Newcastle, Wicklow 17th

[POC]

People:Me

Duration:4pm-9pm

Tide:HW approx 4pm

Bait: Lug, Mack, Peeler

Rigs: flapper

Results:
1 Crab and 1 Shrimp!

Decided to give Newcastle beach a blast yesterday evening. Tried various combinations of baits and distances but had no joy. I've tried this beach a few times over the past year or so and have pretty much always drawn a blank. I hate giving up on a beach without having got something from it but I'm very close to never returning. If anyone has any suggestions on how to fish that area with even a small amount of success I'd be delighted to hear from them. I'm a relative novice so all advice greatly appreciated!

[captain AHAB]

hi poc,i had a couple of good runs there whilst fishing for tope late last april on a really calm night(1am...ish)and a falling slack tide but apart from that little or nothing in last 3-4 years and around 30 attempts.probably the most barren stretch on the east coast.

[oneillphil]

I see 3 or 4 trawlers up there every day whelking, clams musseling pulling the bottom up, must be like a desert along there, nothing is getting a chance to grow before the bottom is pulled up again, no food for the fish so no fish.
Myself and the brother had a similar experiance along there, Killcole, Newcastle, 5 mile point all seem to be suffering

[POC]

Thanks lads. I dont feel so bad about drawing a blank now. It's a pity about that area though as its a handy enough spot to get to. Need to try to find another spot now. Not sure whether to be looking north or south though

[keith]

Hey POC you will get doggie's there at night if you use sandeel's other than that though its fairly poor I blanked too the last
time I was there

[POC]

Thanks Keith. I normally have a few sandeels in the freezer but just my luck I hadnt got any on Tues night!
I'm open to advice as to the best way to present a sandeel?? Hook through the head?

[Pat Spillane]

If using a single hook I would normally stitch them on. Start at the tail and push the hook up about half way. Then pull the whole lot through. Now start again from where you pulled the hook out and go all the way up to the head. Some like to use elastic.

[POC]

Thanks Pat. I'll give that way a go