Am I mad??

I have a 19ft Anglers Fancy Lake boat that I use around the west of Ireland and was considering taking it down to Dungarvan for a week of bass fishing in the bay. It has a 6hp outboard. Is this madness or would people regard it as reasonably safe?

Not entirely mad, imo. 19 foot is a good size, but as in everything, it depends. Depends on the area, the weather and sea conditions, and how experienced the crew are.

It might not be my first choice of craft, but it's not as immediately outrageous as some of the questions asked on here.

im a bit of a novice meself, so take any advice knowing this,id say the boat size is fine,but would be slightly worried about the outboard size,i would not want to be fighting currents with a 6hp,you could spend hours going nowhere.but for sheltered bays id say your fine,just watch the weather and don't go out far.

I used to live down there and launch out of Helvick. You'd be grand inside Dungarvan Bay itself as there are plenty inshore bass marks all round it for which that kind of boat would be just the job. There are usually loads of macks for bait just half a mile off Helvick Head itself, a few minutes from the harbour, and some pollack etc round the corner under the cliffs. But the next good mark is several miles further west off Mine Head which is a long long long way with 6hp and across open water so dont risk it.

I'd say your mad!! I wouldn't risk it

Cheers for all the opinions. Not going to be leaving the bay so won't be encountering any open sea, certainly wouldn't be going anywhere near as far as Helvic. Likelyhood it that I'll use it in and around dungarvan harbour and probably out as far as Cunnigar at the most. Good to hear though, sounds like a possibility so for August.

thats sounds like a good bet. but to be sure check around the harbour for other boats like your own.and follow there lead.dont be afraid to ask locals about tides ,currents ect and enjoy your holiday . tight lines

Oh don't worry Cortaz will either be sitting next to me in the boat, or will at least have put a few x's on a map

You'll be grand for the Cunnigar, a good few boats like yours fish there from the town. Also off the golf course on the Ballynacourty side is worth a try. All depends on wind and weather of course but you can get some fine calm mornings there this time of year, breeze usually gets up in the afternoon.

I would like to see a 10 or 15hp on her to be honest. There is a fair push of tide into and out of the harbour that could make leaving or coming back in agains't the tides difficult...... But, if you plan it right in calm water you'll have no problem. Done it myself in flat calm weather in a 12 footer, just be mindful of the tide push. You could drift and lure or baitfish over the cunnigar itself... It's normally very calm over the sand in decent weather.

best of luck,

Kev

ur boat will be fine buddy.if she can take the west coast then she will defo take the south east coast.just make sure u have as much safety equipment which as possible and u shud be fine.(anchor,life jackets,hand held vhf,oars,mobile)etc.and let people know ur plans and ur e.t.a for home.keep other boats in ur range and let them see u 2.even go and have a chat beside them and let them know ur about.hope u catch tons of bass.best of luck buddy

Reports up...