Another report from Eire Bass guide Richie Ryan arrived this week. The guide takes up the story…
Like all anglers I’m finding it hard to cope with the weather. In addition, the algal bloom in Cork harbour makes saltwater fly fishing particularly challenging.
For some reason word is getting out that I can manage to land children their first fish , add the extra challenge of doing it on a fly rod just to make it interesting. And so it was that Jordan Stevens was kindly gifted by his parents a birthday present of a guided fly fishing trip aboard Sea Hawk. His brother Reilly had a spectacular session a few years ago, also his birthday treat, so no pressure!
As can be seen from the photo, a huge Pollack was hooked and landed by Jordan, and many more, another happy angler.
On the other challenge, the bloom particularly affected Bass fishing. They could not see lures or fly making guiding tough. Carl Dixon from the UK and John Robinson from the USA managed to tempt a Bass on their visits.
And then who should arrive back in Ireland for his biennial trip into this maelstrom but Louwrens Badenhorst, affectionately known as Bads. He still enthuses about our fantastic Pollack on the fly which of course we take for granted. Himself and Jacques Bronkhorst managed to have chosen by far the best week of the summer for their fishing. I joined them for a few days, let’s say craic was had. Bads was again blown away by our hidden gem.
My challenge to get Bads a Bass on the fly again this year came to nought unfortunately, but he appreciated the effort. Casting skills were not an issue I can assure you , which can often be the case. Return trip in 2026 is already planned.
Go fishing…
