Youghal, Co. Cork, Sunday 9th March 2008

[RockHunter]

People: Me

Duration: 3.00-6.15 pm

Tide: HW at 6.40 pm

Weather: Breezy, but dry.

Bait: lug worm, oyster, squid, mackerel

Rigs: 3/0 Pennel pulley, 2 hook paternoster (size 2 hook)

Results: 1 coalfish




Report: Sunday 9th was the first day I had got out fishing in two weeks - just too busy with work and an overseas business trip for a week. With the dire weather warnings I thought Youghal Bay would be about the safest place to fish. So headed to the pier behind the carpet factory. The bay was quite calm, and the pier was sheltered from the southwesterly wind so it was quite pleasent compared to being on the open coast.

But not much biting. I caught a 36 cm coalfish (just over 1 lb) on the rising tide with lug and oyster on 3/0 pennel pulley rig. I did have a second bite shortly afterwards but the fish came off the hook about 10 m from the pier. Judging from the pull on the line it was about the same size - probably another coalfish.

Tonight I will try my favourite bass mark on an East Cork beach. Hopefully there might be a bit of action after the storms earlier in the week. It would be good to catch something other than coalfish.

[roger de dodger]

hey sometimes coalies can put up a good scrap one thing for sure they are better than whiting!!!!!!!good luck with the bass 8)

[RockHunter]

Yes Roge rcoalies can be good sport.
Last October I had a great session lasting about an hour when I caught about 18 of them with a light spinning rod. They put up a great fight. It was in a small rocky bay in West Cork that looked like a good mark for pollock with deepish water and lots of kelp. I had a coalie on very cast, although I lost about another 15 which managed to shake themselves off the hook before I could land them.

I went back the following weekend but not a coalie to be had, but I did get a 2.5 lb pollock and a couple of dogfish.