Kilkee & Bridges of Ross, Clare, 05/08/2006

People:Me Andrew and Noel

Duration:Diving Boards Kilkee 10am- 12pm/ bridges of Ross 1.30pm- 3.30pm

Tide:Mid water to high

Weather: Sunny

Bait:frozen mackerel from same time last year, Sandeels, Crab, Plugs, feathers

Rigs: Pully, spun sandeel, 1 up 1 down, bomb

Results: mackerel, dogfish, Strap conger


Report: We started the day spinning for polock from the diving boards not so much as a sniff. Were thoroughly entertained by some locals who came down to practice for the diving competition the following day. We moved on to the bridges of ross and fished the ledge. there were many fishing from the cliff and bringing in mackerel. The mackerel weren't so cooperative from the ledges and we only caught a few for the tea. The old frozen smelly mackerel was the only successfull bait attracting the dogs and straps. kind of disappointed with the lack of pollock on the spinning gear.

Where do you mean by the ledge Chris? Is it that flat slab of rock to the right of mack bash territory? The best bait by far I have found in that area for Pollack is a deep spun sandeel or Storm Shad, fantastic sport. It doesnt fish overly well during the day unless its dull on a rising tide with a bit of a breeze to ruffle the surface.

Thats the spot allright PeteKD,

I had plenty of sandeels but managed to leave the bait elastic behind me at the diving boards. That put an end to my spinning. I have never had much success spinning at that mark. I know the pollock are there as I have had many good size fish take bait from the bottom. I just can't figure out what I'm doing wrong. :oops:

Thanks for the advice

I'm headin down there the end of next week with the other half , i'd not thought of fishing for pollack :oops: , any time we fish the deep water for pollack up here i'd use a trace about 3 feet long with a swivel then a 2 or 3oz ball weight above it with a bead and stop knot to stop the weight sliding to far up the main line when you cast , means you can reel in with the weight just hitting the bottom now and then and you dont get snagged to often ,

I use the same method Ronald although I usually use bombs not balls, if your spinning that particular mark you will need 4 to 6 oz leads to get down to the bottom in time as its a fairly narrow inlet with ferociously deep water. You can cast out, smoke a cigarette, have a sandwich and by around then you might be on the bottom... :D

Ive had tons of good pollack from that spot Chris, the key TBH seems to be the weather and light conditions at the time, the later and darker the better. Big weights to get right down on the bottom so you can have your bait in The rough stuff and as slow a retrieve as you dare try and visualise your weight just bouncing off the bottom. You will lose gear but that means your doing it right! Good spot for Cuckoo wrasse too actually, on the bottom, crab or mussel off a rotten bottom paternoster type rig straight down the rock face. You need to use the beachcasters from this mark as standard spinning gear just isnt up to it.

Thanks lads,
I think you've found the problem. I was using the same setup but I didn't have a stopknot to prevent the weight from travelling up the line (Doh).

Just a word of advice for anyone fishing the mark in the near future. Many of the small stone cottages are being refurbished and their is a lot of friction between the locals and anglers ( Shotguns have been produced). The usual access spot is causing particular trouble. The alternative is to continue on 300meters or so to the flood bridge. Their is a small path just to the right of this. A slightly longer walk but better then getting a few pellets in the arse. A 4 wheel drive can also easily negociate this track. But be warned all the cliffs are unguarded and especially dangerous at night

P.S. I Think I misspelled negociate?? :oops: :oops:

Cheers for that bit of info Chris, I havent been yet this year and had been planning a run up in September after Triggers.