help galway

Just moved back to Galway city could anyone give me any advice on fishing the docks,salthill,only ever fished
The back of the docks for mac.what could be caught.any info would be greatly appreciated

the docks will hold the mac when they are in
mullet in the warmer months

salthill the odd flat and dog but to be honest it becomes too much hardship in the summer months with all the two legged pests!

you really have to travel a bit for a decent session

I dunno about that Brian, it may have been a few years ago but myself and Chris have had some really good sessions at salthill.

Two hook clipped rig with either sandeel or mackerel cast out as far as you can will pick up dogfish, bull huss and ray, while a three hook flapper with very light snoods(10lb or 8lb) and size 6 or 4 hooks baited with lug tipped off with mackerel or squid will pick up flatfish, gurnards and also whiting and coalies in season. Its important to fish the three hook rig very very close in, sometimes only 6 feet out or so. You will also get sea trout on this set up, so remember to return them quickly.

The flapper is best fished on the beaches near blackrock diving tower, but you are only able to fish there very early morning or night time due to swimmers and people enjoying the beach. The two hook clipped rig will work anywhere along salthill, some notable spots are opposite the aquarium, the slipway opposite mauds ice cream place and then to the right of the blackrock diving tower.

Other fishing in salthill includes conger fishing on the slipway i mentioned, you get some decent ones there up to about 15lb. I use a de-barbed size 8/0 hook crimped to a 2-3ft mono trace of about 200lb breaking strain with a really good swivel at the top. I try not to use wire as i think it damages the fish if it tries to roll and gets caught up in it. This should be fished either on the slipway itself at high tide or in the rocks surrounding it. You can also float fish around this slipway for mini species and some decent wrasse, and if you are float fishing slightly further out you get mackerel and some sea trout.

As for the docks i wouldn't bother unless it was just for mackerel. There is mullet further towards town but fishing this area is either not allowed or more hassle than its worth. Of course there are sea trout too if you have the necessary license and permit.

Hope that helped somewhat

Alex

sorry Alex, but you're not up to date anymore, honestly, Salthill and the usual venues are a total waste of time, check out recent posts or ask around and you know where I'm coming from. Anyway, my offer still stands and I'm totally happy to hear you are back in a good and positive mood! Total Respect!

Thanks for the advice,appreciate