gilthead 2018 bucket list

[corbyeire]

I have wanted to catch one of these for a number of years and have tried to get some general info of when to target them etc.
I know they are showing further north up the east and west coasts now, but they are usually caught few and far between and when targeting bass or other species in reality
I would like to target them specifically when the chances are highest in the best part of the country!

I know they appear on the south coast estuaries early in the year April/May and generally lug baits seem the best. I would like to head down on a weekend and fish 2-3 sessions for them

Any info on rigs, baits and tides would be great and then I can start looking to a weather window to get down and try for them
all info held on quiet, pms most welcome, thanks

[insomnia]

I have wanted to catch one of these for a number of years and have tried to get some general info of when to target them etc.
I know they are showing further north up the east and west coasts now, but they are usually caught few and far between and when targeting bass or other species in reality
I would like to target them specifically when the chances are highest in the best part of the country!

I know they appear on the south coast estuaries early in the year April/May and generally lug baits seem the best. I would like to head down on a weekend and fish 2-3 sessions for them

Any info on rigs, baits and tides would be great and then I can start looking to a weather window to get down and try for them
all info held on quiet, pms most welcome, thanks

Also targeting these this year and have been trying to get info I have a small seahog and was going to chance targeting them in dunmore East if I get any info I'll pass it on

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[kieran]

The ideal habitat is sea grass beds so try at distance off beaches in southern coast estuaries and coves. Think fresh water is a key indicator and no dirty spate water. They shoal around so an incoming tide seems to work best, low light levels is a plus. No massive depth required. Crab is the ideal bait. Only caught small ones, one on Warren Strand and my very first one was entirely by accident in Barley Cove further west and that was in early June, when I was hoping for a pre-ban bass!

Crab legs on size 1 or 1/0. Heard there be monsters in Cork Harbour but you need a boat. Jim might be able to help you further...

[jellybait]

if you look at the specimen books you will see where most of them come from , down there they swear by Maddies as the best bait which are easy to dig nearby

small hooks 6 or 4 and light clear snoods - light rod and mainline (i usually use something like a coarse fishing gear i use for bream and tench )

ive had one from thheshore from south wexford on rag

[Chris T]

The mouth of the river at warren strand cork near Roscarbery if you’re willing to travel. Not sure if they show this time of year!

[JimC]

There's a bit about the Cork Harbour bream here: http://www.topfisher.eu/throwback-2007-gilthead-bream/

West Cork is the most prolific area at the moment. Waterford/Wexford seems to throw up a few each year too. But west Cork is deffo the happening venue.

[corbyeire]

Just to update and say thanks for all the pms and advice
A lot of research and in the end long hours and huge thanks to my blast from the past gillie - you know who you are!
litterally the 2nd last cast after over 16 hours fishing and the time to go home looming on the horizon, it finally happened
49 cm im told near specimen - some days the fishing actually works out

[rushnaldo]

Class. Well done what a lovely fish great stuff

[MC]

Nice one lad

[pajo]

Great fish and well earned! Fair play to you.

Pajo

[kieran]

stunning fish, well done that man

[chuckaroo]

stunning gilthead Brian, cracker!
big well done

[jellybait]

lovely fish , well done