Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Fri Jun 17, 2011 1:32 pm
People: Me, K2 and others (see report below)
Date: June 2011 – (2nd , 4th, 5th, 11th, 13th & 14th)
Tide: Various depending on location
Bait: Bread
Weather: Mixed
Method used: Float set-up
Results: 7 Mullet
Report
Over the past couple of weeks, K2 and I have been out and about around the coast fishing for the mullet. The results have been detailed out in the report below:
Day 1 – Thursday 2nd June 2011 (1 Mullet)
K2 headed out today to see if he could get his mullet account opened up here at home. He fished for two and a half hours in total. I was unable to make this trip out as I had to work.
He arrived at the mark and could see right away that the water was very calm, the weather was good, with the sun shining making it warmer and there was virtually no wind at all which was an added bonus. These are the conditions he wanted and so was pleased. He got his gear on and his rod set up and began fishing.
Andy Elliot was there also and he went out to fish for a while too. There was alot of fish showing and they were feeding well on the bread that K2 was throwing out to them, breaking the surface as they hit the bread that was floating on top of it. He got quite a few bites and takes, before eventually hooking into a fish. Right away he knew it was a mullet with the way it was running and stripping line from his reel but there was only ever going to be one winner in this fight and not long after hooking it, K2 had his fish landed. Andy Elliott kindly offered to take a picture for him which he did ,we just want to say thankyou to him for that and for then forwarding a copy of it onto us, cheers Andy, it was very much appreciated. After the picture was taken, K2 released the fish back in safely and it swam away unharmed from the experience.
No other fish were caught during the session. K2 packed up once tide was no longer ideal to fish the mark and went on his way well happy to have caught his first mullet from up at home this year.
Day 2 – Saturday 4th June 2011 (1 Mullet)
Today I was off work and so I was able to join K2 as he headed out after the mullet again, this time at a different mark on the coast. Our mate Rob also came along today and while K2 and I both used the float to target them, he opted used his fly rod.
On arrival at the mark, we could see that it was another lovely day, not much sun, quite dull and cloudy but warm and no wind making conditions again ideal for fishing.
We arrived slightly early and so we waited a short while until the tide flooded abit more, once it did we got our gear set up and began to fish, spreading ourselves out so as to give eachother plenty of room. We all began to groundbait and almost right away there was fish moving and coming up for the bread we were throwing in so the signs were good and it looked promising for the session ahead.
Rob had a few good takes on the fly rod but unfortunately no hook ups, and I also got a few good bites but again I didn’t manage to hook anything.
K2 on the other hand did catch a fish, taken on surface bread that was floating on top of the water. It gave him a good fight before it finally tired enough allowing k2 to land it. I took a quick picture and then it was released back in.
By now, the tide had flooded well and we continued fishing for a short while longer but with fewer fish showing and present we decided to call it quits for the day, packed our gear into the car and drove onto the second mark of the day up the coast. We fished it for a short while, there was a few fish about but not many and after an hour or so we packed up.
I have recently taken an interest in fly fishing and have bought myself a rod and was as the fishing was on the quiet side, Rob kindly took the time out today to give me a quick fly casting lesson and showed me a few pointers to help me get started. I got some great tips of him, thanks mate for that. You were very patient with me, it was fun!
An enjoyable day was had by all with great company and banter as always.
Day 3 – Sunday 5th June 2011 (1 Mullet)
Today myself and K2 went back out for another mullet session. We arrived at the mark and began to fish. We fished for a total of an hour and a half. There was a good number of fish about but they weren’t feeding that well. We ground baited with bread as normal and after a while a few fish did start to show an interest in our bait. Halfway into the session K2 had a good fish on but lost it after a fight lasting several minutes, shaking its head trying to get off the hook which it succeeded to do much to K2’s disappointment. But he continued on and shortly after he hooked into another fish and this time it didn’t get away. It fought well also and gave K2 a great scrap and after 6-7 minutes it was landed. I took a quick picture before it was released. That seemed to spook the other fish that were there and things went very quiet after that. We stuck at it for another 20 minutes approx and then left for home.
Day 4 – Saturday 11th June 2011 (1 Mullet)
K2 and I headed out again today and we were joined by our mate Thomas who arrived just behind us at the mark. Conditions were perfect, no wind or ripples on the water meaning it was going to be easier to spot and sight the presence of any fish as they came up and broke the surface of the water to feed on weed and scum lying on top. K2 and Tom got their gear on and headed to the water to fish. I didn’t fish today, instead I got the fly rod out and used the time to get some more fly casting practise in on some grass nearby.
There was alot of fish present today and they were feeding well. Both K2 and Tom got quite a few bites and takes throughout the majority of the session. They fished for 2 hours and k2 managed to catch one fish and land it which was good. I took another quick picture and the fish was put back in safe and sound. Once the tide was no longer ideal to fish any longer, they both packed up and ended what was an action packed session with plenty of fish activity. A good couple of hours was had and the company and chat was great also.
Day 5 – Monday 13th June 2011 (1 Mullet)
We went out on an evening session today. K2 picked me up and we went to a mark up the coast after more mullet for a couple of hours. K2 fished while I again practised casting with the fly rod.
The weather made my casting practice and the fishing quite difficult, it had picked up quite abit from the days previous making the sea very rough. As a result it was more of a challenge to spot any fish that were there. There didn’t seem to be too many fish about tonight, it was much colder both in and out of the water so that along with the wind may have had an effect on the numbers of fish present. Despite this K2 fished away anyway, ground baiting and casting in several different areas to try and locate and find some fish. His perseverance paid off and he was rewarded for his efforts by catching a fish. It gave him a cracking fight, going on several strong runs, K2 just took it gently so as not to bully it and after 12 minutes he eventually won the battle and got it landed.
Again, a quick photo was taken and the fish was released. K2 fished on for another 20 minutes or so but with little fish activity and not much sign of any fish he finished up and we headed home.
Day 6 – Tuesday 14th June 2011 (2 Mullet)
With the weather dry and bright K2 headed out for an early morning session today. I had to work and so I was unable to join him.
On arrival he could see conditions were very good, water was clam, the sun was shining and the temperature was alot higher and warmer than the night previous. There were small pockets of fish spread out around the place and they were feeding reasonably well.
About 45 minutes into the session K2 hooked into his first fish of the day. Again it gave him a great fight before he got it landed. A man who had stopped on his way to work to watch him took a picture for him and then the fish was released.
He went straight back at it again and a short while later he got a great bite, he struck into it and his second fish of the session was on! He got it landed, a picture was taken and it was released. It was smaller than his first fish of the day but it still gave a good account of itself. He fished on but with the tide moving quickly now and things quietening down he finished up and left for home.
To Conclude
A good few days fishing was had with K2 getting his mullet fishing up here at home off to a great start. I have yet to get off the mark up here myself but can’t wait until I do. Roll on the next session.
Below are some pictures from the sessions for you to have a look at.
Date: June 2011 – (2nd , 4th, 5th, 11th, 13th & 14th)
Tide: Various depending on location
Bait: Bread
Weather: Mixed
Method used: Float set-up
Results: 7 Mullet
Report
Over the past couple of weeks, K2 and I have been out and about around the coast fishing for the mullet. The results have been detailed out in the report below:
Day 1 – Thursday 2nd June 2011 (1 Mullet)
K2 headed out today to see if he could get his mullet account opened up here at home. He fished for two and a half hours in total. I was unable to make this trip out as I had to work.
He arrived at the mark and could see right away that the water was very calm, the weather was good, with the sun shining making it warmer and there was virtually no wind at all which was an added bonus. These are the conditions he wanted and so was pleased. He got his gear on and his rod set up and began fishing.
Andy Elliot was there also and he went out to fish for a while too. There was alot of fish showing and they were feeding well on the bread that K2 was throwing out to them, breaking the surface as they hit the bread that was floating on top of it. He got quite a few bites and takes, before eventually hooking into a fish. Right away he knew it was a mullet with the way it was running and stripping line from his reel but there was only ever going to be one winner in this fight and not long after hooking it, K2 had his fish landed. Andy Elliott kindly offered to take a picture for him which he did ,we just want to say thankyou to him for that and for then forwarding a copy of it onto us, cheers Andy, it was very much appreciated. After the picture was taken, K2 released the fish back in safely and it swam away unharmed from the experience.
No other fish were caught during the session. K2 packed up once tide was no longer ideal to fish the mark and went on his way well happy to have caught his first mullet from up at home this year.
Day 2 – Saturday 4th June 2011 (1 Mullet)
Today I was off work and so I was able to join K2 as he headed out after the mullet again, this time at a different mark on the coast. Our mate Rob also came along today and while K2 and I both used the float to target them, he opted used his fly rod.
On arrival at the mark, we could see that it was another lovely day, not much sun, quite dull and cloudy but warm and no wind making conditions again ideal for fishing.
We arrived slightly early and so we waited a short while until the tide flooded abit more, once it did we got our gear set up and began to fish, spreading ourselves out so as to give eachother plenty of room. We all began to groundbait and almost right away there was fish moving and coming up for the bread we were throwing in so the signs were good and it looked promising for the session ahead.
Rob had a few good takes on the fly rod but unfortunately no hook ups, and I also got a few good bites but again I didn’t manage to hook anything.
K2 on the other hand did catch a fish, taken on surface bread that was floating on top of the water. It gave him a good fight before it finally tired enough allowing k2 to land it. I took a quick picture and then it was released back in.
By now, the tide had flooded well and we continued fishing for a short while longer but with fewer fish showing and present we decided to call it quits for the day, packed our gear into the car and drove onto the second mark of the day up the coast. We fished it for a short while, there was a few fish about but not many and after an hour or so we packed up.
I have recently taken an interest in fly fishing and have bought myself a rod and was as the fishing was on the quiet side, Rob kindly took the time out today to give me a quick fly casting lesson and showed me a few pointers to help me get started. I got some great tips of him, thanks mate for that. You were very patient with me, it was fun!
An enjoyable day was had by all with great company and banter as always.
Day 3 – Sunday 5th June 2011 (1 Mullet)
Today myself and K2 went back out for another mullet session. We arrived at the mark and began to fish. We fished for a total of an hour and a half. There was a good number of fish about but they weren’t feeding that well. We ground baited with bread as normal and after a while a few fish did start to show an interest in our bait. Halfway into the session K2 had a good fish on but lost it after a fight lasting several minutes, shaking its head trying to get off the hook which it succeeded to do much to K2’s disappointment. But he continued on and shortly after he hooked into another fish and this time it didn’t get away. It fought well also and gave K2 a great scrap and after 6-7 minutes it was landed. I took a quick picture before it was released. That seemed to spook the other fish that were there and things went very quiet after that. We stuck at it for another 20 minutes approx and then left for home.
Day 4 – Saturday 11th June 2011 (1 Mullet)
K2 and I headed out again today and we were joined by our mate Thomas who arrived just behind us at the mark. Conditions were perfect, no wind or ripples on the water meaning it was going to be easier to spot and sight the presence of any fish as they came up and broke the surface of the water to feed on weed and scum lying on top. K2 and Tom got their gear on and headed to the water to fish. I didn’t fish today, instead I got the fly rod out and used the time to get some more fly casting practise in on some grass nearby.
There was alot of fish present today and they were feeding well. Both K2 and Tom got quite a few bites and takes throughout the majority of the session. They fished for 2 hours and k2 managed to catch one fish and land it which was good. I took another quick picture and the fish was put back in safe and sound. Once the tide was no longer ideal to fish any longer, they both packed up and ended what was an action packed session with plenty of fish activity. A good couple of hours was had and the company and chat was great also.
Day 5 – Monday 13th June 2011 (1 Mullet)
We went out on an evening session today. K2 picked me up and we went to a mark up the coast after more mullet for a couple of hours. K2 fished while I again practised casting with the fly rod.
The weather made my casting practice and the fishing quite difficult, it had picked up quite abit from the days previous making the sea very rough. As a result it was more of a challenge to spot any fish that were there. There didn’t seem to be too many fish about tonight, it was much colder both in and out of the water so that along with the wind may have had an effect on the numbers of fish present. Despite this K2 fished away anyway, ground baiting and casting in several different areas to try and locate and find some fish. His perseverance paid off and he was rewarded for his efforts by catching a fish. It gave him a cracking fight, going on several strong runs, K2 just took it gently so as not to bully it and after 12 minutes he eventually won the battle and got it landed.
Again, a quick photo was taken and the fish was released. K2 fished on for another 20 minutes or so but with little fish activity and not much sign of any fish he finished up and we headed home.
Day 6 – Tuesday 14th June 2011 (2 Mullet)
With the weather dry and bright K2 headed out for an early morning session today. I had to work and so I was unable to join him.
On arrival he could see conditions were very good, water was clam, the sun was shining and the temperature was alot higher and warmer than the night previous. There were small pockets of fish spread out around the place and they were feeding reasonably well.
About 45 minutes into the session K2 hooked into his first fish of the day. Again it gave him a great fight before he got it landed. A man who had stopped on his way to work to watch him took a picture for him and then the fish was released.
He went straight back at it again and a short while later he got a great bite, he struck into it and his second fish of the session was on! He got it landed, a picture was taken and it was released. It was smaller than his first fish of the day but it still gave a good account of itself. He fished on but with the tide moving quickly now and things quietening down he finished up and left for home.
To Conclude
A good few days fishing was had with K2 getting his mullet fishing up here at home off to a great start. I have yet to get off the mark up here myself but can’t wait until I do. Roll on the next session.
Below are some pictures from the sessions for you to have a look at.
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Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Fri Jun 17, 2011 1:34 pm
A few more pictures.........................
(Picture 8 courtesy of Andy Elliott)
(Picture 8 courtesy of Andy Elliott)
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Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Fri Jun 17, 2011 1:46 pm
Thats some report paula well done,im sure it wont be long till your on the other side of the camera 
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Fri Jun 17, 2011 3:14 pm
thanks for the great report - your reports have inspire me to take up salt water fly fishing and chase mullet around my local esturary, i have to try the float set up but after seeing this i think i'll get a bash at it. there are more mullet than i can cast a fly at where i am, i've yet to land one but thats half the fun.
many thanks for the inspiration folks, once i become a bit more successful i'd be delighted to extend an invitation to yourselves if you fancied a change of scenary and you could show me how its done!!!
dave
many thanks for the inspiration folks, once i become a bit more successful i'd be delighted to extend an invitation to yourselves if you fancied a change of scenary and you could show me how its done!!!
dave
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Fri Jun 17, 2011 3:34 pm
Yes always great get out with you two. And great banter. Your welcome on clas keep it up your getting it fast.
As always report and pics top stuff. Shame glens top spoilt a pic or two.lol
As always report and pics top stuff. Shame glens top spoilt a pic or two.lol
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Fri Jun 17, 2011 3:40 pm
top class report and even better fishing - you surely made the best of the conditions, I have never targeted mullet but after reading your report Paula, well, I have to admit that I am tempted... 
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Fri Jun 17, 2011 3:45 pm
great report and pics paula!! it must be summer if you 2 are back out chasing the mullet well done norman and never worry paula. you'll get your mullet soon enough. just let norm pluck out the smaller ones until you bag the first specimen of 2011 then norman can do photographer 
well done norman and never worry paula. you'll get your mullet soon enough. just let norm pluck out the smaller ones until you bag the first specimen of 2011 then norman can do photographer
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Fri Jun 17, 2011 6:49 pm
Good fishing..
Last edited by Tom H on Sat Jun 18, 2011 8:46 am, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Fri Jun 17, 2011 7:02 pm
THERE BACK!! i was waiting for this...great report as usual paula,and some cracking pictures,well done norman.
i was waiting for this...great report as usual paula,and some cracking pictures,well done norman.
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Fri Jun 17, 2011 7:31 pm
too cool, fish like jewels. Lovely stuff. Must read the report now!
You write a great report Paula, great record. Good luck on the next session(s). I must have a snoop about for some of those fish round here. You would hardly know it was June with this weather, I wonder would there be any mullet this far north at present? ie north Antrim?
The last pic of K2 looks like sumthin from John Wilsons angling safari in Africa, you sure that isnt a wee tigerfish?
You write a great report Paula, great record. Good luck on the next session(s). I must have a snoop about for some of those fish round here. You would hardly know it was June with this weather, I wonder would there be any mullet this far north at present? ie north Antrim?
The last pic of K2 looks like sumthin from John Wilsons angling safari in Africa, you sure that isnt a wee tigerfish?
Last edited by cathalger on Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:30 am, edited 2 times in total.
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Fri Jun 17, 2011 8:16 pm
Good reports and some nice fish pictured.
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Fri Jun 17, 2011 8:17 pm
Fantastic report, and crackin photos... very well done.
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Fri Jun 17, 2011 9:18 pm
The mark in Pic 7? Are you allowed to fish there? If so, I'll keep my eyes open for you next week. I pass it every day.
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Fri Jun 17, 2011 10:15 pm
well done paula and company
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Fri Jun 17, 2011 11:48 pm
Good fishing guys and good to chat to you (K2) again the other day
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Fri Jun 17, 2011 11:59 pm
Excellent report and pictures 
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Sat Jun 18, 2011 9:20 am
Im trying to work out your marks, I see scrabo in the background and being a comber man I think i know where it is. I norm fish a mark close to me but nothing happening so far "well so a friend says" have to get a day out trying for mullet myself.
If you have any advice pm me altho I know how secretive these marks can be
lovely fish and as always nice to see a few being caught consistantly
If you have any advice pm me altho I know how secretive these marks can be
lovely fish and as always nice to see a few being caught consistantly
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Sat Jun 18, 2011 10:32 am
excellent report as always enjoyable reading!k2 great results there.Good sized fish aswell im not 100pc sure if id have the patience for mullet fishing!have tried once or twice incredibly frustrating so close but they just seem allergic to the bread on the hook 
but i can imagine catching 1 or 2 would make it all the sweeter
all the best with your new rod paula and hopefully a few mullet on the fly soon
tightlines
fergal
im not 100pc sure if id have the patience for mullet fishing!have tried once or twice incredibly frustrating so close but they just seem allergic to the bread on the hook but i can imagine catching 1 or 2 would make it all the sweeter all the best with your new rod paula and hopefully a few mullet on the fly soon
tightlines
fergal
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Sat Jun 18, 2011 10:48 am
Well done P & N, you have been busy bees! Glad to see norm's out getting a few, the rest of us will have to wait a bit. I am enjoying this fly rod business to much to get out for them, maybe this weekend thoug
Re: Co.Down & Co.Antrim Coast Mullet Sessions - June 2011.
Sat Jun 18, 2011 1:07 pm
Great report Paula & some fine Mullet, well done K2 I'D say it wont be long paula before we see a few pics of you holding a couple of specimen ones must give them a go myself in the next few weeks hopefully,!!!
I'D say it wont be long paula before we see a few pics of you holding a couple of specimen ones must give them a go myself in the next few weeks hopefully,!!!