realistic species targets for 2010

Hi folks,

I want to set myself some targets for species for 2010 but don't really know what figure to put on it. I will probably fish at least once a week and will only be fishing in Dublin and Wicklow. What do you think would be a realistic and attainable target for a newbie sea angler like myself?

Thanks in advance.

30 would be realistic target from the dublin / wicklow beaches and piers.

Thanks Bigsod. I wouldnt be able to identify most species myself so would you recommend taking photos and ID'ing them afterwards or should i get myself some sort of pocket fish ID book?

its always a good idea to take a few pictures, especialy if you decide to take part in the species hunt on the site, a pocket book is a good idea too.Wicklow pier in the summer will get you a fair few of the mini species like tompot blennies, various wrassse, sea scorpions and dragonets.

Thanks again, I think i have a book that covers most species, if i have any trouble i will post pics.

mate species hunting is my kinda thing especially for mini species ! im always down on wicklow pier just incase you ever want to meet up ?

mate species hunting is my kinda thing especially for mini species ! im always down on wicklow pier just incase you ever want to meet up ?

ye cos thats all he can catch is mini fish

mate species hunting is my kinda thing especially for mini species ! im always down on wicklow pier just incase you ever want to meet up ?

ye cos thats all he can catch is mini fish

And Cheating

Cheers, I'd say I'm definitely gonna need some help with this. Is there any particular species that i should be targeting at certain times of the year? ie now?

You should be able to cross, whiting, codling, coalfish, flounder, dab and bass off your list at the moment spring and summer will see a returm of the likes of plaice, pollock wrasse doggies and the mini species.By mid summer get ready for the addrenaline rush that is smoothound fishing.Ray are catchable around wicklow but a lot of hours will have to be put in.Congers can be caught all year round but the warmer months seem to be better but im no conger expert boycie or tony fella can advise you on them

Cheers Bigsod, I'll be fishing Killiney beach tomorrow so that should get me some whiting to start with! Looking forward to targeting specific species rather than just lashing out some ragworms and hoping for the best (although there is a lot to be said for that type of fishing too ).

I should be in wicklow on 15th and 16th so will be looking for some bait and tactics tips closer to the time

Thanks for all your replies guys and heres to a good 2010!

Thanks again, I think i have a book that covers most species, if i have any trouble i will post pics.

between these two you should be ok with identifying species..

here are two downloadable guides to help you identify fish species, the first is by the central fisheries board and the second made by SAI members Ronald and stevecrow74

both are .pdf format (you will need acrobat reader to view these files)

click on the image to link to download page

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