Worth waiting for

Somewhere over the darkened curve of the world the sun and the moon were pulling: and the film of water on the earth planet was held, bulging slightly on one side while the solid core turned. The great wave of the tide moved further along the island and the water lifted.

William Golding - Lord of the Flies

Guided Pike Fishing

Its difficult to describe the ferocity of a surface attack by a Pike. Its visual its aggressive and its fierce. There is no doubt about it but Pike are a worthy catch on fly or lure. The next time you see your favourite lure shredded and cast across the surface of a lake in a head shaking frenzy of spray and bits of rubber then you know its going to be a crazy day.

I guess it was inevitable that I would start to guide for them and now after a few years of many failures and success the service is available for both Spring, late Autumn and early Winter.

The service will open on March 20th and close again on June 10th for the Spring season.

It will re-open again on October 20th and run through to December 20th for Autumn and Winter.

The boat will come ready for action with fly rods from Vision, Bloke and Redington – these will be teamed with Danielsson reels loaded with Rio, Guideline and Teeny pike specialist lines to cover all presentations.

Lure fishing rods will be available from Smith, Lucky Craft and Illex, reels from Shimano and Daiwa loaded with braid.

The boat has all the safety features necessary for a comfortable day on the water

Transport, airport transfers, light lunch and accommodation can all be determined for you – so if your looking to meet some of Irelands most ferocious freshwater predators call me now.

 

Rio Striped Bass Fly Line

Casting heavy or wind-resistant flies has always been a challenge, even for good casters. Rios Jim Vincent and Simon Gawesworth collaborated with Bob Clouser in developing the Clouser line. Bob is the famed fly tier, guide, instructor and conservationist best known for inventing the Clouser Minnow, one of the most versatile flies for both fresh and saltwater.

The Clouser line, with its unique reverse compound taper and a bullet front taper, turns over heavy flies into the wind without effort and smoothly transfers energy to prevent the characteristic “kick” with heavily weighted flies.

The Striped Bass Intermediate

The Rio Stripped Bass line offers a 40 ft clear AquaLux head and a super slick, luminous running line with XS Technology that can be charged with a flashlight for night fishing. The supple cold water core results in smooth casting and minimal coiling. Based on the Clouser line (see above), the short bullet taper propels large flies to Irish Bass with ease and perfect presentations.

Includes welded loop on both ends.

AquaLux WF7I – WF11I
Length: 100 ft (30.5 m)
Color: Green Tint/Clear AquaLux

Guided Pike Fishing Service

Time

Length to Weight Converion Tapes - Details

The length to weight conversion tapes are a handy and quick 'weigh' to give you the weight of your fish.

To obtain the most accurate reading from the tape its best that you measure the total length, i.e. measure from the nose of the bass to the end of the flattened down (and closed) tail and also in as straight a line as possible. i.e. not over the curvature of the body . One way is to place the fish onto the tape rather than holding the tape over the fish.

Do not look for 100% accuracy and at times there will be outliers from the norm.

Tapes are available from johnmorgan@ukbass.com

Length to Weight Conversion Tapes

Seatrout Fishing Secrets - Fly

Seatrout Fishing Secrets - Spin

Saltwater Lure Fishing - Part 14.3 of 21 - Rigging softies - Weightless Senko

A watchful eye

Its a quiet time for bass anglers over the next few weeks. There is less activity and hence maybe less 'watchfulness' along our coastlines. But please don't stop going to your favorite marks just because you cant fish - its often a time for watching and learning and enjoying a little introspection maybe.

Of course your asking yourself the same things that you probably did last year - why is there a closed season?, what effect does angling have on a closed season?, who decided on the the terms and the components of such a season under what basis? how, twenty years later can we improve things? Has anything changed?

I've said it many times before on this blog and I'll say it again - anglers respect the closed season, - but the less scrupulous continue to operate at increasing levels of illegal activity - they are almost continuously facilitated into taking boxes and boxes of fish during the SPAWNING season and throughout the year - no wonder then why the species cant recover!

Respecting the close of the season empowers you (even if you may have questions) as an angler to pursue the ownership, the protection, and to challenge and to contribute to the changes that are necessary now more than ever to protect and develop this fishery - like a broken record I'm saying it again - we have something that the world wants - something that contributes considerably not only to our economy but to ourselves through social well being, a feeling of rejoicing and partaking actively in a natural resource through a sustainable activity that makes us feel good.

Many many people from all over the world want that feeling, that experience, that enjoyment, that knowledge, we have it as an angling nation - so ask yourself where are the marketing forces, the development plans, the co-operation, the momentum and the will to create a cohesive sense of awareness, protection, passion, education and ownership around a truly magnificent Irish Bass Sport Fishery?

It simply doesn't exist in this country!

Fishing with wave and senko worms - Ireland

This series within a series will continue with many tips techniques and experiences using senko and wave worms and other soft plastic baits for Irish bass.

Pictured is David fishing in Waterford back in April of 2006 - an exemplary session of fishing, taking many bass under tough conditions, bright cool and early season it was a great few days made special by these baits - the cunnigar shone that day - so did the tikki sticks and bacchi heads.

Imafraidnot !

I cannot recommend this knot highly enough HERE

Saltwater lure fishing - Part 14.2 of 21 - Rigging Softies - Wacky Style

The Wacky Worm Rig

Senko worm
Nail weights (optional)
Gamakatsu circle

Alternative rig

Place a split ring over worm
(smaller diameter)
Move to mid point of worm
Place hook under split ring

Did somebody do this on purpose?

Looking at the current weather patterns one can only wonder and imagine how good bass fishing must be at the moment - and for the next few days!

Saltwater lure fishing - Part 14.1 of 21 - Rigging Softies

Tools for rigging soft baits

Senko worm or wave worm
Split rings
Nail weights
Worm Hooks
Jig Heads
AR Rigs
Acoustic barrels

Wind Tide Data and its influences in Wexford

Wind Tide Data

Bass fishing and the wind

I have had many many phone calls this Spring with one common denominator - people ask me am I catching many bass? The answer is a plain and simple no, I'm not. The reason is of course the wind, or at least the wind direction and probably its particular unceasing source of direction and strength.

Take a look at some comprehensive data sets here and scan down through the wind direction field for 2010. Look particularly for the frequency of the North/North Easterly, Easterly and to a lesser extent even South Easterly breezes. The source frequency is pretty high this Spring. You will see similar frequencies during the previous three years although not quite as intense or as frequent.

This is as a result of high pressure anticyclonic weather systems forming and then remaining fixed over Ireland during Spring and early Summer. Lake and river systems are well down on water levels as a result of low rainfalls.

Now I don't fear an easterly breeze provided it doesn't last for more than two/three days and blows strong too - any longer than that and then I know I'm in trouble (lighter winds are exceptional) - from this simple set of data you can see how much trouble we have had from a bass fishing perspective over the last few weeks. So don't go blaming yourself for spending all that money on expensive gear to catch no fish - I'm afraid theres a bit more to it than that!

Bear in mind that these patterns existed from 2007, 2008, 2009 and now 2010 - they were all immediately followed by wet summers that broke all rainfall records - can we conclude that this trend is set to continue, who knows?

Rigging Soft Baits for Bass

Later today and during the week - how to get the best from your soft baits for bass.

Rigging -

Jig Heads -
Weedless -
Tactics and techniques -

Smashin' 'n' Poppin' - works in the salt too!

Bass Flies by Kevin Price from kevin price on Vimeo.

Forecasting the weather - May - 9

I came across a little book recently - Signpost to the weather by D&K Barlett. First published in 1949, I have extracted their forecasts for each month of the year. I hope you will enjoy their weather theories over the next few months –

The Month of May according to D&K Barlett with BASS indications by Jim Hendrick

This can be wonderful month of weather. Considerable amounts of sunshine usually occur. There is little if any prolonged heavy rainfall, mostly falling as short showers or thunderstorms. The most notable and damaging occurrence of the month is a tendency for a mid May frost, which blights early blossom and kills tender plants if they are not protected.
There are frequently erratic day and night temperatures; often very warm by day and cold by night.
During the calm spells of the month it is often dull with occasional showers in the eastern areas of the country, while fog is probable along the coasts.
This can be the driest and brightest month of the year. There is a really appreciable warmth to the sun by contrast to the previous months and this increases our sense of comfort and optimism.

The weeks of May

1st - 7th Some cool days, thunderstorms possible

8th - 15th A fairly good spell is probable with some warm days but a risk of night frost. It is liable to be dull at times in the east

16th - 23rd The weather is still liable to be dull and cool in eastern areas, but elsewhere there are often calm warm and sunny days, occasional thunderstorms and some night frosts.

24th - 31st Thundery showers - but bright sunny periods may be expected, especially towards the end of the week.

Bass Fishing: The first early days of May and the week just before the close of season are generally the first genuine opportunities that the fly and lure angler will have on the Wexford coast. See some examples HERE and HERE Water temperatures are rising now, encouraging foraging bass closer to the shore. But remember just as things begin to fire we have to stop fishing for the annual closed season. Midnight May 14th to Midnight June 15th.

Rating 2/5
May Bass Fishing Experiences Here Here Here

The Fishing Conditions

Saltwater fly and lure fishing in Ireland presents its own unique challenges. The little island perched precariously on the eastern side of the Atlantic is subject to many influences and none more so than that of the weather. The Atlantic Ocean plays the dominant part in our weather, insulating us from the temperature extremes that can be experienced in other European countries. Our position on the Northwest of Europe places us in the path of Atlantic low-pressure systems hence we are subject to a lot of cloudy overcast, humid and often very wet days. But don’t despair, its not all doom and gloom! The sunniest months of the year occur during late spring and early summer and the southeast of the country gets the most sunshine, often up to 6 or seven hours a day during early summer. Air temperatures reach between 18 and 20 degrees C during the summer and average around 8 degrees C during winter. We live in a temperate climate that is heavily influenced by the North Atlantic drift; in fact our seas are considerably warmer than average global temperatures at similar positions. Winter water temperatures along the coast fall to as low as 8 degrees but by August and September they are at their warmest and are as high as 15 degrees C. In fact during winter our seas are warmer than the air temperature while during summer the air temperature is warmer than the surrounding sea.

With all of these influences at play no wonder our fishing can be challenging at times - to help you in your endeavors please visit our Fishing Conditions pages HERE for regular updates during the season.

Probassfisher - E zine March/April now available

Probass fisher e Zine March April

Update to posting from May 03rd

Hi Jim.
Just to let you know that the fishery board rang on Tuesday morning to say they had a look at the net and were bring back a report and waiting to see what decision was to be made.
Wednesday afternoon I got another call to say the net had been removed,thankfully there was no fish in the net. Blogging this was a great idea along with e-mails i'm sure it all speed up the process.
Thank's again Jim.

Protection and Conservation - Contacts

Fisheries Protection and Conservation

The Fisheries Boards are charged with ensuring the observance of the Fishery Acts, Bye-Laws and Orders. Their purpose is to ensure the protection and conservation of our fishery resource. The Boards' responsibilities cover both inland waterways and out to the twelve mile limit off the coast.

The species protected include salmon, sea trout, sea bass, mollusc's, eels and all freshwater fish. The Boards' strategies and operations are both preventative and reactive in nature and include the following:

1. The creation of a deterrent by ensuring the maximum visible presence in waters where the threat of illegal activity is greatest;
2. Prosecution of offenders and confiscation of illegal nets, equipment, tackle and catch.

The Unit coordinates the provision of comprehensive training to fishery officers in the areas of sea survival, seamanship, basic navigation and damage control/fire fighting.

In 1996 the CFB established a protection coordination unit to coordinate the fishery protection and surveillance activities of the Regional Fishery Boards, Naval Service and Aer Corps. The Unit also recieves the cooperation of the Garda Síochána in surveillance and other operations. A national patrol plan was devised to optimize the utilization of the Fishery Boards' sea protection resources.

How to Contact the Regional Fisheries Boards

• The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board
  

  15a Main Street,
  Blackrock,
  Co. Dublin.
  Web: http://www.fishingireland.net
  Email: info@erfb.ie
  Tel: +353 1 2787022
  Fax: +353 1 2787025

  For Angling queries contact:
  Josie Mahon
  Email: josie.mahon@erfb.ie

• The Southern Regional Fisheries Board
  

  Anglsea Street,
  Clonmel,
  Co. Tipperary,
  Ireland.
  Web: http://www.srfb.ie/
  Email: enquiries@srfb.ie
  Tel: +00 353 52 6180055
  Fax: +00 353 52 6123971

  For Angling queries contact:
  John Flynn
  E-mail: enquiries@srfb.ie

• The South Western Regional Fisheries Board
  

  1 Nevilles Terrace,
  Masseytown, Macroom,
  County Cork,
  Ireland.
  Web: http://www.swrfb.com
  E-mail: swrfb@swrfb.ie
  Tel: +353 26 41221
  Fax: +353 26 41223

  For Angling queries contact:
  Michael Hennessy
  Email: mike_hennessy@eircom.net

• The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board
  

  Ashbourne Business Park,
  Dock Road,
  Limerick,
  Ireland.
  Web: http://www.shrfb.ie
  Email: info@shannon-fishery-board.ie
  Tel: +353 61 300238
  Fax: + 353 61 300308

  For Angling queries contact:
  Brian McManus
  Email: info@shannon-fishery-board.ie

• The Western Regional Fisheries Board
  

  The Weir Lodge,
  Earl's Island,
  Galway,
  Ireland.
  Web: http://www.wrfb.ie
  Email: info@wrfb.ie
  Tel: +353 91 563118
  Fax: +353 91 566335

  For Angling queries contact:
  Kevin Crowley
  E-mail: kcrowley@wrfb.ie

• The North Western Regional Fisheries Board
  

  Abbey Street,
  Ballina, Co Mayo,
  Ireland.
  Web: www.northwestfisheries.ie
  Email: info@nwrfb.com
  Tel: +353 96 22788
  Fax: +353 96 70543

  For Angling queries contact:
  Bryan Ward
  E-mail: bward@nwrfb.com

• The Northern Regional Fisheries Board
  

  Station Road,
  Ballyshannon,
  Co. Donegal,
  Ireland.
  Web: http://www.nrfb.ie
  Email: info@nrfb.ie
  Tel: +353 71 9851435
  Fax: +353 71 9851816

  For Angling queries contact:
  Lindsey Clarke
  E-mail: hlclarke@nrfb.ie

Illegal Bass Netting - South East

Hi Jim.
I am forwarding on two photo's which hopefully might highlight the illegal netting that's been carried out on the Waterford coast. I'm sure you have seen this numerous times and I appreciate you taking time out in helping me highlight this continuing problem. Would it be a good idea to put up on your blog a contact number or e-mail address of the people that are supposed to be addressing this situation?
Thanks Jim for all your help and time.
Thats no problem - I wish everybody was as proactive as you ....... keep up the good work

'Test These' he says - 'No problem' I said!

Wipe Out

I hit rock bottom last Sunday with some sort of strange bug - I was completely wiped out until late Wednesday and felt much better through Thursday. It was on Friday morning on my way to meet a group of six guys for a SWFF workshop that I spotted the first swifts of 2010. These birds have become almost a living indicator to me, and fill me with the confidence that Bass have finally arrived on the shores of Wexford. This year they arrived a little earlier than last, see here

I had some real fun and a great day on Friday with Derek, Michael, Brian, Briony, Ray, and Roddy. Lighting the Kelly Kettle proved somewhat more intersting than normal! Jimmy and Edgar came and went on Saturday through a lure fishing workshop and David finished yesterday evening with an introduction to SWFF. I caught my first fish of 2010 yesterday morning. Heres to 2010 and the harbingers of silver.