what can i expect from a donegal rock mark in winter

[fergal]

i don't really sea fish over the winter as i spend my time chasing pike (notice i said chasing not catching ).
but because its valentines weekend here i thought id take her up to donegal for the weekend. i will bring the shore angling gear too though
theres a rock mark i would fish over the summer and we've had conger, wrasse, pollock and rockling off. i was wondering what i can expect to catch at this time of year and any tips you might have for someone who doesn't really shore fish at all over the winter.
id love to target the congers again, do they move offshore during the winter or is there a chance i could get one at this time of year? what about wrasse and pollock? are they still around?

[anthony2carr]

You will definitely catch a cold from rock marks in Donegal at this time of year

Seriously, though. Conger should be there all year round. I've not had much luck for them during the winter. But that maybe to do with the sh#te frozen bait I had.

[fishermannum1]

hi fergal,
the conger are there all year round, but cant see you having much luck with the pollock or wrasse, but there is loads of coalies about, good luck mate!!!

[MC]

iven the current weather, you might catch a cold , as fishermannu1 said congers and coalies maybe a few whiting and if the bottom is clean and sandy a few flounder too, good luck

[fergal]

thanks lads, its all rocks i'll be fishing over. rotten bottom rigs. so i'll probably just target the congers

[anthony2carr]

If you are fishing st. johns point. I believe the cod may be added to the species list at this time of year.

[fergal]

im fishing Bloody Foreland in the very north west of Donegal, lovely spot.

[kieran]

Hi

Don't be surprised to see pollack arriving around now, I've had excellent rock sessions on similar marks in Mayo in mid to late February. Sea temp is 9C at the moment, which is ok. You need to find a sheltered spot where the fish might be collecting out of the way of any big breakers or similar rough weather. Should not be a problem where you are headed!

FWIW

[anthony2carr]

March was the first time I caught a pollock last year. But if you fish over mud, you can pick up whitting all day.

[fergal]

this spot can be very sheltered if the wind is right, its at the bottom of some cliffs. sure i'll set up for congers and cast a jelly worm while i wait for bites on the conger rod. thats how i do it in the summer so it'll be interesting to see what happens.

[anthony2carr]

Best of luck