ONE of the highest concentrations of flounder shelters in Waterford Harbour and may well be unique in Western Europe, according to sea-angling consultants Norman Dunlop and Mike Thrussell of World Sea Fishing Limited.
This is one of many fascinating discoveries found during a two-week survey last September and later published in a 61-page report for Hook Sea Angling Centre in Co Wexford. The survey area encompassed Waterford Harbour, Tramore Strand, Baginbun Headland and 15 miles out from Hook Head.
The objective of the exercise was to ascertain the angling potential of the the area. It also identified potential in wreck fishing, new inshore marks and, in particular, to assess the inner Waterford Harbour estuary with a view to increasing angling days heretofore lost to bad weather.
Vessels used were the 40ft Orinoco, skippered by Walter Foley, Duncannon and 42ft Wild Swan, skippered by Jim Foley, Arthurstown. Each vessel is licensed for 12 passengers.
The co-authors believe it is more than 30 years since they saw flounders in such high concentrations. "Without doubt, flounder well in excess of Irish specimen weight, currently at 1.1kg (2.4lb), exist within the inner harbour area." The marks are in sheltered waters.
A potential also exists to exploit bass in Waterford Harbour and many were caught on spinners and plugs during the survey at the first attempt. Previously, charter boats had not fished with rod and line for bass.
Smaller four-man Newhaven boats are on order and will be ideal for working in shallow areas. It was noted that bass are prime target for sport fishermen based in the UK, France, Holland and Germany.
Wreck-fishing off Hook Head is also seen as important in opening up an all-year round fishery based around Duncannon. Since 1900, more than 30 ships have sunk within a 20-mile radius. These have the potential to produce quality fish including specimen and even record species.
Cod also featured prominently in the survey. Currently large numbers of codling up to 0.75kg are in the area and are much sought after by shore anglers in Waterford Harbour, particularly at Belleview Point and Cheek Point.
Exploratory boats fishing 14 miles upstream produced codling to 2kg in fair numbers. This was a discovery of significance and warrants further research to establish the extent of this much sought after species in the harbour.
While the two boats have a few blue shark trips each summer, the survey indicated potential to increase this popular side of sea angling. The average size of blue shark is 23kg and the chance of catching a blue beyond the 12-mile mark of Hook Head, is high.
Off-shore sandbanks are known to have large concentrations of lesser weaver and these are an indicator that blonde ray are present as the species feeds extensively on them. Given that no specific fishing has been carried out for blonde ray, the authors feel that pockets of large fish, in excess of the Irish specimen size of 11.3kg (25lb), reside on the banks within the survey area.
Additional species found on new marks included plaice, conger, pollack, coalfish, ling, turbot, whiting, brill, hake, black sole and tope.
Peeler crab proved the best bait inside the estuary and is easily collected along both sides of Waterford Harbour. However, the survey team were concerned at the increase in commercial crab fishing within the estuary.
"Major opportunities exist to extend the charter fishing season to almost a full year, with added income to the local community, according to the report.
For further details on the report, contact Walter Foley at 051-389242 or walterafoley@ gmail.com.
** Annamoe Trout Fishery in Co Wicklow will host the Southside Angling Centre Winter League next Sunday. For entries, go to southsideangling@eircom.net and 01-4530266.