Summer Codling

The long settled spell has come to an end, Atlantic weather systems have taken hold, the wind is blowing from the south west, and much needed rain has fallen. A walk along Ballinoulart strand revealed a beautiful surf ideal for bass. With the sea area forecast favourable a quick trip to Rosslare provided enough lugworm for a couple of evenings fishing.

Digging lugworm, Burrow shore, Rosslare Strand

On the beach by eight pm, a south/south west 4/5 was pushing a nice sea. The evening, dull, warm, and muggy, felt perfect for bass, a friend had four here to 5.5lbs a few nights previous. First casts, both lines become festooned with strands of green weed. Casting in close or out far results in washing lines of the stuff. A mate on Tinnebearna is facing similar conditions. Best laid plans etc, no fishing tonight.

End of the rainbow

The following evening at a more sheltered location away from the main run of tide fishing is possible. The wind, now south force 6 is due to back south west and decrease, which it does. An initially strong surf flattens out through the session. Grey, warm, and close, the heavens open on occasions resulting in a number of rainbows on the horizon. Conditions like this have produced bass and smooth hounds for me here topping six pounds, so I am hopeful.

Summer codling surf casting from a Wicklow beach

Coming dark a double knock produced the only bite of the session, however it was a welcome sight to see a codling emerge from the surf. Not big by any means, but one of a number of codling caught from this mark over the last couple of weeks. Safely returned to grow bigger, it will be three pounds+ next year should it survive, fingers crossed.

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