As the autumn draws to a close, Terry Jackson reports that mullet days are numbered for another year, particularly in the north of Ireland where sea temperatures are somewhat cooler than the southern shores. With this in mind, Andy Wolsey joined Terry in an attempt to persuade one or two of these silver torpedoes into giving some end of season sport…
I decided to take Andy to one of my “secret location” mullet areas. The secrecy is necessary, not to protect the mark from other anglers, who practice catch and release, but from un-scrupulous nets-men in the area.
Although the weather is beginning to break down, sea temperatures are still quite high, as is the chance of finding one or two decent specimens on this venue, with qualifying specimen weight being 5lbs. With patience and a little luck and we soon had fish feeding on free samples of flake and crust. Andy found the first fish of the day, and after a lengthy battle, guided it safely to the landing net. A long fish, but the slim girth kept it just the wrong side of 5lbs. Still, a cracking start none-the less.
Our following piece of action was a double hook-up, with both rods bent into reasonable fish. With a bit of skill, and some Irish luck, both fish made the landing nets at the same time, giving a great double-shot photo opportunity. Again, none broke the 5lb barrier. This stamp of fish were like peas in a pod, all weighing in around 4lbs 12oz-4lbs 14oz.
With the rain now making an appearance, conditions were breaking down fast. Spotting a slight surface disturbance, it was worth one last shot at glory. The surface exploded, with line ripping from the spool, singing under tension in the breeze .Eventually, I steered my prize to the landing net, weighing scales confirming the 5lb specimen barrier had been broken.
For the full story and even more photos see here…
Compliments of:
Terry Jackson.
Terry Jackson goes fishing.
Web: Terry Jackson blog
Rogues Gallery
Specimen Album
Terry has created a gallery of the specimens he has had in recent times. There are some great Irish fish featured in it and it is well worth a look –Specimen Fish Album
The Irish Specimen Fish Committee over-sees the verification of Irish Record and Specimen Fish captures. Interesting information on species, where and when caught, and best baits or lures can be found at http://www.irish-trophy-fish.com/.
