Waterford bass on lure - 24th June 2012

[RockHunter]

People: Me

Duration: 6.00 - 11.00 pm

Tide: HW at 9.30 pm

Weather: Strong westerly breeze, partly cloudy

Bait: Lures

Rigs:

Results: 1 Bass




Report: I have had several lure fishing sessions without a bite since the end of the bass closed season. The conditions were not ideal with highly coloured water and lots of fine seaweed. On Sunday I headed to a sheltered bay where I thought the water may have had a chance to clear. As I made my way down to the shore I could see that the water was still quite murky and the sea was rougher than I expected.

As I was walking along the shore, heading towards a mark that can fish well early on the rising tide, I spotted a splash about 40 m out in a broad embayment which I seldom fish. I immediately stopped, put a lure on and cast in the direction of the disturbance. I tried several lures but it was only when I put on an Asturie that I got a reaction; a bulge of water rose up behind the lure and a fish made a grab for it but wasn't hooked. Unfortunately I could not tempt it again. I changed lures several times but it was no longer interested.

After about half an hour I made my way further down the shore. I tried a range of hard and soft plastic lures to no avail. The water was quite cloudy and most casts snagged a little weed. I worked my way along a series of small bays and promontories without a hint of a fish. Eventually I decided to move back to the first mark as that was the only place that showed any sign of fish activity.

At first I tried fishing off a rock promontory. Then move back to fish across the corner of the bay. I put on the Asturie which was the only lure that the fish had shown any interest in previously. First cast the lure was grabbed by a bass about 30 m out. It put up a strong struggle until I eventually coaxed it in and across the shallow rocks at my feet. It was a 52 cm bass.

While not a big fish I was delighted with that, my first bass on a lure this year. It was a slow start this year compared to last year when I had plenty of lure caught bass in April. But hopefully if the weather calms and the water gets a chance to clear the fishing will significantly improve in July.

I fished on for a little longer into dusk but there was no sign of any more fish activity, so I packed up just as the light was beginning to fade in order to get off the rocks before it got totally dark.

[seaotter]

Nice fish ,Well done

[tight lines]

your effords pay of well done frank nice fishing

[roryodonnell]

Good one there RockHunter

[seanie35]

Nice fish frank

[Eoghan]

Seems to be really tough out there at the moment. Not many bass showing really. Weather is all over the place, dominated by Low's. Means there could be ideal windows but ye have to be ready to drop everything and go. I thought last year was bad..!!!

[daveyboy]

Seems to be really tough out there at the moment. Not many Bass showing really. Weather is all over the place, dominated by Low's. Means there could be ideal windows but ye have to be ready to drop everything and go. I thought last year was bad..!!!

True enough. Wind is all over the place too. Hard to have any idea what the sea is gonna be like till you actually get there.

[declan65]

Nice fish Frank

[sparkey+1]

Fair play Frank great you got your 1st on the lure for the year can guess it wont be the last one either!!!

[tomgrey]

"I have had several lure fishing sessions without a bite since the end of the Bass closed season" Best to have left the lure fishing off till the murky waters clear frank, i have had a few decent sessions out with the the baited rods since the ban finished, the murky water hasn't put off the bass feeding once there is a good scent in the water thats for sure.

[RockHunter]

Thanks guys,

Seems to be really tough out there at the moment. Not many Bass showing really. Weather is all over the place, dominated by Low's. Means there could be ideal windows but ye have to be ready to drop everything and go. I thought last year was bad..!!!

I went to the same mark last Saturday - the sea was much calmer but the water was even more coloured. There were several shoals of small bait fish and sandeels in the small bays - but no predators chasing them. I even tried for pollock in the deeper kelp lined gulleys but there was nothing doing.

Best to have left the lure fishing off till the murky waters clear frank, i have had a few decent sessions out with the the baited rods since the ban finished,

I have had a couple of bait sessions too and had a few bass. But they take more organizing (I have been too busy to dig lug/rag) not to mention carrying all the beach casting gear. This time of year I prefer to travel light with the lure rod and a bag of lures. I am sure I will hit the right spot at the right time soon.