Beginner Questions

Havent fished since i was a child and would like to start again and have, what are probably a few stupid questions. Im from kilkenny but would probably go around the waterford area as i work there. Would be fishing for mackerel and was just wondering where would the best spots be ? when does the mackerel season start and finish ? what conditions would be most appropriate ie tide, etc ? Also, if mackerel season was out, what would the next best fish to go for, for a beginner ? Any help appreciated, thanks.

http://www.sea-angling-ireland.org/shor ... erford.htm
http://www.fishinginireland.info/sea/south/bannow.htm

up to date mackerel reports are posted here viewtopic.php?f=3&t=38947

if you can get down to john o brians in waterford and see if he still sells ragworm? get a pack or two for 5 quid each for twenty if i remember correctly! and pick up some 3 way swivels, size 1/0 long shank hooks and some 1 or 2 oz leads(better to have alot as what your fishing for (WRASSE) tend to put up a great scrap and will try and snag you up in the rocks just below your feet), make your way to a rocky part of the coast preferably the hook on the light house side, the other side is slade and it can be quite good at the harbor wall at high tide. your set up should be quite simple consisting of of your mainline being attached to the top eye of your 3 way swivel, tie a short length of line (known as a snood to the middle eye and at the end of that tie on a 1/0 long shank hook. lastly tie another short snood to the bottom eye of the 3 way swivel and attach your lead! thats it your ready to go! i would recommend you tie up a few of these simple rigs because as previously stated wrasse like to snag you up! thread the ragworm up the hook leaving its enticing wriggly tail to dangle! dont mask the tip of your hook with the bait, make sure the point is visible! once you have baited up( by the way you dont have to use a whole rag, cut it in half or thirds) just drop it down right in front of you into some deepish water or at the harbor wall and just wait for the bites which will come quick and fast!!! the bite will be a tap,tap,tap and try strike the fish just as you feel the vibrations in the rod then get ready for a great little fight! you could also buy some german bait spinners and try for pollack! word of advice, look into shock leaders and there purpose if you intend on distance casting for mackerel!
safety is the key! also dont ever go rock fishing without telling some one where you are going as the sea dosnt take any prisoners! hope this helps dude! best of luck in this fantastic sport we call fishing

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.
Im not authorized to view the mackerel reports, has mackerel season started yet or will it be another while ?

1 report from Dungarvan over a week ago , nothing from waterford itself yet. The wrasse bashing really is great crack.If you wanted you can also float fish for them using the rag as bait.If you are only getting the really small ones you can lengthen the depth between the float and the hook and you might get a bigger one or two. A great way of fishing and it can help to keep tackle loss to a minimum.Happy fishing
Dave