Near Youghal Bridge - 11th January 2010

People: Me

Duration: 10.00 pm - 1.00 am

Tide: LW at 9.00 pm

Weather: Strong southerly wind, becoming very strong, some rain

Bait: Crab

Rigs: 4/0 pennel pulleys

Results: 6 codling




Report: I had not intended to go fishing last night but when I heard the weather forecast for gales and heavy rain I reckoned that it would be the last chance to fish around Youghal for a while as all the fresh water will likely push the fish out of the estuary and harbour. I didn't have any fresh crab but managed to root out about 10 from the freezer.

By the time I got to Youghal the wind had already picked up considerably so I didn't fancy fishing Ferrypoint as its too exposed to a southerly wind. I thought I would try just up stream from the bridge. It's a mark I have never fished in darkness. I got set up just as the tide was beginning to rise so reckoned I would be in with a chance of a few fish as they moved up stream with the tide. I was waiting quite a while for the first bite - about 40 minutes after setting up I got the first small codling. One of its gill covers was damaged - it must have escaped a net. There is probably extensive netting going on at the mouth of the bay which may explain the absence of cod or even codling of a decent size.

A little later I got a slightly bigger one of 36 cm. The wind had strengthened, and as it was a southerly, it was blowing directly up the river valley - like fishing in a wind tunnel That made bite detection very difficult. I had another four small codling, most just under 30 cm and one of about 35 cm. The last one I got was a very chubby little fella - nearly as broad as he was long - hopefully he will grow up to be a monster cod provided the nets don't get him first.

I had used the last of my crab at that stage so packed up.

I reckon a return to beach fishing on Wednesday after the storm subsides is the best option now for getting a decent cod.

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nice result for three hours fishing frank, nice looking codling too. just hope some of the bigger ones are on their way in...

I reckon the lack of codling up the harbour is due to the fish in the last pic eating the rest of them. Some belly for the size of the fish. Fair play frank. I haven't been out since before christmas. Crackin up at this stage.

nice fishing

Your last codling looks a bit like me Good going RH

thats some belly on the last fella, did he take the bait or the lead

Well done frank ,that codling is like a potbellied pig fair play to
you for sticking it out

3 hours in that weather ya deserved a monster well done for sticking it out and catching a few

Nice result Frank, better than the 4 whiting I got last night anyways ,,,,,,,didnt do a report cos it wouldnt have promoted the sport and i dont want to lower the profile of sea angling in this country .That Southerly breeze was stopping me from seeing the (nonexistant) bites too .At least your fish were all over or around the 30cm mark. I would have been delighted with them

The southerly winds are supposed to continue for a few days so it might be worth another go.

Thanks guys,

I reckon the lack of codling up the harbour is due to the fish in the last pic eating the rest of them. Some belly for the size of the fish.

I reckon it was stuffed with about 6 big peelers - I was tempted to gut it and see - I could have used a few more crabs - but I let it go as a fish with an apetite like that is going to become one hell of a lunker if it can avoid the nets.

3 hours in that weather ya deserved a monster well done for sticking it out and catching a few

At least it wasn't as cold as the last few weeks, just very windy. If it had been daylight I would have gone around the corner where the river bends but didn't fancy that in the dark with the risk of getting cut off by the rising tide

Nice result Frank, better than the 4 whiting I got last night anyways ,,,,,,,didnt do a report cos it wouldnt have promoted the sport and i dont want to lower the profile of sea angling in this country .

I missed your reports - thought you were snowed in.

The southerly winds are supposed to continue for a few days so it might be worth another

I am going to give one of the beaches a go tonight, there should be a nice surf - spent a few hours this morning digging for just a handful of scrawny lug