COBH LIVED up its reputation as one of Ireland’s finest deep-sea angling ports after last weekend’s visit by an angling group from The Irish Times. It is not too often that everything falls into place in terms of fishing, accommodation and craic, but this was a weekend we’ll all remember for quite some time.
As we set out from Kennedy Pier aboard John Boy, skippered by Donal Geary, the enormity of the harbour was breathtaking, as the cross-channel ferry and LE Orla departed and small boats scurried to and fro within the vast expanse of water. But then Cobh boasts being in the top five of the world’s largest natural harbours.
Weather was ideal as we passed Roches Point en route to the fishing grounds 10km due south. From the word go, mackerel came fast and furious – one, two, three at a time. Soon it was time for some serious fishing – and there was no shortage in that department.
Collectively, we caught cod to 3kg, ling, whiting, pollock, gurnards, pouting, wrasse (12 species in all) plus the rare appearance, certainly in our case, of some fine haddock. Most fish were returned alive, keeping only those most suitable for the dinner table.
Special thanks to skipper Donal, who served up tea and coffee throughout the day and was always available to untangle lines and unhook fish, especially for our lady angler Mary, who is fast becoming a dab hand at this fishing.
For bookings, contact Donal at seaangling@esatclear.ie or by phone 021-4812167. Along with his wife Mary, they also run a tackle shop on Main Street (next door to Commodore Hotel).
Our accommodation was divided between the Commodore and Bella Vista hotels. Both provided a comfortable lodgings, excellent food and late-night bar – more than adequate for our needs. We look forward to a return visit soon.
* Fishing in the same waters, a group from Dublin, with skipper Alan Kennedy aboard Lagosta II, also enjoyed their day fishing a wreck where Ivan O’Kelly caught a conger of 18kg on a Penn 320 with 9kg gear.
* Still in Co Cork, in Courtmacsherry, news from skipper Mark Gannon tells of plenty of blue shark about. “We had seven runs last weekend and tagged three,” he said. There was also a good showing of whiting, ling on the inshore wrecks, good conger on the reefs, and an abundance pollack and cod.
Bass anglers had good fishing too, with one angler releasing 10 up to 2kg. Trolling with self-drives produced three to 2kg at low tide.
* Donal Kennedy, skipper of Leah at Killala Bay, Co Mayo, reports of a group of French anglers who caught a good variety of fish including dabs and plaice to 1kg, red and tub gurnard and whiting. A move to a deeper mark produced ling to 3kg, cuckoo wrasse, pouting and pollock. Highlight of the day was a good fight from the first spurdog this season, which was close to specimen weight.
* Well-known international angler Brian Cooke gave an enlightening talk and demonstration in the Howth Angling Centre on mullet fishing last Monday evening. He said most, if not all, harbours, inlets and estuaries around our coastline hold a huge stock of mullet and these can provide wonderful sport.
Following years of experimenting, Brian is convinced float fishing with light gear and weaning fish onto small pieces of stale mackerel and/or fresh breadflake will produce greater dividends. “A take can result in a 50-yard run,” he added
* Reminder: Entry forms and €130 fee for inclusion in the World Cup Trout Fly Fishing Championship on Lough Mask must be with Esther Sweeney, 30 Lakelawns, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, by this Thursday. Tel: 087-2222867.