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Killimer Ferry Terminal, Co. Clare Firstly we should clearly state the the pier is private property, heavily fortified and access is stricitly denied for fishing purposes.  Next you need to consult the ferry timetable as it runs both more regularly and to a later time during the peak holiday season with both ferries chundering across...

Killimer and Moneypoint are both famous for the quality of the three bearded rockling they produce, with lots of specimens taken at both marks.  "Slugs" are readily caught by legering mackerel on a 3/0 hook - yes they have very big mouths and an appetite to match - into relatively shallow water at any time of the tide.  Disturbed water seems to bring them out feeding often voraciously in daylight, and the Shannon estuary is always a muddy colour even in summer.  Doubtless the ferry's screws churning up the bottom has the same effect.  I don't doubt that the pilings on the pier hold some mammoth "slugs" but don't be surprised if the ferry company take exception to you casting in there!

The Shannon is rightly famous for its Conger Eels, and whilst "straps" are the common catch, the ISFC's shore specimen weight is just 10 lbs or just over 4 kilos.  Fishing in the dusk in summer after the ferries have finished their runs will put you in pole position, and whilst most people advocate low tide as ideal, the approaching darkness and the deep water here will bring them and plenty of other species close to shore.

Whiting can arrive in vast shoals during the winter and travel as far up as Foynes.  Again these can be caught during the day, alongside Flounder, Dogfish and the occassional Bull Huss.  Thornback Rays invade the Shannon in the spring, and we have recent reports of several fish being taken from Carraigaholt Pier in December 2003 and January 2004, suggesting that they over-winter in the area.  Wrasse are a less common catch here, and are mostly taken at distance from west of the landing off the rocks.  They do not seem to like the muddy conditions, whereas Mullet will swarm in on summer evenings, often right under the pier or the decaying pilings to the west.  

If you find a severe westerly gale blowing, nip around the back (east) of the pier and fish there, casting just past  the very end of the pier where a deep water eddy has scoured out a deep hole.  Overall it can be a very snaggy mark and the mud can suck weights down and sink them!.  There is little enough current, so rotten bottom rigs and junk leads are the order of the day.  Float fishing is reserved for the Mullet provided you have ground baited heavily in advance.  It may not be the most picturesque spot, certainly it is heavily polluted with car exhausts and noise during the day, but it is readily accessed, has a nice car park and a shop, and offers specimen fish for the species hunter.

Probabilities: Three Bearded Rockling, Conger, Flounder; Whiting (winter); Thornback Rays (summer)

Possibilities: Wrasse, Dogfish, Launce (summer) 

Rare Exceptions: Salmon, Sea-Trout; Bull Huss, Mullet (summer)