Clare Bass

Started bass angling again after many years away from the sport as I could never find a consistent bass spot and always seemed to wish I was living in kerry. I have had three sessions on the clare coast over the last three weeks in an area that I have always overlooked as it breaks all the rules. Session 1 - a 7lb bass in the morning. Session 2 - three bass that evening 3lb,3lb and 6lb. Session three 7lb bass in the evening and lost a much bigger one near the shore. All catch and release. Is it that there are more bass around or is it a case of location,location,location

Is it that there are more bass around or is it a case of location,location,location

I think it's location. The east coast has been fishing very poorly all Summer. I think the main reason is cloudy water.

out of interest john were you fishing yesterday, the 23rd for that 3rd session of yours?

was nominally bass fishing yesterday in clare for 8 hours in the wind, rain and weed with no joy

Wow those are 3 good sessions! I fish for bass along a limited section of the Clare coast and would say, on average, that I catch a bass or two on every third session. Having said that, my patience level is low. A session to me lasts about 1.5 hrs.
To answer your question, the answer is location and timing. My experience is that I generally catch from the same locations, edges of reefs where they meet sand. Some, but not too much surf. Oncoming darkeness is another element of timing. Always use lures these days. More fish for given effort rather than farting about with lug.
Take a look at [url]http://www.janploeg.nl/english/da_2007_en_12.html[/url]. I know this eccentric, he dives in the dolphin location and his reports are bona fide, if not easy to read. See the second paragraph.
P

Session one and two was on the 9th and session three was saturday evening of the 23rd. This area seems only to fish within a 1 hour time zone of low water. It seems to have the same pattern each time. First the small flounder bites. Then the bass and you know that things are over when the dogfish come. Alot of trigger fish also showing up. Area seems to fish best in calm conditions. I also started fishing with two rods and for some reason the flowing trace does not seem to be catching but the two hook flapper works brilliant. The two rod approach showed that I was over casting as the majority of fish were caught forty yards from the shore

thanks for the feedback

peter that link doesnt seem to be working

I have have noticed that the Clare coast seems to fish a little better around the end of August and through September.....

I normally always lure fish, when I get to this part of the world, but will always have a few sessions with Bait and have found it more hit and miss. 40 Yards is plenty... If there is not too much surf I will also stand about 20 yards back from the waters edge as sometimes the Bass will come very close if you profile is not part of the skyline.

Kev

peter that link doesnt seem to be working

Try it again there corby ...

sometimes the Bass will come very close if you profile is not part of the skyline.

Kev

hi, kev

does a sillouette actually make that much difference?? is it like that with all fish or just bass???

thanks

sometimes the Bass will come very close if you profile is not part of the skyline.

Kev

hi, kev

does a sillouette actually make that much difference?? is it like that with all fish or just bass???

thanks

definitely for mullet - anything gets them spooked!

Here is the ifo' from the troublesome link. It relates to a area near Spanish Point :-

'' Trigger fishes, the first razor sharp thorn standing up, behind it the dorsal fin waving and in formation as if ready to attack, changing their mind on the very last moment. (According to Rod there is a little spine at the end of the dorsal fin. When in danger the Triggerfish flees into a crevice and puts up his spine, thereby anchoring itself against predators. When you push in the little spine, de front one goes down!) A dog fish of at least a metre, in carefree elegance swaying itself over the kelp gardens. Sand eels in all formats, the larger a piece, the smaller in numbers. Beautiful orange brown fishes fleeing skittish under overhangs and wrasse with their diamond lustre. A plaice only discovered by chance, perfectly camouflaged in colour and character in the sand. Large shrimps, it could also have been small crawfish, that shockingly fast changed position. Silver fishes with partly black scales and sea bass, full bodied and over half a metre. ''

Kev's comments - right about the autumn time especially about HT and LT, particularly on a rising tide. Also no need to cast too far.
P

link works now :D

near spanish point interesting

spend my summer not far from there in a mobile home. White strand in brilliant for kayaking as it is very sheltered making it ideal for kayak fishing as you can go out in to open water and duck back into the cove if weather gets rough. People are so used to the dolphin that he is almost like a pet dog.Great for the kids

hi, kev

does a sillouette actually make that much difference?? is it like that with all fish or just bass???

thanks

Sometimes it makes a big difference... especially if it is bright with very little surf. I had a Bass (2lb) a couple of seasons ago in Clare in about 12 inches of Water in a 3 inch surf, about 15 yards out...... I was 50 yards back from the edge of the water, baiting a second rod for distance. This was a fluke, but it reminded me to at least start far back from the edge of the water with the bait in the suds and work your way closer and further out.

Kev

I'm paranoid about not shining lights on the water at night and making as little noise as possible. A wise man also told me that larger bass in particular spook very easily. After all, how else would they live for 25+ years ...

i have seen bass within 3 feet of a bathers feet while snorkeling and had a 6 or 7 lber sitting in two foot of water at the edge of a set of steps waiting to ambush fry and often spooked them while wading in the surf with reguards to lights i normally use a low powered headlamp on a dark beach and try not to shine it into the water and keep noise to a minimum (untill i get wolloped) :lol: