First coalies on lures.

Earlier on in the day we had been discussing how long it had been since I landed a coalie and I reckoned it must have been at least four years ago! The plan was to meet up with Jonny and head out after some sea trout as the tide turned and started to push. It was a stunning day - sun was out, blue skies and the wind had dropped for the evening. If nothing else it was a pleasant night to be out on the rocks. 

The mark looked promising. A strong current, back eddies and plenty of cover - things were looking good. 

We had only arrived and  my dad had a few knocks and bumps - trout? Jonny and I looked over to see the rod bent over and a minute later a plump little coalie landed. 

It was great to finally get one on the lure gear and it lifted the spirits for the evening to come.

The rest of the night was peppered with coalies up to 2 lb taken on a mixture of small metals jigged near the bottom and small, 4 inch weedless shads rigged texas style.

No sea trout sadly but great sport nonetheless and a nice confidence boost to what has been a rather grim few weeks. 

Is this a sign that things are starting to change? Warm evenings, a few fish starting to show ...... let's hope it continues. 

May Issue of Irish Angler

It is always a thrill to see your work being put into print but nothing beats seeing one of your own photographs making the front cover. 

Little did I know that multi-coloured wrasse would end up here!

Grab yourself a copy when it hits the shelves and find out more.

http://www.irishangler.ie/

Is change coming?

I think I can speak for us all when I say I am fed up with the weather. So far the wind has been in the east for several weeks and it has really put a stop to my fishing. 

Yes, we have managed a few early season sea trout but nowhere near the levels anticipated. 

On the plus side it has given me a chance to get my gear into order and sort out a few odds and ends before the season kicks off. (I hope!)

There has been the odd glimmer of hope weather wise but with no prolonged heat the water temperatures still hang desperately low. 

On the plus side we have managed to hook up with our first bass of the season but sadly it spat the hook. It has give us a good chance though to test out the action of a few lures and a few new soft plastic ideas - all we need now are the fish ...... there is only so much online browsing I can do before I go mad. 

Fingers crossed eh?!