Donegal Bay Ray, 29/05/2013

[johnwest]

People:Just me

Duration:5 hrs

Tide:Flooding

Weather:Warm and sunny.

Bait:Frozen mackerel and sandeels.

Rigs:3 hook flappers, up and over single 3/0

Results: dogfish, dabs, Pollack and a spotted ray.




Report:
Decided to give the saltwater a go for a change as it was too bright for the trout. I set up 2 rods just after low tide and got off to a very slow start with baits remaining untouched for the first couple of hours. Eventually a few pollack up to 32cm started showing interest by snatching the baits on the retrieve so the blank was saved. As the sun got lower in the sky a few bites started to develop and 3 dogfish turned up in quick succession. A couple of dabs had a good go at the sandeel baits and added to the catch. After another quiet spell, I resorted to my recent tactic of having a coffee and sandwich or three and sure enough when I returned to the rods and reeled in there was a dead weight on the up and over rigged rod. This turned out to be my first ray of the year. I've caught a few spotted rays before from the boat but this was my first from the shore. It weighed in at 2lb 8oz, no monster but a very pleasing catch nonetheless. One final dogfish on the flapper rig and then everything went quiet so home I went.

[roger de dodger]

thats a lovely ray . didnt sound too bad a session

[chuckaroo]

fair enough JW
great pics. would love a spotted ray, stunning fish
more coffee and sarnies - the way forward

[goldfish17]

some quality fish there

[mackfish]

Good fishing John...good to see the south of the country producing..

[thelegend]

lovely ray and great session,well done john

[agardiner22]

that is one beautiful ray

[zud25]

Gortilla is good spot for Spotted and Dab

[number 4]

Nice ray, size doesnt matter if your returning them, its the sport they give you. Lets hope you get his big brother later in the season.

[Sweetwrasse]

Nice session JW. Good catch on the ray

[gussyw]

Sounds like it was a good session, you were kept busy anyway!!

[sparkey+1]

Nice one JW great looking ray guess the old sambos are doing the trick maybe you should try groundbaitting with the sambo too

[FisherKing]

Fine Ray send her down this way!!