A tough year on the bass front can sometimes discourage anglers from heading out but like the saying goes “if at first you don’t succeed try try again”. Encouraged and accompanied by Peter Cunningham from Drogheda Angling Centre, who knows the Louth Coastline like the back of his hand, we headed out to fish on what turned out to be a glorious morning, not exactly what I was expecting. Armed with plastics, poppers, lures, flies and plenty of fresh ragworm and full of enthusiasm. Even though its nice to catch a fish, at this stage of my fishing life I find that this is not the most important thing, good company and glorious surroundings are more than enough. That being said it is nice to catch a fish, especially a well conditioned hard fighting bass.
The cool but not cold north east wind whipped up white horses off shore and these grew bigger and bigger as the day progressed. Plastics and poppers were our initial baits of choice and Peter was into a fish nearly straight away on his plastic lure and after a quick photo the fish was returned carefully to the water. With fishing being as difficult as it is, it is nice to see fish being released back to help ensure sport for the future. Peter also had a couple of hits and follows on plastics. I was slow off the mark but managed a couple of fish and we finished the lure session with 4 fish all of which were carefully released. The day had changed completely at this stage and it is hard to believe that it was the same day on which we had set out hours earlier. With the change in weather we set up for the final hour of the session with surfcasting gear and rag baits. The tide was clean although there was a mountain of sea weed on the beach behind us. As the wind drops there is likely to be further opportunities for a few bass over the next few days.
For advice on tackle, techniques and up to date fishing information why not drop into Peter in the Drogheda Angling Centre or drop him an email at [email protected] Peter can also be contacted at 087 2169726
