certainly be caught into August. Specialised fishing, it really is a question of being in the right place at the right time, whole joey mackerel or a large mackerel fillet presented on a pulley rig being the ideal bait.
Towards Carnsore Point heavy beach casting tackle should be employed due to strong tides and the offshore grounds varying from rough to mixed, as one moves further west towards Kilmore Quay lighter bass surf casting kit would suffice. A range of single clipped down, paternoster, and pulley rigs will cover most eventualities along with grip leads varying from 4 – 6 ounces. Also pack a heavy spinning outfit coupled with a feathers, hokais, or lures to target mackerel (especially on August evenings) and bass.
Scarce in recent years codling along with larger cod have become more prevalent extending the shore angling season into January. Early winter up to the first week or two in November can be very productive with bass swimming alongside the codling, flounder, and coalfish. The beauty of fishing the south Wexford beaches is that you really do not know what is going to take your bait next, especially on the mixed ground venues. With over fishing taking its toll everywhere, shore marks between Carnsore Point and the Hook still offer consistent sport. Plan to fish evening and night tides from May to January and never leave the house without lugworm. Most marks are accessible by turning off the N.25 between Wexford town and Rosslare harbour. With key venues located both east and west of the fishing village of Kilmore Quay, be warned, the area is characterised by a maze of hedgerow lined lanes designed to get you lost. Buy the relevant ordnance survey map, “Discovery Series No.77″, available from most newsagents and study it well.
For more information click on: Mixed bag from the beach.
For further information click on: Evening bass and smooth hounds.
For further information click on: Bass fishing in Ireland, School Days.
For further information click on: South Wexford Bass and Mackerel.
For further information click on: Autumn Bass and Codling.
