Donegal Bay Ray, 29/05/2013

People:Just me

Duration:5 hrs

Tide:Flooding

Weather:Warm and sunny.

Bait:Frozen mackerel and sandeels.

Rigs:3 hook flappers, up and over single 3/0

Results: dogfish, dabs, Pollack and a spotted ray.




Report:
Decided to give the saltwater a go for a change as it was too bright for the trout. I set up 2 rods just after low tide and got off to a very slow start with baits remaining untouched for the first couple of hours. Eventually a few pollack up to 32cm started showing interest by snatching the baits on the retrieve so the blank was saved. As the sun got lower in the sky a few bites started to develop and 3 dogfish turned up in quick succession. A couple of dabs had a good go at the sandeel baits and added to the catch. After another quiet spell, I resorted to my recent tactic of having a coffee and sandwich or three and sure enough when I returned to the rods and reeled in there was a dead weight on the up and over rigged rod. This turned out to be my first ray of the year. I've caught a few spotted rays before from the boat but this was my first from the shore. It weighed in at 2lb 8oz, no monster but a very pleasing catch nonetheless. One final dogfish on the flapper rig and then everything went quiet so home I went.

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thats a lovely ray . didnt sound too bad a session

fair enough JW
great pics. would love a spotted ray, stunning fish
more coffee and sarnies - the way forward

some quality fish there

Good fishing John...good to see the south of the country producing..

lovely ray and great session,well done john

that is one beautiful ray

Gortilla is good spot for Spotted and Dab

Nice ray, size doesnt matter if your returning them, its the sport they give you. Lets hope you get his big brother later in the season.

Nice session JW. Good catch on the ray

Sounds like it was a good session, you were kept busy anyway!!

Nice one JW great looking ray guess the old sambos are doing the trick maybe you should try groundbaitting with the sambo too

Fine Ray send her down this way!!