Wicklow Beach

[RyanS123]

Went to the local tackle shop with the intentions of picking up a couple of boxes of ragworm to try for a few bass. The all too appealing, "we have a few peeler crabs here if you want them" was uttered, and sure enough a night on the hounds was the main goal. Might aswell take advantage whilst they're still around, eh?

Got onto the beach at about 1830 and set up the two rods. One with a pulley pennel (3/0 aberdeen & 1/0 sliding circle) and crab bait. The other rod had a wee 2 up, 1 down stratching rig with rag.

Took a wee flattie on the scratching rig to beat the blank on the first cast. Happy days!!

Line started peeling out of the reel on the rod with the pulley rig. I lifted in and landed a nice sized hound. Screaming reels and the thought of a winter without these wonderful fighting fish led me to stick a pulley with crab bait on both rods.

The next four hours were a blast. 11 or 12 smooth hounds taken in the end. At one point I had line peeling out of both reels and I have to say I loved every second of it. It's a great feeling when all hell breaks loose. You know it's a busy session when the sandwiches don't get eaten.

As I usually go out by myself it is rare I get a photo with any decent fish. The best fish of the night was pulled in and an unsuspecting camper playing a mandola was greeted by a big Northern Irish angler, smiling from cheek to cheek, "ye wouldn't take a quick snap, would ye mate?" A very quick photo was taken and fish released safely to fight another day.

The memories of 11 hour blanking sessions quickly fade after nights like this. Arguably the most enjoyable session i've ever had on the shore. Not a single missed take and all fish swam away happy. I have grown to love this east coast and it has been a joy to try and fish my way along every inch of it since I moved to Dublin. A ridiculous amount has been learnt this past year.

Bring on the Autumn & Winter and hopefully some more great nights!

[keem]

That was a helluva session pal well done to you.

[MartinC]

Bloody great,, some session,,

[MC]

great trip and thats a hell of a hound

[corbyeire]

fair play, thanks for the post

[chuckaroo]

Great fishing

[RyanS123]

Cheers lads!! Hope the fishing has been going well for ye all this summer.