Here’s an article I wrote for HTO Lures (Tronix) back in 2016, on early season wrasse fishing with lures. Having just re-read it, I think it still stands, although perhaps the season has crept forward by a couple of weeks over the past 5 or 6 years.
Sussex Smallmouth
Ballan Wrasse – Territorial or Predatory?
Jika Rig For Wrasse
The Jika rig is a weedless, bottom-contact method for fishing heavy cover. Consequently it is a very suitable rig for targeting Ballan Wrasse.