We are currently near the mid point of the Bass Ban and since the 15th of May we have turned our attention to the hard fighting crash diving Pollack. Care must be taken with these fish if you wish to release them. They are quite soft so care is needed when handling and releasing them.
Conditions we favour for these great sport fish are; a medium to strong rising tide into darkness, high pressure and a calm to moderate sea.
Tackle is the same as what we use use for targeting Bass, for me that is a Teklon Concept Spin 702L, Twin Power 3000 SFC loaded with 20lb Power Shot and 20lb Flouro Leader.
Lures are similar too, the same soft plastic’s generally work well in close, with metal jigs up to 35g being favored for distance fishing.
Location will consist of deep water within casting distance, with a good kelp population and some sand patches.
Technique will vary from a quick steady retrieve to sink and draw at various depths.
We have been out a few evenings targeting these golden torpedoes with mixed results
The first evening we connected with a few fish up to 3lb in close on the SP’s,with Crevan and Pat getting the spoils as I left early for work. They fished a 30min window before the fish moved on. The conditions were good with a slight Easterly wind, a small amount of weed soon cleared as the tide pushed in.
The following evening we encountered a serious amount of fish a good distance out on the jigs, these were good Pollock up to 5lb hitting and fighting extremely hard. It was great craic trying to keep them from crashing into the kelp on the lure rods.
We made another venture out on Sunday, the tide was nearing the neap and with no wind it made for a pleasant evening. We tried several locations but the Pollack just did not show, Barry hooked a Billy no mates Mackerel on a Chartreuse Jig but that was all the action we seen. The swell and weed was quite heavy, which accounted for a few lost jigs!
Next on the target list is Wrasse on the lure and Smooth Hound on the bait. Lets hope the weather holds up for the next few months…
Courtsey of Danny Meagher
