REPORT TO SEPTEMBER 22nd, 2010 - WEST CLARE AREA

Photo:  A good Ballan Wrasse from Ferrihy

Shoals of triggerfish have been seen in Kilkee and near Doonbeg.
My nephew Ben was the first to catch them with his best Triggerfish
tipping 2 lbs. 8 ozs. His father Emmet also had several Triggerfish from a rock mark near Doonbeg. 

In the last few days I have caught several Triggerfish near Farrihy, Kilkee, my best Triggerfish was 3 lbs, just 4 ozs. off Qualifying weight for a Specimen Award! Many fish are being lost as they break hooks and bite through nylon! Best bait is crab though they will take Limpet and Shrimp. Use small baits and strong 1 or 1/0 hooks and strong snoods! I am now using Kevlar for the snood!

Photo:  Triggerfish

Poulnasherry Bay
A few Thornback Ray are being caught on night tides on mackerel or sandeel.
Bass are scarce due to the presence of a lot of fresh water.

Bridges of Ross
Good wrasse fishing when weather and tide allow. Triggerfish reported here.

Farrihy near Kilkee
I have had Wrasse and Triggerfish here recently. Good numbers of wrasse to 4 lbs with Triggerfish to 3 lbs.

Doughmore Beach and Seafield
Some very good bass being caught. Lugworm seems to be the only bait producing fish.

REPORT TO AUGUST 15th, 2010 - WEST CLARE AREA

Photo:  French Anglers Chris and Ange with a Ballan Wrasse from The Bridges of Ross.

Bealeice, Baltard Bay North
Wrasse
Triggerfish have been reported by Scuba Divers and should turn up in Anglers catches any day now. Anglers fishing for Ballan Wrasse are most likely to encounter these exotic fish! They will take crab, limpet and shrimp baits intended for Wrasse.

Carrigaholt Pier
Conger bottom fishing with Mackerel. Mullet to 2 kg float-fishing tiny Mackerel pieces but ground-baiting essential. Dogfish and occasional Thornback Ray on sandeel.

The Wreck near College Bay
Some really good Conger up to 12 kg being caught from the shore on heavy tackle. Slack tides fish best as there is a fast tide rip here.

Poulnasherry Bay
Thornback Ray proving difficult to locate but some nice Bull Huss turning up. Bass and Garfish are being caught on Spinners.

Kilbaha Pier
Good Mullet float-fishing with Mackerel strip. Some Golden Grey Mullet present.

Bridges of Ross
I had a party of French Anglers here recently and they had great sport with good Ballan Wrasse. Pollock and Coalfish were caught on Dexter Wedge.

Doughmore Beach
Some Bass caught on sandeel at Northern end.
 

Good Pollock fishing reported from Georges Head Kilkee for party of visiting anglers

REPORT TO JUNE 22nd, 2010

Photo: Conor from Ohio with a good shore caught Pollock from Bridges of Ross.
Shore Angling Report to 22nd June, 2010

Rock Marks, Kilkee
Pollock are being being caught on Dexter Wedges from rock marks at west and east end. I had a good session during the week near George’s Head where I caught Pollock to 6lbs fishing an evening tide.

Poulnasherry Bay
Thornback Ray, Bull Huss, Dogfish, Bass and Garfish are being caught. Bass on spinners and bottom fishing with lugworm, crab or sandeel. Thornback Ray and Bull Huss on sandeel or fresh Mackerel. Garfish float fishing small Mackerel strips or on small spinners.

Photo: A good Pollock from George’s Head, Kilkee
Doonaha
Bull Huss on night tides using Mackerel.

Carrigaholt Pier
Mullet and conger now present. Ground-baiting with Mackerel necessary to get the Mullet feeding. Conger caught recently.

Kilbaha Pier
Lots of Mullet present though anglers reporting they are not feeding. Again ground-baiting with mashed Mackerel will bring them on the feed. Conger caught recently.

Bridges of Ross
I had a party of anglers from Toledo, Ohio here during the week. They had never sea fished before but succeeded in catching Ballan Wrasse and good Pollock.