Sea Angling Ireland

I'm not a big lover of bass fishing, however I spend September and October fishing for them around local beaches in North Dublin. This year was a bumper haul and plenty of fun with light gear. Certainly not the fighters they are made out to be in all honestly, although I'm sure on lures it's a completely different story.

With the majority of summer species gone attentions turn to the winter favourite cod and the harder fighting coalies. This endeavour will be a frustrating one along the east coast and usually ends in a trip south for cod. As difficult as it is to find any codling over 3lb along Dublin to Wexford coast the search and attempts are most of the fun with a surprise or two during the dark cold nights. Are at least it should be. The last few attempts to tempt a decent codling or coal fish from the sea has resulted in 5 bass being landed! Slightly smaller then their summer cousins they are great scrappers both in and out of the water. Once beached the gills are flared out with fast head shakes to try and take some skin from your hand.

I suppose this is a positive sign that there is an increase in juvenile numbers and that the ban is slowly starting to help the population along the east coast. Yet in my last four outings I have caught only one codling and he was a mere 20cm, the coalies on the other hand have been a little more available although never in great numbers with an average of three a session lately.

I will continue to dream about my massive cod and see what the next few weeks bring. And at least the humble flounder, one of my favourites I might add has being obliging me in my efforts.