Autumn Internationals over time to fish

After a fantastic autumn it is time to get to the beaches to try for my first shore caught cod...... Is there any help out there?

The publications all talk of the need to cast big to get amongst the cod, is this always the case?

It is said that crab are great bait but do they have to be peelers, or can the cod cope with the shells?

Are fast sloping beaches or lightly sloping beaches the best way to go?

Any hints for the long pier in howth PM-ed or otherwise will be eagerly read (along with any other info sent/posted)

Thanks a million in advance. 8)

lug/ squid and crab or mussel will see you catch fish if they are there. squid is useful too. there is little scent off a hardback crab. peeler is best. try to fish when the sea is rough(obviously don't risk your life!). deep rocky marks often fish in calmer seas, especially if there is a good run of tide. you don't always need to cast far. howth marks are dodgy to get too. pm me if you want info on places to try...

Hey marno,

As Mark said, Lug, Crab or mussel will all catch. No need to cast huge distances or use massive baits unless after a lunker. I had 15 codling yesterday in Dun Laoghaire in 2 hours, nothing big the largest was only about a pound but they were rattling the rod tip straight away. Slightly better fish on frozen peeler but for pure numbers one lug on a 1/0 was the business, had a few double shots, all hooked in corner of the mouth on a 2 up one down rig with a plain lead. Either way you'll certainly get your first shore caught codling, some colour in the water at the mo which brings then closer too!

Thanks lads.