Archive for the ‘Sea Fishing’ Category

Shore Fishing in South West Donegal

Friday, May 18th, 2012

South West Donegal in the vicinity of Glencolumbcille and Ardara is a rocky indented coastline jutting out into the Atlantic with what would appear to be great shore fishing potential. Characterised by sheer cliffs to the south punctuated by Glen Bay and the beautiful Silver Strand (Trabane), merging into Loughros Bay containing breathtaking Maghera Strand to the north, this most definitely is an area worth exploring.

Slieve League, Co. Donegal, at 1,972 feet they are the highest sea cliffs in Ireland.

Close to the village of Carrick are the cliffs of Bunglass where the amazing Slieve League can be viewed. A mountain cut in half rising sheer to 1,972 feet above sea level, the vision really is awe inspiring. Not for the feint hearted is a walk  up to the summit along a narrow ridge called “one mans path”, which can be a bit dodgy I believe on a windy day.

Loughros Bay looking south west towards Maghera strand.

Sparsely populated outside of the main towns of Ardara and Killybegs, the landscape is mountainous moorland bisected by glaciated valleys such as Glengesh and Glencolumbcille which sweeps down to the sea. Visiting relatives I only did a bit of exploring supplemented by observation and a few well placed questions as to the quality of shore fishing available. Loughros Bay is tidal and the sea strips to reveal pristine sand flats pock marked with extensive lugworm beds, evidence of flounders burying themselves in the sand indicated a large population. Sea trout run the estuary so straight away there are two species worth targeting I would say with crab, sandeel, lugworm, or mackerel strips.

Glengesh looking north towards Ardara, Co. Donegal, Ireland.

Loughros Point is definitely worth a pop with pollack, wrasse, and conger in mind, and Maghera strand which if it was in Kerry would scream bass, must on the form of similar Donegal beaches be home to flats and sea trout. Other marks which I intend to visit later in the summer would be Glen Bay beach (Glencolumbcille) and the nearby Silver Strand. What to expect, well I’m going to find out but certainly mackerel, pollack, and various flats, with possible ray, dogfish, coalfish, and codling. Essential baits and lures would be lugworm, crab, sandeel, mackerel, feathers, jelly worms, and spinners. A sea fly rod would be worth packing too, along with a five weight game fishing set up for sea trout which run the many spate rivers in the area.

Off the Hook

Sunday, May 13th, 2012

Hook Head is in equal parts an interesting yet frustrating angling location, a long narrow low lying peninsular with a remote and ancient personality, comprised of three types of sedimentary rock, slate and shale to the north, old red sandstone across the center, and fossil rich carboniferous limestone creating a stepped landscape in the vicinity of the lighthouse, I have no doubt of its fishing potential but to date it continues to allude me.

Hook lighthouse viewed from the east.

Smallish pollack and wrasse (relative to the west of Ireland) are caught in the vicinity of the lighthouse, especially on the eastern (deeper) side, I’ve caught a few and seen images, but are there bigger? Mackerel visit mid to late summer especially in the vicinity of Slade harbour, while bass and mullet frequent the shallow rocky bays which punctuate both the east and west side of the peninsula. Rock platforms from the lighthouse back towards Slade are numbered for competitions, so ground fishing is obviously practiced, what is the level of success though?

Jelly worming close to the Hook lighthouse, Co. Wexford, Ireland.

Living in north county Wexford the Hook still represents a 120+ mile round trip for me, with diesel costing €1.55+ a litre the decision to travel down is not taken lightly. Yes it is fun to explore but how far can you take that concept, at some point there has to be an end result. Does the Hook look fishy or is it? I know there are whopper bass available I’ve caught one or two, but it’s hard work when your fishing window is tight and you have that distance to travel. Weather also plays a part with on occasions floating mats of weed a problem in some bays, yesterday being a case in point.

Jelly worming rig suitable for pollack.

Saturday May 12th is early in the season and a month of cold north easterlies has possibly added a delay factor regarding species getting into gear, but to jelly worm for two hours over high water in various locations (regularly changing type and colour) and not get a touch. That said, I learned about the underwater topography along the eastern side close to the lighthouse, shallow (a count of twelve reaches bottom), with a stepped gradient. Maybe fishing will improve as the summer progresses, will I be out there? Diesel and distance limits, any advice gratefully accepted.

Surf Casting in Co. Wexford, Southern Comfort

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

Finally after weeks of north easterlies the wind shifted and blew southerly, air temperatures rose, creamy white capped waves rolled up the strand, and the air so filled with ozone that you could taste it. A low four meter tide had me on the beach at 13.00pm, my task to dig six dozen large, fleshy, black lug, before meeting up with Joe Carley of South East Bait Supplies to purchase a dozen peelers, when targeting surf bass you need top grade fresh bait. As it turned out Joe kindly drove my order to me, his traps being placed nearby, now that is service and much appreciated, thanks Joe. As is the form we talked fishing and again thumbs up to Joe re little nuggets offered which helped in deciding my final choice of venue.

Stormy evening, surf casting for bass in south Wexford, Ireland.

Having time to spare after digging bait, it not high water until 20.00pm, I drove around and sussed out a number of venues. Low tide is a great time to carry out this exercise as numerous tell tale features are exposed which help in deducing how a particular mark may fish. Today one thing was clear, a big tide combined with a strong southerly breeze has the potential to push weed close in, this factor ultimately deciding my fishing destination. On arrival, with a good rolling sea pushing a single wave up the incline and terns and gannets dipping and diving about 60 meters out my casting distance was decided. A low grey, menacing sky promised rain as I made my first cast, sea fishing season 2012 had begun.

A lone Co. Wexford, Ireland smooth hound, the first of 2012.

Tightening up against the gripper I stood up to prepare my second rig when bang the rod tip thumped forward hard just once. A characteristic schoolie bite and so it transpired, other than an hour long period over high water shoals of juvenile bass averaging a kilo marauded up and down the surf line, I lost count of how many that I caught but it was easily a dozen, all scissor hooked and returned. At least I was busy and in any other circumstances a two pound fish would be well appreciated, so lets get real “the session was fun and productive“. As light closed in my rod hooped to a smoothie which tore off parallel with the strand, allied to a large plump flounder beached earlier my first sea outing of the year most definitely set a bench mark for the season ahead, a double figure haul with some quality fish and it’s not even mid May, bring it on…..

A New Sea Fishing Season Beckons

Sunday, May 6th, 2012

Living in south east Ireland traditionally I do not start back sea angling until May, some might say that bass are back in residence through late March and April especially if the weather is warm, and that the bigger sea trout start to migrate along certain shores and estuaries which is true and are very prone to taking a light pirken type lure or fly, however by sea fishing I mean surf casting and inshore boat fishing and relative to my neck of the woods May and if the truth be known mid May is the earliest worth really setting out. By then the crab moult is in full swing, weather has warmed and settled down, and most importantly a range of species are moving in after spawning, hungry and lean due to their exertions and ready to take a bait.

Inside my sea fishing tackle box.

Plans to hit the beach this weekend with bass in mind were curtailed by my getting hit for six by gastric flu. With absolutely no energy and surprisingly for me no interest in food I summoned what ever reserves to at least get my tackle box ready for the fray. May is going to be a busy fishing month what with a bass trip or two before the close, smoothies, shad (their already in), and a trip to the Beara pencilled in for the last week, things would want to be in order. Having made a list and during the previous week purchased necessary items from the tackle shop to include new line, shock leader, and trace making gear, I got stuck in yesterday afternoon.

Matching Daiwa 7HT's for distance surf casting.

I have used matching Daiwa surf casting gear for years, initially modifying the original Millionaire for long distance casting, teaming it with a Paul Kerry rod and more or less have never felt the need to change, only upgrading an odd surf pole since and stepping up to the 7HT when they came on the scene around 1989/90. Come to think of it, the 7HT reel in the foreground above was purchased in 1990 and has never had a new part fitted, quality you cannot beat it. In my opinion keep things simple, forget about magnets, just regularly rinse in fresh water, apply the right grade oil and insert the correct size break block(s) for your style of casting (mine is a half pendulum) and you’re ready for action. Today I fitted my 7HT’s with 16.9 lb Sufix main line fronted by 18′ of 60 lb shock leader to a size 1 rolling swivel. They are now ready to cope with most clean and semi rough ground shore situations.

Jelly worming for pollack using a 10 foot Shimano spinning rod matched with a Shimano Exage 4000 reel.

Attention was also given to my lure fishing clobber especially with that Beara trip in mind. I use a Shimano Exage 4000 with interchangeable spools, one loaded with braid the other filled with 12 lb mono. Coupled with a 10 foot pike or stiff lure rod depending on the target species, jig heads, 30 and 60 gram barrel leads, 2 ounce bombs, shads, jelly worms, feathers, hokais, and spinners, I’m ready for anything.

Shore rig, end connection.

Shore rig, snood connection.

Finally I set about making some shore rigs, to be quite honest one type, it covers 90% of my shore fishing and really is a catch all trace. Roughly six/seven foot long, built around 60.lb mono and comprising a swivel/oval split ring connection at either end, and two snood connections linked by 18 inches of 9.kg Amnesia to two 2/0 kamasan B940′s, both positioned 18 inches from the top and bottom, couldn’t be simpler. Oh, it’s the two hook flapper I hear you say. Yes, why make fishing complicated, the rig works on clean/mixed ground everywhere and depending on the bait will catch most fish going. If something toothy is about or am fishing very rough ground I beef up the line/use wire (if necessary), employ spark plugs as weights occasionally and set up a running paternoster with a short snood. Pulley rigs? Forget it, again too complicated, keep it simple.

A fine evenings catch of codling and dabs.

With those jobs done and a final list made of the one or two essential items that I still need to get the gear was packed away and I retired knowing that when I shake this bug a haul such as that pictured above is most definitely achievable. Tight lines…..

Willie Redmond, Boat Builder

Sunday, April 8th, 2012

My memories of Grandad (Willie) Redmond are of a jolly person well liked and respected within the community of Greystones, Co. Wicklow. Holding station at the end of the lane beside Killian’s Hall, “How are you old man” his stock greeting, Willie was always interested in what was going on in your life and the wider world. Prematurely struck down with motor neuron disease, Grandfather even in his wheel chair was a big character and a major influence. Early memories include Grandad playing the bag pipes, pint bottles of Guinness in the house when he would come to visit us in England, and his boat shed, all wood shavings, the sound of a circular saw (which frightened the bejaysus out of me), the smell of cut timber, copper nails, and a boat, always a boat at some stage of construction.

Joe Redmond (left of picture) and Grandfather Willie Redmond, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.

I learned to row and caught my first fish in the Jean Anne, a clinker design 16 foot boat built by Grandfather and named after my mother. Wide in the beam, deep with a high free board, designed with short east coast seas in mind, powered in the early days by seagull engines supplemented with long, strong, heavy oars, you always felt safe as these boats were well constructed. How many did he build? I do not know, but the last one would appear to have been around 1968. Which makes the following narrative all the more remarkable.

A 17' clinker boat designed and built by William Redmond, Greystones, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.

I am indebted to Barry Cantwell for contacting me about a boat his father bought many years ago which was built by grandad. Life works in mysterious ways, enquiring with restoration in mind and what contacts I might have, there is one thing for certain the conclusion of this story is going to be open ended and very positive. Curious to see the boat, Barry and I arranged to meet with a view to moving the craft from where it was stored to his house. On first viewing I was gobsmacked at its condition, while not quite ready for the sea she’s not a million miles away. This boat was well looked after and given her age of plus forty four years a testament to Grandads skills as a carpenter.

Bow shot of a clinker design boat constructed by William Redmond, Boat Builder, Greystones, Co. Wicklow.

Barry and I discussed its history and possible avenues we could take in getting the boat ready for the sea again, for there is no doubt she will ride the waves at some point during the summer to come. It is hard to not feel that some how Grandad had a part to play in both Barry and I meeting. When you consider that Barry’s wife is named Jean Anne the story takes on even greater significance, synchronicity is a word that has been used. Six degrees of separation, I don’t know, but one thing is for sure, often I have wondered whether any of Willie’s boats survived. Now I have my answer, I’ll be always grateful Barry and thank you.

Plaque below the stern seat.

A simple plaque below the stern seat is testament to the boats creator. She was built to go to sea and her wish will be granted. Life has its moments, God bless you Grandad….

Our Ocean Wealth, An Irish Angler’s World’s Submission

Friday, April 6th, 2012

March 31st marked the deadline for submissions to “Our Ocean Wealth” Towards an Integrated Marine Plan for Ireland. A welcome development but one which this soldier did not for reasons which will become clear participate in. Having made submissions on previous occasions, emailed politicians, briefly worked in fisheries on a short term contract, and handed personally on June 8th last year a letter to our current fisheries Minister Coveney (reproduced below) asking for a major shift in fisheries policy to include the recreational angling and tourism sector, his subsequent response last December re increasing the Celtic Sea commercial cod quota by 77% based on the first strong year class since 2000 on an already depleted stock told me all that I needed to know.

Letter to Minister Coveney, 08/06/2011

Dear Minister Coveney,

The historical and present tradition is that the marine commercial fishing industry, politicians, and Eurocrats decide how Ireland’s inshore and oceanic waters are managed. To date their record is appalling, and banner headlines on page two of last Saturday’s Irish Times dated June 4th 2011 do not inspire confidence that you in your role as Minister are going to tread anything but the same well worn and disastrous path as your predecessors. How can you forecast the creation of 158 seafood sector jobs when upwards of 50% of the 56 already commercially targeted fish in Irish waters are dangerously over exploited with the status of many others uncertain?Until such time as the brief is widened to include all interested parties around the table and the marine is looked at from a position whose terms are based on restoration, strict management which may have to include entry restrictions to the industry, and a wider socio economic input to include recreational angling and other tourism interests, then unfortunately Ireland is going to further squander and destroy the one resource that really can turn around our ailing economy.It is possible for recreational sea angling and commercial sea fishing to co-exist; they did in the recent past before we sold our territorial waters to the then Common Market. When one considers just one statistic it puts a lot in perspective. The pelagic fleet is the flagship of Ireland’s commercial sea fishing sector probably responsible for most onshore processing jobs. In 2009 the Irish pelagic catch (predominantly herring, mackerel, blue whiting) was 155,000 tonnes worth approximately €112million. In 2010 the volume landed was marginally up but the value stayed the same. It is reasonable to assume that the margins were down and the costs were up in 2010.155,000 tonnes is an extraordinary figure for one nation to remove from the sea. Contrary to what the industry says mackerel as a resource are being hammered, the dramatically reduced shoals off north Co. Wicklow compared to 20 years ago and the preponderance of joeys (juvenile mackerel) within the catch prove this. Also when one considers that blue whiting end up as fish food for the aquaculture industry at a weight conversion ratio of 4:1( four kilos of blue whiting makes one kilo of farmed salmon) the whole exercise just does not make economic or environmental sense.Contrast those figures with recreational sea angling whose understated contribution to the economy is €33million. This is a totally underdeveloped industry reliant on a decimated resource which hinders its growth just as it does for the commercial sector. If restoration policies were implemented Ireland could develop a destination sea angling market the envy of Europe and the web of benefits filtering out into the accommodation, restaurant, pub, general leisure industry, and artisan fishmongers from what is accepted as a sustainable industry has to date not even been quantified.Having lost my job a year ago and presently developing a recreational angling business in Co. Wicklow, I have plenty of experience, vision, and a desire to add to the creative mix necessary to further the development of our marine based industries. Minister Coveney, you really have an opportunity to change the way Ireland manages and develops its marine resource. Like our economy it is in a parlous state but has the fundamentals for recovery. Please use vision and widen the brief away from just the political and commercial seafood sector to include all interested parties. Failure to do this, besides being undemocratic, will retain a status quo which in a few short years if left to its own devices, will render one of Ireland’s few natural resources with sustainable long term potential unviable.

Yours sincerely,

Now one could argue that the Minister through the “Our Ocean Wealth” initiative has listened to my request, however maybe close on four years of atrocious fiscal management and poor governance of this nation of ours exemplified by the latest “Household Charge” debacle has brought out the cynic in me. That said, my views on marine conservation along with possible solutions are in the ether through this blog site, and I am most certainly willing to get my hands dirty for the greater good. So Minister Coveney and Taoiseach take note, the marine conservation element of this website plus any relevant articles and posts contained is my submission, they all interlink. My contact details are available through the site, I look forward to hearing from you….

New Angling Charter Vessel for Wicklow

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Co. Wicklow now caters for deep sea anglers thanks to a new service operated by experienced Irish international angler/skipper Kit Dunne. Based in Wicklow harbour approximately 25 miles south of Dublin, Wicklow Boat Charters enables access to fishing grounds north and south of Wicklow Head to include the Arklow, Horse shoe, and Codling banks, with key seasonal species to include tope, bull huss, ray, smooth hound, and spurdog.

Clients aboard the Wicklow Boat Charters vessel LISIN 1.

Bass, pollack, wrasse, dab, gurnard, whiting, and mackerel also feature in summer and autumn catches with best natural baits being crab, fresh mackerel, lugworm, and mussel, along with frozen squid. Depths can range from 30 feet (five fathoms) to upwards of 80 feet (13 fathoms plus). Tides in the vicinity of Wicklow head are strong requiring at least a pound of lead if fishing down tide, up tiding being a serious optional method.

LISIN 1 skipper Kit Dunne.

LISIN 1 is a very clean and well maintained 10.5 meter (35′) Offshore 105, with spacious deck and cabin space. Fast modern, fully licenced, insured, and equipped with all the relevant navigation, fish finding, and safety equipment, LISIN 1 is perfect for a club, school, or college charter.

Stern view of Wicklow Boat Charters deep sea angling vessel LISIN 1, moored at Wicklow harbour, Ireland.

Having taken a spin out with Kit over last week end and being familiar with the inshore grounds north of Wicklow head, I am really looking forward to fishing the various banks mentioned above this coming summer. To date they have been inaccessible to me due to tidal conditions and distance, now with Kits’ new service there will be no obstacle.

To arrange a booking contact skipper Kit Dunne:

 

EFSA Ireland, Winter Shore Angling Festival 2012, Co. Wexford.

Sunday, January 29th, 2012

The 24th Winter Shore Angling Festival was held on the east facing beaches of Co. Wexford over three days, from Thursday the 26th to Saturday the 28th January 2012. Organised by EFSA Ireland this event annually attracts the cream of sea match anglers from both the UK and Ireland, and with many thousands of euro in prize money up for grabs divided between individual, team, zone, and optional pools, competition is keen.

Top Irish match angler Ian Knight sports a Clone strand flounder.

Southerly gales battered the Wexford coastline right into the early hours of Wednesday morning resulting in some competitors being stranded in Pembrokeshire, South Wales due to the ferry not sailing. As luck would have it the prevailing winds abated and swung around to the west resulting in ideal conditions over the three match days. The lucky Welshmen boarded a later ferry, and although lacking in sleep pushed the numbers competing to sixty plus when the whistle blew for the opening joust.

Clone strand, day 2 of the EFSA Winter Festival 2012.

Sea match fishing drives shore angling technology and methods, of that there is no doubt. Specialist rods up to 16 feet in length, matched to fixed spool reels enable seriously long traces with snoods averaging 2.5 feet to be cast effectively. Strong forgiving tips both allow for bite detection and the casting of delicate soft baits, of which on this occasion lug wraps and maddies reigned supreme. Cast into the gutter or channels between banks on rigs constructed with micro beads, size 8 swivels, size 8 fine wire hooks, and weighted with plain leads the matchmen hunted for their fish, speed and accuracy being of the essence.

Courtown Angling Centers Joe Byrne who came second in the event.

Day one was fished on Ballinoulart, with Clone pencilled in for day two, and Ballinesker the beach which staged the memorable opening scene from “Saving Private Ryan” marked down for day three. The sun shone and competitors scratched, mainly flounder with a few dab, whiting, rockling, and school bass thrown in for good measure. At lines up on Saturday the winning result couldn’t have been tighter. Dave Roe won the overall event for the second year in succession, with Courtowns Joe Byrne taking second (one place better than last year), and Ballybracks Ian Knight in third.

Welsh angler Shane Tucker casting on Ballinoulart strand, Co. Wexford.

It would appear that the English dominance of this event has for now been broken. To put icing on the cake both Dave and Joe won the two man team prize and also were members of the winning four man team. A feature of the results which reflects our depleted oceans is the respective size of the longest round and flat fish, a school bass of 37 cms and a flounder of 36 cms. That said the competition was well run, and other than the north end zone on Clone strand (day 2), fish appeared to be evenly spread along the various match stretches over the three days. EFSA Ireland’s Warren Doyle and his team deserve a pat on the back for their organisation, as do the weather Gods for the light winds and blue skies. Roll on next year….

For further reading click on: EFSA Irish Winter Shore Angling Festival 2011.

Mixed Bag from the Waterford Estuary.

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Codling have been ever present this winter and of a good stamp, most fish that I have encountered in the 35 – 40 cm bracket or bigger. With a four meter high tide at 18.00pm I headed for the Waterford estuary to fish a new mark that held promise. After digging bait at Duncannon and a much needed pit stop in the Strand Bar, nothing beats a toastie and a pint of plain, it was off to the venue for a 14.00pm start.

Pier fishing on the Waterford estuary, Ireland.

On arrival the flood had been pushing for two hours, a scarf of tide about 80 meters out marked the line of the shipping channel. A local fisherman tending to his nets informed me that I would be casting into 4/5 fathoms of water and that my baits would be landing on a mussel bed. Happy days, depth and feed, would fish be in residence. Casting two hook flappers baited with fresh black lug into the channel, no sooner had the grips settled in then the tips started nodding.

Waterford estuary codling.

Breaking out was difficult I assume due to the mussel bank, but an even pressure released the grips and I could feel the fish. First cast a double header, codling and dab, followed by a codling, big whiting, then a flounder/codling double. What a start fish every cast, and that is how it went for the first two hours. I copped that my rig was settling down the side of the channel (where the fish were), but my main line was resting on the lip. This had the effect of masking bites and also was probably responsible for the difficulty in breaking out. That said, I wasn’t complaining and over the course of the session only lost two rigs.

Large Waterford estuary whiting.

Bites diminished as full tide approached however they did not stop. Normally I let a cast fish for 10 minutes before reeling in to re bait, invariably a fish would signal its presence within that time span. I lost count of the fish landed and the time just flew. Calling it a day at six bells there is no doubt, “it was a belter of a session“. Six species, codling, whiting, pouting, dab, flounder, and eel, all of a good size. The estuary has been good to me this year, and it seems that every time I head down I meet somebody new. “Hi Jim O’Brien, we had a good chat, hope you enjoy those codling“.

See also: Estuary Codling.

See also: Christmas Coalies.

Seafood and Eat It. Creamy Fish Pie.

Monday, January 23rd, 2012

Having a supply of fresh codling available this winter has created a nice problem in the kitchen, what will we have for dinner today? How about a creamy fish pie, easy to prepare and real comfort food on these cold grey January evenings.

Creamy fish pie made with codling fillets and cooked shrimp.

Ingredients:

Codling fillets (boneless), Cooked and peeled shrimp, Potatoes (enough for four people), Leek, Celery (2 sticks), Spring onion x 4, Cherry tomatoes x 8, Milk (200ml), Cream (200ml), White wine (glass), Fish stock or vegetable bouillon, Vegetable oil, Butter , Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Flour (dessertspoon), Salt, Pepper.

Preparation:

Wash and peel potatoes, place in salted water and boil for twenty minutes. Drain, season with salt and pepper and mash incorporating butter, milk, and cream until consistency is smooth enough to pipe.

Slice celery into small chunks, quarter leek along its length and dice, dice spring onion. Heat oil and melt a knob of butter in large pot, throw in veg, season with salt and pepper then sweat off. Add wine and bring to boil, reduce down so removing alcohol. Add flour and cook out, then stir in milk and cream. Cook away stirring occasionally until mix thickens to a white sauce consistency, add in cooked shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, and bouillon. Stir then pour mix into an oven proof baking dish.

Skin and remove any rib or pin bones from codling fillets, season with salt and pepper then place on top of mix in oven proof dish.

Spoon potato mash into piping bag and pipe a three quarter inch layer over the pie filling. Place in pre heated oven (180 degrees Celsius) for fifteen minutes. Remove using a dry towel or oven glove, grate mature cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the top and return to oven for twenty minutes or until cheese is nicely gratinated (golden brown colour).

Remove from oven and leave to rest for five minutes. Spoon and serve on warm plates with peas or broccoli as an accompaniment and a glass of chilled white wine. YUMMY!

Click on article: Seafood and eat it.