Youghal 9/11/14

People: Just me

Duration: 2.5 hours

Tide: 1 hour before high, 1.5 hour after

Weather: Dry, chilly

Bait:Peeler crab / Lug

Rigs: 2 hook flapper

Results: Codling (1)




My first report;

Set off to the Slob bank in Youghal Sunday morning last, arriving about 5.30am. First time fishing the venue and had a raft of new gear to christen hence the eagerness and early start (rod, reel and tripod). Got setup about 50 metres along the bank and assembled the gear as quickly as possible as full tide was approaching fast. Got the first rod up and running and started baiting the second, before I had the bait on the rod tip on the first started nodding! Stopped what I was doing and reeled in a 2lb codling all within the first 3-4 minutes!

Got the second rod up and running and was all set for a very busy morning, alas thought made a fool of me and there wasn't another fish to be seen for the remainder of the session. I should state that I'm very much a novice and only made the transition from summer pier angler a few months back. I definitely missed a few bites and need to work on bait presentation and as a result should have had more to show for my early morning labour.

But a first cod caught so very happy with myself!

I'm aware of a competition on there this weekend so just to note that is a little weedy there, so be wary.

In case anyone is thinking of purchasing any of the below, my new kit was;

Daiwa Long-beam
Penn Surfblaster 7000

Already looking forward to the next session, onwards and upwards...

Well done on your first cod
What do u think of the rod and reel as i am buying a new one soon, is it good to cast ?

There'll be far better on here than me to give a review but I'd say I was happy with it, not the most responsive but probably comes into its own on a day with some rough surf. I need to improve my casting technique as I'm moving up from a ten foot spinning rod. I wouldn't put you off (a safe recognised brand for the money), grab a feel of one in a shop before you buy and you'll get a taste for it.

The reel is excellent (i went for the 7000 model), i loaded one spool with 20lb line with greased weasel shock leader, they come with a spare braid spool...I have loaded it but not tried it yet. Highly recommended...