Species Of Fish Off Youghal
CodWe found for the last few years for the first of the season there was very good cod fishing two boxes or more a day. All the fish were of a good size varying between 4lb to 12lb in weight. We caught a specimen cod 22lb weight. Cod can be caught on rough ground, most of the good cod was caught on the drift. Mid season cod is a bit quieter, later in season it can pick up again. I find the easiest way of catching cod is with fresh mackerel or mussel as bait.
Pollock
Pollock is in plentiful supply throughout the season. Weights usually vary between 3lb and 10lb. Up to three boxes may be caught per day. I find it easiest to catch Pollock on black or red feathers with the bottom hook baited with fresh mackerel. Pollock may be caught on rough ground or on wrecks.
Ling
Ling is mostly caught on wrecks, it can give a good fight and can be very enjoyable to catch. We have caught ling weighing up to 37lb. It is mostly caught during weak tides which enables going to anchor on a wreck.
Conger
Conger is also caught on wrecks, when wrecks are fished well up to 20 or 30 Conger can be caught at a time of which some can weight up to 40 / 45 lbs or more. These are caught with one big hook and full side of fillet of mackerel as bait. Conger is catch and release and can also be very enjoyable to fish for as they give a good fight.
Pouting
Pouting can be caught on wrecks and is usually catch and release.
Gurnet
In the last few years Gurnet seem to be more plentiful. There are a few types of Gurnet, the Grey Gurnet, the Red Gurnet and the Tub Gurnet. The Red and Grey Gurnet that we have caught have weighed 2 / 3lb. The Tub Gurnet which we caught earlier this year which was a specimen weighed 6.65lb.
Whiting
Whiting can mostly be caught on flat ground with hooks baited with fresh mackerel. Whiting is usually caught from August onwards and can be plentiful in numbers.
Mackerel
Mackerel can be caught with feathers (packs of three or six). Usually mackerel is caught to use as bait for other types of fishing. Although when fishing for mackerel specifically and you come across a shoal of mackerel a box may be filled in ten minutes which can be great fun for adults and children alike.