petekd wrote:
Is it a fact that the western side of the Lough is more productive? Reason I ask is I have a small boat myself that would be suitable for drifting around the reefs near fanad etc. Was delighted to pull in the two thornies by the way and thanks for the bait tips, never had any of those before so its good to tick them off the list!
Pete, a small boat opens up a load of possibilities.
There have been good catches of Tope in shallow water off Inch Island (more or less opposite Ray).
For whitefish, I'd personally use a small boat to search out the bays and inlets that are inaccesible to the charter boats and even more importantly the trawlers. There are loads of flats in these sandy coves (and I'm sure there are occasional Bass though very few target them).
If you want an hour or two with guaranteed Thornies, use big, durty, bloody baits on the bottom at anchor (or tied up though you're not supposed to so I never said to do it!). For Thornies, have your trace below your weight and basically just leave it sitting on the bottom. I'd try the buoy we were on, or alternatively Kinnegar buoy, or at anchor directly off Rathmullan pier (far enough out not to be getting in the way of the ferry or other traffic.
Fanad reef has good Pollock and if the drift is in an easterly direction (ie away from shore) as you come off the reef you start hitting good Gurnard, with a chance of Whiting, Haddock, Turbot, etc. There is also a small reef 20 yards off the rocks in the bay immediately south-west of Fanad light (about 50yds west of the lighthouse landing platform). From the shore I have had twelve species, so a well-positioned small boat should do well. Again, be careful of this reef as it would be very close to the surface at low water (though I've never seen it break the water). Incidentally, the species were Mackerel, Pollock, Wrasse, Garfish, Conger, L.S.D., Thornback Ray, Blonde Ray, Red Gurnard, Grey Gurnard, Flounder, Dab.
If you are absolutely sure you know the ground (and only of you are sure because it is not a place to get into difficulty), Swilly Rock can be superb (in fact it is my favourite fishing in the lough). There are great Pollock and specimen Wrasse, but I cannot stress too much the danger if you are unsure fo the ground. If in doubt, don't go there until you get loads of experience from someone who knows it inside out.
There's also the big rock on the Eastern side near (north of) Dunree. Cecil tells me that for whatever reason, he finds it impossible to get boats like the Enterprise near. Trawlers would also give it a wide(ish) berth. It looks to me to be set up for good Pollock.
Good luck - hope to get back out with you again, hopefully in better conditions.
Tight Lines,
Arthurg