Menapia S.A.C
Menapia S.A.C
Fishing in Wexford
Wexford,
located in the South-East corner of the Ireland, boasts some of
the best fishing available in the country.
Only 2 minutes off the Ferry at Rosslare Europort and you are on
some of the finest fishing grounds available in the "Sunny
South-East". From Gorey on the north coast, right down
around to Arthurstown in the south - there are some of the most
exciting fishing marks you are ever likely to encounter. Co.
Wexford is a regular haunt for fishing enthusiasts such as GRAHAM
HILL and HENRY GILBY, due to the vast amount of fish that grace
our shores, with different species available at different times
of the year - some species such as Bass can be caught all year
round. "Bass-Alley" can be found to the south of the
county - this is a narrow estuary where Bass can run on certain
tides - it is common knowledge that up to 15 bass have been
caught in a single 2hr session at this mark.
Co. Wexford beaches offer long sandy stretches with steep
declines or gullies. Rocky terrain with rough ground is available
also at a variety of marks, as are shale/shingle beaches. A nice
surf is usually present along the south coast, due to our wind
mainly being from the South-West. Likewise, a good Easterly blow
stirrs up a nice surf along the East Coast, making it a fishing
paradise with specimen fish regularly caught.
Species differ from venue to venue in Co. Wexford, as it does
with the seasons - In the winter months along the East Coast,
expect species such as Whiting, Coalies, Cod, Rockling, Flounder
and Dabs. In the Summer, expect to catch Bass, Tope, Dogfish,
Smoothies, Bullhuss, Spurdogs as well as the occasional Ray.
The South coast will produce huge Flounder in winter, along with
Plaice, Codling, Bass, Coalies, Pollock and Whiting to name but a
few. Summer brings Specimen-sized Bass, along with Wrasse (from
the rocks), Dogfish, Ray, Mackrel, Dabs and Flounder.
One of the biggest advantages of fishing in Wexford, is the wide
availability of fresh bait - Fresh Lug, Sandeel, Crab and Ragworm
can all be dug/sourced locally and usually within a half-hours
drive from the venue you intend to fish. If your caught short, a
phonecall in advance to one of the tackle shops in Wexford Town
will see you right - Des O'Neill (Menapia member) at Hayes Cycles
(053-9122462). In September, heavy shoals of Mackrel grace our
shores right along the coast - allowing one to gracefully
'restock their bait freezer' for the year.
"Mackrel-Bashing" is becoming a sport in itself in Co.
Wexford every September, with up to 80 anglers in some places
(young & old) lining the beaches for miles in the hope of
landing some Macks....!
For the professional angler, the top baits at most marks are
Peeler crab and Lugworm. In addition to this, most marks along
the coastline fish best after darkness and over the top of the
tide.
There is plenty of good accommodation available throughout the
Wexford coastline, with many Guest-houses only minutes from most
fishing marks. The advantage of Guest-house B&B's over
hotels, is apart from feeling 'at home', you get all the local
knowledge of where to fish and when. Information like this is
priceless to a visitor and enables you to maximise your catch. If
you intend on trying out more than one mark during your visit,
you can base yourself locally in Wexford town - Hotel rooms can
be booked for as little as €49 pps and the furthest fishing
marks in the county are only 20mins away.
You could also avail of a professional guide, or Angling courses
with accomodation thrown in - by Wexford's Jim Hendrick.
Photos
courtesy of: Jim Hendrick PROBASSFISHER