tope

for tope fishing off greystones in a boat, what are the best months and are spring or neaps better?

any advice welcome

Late May onwards would be a good time to start. Getting Mackeral can be the hard part some days so a good stock of Frozen is handy, especially earler in the year.

Some guys like neaps others like Springs... Personally I don't like big spring tides. It can be hard to hold bottom in the big tides.

Kev

thanks a million for the reply
i had heard th springs were better for tope, but i know how frustrating now being able to hold bottom.
I had previously tried the burford bank but pickd a spring and couldn't hold bottom with 1lb lead and braid

any more advice welcome

i find the start of the flood better,and always had good success,also good for sent trail,and stops you swinging at anchor,dabs,and herring are a good second bait to mackeral,eddie...........

I fished a comp from a beach near Greystones and from what I can remember we caught loads of Dabs so if I was there with no fresh mackerel I would be very confidant using a fresh Dab or flounder,

Haven’t tried either of them myself but if I get stuck on the Shannon estuary without fresh bait I will be sure to give them a go.

This might interest you

http://www.sea-angling-ireland.org/shark%20-%20tope.htm

Small Dabs and Flounder can be a great live bait for Tope. You need to be close to the shore to get them off greystones. Maybe too close Once you get further out the dogs are always on the bait first.