tope - wicklow

hey, was hoping to give tope fishing a bash from either Killoughter,kilcoole,or newcastle. However I have never atempted this before and was hoping you tope people out there could help. :)
Firstly I dont even know if I have gear up to the job. I have an Abu Atlantic 464 with a large fixed spool.Will this do? :?: :?
Also I have no clue on tactics or tide but it will have to be an evening or daytime fish for me.
did a search for this with some good results.
Is frozen mackerel/sandeel or a fillet from fish monger OK.
Do I need to cast far out?
Is there any marks on these beaches I definitely should avoid?
Sorry for all the questions lads but I hope someone will be able to help.
THanks and any info recieved is greatly appreciated.
Enjoy the fishing :D

Anything? ok, I can definitely appreciate if people want to keep certain marks and their hard earned knowledge to themselves, fair enough, but can anybody help me out with the tackle situation.Is the gear I have up to the Job?Thanks

Col,

Havent fished for Tope yet myself, but I was just talking to someone about it a few minutes ago. For bait, he said to use if possible a live Mackerel or Coalie, if possible. For tackle, use 2 size 8/0 hooks on a pennel rig, with some wire trace, a must. And Killoughter or greystones, or any of the marks you metion seem to be fishing well at the moment.

Hope this helps.

Codswallop

P.S. Dont forget to leave the drag set lightly, as they will take your rod with them no problem, as im sure some of the lads on the site here will tell you.

Col,

Codswallop writes " For tackle, use 2 size 8/0 hooks on a pennel rig, with some wire trace, a must. "
I prefer to use 100lb nylon as a hooklength as I feel it does less damage to the Topes jaw and mouth. Dead Mackeral with its sides slashed on a pennell rig also works.
I use a techno heavy beachcaster and 18 / 20 lb mainline. Maybe a bit light for some people.
When the tope takes, put your reel into freespool with your thumb on the spool, tighten up the drag, then strike. Don't lock your drag up, as the topes first run can be up to 50 yards.
Hope this helps

Bill

Have a look on http://www.worldseafishing.com and you will find an article on tope fishing which tells you about bait and tackle.
Good luck M8

thanks for the info lads. will give it a try soon and let u know how i get on.