As the weather settled recently and with good forecast for the weekend Wicklow Boat Charters Skipper, “Kit Dunne”, was optimistic of a good catch. He wasn’t expecting an Irish Record but that’s exactly what he got, Gar Murphy of the Rusty Hooks Club landed a fine Smooth Hound of 19lb breaking the record by nearly 2.5 lb.
Rusty hooks members fished the last of the Ebb tide down to slack water with the Hounds coming and a BullHuss. As the Flood tide began things picked up again and then !.
Gar was asked to test out a new rod for Kit, from TRONIX PRO, the Cana I. Prodigy Big rod was set up with a reel, then trace baited with peeler crab. It was only in the water 5 minutes when there was a slight panic as something big took the bait. Gar took his time, with the drag suitably set he took it all in his stride and brought the big female to the side of the boat. It was netted first time as there could be no mistakes. This magificent fish, a potential record wins our Catch of the Week
The big Female was weighted on-board between 19 lb. and 19.8 lb. so we knew it was there, it was measured then placed in the holding box with running sea water. Luckily enough 2 IFI members were on duty in the Wicklow area and were only delighted to drive to Magheramore beach to weight the fish. The Wicklow Bay SAC members were fishing in a small boat nearby and they were happy to oblige and take the holding box and fish to the shore. I can’t thank Pat Swan for his help in this regard and Des Chew and Maurice Carolan of IFI for taking the trip to the beach.
The fish was officially weighed on the shore at 19 lb. and was released within 50 minutes of capture; she swam off in good health knowing she is a potential Irish Record Smooth Hound.
Kit Dunne
Wicklow Boat Charters
Go fishing…
Angling Charters are offered on a full-day, half-day and evening trip basis and can be tailored to suit your needs. Two boats available – Lisin and Castle Maiden. All levels of anglers are catered for. Anglers will benefit from your skipper’s angling experience and local knowledge with adviceand guidance on-hand at all times.
SPECIALIST ANGLING CHARTERS
Specialist Angling Charters are offered for those who wish to target specific species, specimen fish or try new methods of angling.
ANGLING COACHING
Whether you’re a Club, Individual, School or Junior you can have an angling coaching session or programme tailored to suit your needs.
Kit Dunne
Wicklow Boat Charters,
Telephone: +353 (0)87 6832179 +353 (0)404 67031
Email: [email protected] Website: www.wicklowboatcharters.ie
