Keem Bay, Achill, Mayo 6 april 07

People:

Bruce Vaughan and myself

Duration:

about 4 horus

Tide:

from LW up near to HW

Weather:

Sunny, chilly in the shade when the wind got up

Bait:

Mackerel, sandeel and squid, all frozen.

Rigs:

Three hook flappers and similar

Results:

2 flounder, 1 plaice, all sub 30 cms

Catch and Release:: Yes



Report:

Bit of a damp squib. Snorkelers destroyed the fishing for the first two hours and then Bruce took all three flats from fairly close in, not on the point - clealry they had swum past it from LW up. Saw a small basking shark - scared the bejaysus about of a bunch of kids on the beach although to be fair, it did come remarkably close to shore, no more than 10 metres. All that was needed was some cello music! Nice day out. Oh and spotted a shoal of mullet nosing around at low water, around six or so, biggest maybe 3-4 lbs, but nice to see them in. No sign of mackerel. Did a bit of spinning but picked up nothing at all, quite disappointing...

never done much round Achill, but seen a lot of guys SWFF in the channel between innishbiggle and Achill, the area seems to be teeming with life, sandeels, shrimp crabs by the dozen when you wade into it. first time i seen a garfish - guy got it on fly .

davy

Hi

Yes, the Bulls Mouth as it is known is a popular spot for sea trout, problem being the current which can rip you through, never mind the lures. Weed can be a problem too. A sandeel is the ideal bait there...

Always fancied fishing the beaches around Doohooma (your report), always looked good. Seems to be lots of small plaice about at the moment, good to see them. Any size to the sea-trout? Let us now how you get on around there as it is an area that gets no shore angling.

Cheers

Seen some lovely flats (mostly flounder, some turbot) from Keel (towards the cliff) at the Masters a few years ago. Must get down again sometime..