Donegal Bay, new mark, 14/04/2017.

[johnwest]

Spring weather is very much two steps forward and one step back, today was definitely one of the latter; the temperature gauge slowly moved in the wrong direction as I travelled west. I had seen my first swallow of 2017 earlier this week (for the cynics, I saw two the next day), it must have wished it had taken a later flight. The cuckoo flowers formed a delicate mauve carpet in the green fields of Fermanagh, giving way to the tawny and brown of the high moorland between Pettigo and Donegal town while in the distance an unhealthy, grey pallor hung over Donegal Bay. Still, the optimism of trying a new mark, which has been on the “to do” list for a few years, triumphs over all. The mark offered great shelter from a fresh and at times wet north-westerly wind, low tide was due in about 2 hours time. I set up 2 rods with 3 hook flappers and 1-up 1-down rigs to try for flatties over the sand. I cast different distances and directions for the next 3.5 hrs without result, not even a nibble. Plenty of time for a scout around at the wildlife with the camera. By now the day had improved, wind had dropped a bit, the sun came out and somewhere way up high, a skylark was singing his heart out against the background noise of small waves breaking against the shore, and the grumbling of my Good Friday stomach; a bit more melodic than last week’s pheasants. I changed baits again, new strips of fresh mackerel, and resorted to the only other tactic which might work; car, coffee and a sandwich, while hoping the tuna in the aforementioned wouldn’t be the only fish I would encounter. I returned to the rods and checked one to find some extra resistance, probably weed? No, it was a lightweight 32cm dab but a fish nonetheless and it had only taken 4 hours. As I prepared to unhook it, I was aware of someone approaching; turned out to be Short Circuit from the forum, a long way from Cork boy! His timing was perfect, he probably thinks I catch fish non-stop....Back went the very flattish flatfish to hopefully become a fairly fattish flatfish in the months ahead. Out went fresh baits with renewed optimism, no great increase in activity resulted so I set up a rod to try a Texas-rigged Firetail over the weed and rock in close. I eventually got a hit from a lively 40cm pollack called Billy-no-mates. No more interest despite the filling tide though I did see a pair of mullet cruise by. It was another hour before a ratchet buzzed, on the rod which I had launched as far as I could. I engaged the reel and tightened into solid resistance. After 4-5 seconds it budged and started to come in steadily, kiting to the surface as a well behaved ray should. It was a nice little thornie at 3lb 12oz. It had taken the top mackerel strip on a 3 hook flapper, size 4 hooks, this is fast becoming my “go to” ray rig, no more squid on a pulley Pennell 3/0 for me! As I set about unhooking him, he spat out a small crab and a very fresh sandeel. That was the last of the action as it became quite cool and the wind gathered strength. Though I was pleased enough, I’m sure my results didn’t reflect the true potential of this mark so like General McArthur, “I shall return”.

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Last edited by johnwest on Sat Apr 15, 2017 4:43 pm, edited 2 times in total.

As usual, a few more pics; with 3 bites in about 7 hours I had to do something to while away the time!

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Lovely pictures, nice report man

Great report as usual Paddy! We had a very enjoyable day there today, nothing on the bait but a few pollock spinning, one decent fish.

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Nice pics and report Paddy

I love reading these reports there like little novels you have to read through the whole of them to come to the photo's
mickser

Nice fishing heading up next week can't wait

I love reading these reports there like little novels you have to read through the whole of them to come to the photo's
mickser

Should I cut the crap and just get to the photos?

Another good read JW and a few fish to boot.