Cobh- Bellavista trip

[iona]

Another Summer Adventure Alan and I headed across the North Channel and then added another 300+ miles to that which saw us arrive at the Bellavista Hotel in Cobh.
Rather than take our own boat we had hired one of Kevin,s warriors. The plan was to fill our boots on what ever we could get. Think that's everyone's plan when they go fishing.
The weather forecast was pretty poor, just our luck after weeks of hot and Sunny weather.
Job 1 was locate the mackerel, that turned out to be the easiest of tasks as there were millions everywhere and a few nice launce in among them to boot. We then poked our nose out past Roches Point but found a horrid sea so sought shelter in the harbour area for a while where we had the olibatory dogs and a nice conger eel in the mid teens. The tide was slack so the bass hunt was next. Hard work to be honest with a few hook ups and losses before some nice fish were boated. To end the day we had a wee dip for mullet which produced a couple of fish around the 4lb mark.
Early finish as the forecast was much better for the next day but it was to be an early start.

Crack of dawn and breakfast consumed some fresh mackerel were boated and it was a slow and steady push out into a dying sea. Eventually about an hour later we arrived at the chosen mark accompanied by a pod of dolphins.
Rubby dubby made and sacks over the side out went the baits. The trap was set and a couple of hours pass before minds wander to other species.
Light rods set up and bingo the main species makes an appearance. The balloon runs of and the hook is set, I have 3 good solid runs before I start winning. Eventually it's alongside and between Alan and I we man handle the shark aboard. Note to self keep waterproofs away from the knashy bit at the front. Just missed the leg, phew. Pics etc done and it swims away strongly. later when checked against the chart it taped up to 101lbs.

While pulling it in we had noticed it had company so we were confident Alan wouldn't wait long. About 30 seconds after the bait went in off went the ratchet. 20 minutes later we had returned our 2nd Blue shark of the morning.
A 45 minute interval where the Gar rod kept us busy and entertained with mini marlin antics before the next run took place. This time it was a smaller shark for me around the 45lb mark.

Again Alan followed that fish with its twin.
By now the fly had appeared in the ointment in the form of 12 knots of SW wind. Looked like the forecasters were spot on and the wind would now build to 20-25 knots, so miles off the land and a wind over tide situation approaching we had the nightmare decision to make, when do we leave?
While we were chatting off went the rod again and a great fight saw me tee bar another decent shark in the 70-80lb range at the side of the boat. It was decided that one more if it came in the next 15 would be enough, 5 mins was all we had to wait for Alan's third and the mornings sixth.

With wind touching 16 knots now time to go.
Took us about an hour to get back to the harbour before we could sit comfortably. We then spent an hour or so trying for bass but tiredness had set in with the early start and our second day was ended by a visit to a local hostelry for some black stuff and some tasty grub.

Day three and wow is it stinking. Can't see more than a 100 yards due to the heavy rain. The wind is howling so the enthusiasm is not exactly brimming however we bash out and bag a few mackerel before sticking the anchor in. This mark produced several conger to mid teens but standing up was the biggest challenge so we move to a new mark and find dogfish central.
By now the rain was a challenge we couldn't meet and the harbour was the next port of call and some mullet fishing whichwas a more sedate way to pass the end of the trip. It was a good bet as we bagged several mullet between 3 & 4lbs.


Trip done and despite the weather we felt it was a success with a 100lb shark bagged alongside some nice support fish.
We will be back as the saying goes.

Anyone considering a break we cant praise Kevin and his staff highly enough for their hospitality and the set up. speaks volumes when for similar money for us we have Norway, Iceland and Shetland all within easy range and choose Cobh.

[d.kane62]

cracking report and great read iona.heading down next month and looking forward to good fishing .

[JimC]

A grand report!
Any pictures?

[iona]

I will add a few soon, this site needs them to be quite small so will need to do them later

[Stan]

Great report and fishing

[MAC]

Great Report, Looking forward to the pics... Well done!

[iona]

some pictures.........

[JimC]

Superb! You really made the most of the conditions!

[neil t]

Well done well jealous

[brianbru]

Great fishing Dale glad you got some nice fish!
Regards
Brian

[henrykelly10]

Great Fishing and great report well done