Breaking the rules

I think its probably easy to interpret what some people say or write in bass fishing and then apply it as a rule, even if it is only a generalisation or something that applies to particular circumstances. When this is done of course it is often perceived as an ‘issue’ for anglers to go out and ‘break’. This attempt to ‘break’ the ‘rules’ is often done on the basis of nothing like what the original words might have meant. Unless of course it’s a blatantly obvious statement. Can you show me the RULE BOOK please? Particulalry the chapter on fly choice, lure choice, tide choice, location choice, colour of your underwear choice..........

I saw one of these blatantly obvious statements recently – ‘- if bass will take a shallow feed then they will also take a surface lure’. Its simply not true. Sometimes they wont.

The big fly big fish is another one of these debates that will continue to rage, and yes of course we have all done the contrary – and if we are clever anglers we will fish after the circumstances.

I like to use Andy Elliotts flies in certain places here in Wexford at certain times. Most of the flies are in the six to eight inch in length category and I fish with either a #8 or #9. In this type of fishing where I intend purposefully to catch (I hope) a big fish – I very seldom make regular casts. I sit and watch and make maybe five casts in one hour, maybe I choose to move a little………..I take my time and wait for situations to develop.

Have I taken bigger fish on smaller flies? Yes, many times in many places, do I feel more confident fishing slightly bigger flies in the circumstances above? Yes. Why? Under the few circumstances/locations above I have caught bigger fish with bigger flies – simple. But it doesn’t apply to the whole of the Wexford coastline all of the time!

The only rules that need to be broken are the ones you have interpreted as such.

An Irish Saltwater Sportfish

Im off to hooked.ie on Thursday evening where I will have a stand at the two day show. I hope to be able to capture peoples imagination and interest at the show in order to demonstrate that saltwater fly & lure fishing for bass is as good, challenging, interesting and as rewarding as that done for our freshwater sporting species.

Irish bass fishing remains as one of the great potential sport fishing resources of Europe.

Hope to see you there - Jim.

















drawing courtesy of Ruth Hendrick - aged 7

Why should every bassfisherman own two goldfish?

Hot water tying

Forecasting the weather - February - 6

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 February according to D&K Barlett with BASS indications by Jim Hendrick

This usually the coldest month of the year , particularly during the middle weeks, and especially in the eastern or north eastern counties. The cold easterly and north easterly winds flow across from Europe and the north sea.

Snowfall can be as severe and as frequent as January, the cold weather and light levels are at the opposites of June and Julys. The coolest conditions are now firmly settled into the land and sea water temperatures at the coast will fall a little more to perhaps eight degrees or a little less. As much as two degrees less than on the south and west coast temps.

1st to 7Th This week is usually unsettled with wind gales and rain
8th to 15th Usually there is a cold spell, and often the chilliest part of the month
16th to 23rd The cold spell will slowly break up and a thaw will set in.
24th to 28th The weather gradually becomes milder often ending the month in stormy unsettled weather.

Bass Fishing - Probably the most difficult month for the bass fisherman in Wexford. Having undergone some serious physiological changes over the past few weeks, bass are less likely to feed regularly they have their minds fixed on something more serious - depending on conditions, and as they dictate, spawning will take place only when they know best - then be ready.............

Rating 0/5

Bass need your help!

You can help your future bass fishing - by going HERE

What should I be thinking about at this time of year?

There is always that sense of anticipation, Spring causes it I guess. Its very very early in the season and expectations need to match that - but have a look at the links below for a few pointers

Here Here Here Here and indeed Here