Bass Fishing-The Future

[Crevan]

***Let’s try keep the replies constructive and on topic***



How many of us have witnessed a huge decrease in the numbers of bass caught this season?

I certainly have. As have the anglers with whom I've fished with throughout the year, both resident and visiting alike.

There have been a wide ranging variety of explanations mooted for this decline seen on this site, other websites and from fishermen on the ground. They range from weather conditions to Red Tide to poaching with nets and foreign trawlers fishing within our waters.
Unfortunately I doubt if anyone can say with any degree of certainty which explanation(s) is valid. Nor can I for that matter. The fact is, however, that fish are simply not showing along our coast in a manner which they should be.
Personally I hope the reasons are natural occurring and the fishing will improve accordingly.
But what if they are not? What if the reason is something much more sinister? Can weather or other natural occurring events really be responsible for the ever decreasing number of bass being caught in recent years?

Irish bass are a protected species since legislation introduced since 1990. This legislation restricts the commercial fishing of bass, bag limits and size restrictions. It also outlaws the sale or offer of sale of Irish bass. The legislation also allows for a period of restricted fishing during the bass spawning period. These legislations, coupled with the outlawing of drift netting, were implemented with the vision of preserving and ensuring a recovery within the bass population inhabiting our waters.
With such restrictive and prohibitive measures in place for the past decades, one would be inclined to believe that bass would be allowed to thrive and numbers would see a marked improvement. Has this really been so? Have the numbers increased even with such protection?
Although, on a personal level, I have only been fishing for bass for the past 10 years, I have not seen such an increase. In my own experience I have seen numbers decline.
In the past number of years I have been in the fortunate position of being able to fish almost every day. I spend a large amount of my free time on the water bass fishing. My experience and learning of the marks which I fish has developed as a result. I now have a better understanding of where, when and how to catch bass. There is no balance however in the improvement in my fishing techniques/skills coupled with the amount of fishing hours and the number of fish which I have been catching. Numbers are falling. Plain and simple. From speaking to fellow anglers on the ground I am hearing the same results. Declining numbers and declining numbers of bigger sized bass.
Surely with all the conservation measures set in place the opposite should be happening?

Recently I was having the same discussion with Pat from Henry’s Tackle shop. For those of you who don’t know of him, he is an avid catch and release bass angler with decades of experience. He and Henry himself share my worrying concerns. We discussed at length the poor fishing returns for the hours we were putting in. The same underlying results were obvious. Declining numbers of bass and declining numbers of bigger bass.
During our conversations Pat indicated that he was also concerned about the re-opening of bass fishing to the commercial fishermen. An activity that would wipe out the bass fishing in a very short time. When the bass are wiped out what species would they turn to next?

Long story short;
It became obvious that the views and concerned of ALL interested and concerned bass anglers both here at home and visiting anglers should be heard.

What I’m asking of you all is a little amount of your time, little in relation to the time you spend enjoying your fishing.
Pen a letter to Simon Coveney TD (address at bottom).
Express your opinion and concerns. Get anyone and everyone you know who has an interest in bass fishing to do the same. Tell him how much you spend in your fishing trips on tackle, accommodation transport etc. Tell him exactly what your experience is with fish numbers. Ask why bass numbers are falling despite protection. Fill in the bass surveys from Henry’s Tackle shop (see the sticky http://www.sea-angling-ireland.org/bulletin%20board/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=40478)and return them.

Let your voice be heard.

“Remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all.” (Alexander The Great).



Post your letters to
Simon Coveney TD,
Main St,
Carrigaline,
Co. Cork.
simon.coveney@oir.ie

OR
Henry's Tackle
19 Ballybough Rd,
Dublin 3

Pat has kindly suggested to gather and submit letters along with the bass surveys

Last edited by Crevan on Thu Nov 08, 2012 9:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Before I go into it I just want to point out that I am all for conservation.

But heres my take on it. This summer and last winter was the worse fishing Iv seen. Not just for bass because Im an angler that will fish for al types of fish. But this year for allot of others as a whole has been good on so many levels, I have heard of a few record fish being landed and released, also a huge amount of specimens. Sure just look at the fishing in cork now with the painted ray which are also protected and like the bass there is people taking ever single one they catch home with them.

How come no one on here ever complains about any other fish getting poached?.... Why is bass the only focus of the Irish angler?

Why cant we write a letter complaing about the amount of cod, ray, mac, tuna and all the other types of fish that these super trawlers are taking from the sea.......
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Now that I have that bit out heres the next bit....

People are posting about the decline in bass, but I know guys that are catching just as much as they did last year and also this summer was the coldest and wettest we have had for a very long time... Sure there still catching mac for feck sake...

So by all means write letters and do what ever we can to stop the trawlers getting their hands on the bass but please can people stop blaming the decline in fish on anything other than natural causes....

Before I go into it I just want to point out that I am all for conservation.

But heres my take on it. This summer and last winter was the worse fishing Iv seen. Not just for Bass because Im an angler that will fish for al types of fish. But this year for allot of others as a whole has been good on so many levels, I have heard of a few record fish being landed and released, also a huge amount of specimens. Sure just look at the fishing in cork now with the painted ray which are also protected and like the Bass there is people taking ever single one they catch home with them.

How come no one on here ever complains about any other fish getting poached?.... Why is Bass the only focus of the Irish angler?

Why cant we write a letter complaing about the amount of cod, ray, mac, tuna and all the other types of fish that these super trawlers are taking from the sea.......
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Now that I have that bit out heres the next bit....

People are posting about the decline in Bass, but I know guys that are catching just as much as they did last year and also this summer was the coldest and wettest we have had for a very long time... Sure there still catching mac for feck sake...

So by all means write letters and do what ever we can to stop the trawlers getting their hands on the Bass but please can people stop blaming the decline in fish on anything other than natural causes....

Thanks for the reply.

I was speaking from my own personal experience and that of the anglers I have fished with and met over the course of the season. They all share the same opinion on dwindling numbers...not just this year but over the years.

If you read my post again you'll see that I didnt blame the decline on anything.....I relayed different opinions which had been mooted by different anglers.

I'd personally like to see the bass take reduced to one from two. Also, making illegal (read highly publicised) the killing of ANY specimen fish.

[standerus]

Introduction of maximum size?
Introduction of annual bag limits and tagging scheme as with salmon? f.x. 5 fish per year?
Introduction of mandatory barbless trebles to increase survival rate of released fish?

Even an introduction of a licence for sea fishing, to cover the cost for extra officers, petrol, quads, 4x4 etc.
Even though I'm not experienced in any type of bass fishing, I would say yes to such ideas, if in return there be a chance for better perspectives for those mighty fish.

Last edited by standerus on Fri Nov 09, 2012 12:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Sure just look at the fishing in cork now with the painted ray which are also protected

Since when?

Thanks for the reply.

I was speaking from my own personal experience and that of the anglers I have fished with and met over the course of the season. They all share the same opinion on dwindling numbers...not just this year but over the years.

If you read my post again you'll see that I didnt blame the decline on anything.....I relayed different opinions which had been mooted by different anglers.

Sorry if this sounded directed at you mate, its just something I had to get in there before we get the influx of -its the boats - its the poachers. No one knows why or if there is a drop in bass numbers for sure.

Sure just look at the fishing in cork now with the painted ray which are also protected

Since when?

Sorry jim I jumped the gun, I remember reading that they were fighting to have them protected because they are dropping in numbers and there is very little research into them....

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To get on topic, there is tons of ways to help the numbers. Introduce a license that creates funds to be spent on the protection of the stocks... Stop the killing of fish to claim a record or specimen cert..

Bringing the number down to 1 a day wont make a difference because there's only a few anglers that sticks to that rule ether way.

Fund the IFI so they can respond quicker to a complaint.


Other than that theres not much anyone can do because the government see it as a source of income and if they think they can make enough money from it they wont give a hoot what any of us here think.

Can you tell us exactly what you have experienced based over time in respect of the decline?

On a similar thread Cortaz said his best Bass fishing were 2010 and 2011 and 2012 was crap due to bad weather.

I'd personally like to see the Bass take reduced to one from two. Also, making illegal (read highly publicised) the killing of ANY specimen fish.

+1.

Firstly, I would like to thank "My World Sea Fishing" for highlighting that there are more species in the sea than bass, as anglers we should be looking at our marine resource in total and not just from a single species perspective.

Secondly, regarding bass, the species has been protected from commercial exploitation since 1990 (twenty two years ago). The original stock must have been absolutely hammered through the seventies and eighties because after twenty two years one would think that we should be swimming in 5 - 6 lb plus bass, but we are not.

Why? Who knows, but from personal experience here's a few hard (fully referenced) facts.

1. By the late 1990's into the early 2000's I caught increasing numbers of bass in the 4 - 6.lb bracket from a number of marks close to where I lived in north Co. Wicklow, bass of this size are few and far between now on the marks in question.

2. Relative to point one above when conditions were right bass were almost guaranteed, this is fact I have the diaries.

3. There is no doubt that on one of the marks I allude to above indiscriminate and illegal fishing by anglers caused the decline.

4. Jim Hendrick of South East Angling Ireland gave up a full time position to practice full time bass guiding in 2003 based on visibly improving bass stocks (Jim was catching good numbers of 4 - 6.lb bass), his experience in Wexford reflecting mine in Wicklow.

5. Since 2007 I have witnessed an ongoing decline in bass size and numbers from marks that I fish both in Wicklow and Wexford, not anecdotal but fact (I now maintain a web diary http://www.anirishanglersworld.com).

This time last year I raised the fact that a fishmongers near Dun Laoghaire were selling 2.kg plus bass, and PC (angling) World maintained that my highlighting this fact and the implication that these fish were from Irish waters was out of order.

At state level we have a number of Dept's/Agencies with interests in bass ranging from protection to possible exploitation, and there is the rub, in essence a conflict of interest. I fear for bass on the basis that the sea angling world is not politically astute and ultimately the state will serve the state first and the resource second, that is the form.

I hate to come across as being cynical but we as anglers have not really come together as a unit to protect our bass. Irish bass has done a little but there are simple things that individuals can do.
Every so often someone comes on here with another rally cry.I am reminded of the story of the boy who cried wolf.


I know that numbers are well down around the country and in waterford and wexford in particular, and there are a number of factors causing the decline. I think that recording of data is vital to track the numbers and attempt to reason out the causes.

The only person in Ireland with meaningful and accurate data appears to be Jim Hendrick.

We are all aware of the many factors that may be causing this decline. Lets hope its mostly weather related but I think deep down we are all fearing the worst.

In saying all of that, one major reason for the decline that is rarely mentioned is the "new" bass fisherman who has no experience of the previous decline in numbers back in the 80's, has no idea of the fragility of the bass stocks in Ireland, is easily excited, has caught a few fish on new top of the range japanese lures, and talks too much on all of the well known lure fishing forums.

In addition, a number of new bass guides and sexy lure shops have, in the last couple of years, taken UK media star anglers to fish for our bass and talk up the fishery to a level that is naive and careless in major UK fishing magazines and forums. These same media stars have no real idea about bass fishing and what it means to find your own fish and understand the influences on bass activity in a particular spot. They are seen as super stars because they catch a couple of fish. Im sure we all have a spot or two where we could bring someone, in reasonable conditions, who can cast a rod, who would catch a fish or two over a week of good tides and then make super sexy photos with a wide angle lens for a magazine and then call you a friend for a few weeks.


They talk of sexy fishing, sexy lures, sexy rods, LRF HRF and all of that shite, have over commercialised angling for bass. To the point where we now have 2 angling competitions for bass in Ireland that I am aware of. I now see gangs of lure fisherman marauding around locations, driving up and down beaches in 4x4's and looking cool. Do these guys think they are invisible to poachers etc? I swear Its getting like Montauk in some places.


The people involved know who they are so I wont bother mentioning names. There is nothing worse than men with big egos. I also think some bass fishermen have no mirrors in their houses.


This has caused over fishing by anglers, and over poaching in certain well known bass fishing locations for a few pieces of gold.

Commercial fishermen have seen all of this and the media and internet bullshit and are now convinced that there is a few bob to be made as they see their neighbours and brothers etc making a few quid from poaching bass and want it legitimised.

A few good men foreseen this 5/6 years ago, and now unfortunately have seen it unfold in front of their eyes. So the next time you feel like mouthing off about a tiny piece of bass fishing success on your blog or forum think of the bass who have no egos but are just running the gauntlet of their world and remember that there are many vested interests watching all the time to make a quick buck and an ego boost.


Fair play to Pat and Henry for their efforts, two top guys and two top anglers who know the species and know what is going on in this country. Support them by completing their questionnaires and providing feedback and either rally around Irish Bass or unite in some constructive way but if we cant rally together to fight for bass stocks could we even try next year to enjoy bass fishing and keep mouths shut regarding the small number of successful missions that we may have in 2013.

Bass Fishing _ The Future......Have respect for the species, be careful talking about specific locations. If an angler gets lucky one day he might catch a few fish in a spot but if a poacher gets lucky he might take a few boxes from a spot.

I call on all of you to shut down your blogs and stay off them forums with the ego boosting stories that all sound the same, neither does anything for Irish Bass stocks.

I expect a few will be pe'ed of with this post but I reckon 90% of real bass fisherman agree with me 100%.

I hate to come across as being cynical but we as anglers have not really come together as a unit to protect our Bass. Irish Bass has done a little but there are simple things that individuals can do.
Every so often someone comes on here with another rally cry.I am reminded of the story of the boy who cried wolf.


I know that numbers are well down around the country and in waterford and wexford in particular, and there are a number of factors causing the decline. I think that recording of data is vital to track the numbers and attempt to reason out the causes.

The only person in Ireland with meaningful and accurate data appears to be Jim Hendrick.

We are all aware of the many factors that may be causing this decline. Lets hope its mostly weather related but I think deep down we are all fearing the worst.

In saying all of that, one major reason for the decline that is rarely mentioned is the "new" Bass fisherman who has no experience of the previous decline in numbers back in the 80's, has no idea of the fragility of the Bass stocks in Ireland, is easily excited, has caught a few fish on new top of the range japanese lures, and talks too much on all of the well known lure fishing forums.

In addition, a number of new Bass guides and sexy lure shops have, in the last couple of years, taken UK media star anglers to fish for our Bass and talk up the fishery to a level that is naive and careless in major UK fishing magazines and forums. These same media stars have no real idea about Bass fishing and what it means to find your own fish and understand the influences on Bass activity in a particular spot. They are seen as super stars because they catch a couple of fish. Im sure we all have a spot or two where we could bring someone, in reasonable conditions, who can cast a rod, who would catch a fish or two over a week of good tides and then make super sexy photos with a wide angle lens for a magazine and then call you a friend for a few weeks.


They talk of sexy fishing, sexy lures, sexy rods, LRF HRF and all of that shite, have over commercialised angling for Bass. To the point where we now have 2 angling competitions for Bass in Ireland that I am aware of. I now see gangs of lure fisherman marauding around locations, driving up and down beaches in 4x4's and looking cool. Do these guys think they are invisible to poachers etc? I swear Its getting like Montauk in some places.


The people involved know who they are so I wont bother mentioning names. There is nothing worse than men with big egos. I also think some Bass fishermen have no mirrors in their houses.


This has caused over fishing by anglers, and over poaching in certain well known Bass fishing locations for a few pieces of gold.

Commercial fishermen have seen all of this and the media and internet bullshit and are now convinced that there is a few bob to be made as they see their neighbours and brothers etc making a few quid from poaching Bass and want it legitimised.

A few good men foreseen this 5/6 years ago, and now unfortunately have seen it unfold in front of their eyes. So the next time you feel like mouthing off about a tiny piece of Bass fishing success on your blog or forum think of the Bass who have no egos but are just running the gauntlet of their world and remember that there are many vested interests watching all the time to make a quick buck and an ego boost.


Fair play to Pat and Henry for their efforts, two top guys and two top anglers who know the species and know what is going on in this country. Support them by completing their questionnaires and providing feedback and either rally around Irish Bass or unite in some constructive way but if we cant rally together to fight for Bass stocks could we even try next year to enjoy Bass fishing and keep mouths shut regarding the small number of successful missions that we may have in 2013.

Bass Fishing _ The Future......Have respect for the species, be careful talking about specific locations. If an angler gets lucky one day he might catch a few fish in a spot but if a poacher gets lucky he might take a few boxes from a spot.

I call on all of you to shut down your blogs and stay off them forums with the ego boosting stories that all sound the same, neither does anything for Irish Bass stocks.

I expect a few will be pe'ed of with this post but I reckon 90% of real Bass fisherman agree with me 100%.

An emotional post for sure! I don't agree with a lot of it. But there you go

If people want to make accusations against particular businesses they can do it on their own sites.

I totally disagree with most of what Lure Fisher has said.

The only person in Ireland with meaningful and accurate data appears to be Jim Hendrick.

That's a gross generalization.

one major reason for the decline that is rarely mentioned is the "new" Bass fisherman who has no experience of the previous decline in numbers back in the 80's, has no idea of the fragility of the Bass stocks in Ireland, is easily excited, has caught a few fish on new top of the range japanese lures, and talks too much on all of the well known lure fishing forums.

I would be one of those "new bass fishermen" and take exception to been classed as part of the one of the major reasons for a decline in bass numbers. I put up posts in the Shore Report section of this forum (although not as many as I used to, partly due to poor fishing this year as well time constraints) as I believe the Shore Reports section is a vital part of this site. Most of what I have learnt about angling as been from this site - I would argue that its continued relevance and vitality greatly depends on the Shore Reports section.

If an angler gets lucky one day he might catch a few fish in a spot but if a poacher gets lucky he might take a few boxes from a spot.

I agree with that - unfortunately the unscrupulous commercial fisherman/poacher may take more bass over a single tide than a bass angler will take in a year. They don't need to read blogs/angling reports to know where to drop their nets so heaping the blame those who take the time to write up a report on the few bass they catch is just plain stupid.

One of the principal arguments we have for maintaining the ban on commercial bass fishing is the value of the bass fishery for angling tourism and the potential for future growth in this sector. So I applaud the efforts of the British angling journalist/photographer you allude to in promoting Ireland as a wonderful angling destination.

Are regards Blogs - I find your attitude offensive. I have a blog and certainly don't consider myself to be egotistical. I enjoy fishing and enjoy writing up a story on a good fishing session hopefully with some good photos (when I have the time). Similarly I enjoy reading other angler's blogs, if somebody has a good session whereas my own fishing is poor then it gives me some encouragment to get out an give it another go. I would also consider that all these blogs help to encourage angling tourism (when I look at the viewing statistics of my blog a sizeable proportion of the readers are from the UK or mainland Europe).

2012 has indeed been a bad year for bass fishing - but I believe it is primarly due to the weather. No doubt illegal netting has also had an impact in some areas, notably East Cork where extensive netting took place about a year ago, probably targeting bass for the continental Christmas market. Angling pressure may have had an impact in some areas but I rarely see another angler in many of the marks I fish and the bass were just not there this year - angling pressure cannot have had much of an effect in these areas.

So contary to your belief I would encourage anglers to keep putting up catch reports and those with blogs to keep on writing - after a poor session it is good to read of somebody else's success and gives me encouragment to get back out there and try again.

Thanks for the reply Rockhunter

Can you show me another source of meaningful and accurate data of bass numbers which helps identify reasons for the decline? Sure the IFI don't even have much data. Isn't this the reason for the original post asking for support for the Lads in Henrys tackle with data collection...


I accept that angling tourism is vital to the local communities and to our argument against opening up the fishery but again the only source of accurate tourism data for bass fishermen visitors is from Jim Hendrick.

Did you read the fisheries submissions neatly contained here on probassfisher...

http://www.probassfisher.com/2012/11/ba ... ssion.html

No great data re bass fishing tourists here in either report just some extrapolations from old UK data.

While you may have a some hits on your blog from UK and European readers, there is no data which tells us how many are converted to visitors here. This is the same with readers of fishing mags too, we don't have any follow up data.

The shore reports section here requires readers to be members who have made a couple of posts before access to that section of the website. I myself find this section of the website both entertaining and informative.

One thing is for sure, years of talking up bassfishing and numbers in Ireland makes poor fishing years like 2012 seem really bad even though it may be just mainly weather related with impact from poaching as usual.

All my post is asking for is people to look at their own actions and take some responsibility. I am well aware that angling pressure on its own does not have much negative impact on bass stocks. Its the constant hype and talk later together with media and internet hype that is not helpful particularly without accurate data.

I still feel that most of the blogs have little value to tourism and do little to give an accurate picture of bass fishing in Ireland only telling stories of great catches and nothing about the blanks or the effort required to catch the fish.

I see you like posting your catch numbers under your signature. I just wonder whats the point in that for example.


A

Can you show me another source of meaningful and accurate data of Bass numbers which helps identify reasons for the decline?

From my own blog:

2012 Stats:
Bait: 66
Lure: 12
Asturie: 1
Zonk Gataride: 3
Feed Shallow: 1
Waveworm: 2
Xlayer: 2
Jellyworm: 1
Paddletail shad: 1
Savagear Sandeel: 1

2011 Stats:
Bait: 88
Lure: 63
Feed Shallow: 36
Asturie: 2
Patchinko: 3
Slug Go: 10
Xlayer: 8
Hazedong: 4

MONTHLY BASS TOTALS
(2011) - 2012
January: (9) - 3
February: (11) - 2
March: (24) - 40
April: (37) - 14
May: (2) - 1
June: (11) - 3
July: (13) - 3
August: (22) - 4
September: (5) - 5
October: (12) - 2
November: (3) - 1
December: (2)

That show a fairly dramatic decline from 2011 to 2012 - apart from some good fishing in March 2012. I caught the same number of bass in September of 2011 and 2012. Last year we were hit by a big storm early in September and a series of Altantic depressions followed which resulted in highly coloured, weed filled waters along the south coast that seriously hindered both lure and bait fishing. Whereas this year the weather through September was not too bad, much better and drier than during the summer but the fishing failed to pick up. So despite very poor conditions in Septerber 2011 and reasonably conditions in September 2012 the catch rate of 5 bass was the same.
Unfortunately my statistics don't help identify a reason for the decline.
Jim Hendrix may comments on angling pressure, illegal netting, weather all contributing to varying degrees and voiced his concern about the catch rate this year but as far as I know he has not identified a particular reason for the decline

I see you like posting your catch numbers under your signature. I just wonder whats the point in that for example

That's just the scientist in me. I like to keep a record of my catches, that more for my own purposes - I can look back to previous years and see how the fishing has changed. For example, some years there are plenty of pollock other years like this year they are scarce, the winter species fluctuate too - some years are very good for cod, other years coalfish or whiting are much more prevalent. Don't think it is for egotistical reasons - this year's total fish catch of less than 300 is nothing to boast about!!!

A quite passionate post Lure Fisher.

I hate to come across as being cynical but we as anglers have not really come together as a unit to protect our Bass. Totally agree with this.
Irish Bass has done a little but there are simple things that individuals can do. All suggestions are welcome
Every so often someone comes on here with another rally cry.I am reminded of the story of the boy who cried wolf.


I know that numbers are well down around the country and in waterford and wexford in particular, and there are a number of factors causing the decline. I think that recording of data is vital to track the numbers and attempt to reason out the causes. Agree with this which is the basis behind completing the Henry's Tackle surveys.

The only person in Ireland with meaningful and accurate data appears to be Jim Hendrick.

We are all aware of the many factors that may be causing this decline. Lets hope its mostly weather related but I think deep down we are all fearing the worst.

In saying all of that, one major reason for the decline that is rarely mentioned is the "new" Bass fisherman who has no experience of the previous decline in numbers back in the 80's, has no idea of the fragility of the Bass stocks in Ireland, is easily excited, has caught a few fish on new top of the range japanese lures, and talks too much on all of the well known lure fishing forums. Agreed to some extent but remember everyone was a "new" fisherman at some stage. Education could be a factor. Maybe part of the learning curve is to realise its not good to talk too much about catches.

In addition, a number of new Bass guides and sexy lure shops have, in the last couple of years, taken UK media star anglers to fish for our Bass and talk up the fishery to a level that is naive and careless in major UK fishing magazines and forums. These same media stars have no real idea about Bass fishing and what it means to find your own fish and understand the influences on Bass activity in a particular spot. They are seen as super stars because they catch a couple of fish. Im sure we all have a spot or two where we could bring someone, in reasonable conditions, who can cast a rod, who would catch a fish or two over a week of good tides and then make super sexy photos with a wide angle lens for a magazine and then call you a friend for a few weeks. Perhaps such "star anglers" as you call them could be used to our advantage in highlighting and educating the fragility of the bass stocks? Relevant information could be placed with in the fishing tackle shops?


They talk of sexy fishing, sexy lures, sexy rods, LRF HRF and all of that shite, have over commercialised angling for Bass. To the point where we now have 2 angling competitions for Bass in Ireland that I am aware of. I now see gangs of lure fisherman marauding around locations, driving up and down beaches in 4x4's and looking cool. Do these guys think they are invisible to poachers etc? I swear Its getting like Montauk in some places. Most poachers have been around for a while. Most dont need any help in finding where to lay down nets. Angling competitions, if run correctly, could also be used as a tool for educating anglers on the fragility of stocks and their importance.


The people involved know who they are so I wont bother mentioning names. There is nothing worse than men with big egos. I also think some Bass fishermen have no mirrors in their houses. Egos can be difficult to overcome but then so too are false perceptions of people.


This has caused over fishing by anglers, and over poaching in certain well known Bass fishing locations for a few pieces of gold.

Commercial fishermen have seen all of this and the media and internet bullshit and are now convinced that there is a few bob to be made as they see their neighbours and brothers etc making a few quid from poaching Bass and want it legitimised.

A few good men foreseen this 5/6 years ago, and now unfortunately have seen it unfold in front of their eyes. So the next time you feel like mouthing off about a tiny piece of Bass fishing success on your blog or forum think of the Bass who have no egos but are just running the gauntlet of their world and remember that there are many vested interests watching all the time to make a quick buck and an ego boost. I dont really have a problem with pictures on blogs provided they are discreet pics that give little away as regards location. Common sense usually prevails here but not always I grant you.


Fair play to Pat and Henry for their efforts, two top guys and two top anglers who know the species and know what is going on in this country. Support them by completing their questionnaires and providing feedback and either rally around Irish Bass or unite in some constructive way but if we cant rally together to fight for Bass stocks could we even try next year to enjoy Bass fishing and keep mouths shut regarding the small number of successful missions that we may have in 2013.

Bass Fishing _ The Future......Have respect for the species, be careful talking about specific locations. If an angler gets lucky one day he might catch a few fish in a spot but if a poacher gets lucky he might take a few boxes from a spot.

I call on all of you to shut down your blogs and stay off them forums with the ego boosting stories that all sound the same, neither does anything for Irish Bass stocks.

I expect a few will be pe'ed of with this post but I reckon 90% of real Bass fisherman agree with me 100%.

i completely agree with rock hunters sentiments.i too have noticed a severe decline in catches in the last 12 months but last year was one of the best ever years for bass .the weather this year has not been good and fresh water levels were at an all time high during the summer months.what i have noticed through my own experience is that two good years of bass fishing on the bounce is rare.also because the fishing is bad for one year its not time to panic about bass numbers -its a big sea out there !!