Guide Jason O’Riordan of Game Fishing Ireland reads the signs and spots good opportunities for bass fishing. Last Thursday he reported:
The brilliant summer weather was making bass fishing tough during the day but night fishing was superb last weekend and at the beginning of the week. The two guys that were fishing with me had some super sport on soft plastics with lots and lots of takes from fish in the 2.5lb to 3.5lb range.
If you have never tried night time bass fishing with lures you have been missing out as it is truly awesome when conditions suit. However, make sure to take all the necessary safety precautions if you intend on doing some night fishing.
Brian from Tyrone visited Waterford on Tuesday and Wednesday and having had a large bass on his last visit he was keen to try to replicate his feat this time around. Day time sessions were difficult but perseverance was rewarded and Brian had a cracking fish on Tuesday along with some smaller ones. He also was unlucky to lose a another large fish on Tuesday night. On Wednesday it was more of the same although there was quite a bit of floating weed on the surface of the water. Again the fishing was excellent and we several nice bass.
Overall it was a great start to the week. The weather has broken now and the wind is up. That said, I expect there will be a window in the next few days where we might just get that magical “fizz” in the water and prospects for more large predators are looking good.
Friday June 27th: Bass lure anglers know that when you get a bit of fizz in the water a lot of good rock marks tend to produce fish. Today was the first day in a while where the water seemed to have the little bit of life to it and I was feeling confident of some bass.
I was joined on a short lure fishing session by Ian who is new to some of the lure techniques I have been using but was keen to learn. I had landed three nice bass of around 60cm when Ian arrived at the mark.
However, it didn’t take him long to get in on the action and he picked up on the methods very quickly. We had quite a few takes and landed some lovely fish in in the 55cm to 60cm range.
Remember to practice catch and release on these slow growing fish and you could also consider taking part in Inland Fisheries Ireland scale sampling project.
Details on National Bass Programme
To make a booking contact..
Jason O’Riordan
Hardy/Greys approved guide and an IFFF Qualified Fly Casting Instructor
Notes: Jason has a lifetime of experience in fishing and guiding on the rivers, lakes and coastline in the area. Jason has given talks on fishing techniques at the leading angling shows in Ireland. Game Fishing Ireland offers guided packages for salmon, river trout, lake trout and saltwater game species. Fishing packages can vary in price depending on the target species and time of year. A typical package can include permits, travel, guiding, and packed lunch. Tackle hire is also available.
Address: Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
Telephone: +353 (0) 87 296 5712
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.gamefishingireland.ie