Self-conscious in Cork

[Brunocork]

Hi everyone...I've posted a few times but I suppose it would be good to introduce myself.

My name is Bruno, I'm 27, originally from Co.Wicklow I'm living in Cork the last few years. I haven't fished in a long time... but have recently taken the hobby back up.

When I do go fishing I find myself wanting to avoid other anglers. I worry that my gear is cheap, that i'm not casting the right way or far enough and that i'm not useing the right rigs, bait or bait presentation.

Am I alone in this or do others ever feel the same at one stage or another?

Also does anyone have any ideas of what might help alleviate this?

[kstaff]

Hi Bruno,

welcome back to fishing first and foremost. As I'm sure you're aware from the various posts on here that most anglers are more than happy to help and give advice etc in any way shape or form. I can honestly say that in my experience it also carries through to the majority of times I've ever been on a beach. Anglers all share a common passion for catching fish and would happily spend all day talking about tackle rigs bait etc. I can't comment on the Cork scene but I'm certain like everywhere else in the country they will be more than happy to chat regardless of what rod you have or how far you cast. With this in mind I wouldn't think twice about getting in the middle of them and saying hello.
Try get down to the next SAI comp in Cork and say hello, all will be glad to bring you up to speed on what's happened since you've been away!!

Regards,

[croppyboy]

Hi man
i agree with kstaff dont worry about the gear i got back in to fishing about a year ago and since then everyone on this site has been a great help to me after a while my gear got a little better and so did my casting come down on the 8th of sep to the next sai comp you can fish beside us and pick up some pointers




fishing

[petekd]

Bruno, we all had to start off somewhere, be it after a lengthy break or be it from scratch. I fish the beaches around here once or twice a week and you are more than welcome to join me at any stage. I'm far from being any form of an expert but I'm more than happy to pass on any bits and pieces you may find helpful. You keep avoiding other anglers and you wont learn a thing. BTW, the last thing the fish sees is your rod and reel.... Irrelevant for the most part as long as they can chuck a bait out. Your rigs and bait presentation are far more important. Drop me a line if you fancy meeting up, there are a few of us down here, Scotsman, GWyse, Seancelt, Phanover, Donal Domeney etc etc and Im sure there are none of them that wouldn't give you a dig out if you needed it.

[kieran]

Hi Bruno

Welcome to the site and (back) to the sport.

I'd echo everything that has been said here - for over 20 years I used a cheap shakespeare beachcaster and I'd go back tomorrow were it not for the fact that it split in two during a cast in Donegal a few years back!

I watched our resident bass guru Cortaz catch three bass on kit held together with duct tape in Waterford this year. Whilst the rod and reel were a bit tired, he paid every care with what was presented to the fish.

If it is functional it will do fine. Most fish are caught close to shore, especially on beaches where 25 yards might put you past them...

Sea Angling Ireland SAC is a very informal and social fishing club, it was set up that way. We fish competitions and meets on an all Ireland basis to give members as much variety as possible.

Come along on the 8th to Ballybrannigan and you can fish alongside us. If you like it, you could always join us for the 2008 season...

Tight lines

[thescotsman]

Hi Bruno,

I echo what the other guys say, up until a few weeks ago I was pretty much using a broomstick with the top ring taped on and a reel in danger of shaking itself apart. Never stopped me catching fish though (that was just my technique that did that ).
Actually a great feeling when you catch on some rusty old stuff and the guy next to you with all the latest gear is getting nothing
Failing that come out fishing after dark and then no-one can see what you are doing until you are more confident....
As Pete says give us a shout - I am often looking for a fishing buddy and certainly wouldn't be judging you on technique or tackle.

[Frans]

Hi Bruno,

I don't think you're the only one avoiding other anglers. Like yourself I'm very aware of my fishing due to lack of experience on all fronts (Casting, rigs, bait presentation, etc.) I did join a club last year to force myself to fish with others and on different venues. It works even though I only managed to get out a few times. But as the guys in this threat said to come along to their competition next week, I'll definitely come along. To put faces to names etc. I might even bring my gear

-Frans

[derek yeates]

hi Bruno
i hadnt fished in 12 years up untill last month. posted on this website that i was a newbie and wanted to get out fishing. by the following friday I was out in greystones thanks Eoin. caught 2 dog fish(nearly craped myself on the first one) . Now have a new rod and reel bought in henrys.
This weekend I'm heading to waterford with my brother. have no idea what i,m doing but i know i can cast and catch fish now.
I know how it feels to be a newbie I would love to go to the fishing comp on the 8th but I dont think my nerves could take the slaging

derek

[kstaff]

Lads I can assure ye both there will be slagging, but not directed at anyone for their abilities on the beach. Come on down if at all possible. I can gaurantee you will come away with loads of new tips etc and will be full of confidence for the next 1.

[blackiemc]

Hello Bruno (and any newcomer),
Like yourself I started fishing again in the last while. I have deffo come to the opinion that I'll avoid buying expensive gear until I find fish that require me to do so.

I have a light, inexpensive spinning rod, with a E40 Okuma reel. Since last summer I have caught dozens of mackerel, scad, pollack (to 3.5lbs), coalfish, wrasse (to 5lbs) on this rod alone.

If you get out in the next couple of weeks (Youghal, Monkstown, Kinsale etc.) you might catch a few mackerel before they're gone. That'll remind you of why you want to get fishing again

You would need a different set-up for bottom fishing, this is where I plug a book that gave me a great basic knowledge for sea fishing,

"Sea Fishing Properly Explained", it's part of the 'Right Way' series of books, they have a very good website - http://www.right-way.co.uk if you can't find it in a shop (I picked it up in Easons).

In that book you can get details of knots to tie, rigs to use, tactics to catch different species. It's quite basic but full of useful info that you can study quietly before you go fishing.

Then the biggest pool of knowledge you'll find is on this website!!!

Good Luck

Blackie

[round_ourway]

have to agree with blackie there. sea fishing properly explained is a great book and gives you a great of knowledge as you leaf through to find a specific species.

I got back into fishing about a year ago and I quickly gathered a lot of gear that half of I dont use but it makes it easier. I do have to admit there are a few fishing snobs out there that will look at your gear and check it out but they are usually the same people that arent really doing any fishing. I would advise to you to get out and meet people from your surrounding area and go fishing. I found alot of the boys on the site very helpful and always answering a pm.

[g.wyse]

Hi Bruno, i have to echo what all the lads have said above,you should get in touch with guys from the site with regards to going out for a session.
I spent a couple of years when i started up doing what you did avoiding other anglers and then i contacted Pete and Seancelt etc.(and now i wish i was back fishing on my own )..Seriously there a good bunch of lads to know and are very helpful with info on all you need to know about marks,gear and other tips.
As a total anti-tackle tart i wouldn't worry to much about your gear.I use a cheap rod and an average price reel, i have a 50 yard cast apparently and my bait looks like dog food and yet i seem to catch more often then not
As long as u'r catching fish what does it matter.
The comp. coming up would be a great way of introducing yourself.
G.

[Seancelt]

Hi Bruno,
Come to the comp on the 8th and introduce yourself.
As the lads say slagging is obligatory but it will have little to do with your gear, rigs or casting (Unless you are G.Wyse and all of the fore mentioned are fair game).
I am sure most of us there would be happy to arrange a session with you.

[MC]

hi mate, i took that above advice and have never looked back, they are a great bunch of lads who are only too glad to help out with fishing tips, once that serious bit is done the real slagging will begin so go along mate it will be fun

[chiggywig]

Hi Bruno,
Don't be ashamed of your equipment. I have convinced myself that my old wobbly rod is luckier than than my smart new one. Fishing is all about confidence and once your gear has caught a few fish I am sure you will become very attached to it. I drew a cartoon that seems appropriate, new equipment can be a handicap on occasion.

[Brunocork]

Ah..thanks guys! I've gone fishing a couple of times now, Ballycotten breakwater and off the rocks at Myrtleville, but i've yet to catch anything. I don't have a stand so i've avoided the beach.

Don't think I'm quite ready to take the plunge on the 8th....But it'd be great if one of you would pm me to arrange something for another date. I'll need a bit of advice on what gear to bring etc.

Cheers lads!

[croppyboy]

i have a second stand ya can have it for nothing if your coming to comp on saturday


fintan