Hi Neil,
after catching lots of Wrasse in several parts of Ireland this summer, I would recommend rag-worm as the best bait, crab is also very good but a lot more expensive. Just break the worms up into 2" inch sections and put them onto a strong hook no more than size 1/0. Use a strong pattern such as Aberdeen Long Shank.
Floats work well but if you are lucky enough to fish deep water close to the shore, a 2 or 3 hook flapper with snoods of 6 - 8" and a 1oz weight will do the job lovely.
You usually do not need to cast any distance for the Wrasse, if the water is deep at your feet, a shirt 'flick' of the bait is sufficient
See here for a pic of an Irish Specimen caught by a club colleague in Donegal last year -
http://www.sea-angling-ireland.org/bull ... pic_id=779
Or my nephew with a couple of Wrasse from Portrush in Sept this year -
http://www.sea-angling-ireland.org/bull ... ser_id=863
Good luck.
Jude