Surf fishing is probably the easiest form of shore fishing – travelling light is the key which increases mobility and reduces minding from the flooding tide. As the trout season comes to a close my focus is turned to sea angling. For 39 years I have fished with my father Aiden around the coasts of Ireland. I am glad to say that my father whom is now 80 is still as active as ever, we continue to take time out together fishing in this part of Ireland.
Angling in North West Kerry is exceptional in that it contains something for everyone. To miles of sandy beaches with crashing surfs for the angler after Bass, to quite places like estuaries, piers, and cliffs that sink into deep water. This part of Ireland has treasures galore to suit all types of fishing, all year round, containing a variety of fish to match every taste and all within easy distance of each other.
BASS
It is prohibited to take and kill more than one bass on any one day. (Bye-law No.667) Sea bass are amongst the slowest growing fish in the ocean.
The minimum overall size limit of 40cm. From tip of snout to end of tail. Closed season from 15th May to 15th June.Twice each year I travel to a remote part of North Kerry to take some time out with some close friends and family.
Sea bass are present the year round, Summer and Autumn months are by far the most productive period as mature, migrating fish venture inshore. Bass are invariably located where tidal flows occur; these fish are consummate predators and will follow food sources in and out with the tide. Bass are known for moving quickly between feeding areas, so, travelling light is often the best way to intercept a hungry shoal. There are lots of different ways to catch sea bass. My best baits are live sand eel – black lug worm and peeler crab and even a small mackerel in heavy swells along some of the Shannon estuary marks. I often look for hours on google earth and plan my next trip – looking for rocky inlets or estuaries along Ireland’s shorelines. My father celebrates his 80th birthday this year has only missed one angling trip to Kerry in the last 30 years. Aiden is a veteran angler whom always seems to surprise me when it comes to angling. He uses a simple trace casting to fish less than 70 yards from the coast line – peeler crab is his favourite bait tipped with black lug worm. I vary my fishing on the other hand. I travel light and cover ground quickly moving with the tide. Diving sea birds often indicate bait fish and casting to these locations very often produces fish in a very short period of time.
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Damien Willis +035 86 8012546
E-mail info@loughfishingbuddies.com