Dodging seals and catching fish in Cork- the continued adventures of a small boat angler

Initially it looked good for a shark run but a lack of available crew ( must set up a WhatsApp list ) had me changing plans to fish more inshore. At the heel of the hunt was chatting to Ruairi and he fell in for what was billed as a trip down memory lane to see what’s happening.

As many would know I used to do a lot of fishing on and off the Ling Rocks. I was really looking to fish some reefs near the Ling Rocks and then check out my old stomping ground north of the Lings.

We blasted off in super conditions with a northerly blowing against the coming tide (that put paid to a few outer harbour bass drifts) and we headed for the first reef. I was hoping to avoid the seals that have become a feature out this way. No joy. Within 10 minutes of arriving to our first reef the snorting and heavy breathing announced the arrival of what looked like a very capable bull seal!

Ruairi’s first introduction to the Dick Turpin of the Ling rocks was complete. This is no smash and grab young pup. This guy knows where the business end is so he bites just behind the head and strips the fish (like Chilly Willy used do in cartoons!).

What ensued was a game of chasing around the pinnacles. You might get one fish in until the Sundance Kid of seals would arrive and start robbing again. It was funny on the day but you can see how it’s gets old fairly quickly. The amount of commercial gear in he area was unbelievable. Every peak was marked with a set of buoys. I’d guess that given the pollack restrictions these should be pots rather than nets?

We had struggled somewhat for mackerel, disappointing for the time of year, but we had enough to drift in Red Gurnard country.

We had plenty of fish but the size was really poor. Remember this area is famous for the quality of its red gurnards and has accounted for more specimens than anywhere else in the country. We had whiting, small ling and other bits n bobs. No haddock (we used get them here and of course no cod). We had an amount of octopus.

Towards slack water Ruarai had a great tussle with what transpired to be a good spurdog. Not a fish I’ve ever had out here. We had a few more spurs before we decided to head for more reefs.

We finished up fishing a reef we had not fished in years and had a steady stream of pollack. None of the cod I remember having on this reef.

We headed back to the harbour but as expected the weak ebb tide was now against the by now southerly breeze so bass drifting in the pissy weak tide was a no no go again.

All told it was a lovely day in all respects. We had some nice fishing but also there is a realisation that things are tough out there for many species.

Now, anyone for some shark fishing?