Trigger Fish - Tactics and Locations

Having only two areas we know where these fish lurk we are keen to try some new ground and try different methods for these, anyone else have much luck for them?

Hi Robert

Saw the bligters last year but never got a hook up.

I was trying to float fish a squid strip (1 x .5 cm) on 12 flouro on a size 4 crab pattern hook with a clear plastic bubble float in what was very calm conditions. Kept getting (small) wrasse intercepting the damn baits!

FWIW

Hi Robert,

I haven't caught any or even targeted them. I have been told by other anglers of them being caught from carrigaholt pier all the way around to kilkee in August september. I know Bill Ryan has taken specimen fish from ross and would be helpful if you got in contact. A few of the lads in work are divers and have come across them in Kilkee bay and said there very aggresive. There was one story of a diver getting bite taken out of his flipper but I'd trust divers stories as far as could throw all there gear. The quality papers were full of the new piranna entering Irish waters last summer. Seemingly a fresh supply comes in off the gulf stream and they all die in the winter.

I asked similiar question a while back about tactics and was told to use a size one hook on a shallow float with mackerel and 40lb trace to combat teeth. Maybe best to do a search to get the exact advise.

Donagh

I seen a Go fishing episode and Wilson was trying for them at distance with Crab and Rag (I think) Very interesting. I have caught then abroad and they are good fighting fish for their size.

Kev

Agressive? Those fish are maniacs. A few years ago I got a chance to dive off north beach, Miami where a buddy and I caught a lobster. We put the lobster in a diving net and a few minutes later a large trigger started darting in and out trying to attack the lobster!! My buddy had the bag, thank goodness. Ever laugh underwater?

I've seen them caught in Lobster baskets north of malin head. never heard of any caught on rods but.About 10 years ago we kept one alive for the aquarium in portaferry, we phoned to get clarification of what it was and the guy drove up to collect it.

The two spots we know off are Dingle out on a reef about half a mile from shore and as Donagh points out Kilkee. We can access them from the boat but I feel the shore holds a better chance for them on certain rocky outcrops such as Kilkee.

they can turn up during the summer from the back wall of portrush harbour and the surrounding area but its just a case of going and fishing them as soon as the reports start as they generally dont seem to hang about too long, most just catch them on normal paternosters stepped up a wee bit to stop bite offs.

Heard of good numbers from achill last year. Cant remember exactly where but will try to find out for you.

Cheers we will be heading there over the summer.

i heard tell of a mark near kells bay in kerry off the rocks to the west of the bay

Hi

See the May edition of the Irish Angler for explicit details on one of the Achill triggerfish marks - new format for the piece, hope ya'll like it!!!

Ah yeah Kieran in with the sales pitch that's lovely.... ha ha.

Ever laugh underwater?

Yes, A couple of years ago while snorkeling in Lanzarote, watching a similar thing. First and almost last time I went snorkeling. :lol: :lol:

Ah yeah Kieran in with the sales pitch that's lovely.... ha ha.

Absolutely! :wink: :D :D :D

To be fair to the new editor, David Dinsmore, he was some excellent ideas on what he wants to do with the magazine and I'm really looking forward to the May edition to see what else he has done. There will be a big emphasis on producing Irish pieces and increasing the level of detail and expertise made available in each article. I've pointed out to him the relative paucity of pieces on sea shore angling in Ireland too...

Back OT...

On the triggers I know they have sharp teeth, well more like a beak, but I was warned that if you bulk up the mono to compensate for this, they can spot it in clear and calm water conditions. I had a very frustrating day last year trying for them, could actually see a shoal "finning" around on the surface within range, tried everything imaginable but no success and that based on tactics described by Bill Ryan which he used down in Clare.

In Lanzarote etc. they use really small hooks, down as far as size 16, and even when fishing for small species close in, they use wire - maybe a thin strand of wire to a crimped on hook is the solution?

Robert, have you any plans to go after the Gilthead Bream?

We are planning targetting them actually Kieran, have a few marks sorted too :lol: :lol:

On the Triggers I have heard of guys using braid as fireline as snoods as its virtually impossible to grind like other braids brands.

I hope, and am lead to believe by people writing for the Magazine that David may be highlighting more tactics etc in a lot of the upcoming articles and that has to be a good thing. To many angling writers tell the story in magazines without being specific to the details that anglers really want to know about :roll:

On the hook side of things would it not be better to use a 2x or 3x long shank hook? You can get these in size 6 for fly tying (Kamasan B800 or B830) so they might be just what you need. This way you might get away without using wire or heavier mono, especially in clear water. Robert, if you want a couple more rods on the trip let us know. I'm sure a few of the lads would be interested. It's always much easier having a few lads trying different tactics.

Kev

heard of guys using braid as fireline as snoods

Finally, a use for old braid, excellent idea!

I would love to try for a Gilthead this year but do not have the time :cry: will be trying for a stinger from a location I've found in Clew Bay that looks good if they come this far north. If they do not show up, I guess it will be thornies...

There is a pic of someone from Kerry - guided by Roger Baker - who took a trigger on the fly so snood strength need not be a critical issue...

FWIW...

Kieran,

would you not try Tralee bay "the Tankard" in May for them, spring tides in May and June is when they come in there :)

Kev,

defo a few more rods would be a big advantage, will PM you nearer the time...

Hi Robert

Yep, know about the Tankard, FenitBob and others have alerted me to it, I think I fished it once many moons ago at high water for bass (doh!) and even saw one landed in Fenit on the viaduct at night - small about 8 lbs, and there are other places around Inch and Rossbehy where you can get them, but that is a five hour drive for me!!!!

I know they get them around Fanore and suspect they must come further north, so have pegged my ground for this July and August and will see what happens... probably hook a bloody common for my troubles! :wink:
I wish...

Tight lines