Inishowen, Co. Donegal, 21st and 23rd August

Been a fair while since my last report (last summer's holidays?!) so here goes. There has been some fishing throughout 2020 due to the fact that we live walking distance to the sea and also due to the fact that the two 'Master Anglers' in my life are getting that bit older! Can't say we've had any spectacular successes but we're tipping away and both young and old(er) are learning as we go. One notable achievement has been my youngest lads first fish- a small flounder on Portmarnock beach back in May, just a few months before his 4th birthday.

Anyway, we've been based up in my home place of Inishowen for the last few days and, as ever, the rods were packed.

21st August

Hit up our 'banker' local mark in search of a few flatties. It's safe for the two lads and nearly always produces a few fish to keep the interest up. Got there about 2 hours after HW and the surf looked good with the tide dropping nicely towards the ‘flattie window’. Got set-up after the short stroll to the beach and baited up with slivers of sandeel on size 4 single hooks for the lads and flicked into the surf. Eventually got myself set-up on the big boy rod (3 hook flapper with sandeel). Nothing happening for the first hour or so and I was beginning to sweat that I’d got my timing wrong, although the summer can be slow on this mark. Thankfully, Sam eventually caught a small flounder quickly followed by me with a turbot. Ollie got in on the act with a flounder to 24cm and I wrapped up proceedings with another turbot. Everybody caught so job done on a quick 90 minute session!

23rd August
Decided to try another mark close by that I’ve had limited success on in the past but occasionally try as it is without doubt one of the most spectacularly beautiful places to fish. Same set-up/bait as a few days prior, arriving just after HW. Unfortunately, no fish this time. Still though, I had put up the fishing shelter which provided a place to take refuge from the incessant fine drizzle and provided a it of entertainment for the lads and a place to eat the all-important snacks. Called it quits when weed became an issue as the tide dropped and Sam put my reel into ‘free-spool’ when my back was turned with the predictable result of tangled lines and about 4 stone of weed ☹ We still had a ball enjoying the beautiful scenery and building a few sandcastles.

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

Good report! Have you any pointers as I’m heading up there in the morning


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

PM sent

What!!! No pictures of the sandcastles???

great result the first day for 90 mins - once youve acclimatised up there again, therell be no stopping ye!

What!!! No pictures of the sandcastles???

Next time JW!

great result the first day for 90 mins - once youve acclimatised up there again, therell be no stopping ye!

Hopefully! Hope to get up in october so beaches ususally really in gear then.

Well done. The wee dudes look delighted with the fish
Nothing worse than a blank when the kids are there