First beach session

[owenio]

Had my first ever beach session yesterday, at Five mile point 2 hrs before high tide in the evening.

All I caught was weed, crab, weed and more weed.

I was advised to use a 40lb shock lead to try to get past the weeds, but feel like i might just stick with bream fishing....

[kieran]

Hi

Weed can be a problem on any venue, especially after a storm (even one far out at sea). What baits and rigs were you using?

[owenio]

Hi,

I was using 3 hook ready made paternoster rigs. Bait was razorfish and sandeel, then later i used a ragworm.

20lb line on a 12ft rod.

A crab made bits of the sandeel. I managed to cast pretty far in the end with extra weights but to no avail, seemed like the weed was far out aswell.

I fished as the tide came in ? Would this be cause of weed coming inland ?

[keymcg]

Don't give up yet. A little local knowledge can make life a lot easier. Its not as simple as turning up and lobbing some bait into the water. Get to know some local anglers. Most are more than willing to give tips and advice. Maybe join the local sea angling club. Get to know the basics and you're confidence will grow. Then go off and do your own thing.
That's what worked for me anyway

Sent from my D2303 using Tapatalk

[ShaneH]

Unfortunately you picked the wrong beach for your first session that particular beach is always full of weed unless you have small tides after a week of westerlies. Once you pass Wicklow town the weed stops and the fishing situations become easier.

[ShaneH]

Your main line is abit on the heavy side. Try using 0.35 15lb main to a minimum of 50lb shock leader. You will notice less drag on the line from the tide and it will increase your distance a wee bit. And for safey reasons you should always use a shock leader even if your only lobbing because 150g of lead could do alot of damage to a skull if it cracks off.

[owenio]

Thanks for the great advice lads.

Bit out of my depth after years of fishing on inland lakes !

[kieran]

all excellent advice...

Shockleader is key for beach fishing if you want to use weights - the rule is 10 lbs breaking strain for each ounce of lead, so 5 ounce lead means 50 lb shockleader.
If you have the time, you should put 30 lb shockleader on a separate spool as fishing with a 3 ounce lead that moves around a bit can be useful on beaches...
15 lb breaking strain line is perfectly good for most beaches and most fish you will encounter off them. Hounds and bass would be your optimal catch in the SE.

Some shirring elastic (fine) wrapped around the baits will prolong their life and stop crabs and small fishing stealing it all too quickly. Use hook sizes 1s or 2s for now. I know some people go down to 4s on the east coast, whereas I never use anything below a 1/0 on the west even if it is mostly for doggies - different strokes etc.

You don't have to distance cast to get into the fish. Flounder will come into six inches of water. You are typically aiming around the second and third breaker, but you can experiment to see where the fish are. Try looking at the beach at low water to identify fish holding marks like small gullies, rip tides, small stretches of rock, etc.

Hope this helps... blanks are not uncommon in sea fishing, but the next six months are the best "season" so stick with it...

[kstaff]

where you based Owen? Lots of great clubs on the East coast,

[owenio]

I am based in Cavan and Dublin so when in Dublin I will try to bring my beach rods and do a session. I was advised stay away from Dub venues and head to wicklow.

Thanks Kieran advice taken on board for next time.

[owenio]

going to try ennereilly beach tonight for bass ,any tips

[owenio]

Guys just wondering is this ennereilly beach or is it further on up the road ?

https://www.google.ie/maps/@52.8355424, ... 312!8i6656

[owenio]

I had my second beach session at Donabate Strand 8.30pm to 10.30pm during incoming high tide.

No bites, no fish. A problem now is my two hooks tangling.

[Roryk11]

Donabate isn't great some small flounder and a schoolie bass caught yesterday after 8hrs I'd recommend arklow south Beach

[ardinn]

Have you done anymore owen? or given up - I would advise heading as south as you can - as far as your willing to drive towards wexford - If your ever going give me a shout i'll meet up with you !