Duration: 3.00 - 6.00 pm
Tide: HW at 7.45 pm
Weather: Sunny, clear, NE breeze
Bait: Rag, mackerel, mussel
Rigs: 3/0 pennel, size 2/0 and 4 single hook flappers
Results: 1 coalfish, 1 sea scorpion, 1 whiting
Report: I had thought of fishing Youghal but there was a cold NE wind whipping across the bay so I opted for the shelter of Caliso Bay. I wasn't the only one, there were five other anglers there when I arrived. My usual spot was taken so I had to try a different mark along the beach and hope that it would not be too snaggy.
It was very quite until dusk. During daylight I had just one bite but it wasn't hooked. However, it was very nice afternoon to be out even if there were no fish biting. The sea was very calm - about the calmest I have seen it there. There was a lot of disturbance out about 200 m - looked to be mackerel and the occasional fish leapt out of the water. Surprising to see shoals of mackerel still around.
At about 5 pm the two guys fishing my favourite spot headed off so I moved up to where they had been. Shortly afterwards as the light was beginning to go I got the first bite - a very small coalfish - taken on the 3/0 pennel with rag/mackerel.
About 15 minutes I got a rather plump sea scorpion taken on the size 4 hook with mussel/mackerel. He refused to open his mouth to let me remove the hook and seemed to be making a growling noise
In the end I cut the line as I would probably have injured the fish trying to prize its mouth open.I replaced it with a 2/0 hook and rebaited with mussel and a little mackerel strip and cast it out about 20 m. Just as I was starting to pack up there seemed to be a slight quiver on the rod tip - I retrieved to find a small whiting about 19 cm. My first whiting of the season.
I did try some spinning with various lures earlier in the afternoon and at dusk but had no bites.
So not a great session, but on the plus side I didn't loose any tackle or leads. I did get snagged a few times in the first spot but managed to pull free without loosing anything. The sea was probably just too calm to bring the fish in but I did get to see a nice sunset.
. Thats a nice scorpion fish alright, i thought they were ugly little brutes when i first caught one, but i have to say theyve grown on me since. I've also noticed that they grunt, and vibrate in the palm of your hand 
