After a long and unprecedented  absence from Cork Harbour the bass are back writes Pat O’Shea of the Cork Harbour Angling Hub…
Normally you wouldn’t be trumpeting the return of the bass, because they never really go; they’re always bass to be caught in the winter months on the outer beaches, albeit in fewer numbers. This year was different; they were just absent. Except for one superb specimen caught on one of the East Cork beaches in March there have been no reports of bass caught… until now!!!

local bass angler, Ebor Benson, with his first of the season. Well done Ebor
local bass angler, Ebor Benson, with his first of the season. Well done Ebor

Since last weekend reports have flooded in of bass appearing all across the region. Frank Murphy, from Midleton, had a good return last weekend, fishing one of his regular beach marks with lug and razor, landing three bass. Another East Cork angler had a few more on Monday night. On Wednesday Pat O’Shea, Cobh SAC,  had two fine bass from a rock mark on peeler crab. He followed that up with 15 bass to lures the following day, with the best fish coming in at 62cm. That’s a great session by any standards.Pat is Manager of the Commodore Hotel in Cobh and is always available to angling guests for advice and guidance on bassing in Cork Harbour.
One of the long awaited lure caught bass taken over the weekend
One of the long awaited lure caught bass taken over the weekend

With just over two weeks to go to the closed season the return of bass couldn’t be more welcome. At least all anglers now have a chance to bag a few before the month long break.

…and there is some big ones showing up too!

a fine 75cm fish caught by Cobh SAC angler, Pat O'Shea. Pat was using a weighted soft plastic.
A fine 75cm fish caught by Cobh SAC angler, Pat O'Shea. Pat was using a weighted soft plastic.

Closed season only a couple of weeks away

Over the closed season Cork Harbour Angling Hub are urging anglers to be extra vigilant as this is the time when those less scrupulous step up their poaching activities. If you come across illegal nets or suspected illegal netting activity in Cork Harbour or in the area from Ballycotton Island to the Old Head of Kinsale (or anywhere for that matter) make sure you report it. Contact us on [email protected] or report it directly to Inland Fisheries Ireland on 0818 34 74 24.

Bass are protected by law
Bass are protected by law

 

And it’s not just the bass that are back…

Jim Clohessey, James MacSweeney and Kevin Murphy were out on the water for pollack and whatever else came their way…
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