Peter Ross, Mark and Davy set sail on the Iona to the Maidens . Peter reports on Boat Angling Ireland blog:

While having a pint with Mark on Saturday I noticed the forecast had improved and I suggested heading out fishing on Sunday. No better way for Mark to get rid of his cold than sweat it out while fighting a big skate Mark wanted to take his boat Iona to give it a good run as it hadn’t been out for a while.
Things didn’t begin too well, at the bottom of the slip Mark announced he had locked his keys in the cabin.  We had to remove the window of the door to get in. Boat into the water, Mark went to start the engine before reversing off the trailer; not enough power to start the engine I got a spare one of my boat and we were underway, straight out to the hole. While getting the dubby ready I managed to spill the fish oil all over the floor it was like a skating rink. What else could go wrong. Well the anchor dragged for about the first hour then Mark thought he had a decent fish but it turned out to be everyone’s trace in an almighty tangle and 12lbs of lead We then started to get a few bites and Davy was soon into the usual doggies. Near slack tide Mark was into a decent fish and it was skate on , happy days his first for 14 months It fought well and after 45 mins it was brought aboard for measuring and tagging. It turned out as a nice male at 114lbs.

Mark, skate on..
Mark, skate on..
Nice male skate 114lbs for Mark
Nice male skate 114lbs for Mark

 

Davy got a decent huss at 10lbs and I finished up with a nice spurdog at 14lbs.

10lb huss for Dave
10lb huss for Dave
Specimen spurdog 14lbs for Peter
Specimen spurdog 14lbs for Peter

It ended up a great day out after a dodgy start and after we retrieved the boat we retired to the boat club for a few refreshments.

Big C on Marie Grace
Big C on Marie Grace

 

Peter Ross

Boat Angling Ireland

Web: www.boat-angling-ireland.com