Just back from 2 weeks family holiday in the Courtsmacsherry area. Managed to get a bit of fishing done most days, but not always when and where it would have been ideal! However, determined to catch something in the sea for the first time using a fly rod and good old Ireland did not let me down. First time out on Barrys Point and much to my surprise, a tiny pollock hooked itself whilst I was sorting my line out. Carried on fishing for around 2 or 3 hours and ended up with 11 pollock altogether. Nothing very big, 10 to 12 inches, but a nice start. Other days I would typically catch 3 or 4 pollock and interestingly enough, I always seemed to beat the spinning boys.
Had a guided day on Courtmacsherry beach and this was the only wet day and with a strong wind. We (3 fly fishing and 1 plugging) all blanked, except for a single mackerel on a spinner. Can’t blame the guide, it was just one of those days. However, armed with the knowledge gained, went down at sunrise the following days and floated a popper. Every morning had 1 or 2 good follows from fish that made large swirls. Managed to hook one for 2 or 3 seconds and then it was gone. Felt like a bass of about 3 lb plus, but a local said there was a good chance it was a sea trout. Whatever it was, it left a big swirl and it certainly wasn’t a school bass. Great time and well worth getting up early.
Tim