The pier in Monkstown.                                                               Back

Location:

Take the directions to the wall and carry on till you reach the village of Monkstown, the pier is opposite the two pubs.

Why the hell am I here:

The pier is not a favourite mark of mine during the day though it has fished well of late (early 2007) the reason I have included it is that it is the only spot along the whole wall that fishes at night.

Time and tide:

If you intend to fish at night I don't think it matters a great deal what state the tide is though I do like a bit of movement in the water. In the day time I would mostly two hours of the coming tide.

Bait and method:

As with most night fishing marks smelly baits are best so fresh peeler squid and mackerel all fish well. Fish at distance with pulley rigs with big baits for cod and whiting. To the far left of the pier is a reef that runs to the channel if you bounce a lead along it with the tide you can be rewarded with some exceptional codling. Why this mark fishes at night when no other does I cant say, there are many theories amongst Cork anglers, I say leave the theories to Sherlock Holmes and the fishing till dark.

Tips:

The pier is the only mark on the wall that you will have no problem parking, and it is conveniently lit at night. in some conditions of wind and high tide it becomes awash, it also becomes awash with inquisitive people the worse for drink at closing time in the two pubs.

Some words on the wall in general:

The wall has now reached the status of a cod Mecca, with anglers coming from all over Ireland and Europe to fish there. I could have filled all the pages with small marks along its length featuring snags rough ground and various anomaly's that provide different species. Indeed the three spots I have included are not my favourites but a good starting point for new comers. Now days its very hard to get a spot on the wall when the cod are running and when there are many anglers all fishing a tricky (at the best of times) mark there will always be disputes and tangles. Follow simple rules and you will survive. 1) Always use grip leads of no less than 5ozs.

2) Cast up tide.

3) Ask for help if your in trouble with casting or not catching if others around you are. All the lads on the wall had to learn once and will gladly help.

4) Lastly that old chestnut litter. The council have provided bins please use them.