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Steep cliffs plummet into shelving rocks, creating the ideal platform to fish from.
Travel and Accommodation Co. Donegal is easily accessible by car, bus or plane. The road networks are increasingly well developed throughout the county allowing you to explore your adventurous side and get off the beaten track to those remote, untouched locations. Carrickfinn airport also provides another travel option to visiting anglers. Places to stay range from hotels with stunning sea views, beach side bed and breakfasts and wild rural self catering cottages. Donegal caters for all visitors. visit: www.ireland.com/en-gb/destinations/republic-of-ireland/donegal for more details and information and get exploring today.
Co. Donegal
Ireland’s rugged North West Coast an uncharted Mecca for lure anglers? Co. Donegal Well famed for both shore and boat fishing, Donegal sports some of the richest waters in Europe but few have ever explored this coastline with new, high-tech lure gear in search of remote rod bending action. Steven Neely discusses his fascination with this part of Ireland. 62 Irish Angler September 2013
‘Straying into uncharted territory and exploring untainted waters is what draws me to this part of Ireland.’
A stunning multi-coloured Wrasse caught on the Illex 3” Ammonite Shad.
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September 2013 Irish Angler 63
General
Game
Coarse
Sea
Coverstory
Tackle
‘…the initial crash drive of a Pollack is something to behold and in Donegal an 8 pounder from the shore is a possibility.’
Atlantic swells can be dangerous but often provide the life in the water that Pollack love to feed in.
Vast, unexplored and untapped The unexplored, rugged northwest coast of Donegal is a paradise for the roaming lure fisherman. Towering cliffs plummet into deep water, while nearly every headland produces another rocky, weed-strewn shoreline that screams wrasse and pollack. This savage coastline is untapped. I have fished it for over 10 years and I rarely meet another angler, let alone another lure angler. Donegal provides the ideal platform for all abilities of anglers from first timers to experts. The variety of terrain is also staggering. Often you can move from large storm beaches to Atlantic battered rocks in a matter of minutes. Parts of the coast, though, are not for the faint hearted – shelving rocks, big swells and an unpredictable weather system creates prime opportunities for the adrenaline fuelled adventure angler. When the weather closes in and swells build, Donegal’s mammoth coastline provides coves and bays in which to seek shelter. Never feel that these bays are only a last resort, however. Shallow reefs and kelp covered boulder fields provide the ideal habitat for big wrasse, the average size of which will certainly put a bend in the rod. For me, the greatest buzz is targeting fish which have either never been caught or even seen a lure before. Straying into uncharted territory and exploring untainted waters is what draws me to this part of Ireland. Standing on an isolated headland as the sun starts to fall and hitting prime conditioned pollack on light tackle is perhaps one of the greatest experiences for me in sea angling. Looking around and seeing no man made structures, no human interference, just you, your gear and nature – simply perfect. Enjoying this coastline is not all about catching monsters. Each trip provides new experiences and for those who love nature, Donegal doesn’t disappoint. Sea otters, dolphins and peregrine falcons can all offer company as you set out to explore some of the best shore fishing in Western Europe. What to expect Any serious shore angler knows that the West coast of Ireland is famed for its large pollack and wrasse – Donegal is no exception. Wrasse of all hues lurk in every boulder field, weed strewn gully and deep hole.
64 Irish Angler September 2013
Whilst I have had fish to just over 5lb I know there are bigger ones lurking out there waiting for a soft plastic lure to land in front of them. Pollack are of course the archetypal inshore predator and are very obliging when it comes to lure fishing. Despite not being renowned for their sustained fight, the initial crash drive of a pollack is something to behold and in Donegal an 8-pounder from the shore is a possibility. However, it would be wrong to assume these are the only species available to lures. Coalfish, mackerel and garfish in the warmer months can all be expected off the rocks and, with the appropriate licence, you can target sea trout in many of the bays and beaches. Lure fishing for flatfish and turbot is also achievable and something which really is uncharted and still to be developed. LRF as a discipline is not something I have invested enough time in, but for those who do it then you will not be disappointed either – scorpion fish, rockling, rock gobies, herring, poor cod, coalfish, wrasse and pollack – the list goes on. Coming prepared As with any fishing trip, it is key to come with the right gear and kit to get the most out of your time. Most modern lure rods with a casting weight up to 28g will be ideal for targeting your wrasse, pollack and coalfish. A small fixed spool reel loaded with 20lb braid and a fluorocarbon leader will be perfect. However, there are some occasions when a heavier rod rated up to say 50g will come in useful if you want to target fish in the deeper waters of Donegal. Here you may find bigger casting jigs and shads will produce one of the famed big Irish shore pollack – if you do decide to try this use a larger lure and perhaps scaling up to 30lb braid may be best. Good, robust walking boots will be essential for scrambling over rocks, headlands and trekking across Donegal’s stunning beaches. Although not a crucial piece of kit, I tend to favour chest waders when lure fishing as it allows me to safely land fish and sometimes access those parts others cannot. Added metal studs in the soles provide extra grip – essential when rock hopping.
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s for lures, there are a few I would never leave the house without. Firstly the Illex Ishad – it comes in a variety of sizes from 2.8-5.8in. I carry a selection of sizes in three different colours, red, dark green and white. These lures are deadly for wrasse, pollack, coalfish and the smaller versions can work well on light jig heads for flat fish. For wrasse and pollack try using a Texas rig comprising of a small cone lead, glass bead and weedless hook.
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Pollack – the archetypal inshore saltwater predator.
The Illex Nitro and Ammonite Shad also provide great profiles for targeting pollack. The paddle tail helps the predators track down their prey and can be used to great effects with a sink and draw technique. Open point jig heads will work best with these shads, but beware over rough ground the chances of losing them increase. Anyone who is a seasoned pollack angler will know that you will lose gear if you are fishing in the correct places – it comes with the territory. One of the most versatile soft plastics lures is the Fiiish Black Minnow – available pre-rigged or in separate pieces so you can create your own soft plastic to suit any scenario. Ranging from 70-140mm and beyond, the Black Minnow can be used to target a huge variety of species. The 120mm version is especially deadly when chasing big Atlantic pollack. Fished sink and draw or with a slow steady retrieve over structure, the paddle tail drives any predator crazy. Daiwa also make some great soft plastic, paddle tail lures such as the D’Fin, 4in and D’Swim, 5.5in. These can be used on a Texas rig, jig head or simple belly weighted, weedless hook. These bigger shad style lures are more for large pollack and coalfish, but fishing in Donegal can throw up a few surprises – ling and cod are not impossible to catch off the shore and some spots can produce gurnard to smaller lures. What’s stopping you? If escaping the crowded piers and sea fronts is what you strive for, then look no further than Donegal. There are miles of coastline waiting to be discovered and explored. Don’t be a follower, take that first step where others haven’t and you will be rewarded for your efforts. The rugged northwest coast facilitates all abilities and ages to escape and enjoy a memorable days fishing.
Clear blue skies and crashing waves – Donegal showing off at its best.
Staying mobile will allow you to experience some of the best light tackle rock fishing available on the island. So browse online, get the map out, pack up some gear and enjoy the stunning costal waters of Co Donegal.
September 2013 Irish Angler 65