Donegal Fishing and the Beginner

Afternoon folks,

I've just taken up a bit of shore fishing with very very poor success through the summer of 2008! This was through the lack of research on my part and an eagerness to get out there and get fishing. However, for 2009, I would like things to be much better.

The area that I live in is the Falcarragh/Gortahork are of Co. Donegal. It's right on the Atlantic so I would assume it must be at least a fair area for shore fishing.

Does anybody have any experience of this area in terms of shore fishing?? What species are commonly caught?? Any particularly good shore fishing locations?? What is the best bait to use??

Through the winter now I would also like to prep myself for summer time.

Anyone have any advise on what a beginner fishing enthusiast should be preparing through the winter?

You do know that there's a very good active boat angling club in your vicinity aand that you'll catch much more from the boat that the shore?

Just checking, like......

try this site for some fishing marks around Donegal http://www.cfb.ie/fishing_in_ireland/sea/north.htm,try some new marks a few times to see what they are like,i fish a spot that is not on the clifden map and it is very good for ray,experiment with new marks and different baits and you will see what works best

i am like you i have not much experience but every day i learn some thing new every day

keep browsing Sea Angling Ireland and you will get a lot of info

look at this for baits http://www.cfb.ie/fishing_in_ireland/sea/sbaits.htm

a group of us (about 8 on the day) fished the beach that the ray river runs into the sea last year for 5 hours into the dark for 2 flounder + 2 coalies only to be told by a local that 2 small trawlers based locally had been working that area for about 3 months rite up to the high tide mark needless to say we've never been back as the fishing was crap .theres other beaches nearer dunfanaghy but access is is made by some long walks and the fishing is'nt up to much on them aswell.

Welcome aboard Micahel, there are quite a few of us fishing Donegal and i'm sure you'll learn loads on the site. Tanglerat is up your direction and is a good man to have a chat and who knows you might drag him away from the fire for a session

Cheers for the info guys. Keep it coming!!

http://www.donegalanglingholidays.com/A ... rf+Angling

Michael
If you have a look at the above site, it sould give you a decent start. Also there is a great book out at the minute. I cant remember the exact name but fox and sea angler did it. It cost £12 and gives you everything you need to get you started. I am heading up to donegal in 3 weeks time to try for some raymonds.
Stevie