mackerel fishing

leonh74 · 13-04-2008 2:57pm #1

will people leave comments when they start catching mackerel mainly around the south east region of the country other parts is well.i love goin out and spending a few hours out on the rocks enjoying the sport.all feedback appreciated

Compton · 13-04-2008 8:54pm

I may be wrong but isn't it a bit early for mackerel fishing?

i'd say about June/July at least?

coolwings · 13-04-2008 9:30pm

Yes. You need to wait for the summer hols. Then they will arrive.

Hedgepig · 13-04-2008 9:38pm

I've caught mackerel from the shore in April before, but it is too cold this year so give it another couple of months.

wayne riley · 13-04-2008 10:08pm

caught macks early las yr but as u say 2 cold at mo. let u no wen i catch:):):)

stevecrow74 · 13-04-2008 10:44pm

there have been the odd mackerel caught around the coast already, there are a few places where they seem to be resident i.e. killybegs harbour and anywhere where there is deep water close to the shore you will catch them all year round;)

just be sure to tell the makky bashers that they will appear late summer

Degsy · 14-04-2008 12:14pm

Caught them late april last year,mind you the weather had been sunny for several weeks.If there's a bad wind blowing its a waste of time,too much sand in the water.

The Hill Billy · 23-04-2008 8:42am

Report in the Irish Times fishing column on Monday (21st April) that macks are being caught offshore near Dun Laoghaire & at the Kish Bank.

wayne riley · 23-04-2008 7:08pm

macks been caught from dun laoghaire peirs.

macnas · 25-04-2008 12:10pm

If your in the south east it might be worth keeping an eye on the M5 buoy, I think sea temps between 11-14 C are the ones watch for.M5 Data

deaddonkey · 27-04-2008 8:37pm

nothing from howth today.

longshanks · 28-04-2008 1:46am

they're only being caught in boats in any number so far. the odd few from the shore/rocks. give it a month or so

Cormdogg · 29-04-2008 9:38am

Caught one off the beech in bertragh in Westport and caught about 100 between 5 of us offshore on the boat,clewbay

The Hill Billy · 30-04-2008 3:21pm

macnas wrote: »

If your in the south east it might be worth keeping an eye on the M5 buoy, I think sea temps between 11-14 C are the ones watch for.M5 Data

For water temps - you can check the inshore temps at the harbour nearest you here (along with other info such as tide heights, etc.).

Degsy · 05-05-2008 10:19pm

Any news today?I was gonna venture up to clogher head or howth but didnt go in the end,i reckon the conditions today were perfect.

Cormdogg · 08-05-2008 9:25am

In Dunlaoire yesterday on the east pier fishing seaward.There was a shoal of mackie at the end.Just short of my casting distance,But a fellah I know who was beside managed one!There were two boats following the shoal and I could see them taking in 4 - 6 at a time.So they are out there. I wont be fishing off the sea side of the pier agin,I lost my tackle on my first couple casts, which annoyed me too much,too snaggy and too slippy.i thought I had a catch on my first cast only to reel it in and find that the polish chap beside had caught a pollack and I caught his line! I met a chap that had seen lads catch a load off the rocks at Bulloch Harbour too.

max_power · 08-05-2008 4:38pm

I'm heading out to the rocks in Dalkey in about an hour to try my luck. I'll post any info later.

coolwings · 08-05-2008 5:33pm

Cormdogg wrote: »

.... on the east pier fishing seaward.There was a shoal of mackie at the end......

That's good news. The mild spell is having it's effect on the fish. Summer fishing is almost here.

onesocks · 12-05-2008 3:57pm

what kind of baits do people use for mackerel?
im starting to take up fishing again, last time was 10 years ago and all the lines and baits etc were done by my grandad and dad, i just stood and cast and ate wherthers originals

Degsy · 12-05-2008 4:02pm

onesocks wrote: »

what kind of baits do people use for mackerel?
im starting to take up fishing again, last time was 10 years ago and all the lines and baits etc were done by my grandad and dad, i just stood and cast and ate wherthers originals

If you're fishing with bait you can use mackerel strips,squid strips or prawns.Fish the bait under a sliding float approx 12 feet in depth.If you dont want to use bait most people will use feathers,these are multi-hook lures that you cast out and then retrieve.

Jack_Flash · 13-05-2008 6:31pm

Would you guys recommend spinners for mackerel? If so what type? I'm just getting into fishing now.

pullandbang · 13-05-2008 6:58pm

Jack_Flash wrote: »

Would you guys recommend spinners for mackerel? If so what type? I'm just getting into fishing now.

You can use spinners - any spinners will do as long as you can get it out to where the fish are.

Start with a big spoon type spinner if you want.

You will probably get better results using feathers.

meanmachine3 · 14-05-2008 12:56pm

onesocks
i've posted pics of some of the rigs used for mackeral fishing, my personal favourite is the rig in the third pic (went out to bullock about 2 years ago and it was a slaughter using this rig) T.B.H. got sick and tired of reeling in buckets loads of mackeral ,some of these dont have any names but i'm sure some of the regulars here would be able to give you more info about these rigs.
the first pic of a rig called RED HOKKAI
and the last pic is by sea predator and it's called a mackarel paternoster.
hope this is of some help

Cormdogg · 14-05-2008 2:20pm

If you can get to them Mackeral will take anything,You often hear of them aking a bare hook. Years ago after forgetting my feathers me and my mate sat down for half an hour and made a few Macgyver jobs out of crisp packets and they worked a treat. You dont even have to get fancy hokkais which are great if you want but, Colored or in my opinion white feathers will are the best. Spinners will do the job if they're weighty enough but a full brace of mackie is always satisfying. My biggest tip would be that most feather rigs come in 5 or 6hook, Try and get 3hook or cut the extra's off.It makes for much easier casting,less tangle/snags and easier especially off piers when there's other folk about. Im going to go off the rocks in Dalkey this evening. There were plenty catching them on Sunday.

Cormdogg · 15-05-2008 11:05am

No Mackie for me yesterday off the rocks at Bulloch,One pollock.Moved to Colliemore good few Mackie caught but again not my me! Anyone any tips for reducing snags by any chance. Also the mess left by other people (I wouldnt call them anglers) at Colliemore was an absolute disgrace. A group of a little snooty locals voiced their opinions to me as I was getting into my car, I could only agree with them,because it was filthy. I take everything home with me,down to the smallest length of line. Im sick of the sight of rig wrappers and disgaurded line everywhere I go to fish, no bins is no excuse, How can anyone be there and enjoy the outdoors and the sport in catching fish a wild creature have so little respect for the environment? Thats the type of carry on that will lead to a ban because if its one thing the Dalkey dwellers know its how to get things done by the local govt. Any way thats the rant over,the good news: The Macks are in Town!

wayne riley · 17-05-2008 9:36pm

was out in howyh 2day and caught 10 macks in bout an hr, few other ppl were catching but nothing in gr8 numbers:D:D:D

jArgHA · 17-05-2008 9:39pm

Cormdogg wrote: »

...Years ago after forgetting my feathers me and my mate sat down for half an hour and made a few Macgyver jobs out of crisp packets and they worked a treat...

ha! that's gas - meself and me dad did the same thing with some Tayto packets off the boat a couple of years back after realising we'd only one set of shabby looking feathers on board.

I was fishing off Roches Point in Cork today - no mackerel there just yet (caught nothing but a couple of tiny pollack). I spoke to a guy living there and he tells me that there hadn't been any big mackerel catches there just yet..

pullandbang · 18-05-2008 2:00am

Blanked in Clogherhead on Friday evening. Fished from the rocks over the wall of the pier for two hours 7 - 9pm using both feathers and a spinner (not at the same time:)).

Didn't see anyone else catch anything either.

Degsy · 18-05-2008 2:12am

wayne riley wrote: »

was out in howyh 2day and caught 10 macks in bout an hr, few other ppl were catching but nothing in gr8 numbers:D:D:D

From the pier?On feathers?

wayne riley · 18-05-2008 12:25pm

Degsy wrote: »

From the pier?On feathers?

from balscadden wit feathers, tlkin 2 a lad 2day he said howth was hoppin wit macks on fri:D

tiny-nioclas · 21-05-2008 4:17pm

plenty mackeral being caught here in west waterford the last two weeks, im catching mine in helvick head off the pier, had some fro breakfast, yummo!

Degsy · 26-05-2008 9:58pm

Was in howth today,not a bite.High winds and too much sand in the water,A pity as i had the day off!

BlueBandit · 27-05-2008 10:22am

Ive just moved out to Skerries and hope to have a go around there. Anyone know decent spots. I remember catching a bag full with an uncle of mine off the pier but that was about 20 years ago, havnt done much sea fishing since. When is the best time, around high tide?

Degsy · 27-05-2008 2:17pm

BlueBandit wrote: »

Ive just moved out to Skerries and hope to have a go around there. Anyone know decent spots. I remember catching a bag full with an uncle of mine off the pier but that was about 20 years ago, havnt done much sea fishing since. When is the best time, around high tide?

The hour or so immediatly before and after high tide is good.If there's a lot of water though in the harbour it doesnt matter too much.

BlueBandit · 27-05-2008 4:17pm

Good stuff, will give it a shot over the weekend so, are there usually a few fish to be had in the harbour in season. Any ideas what else can I hope to catch around there?. Have been coarse fishing for years and years but hoping to get into a bit of sea fishing this summer

flanum · 27-05-2008 5:58pm

i lived in skerries 3 years ago, i used to catch them on the north beach (off quay street)just feathering. youd want a fair sized weight though as they do tend to be a bit out.
theres a chance you could get a couple off the harbour wall (out towards sea) but its absolutely chokka with seals and fishing boats.

BlueBandit · 28-05-2008 10:36am

Sound, will try around and see what I get. Keep you posted

BENDYBINN · 28-05-2008 12:31pm

anybody know the best places to fish mackerel in galway and are they in yet? thanks

The Hill Billy · 29-05-2008 11:12am

BlueBandit wrote: »

Ive just moved out to Skerries and hope to have a go around there. Anyone know decent spots. I remember catching a bag full with an uncle of mine off the pier but that was about 20 years ago, havnt done much sea fishing since. When is the best time, around high tide?

When the macks are in in Skerries the only sport to be had is landing them before the seals pinch them off your line. It can be bedlam down there, particularly when the kids are around. Leads & hooks flying everywhere.

As flanum said the north beach can be quite good. You could also try Barnageera beach for flats, or any of the rock spots north of Skerries for pollack & the like.

The best times for macks from the harbour in Skerries would be, as Degsy said, an hour or so either side of high tide.

cdsa2008 · 29-05-2008 2:56pm

leonh74 wrote: »

will people leave comments when they start catching mackerel mainly around the south east region of the country other parts is well.i love goin out and spending a few hours out on the rocks enjoying the sport.all feedback appreciated

We wear around Arklow this month got a half box of mackerel.
cdsa

BlueBandit · 29-05-2008 4:25pm

Hill Billy wrote: »

When the macks are in in Skerries the only sport to be had is landing them before the seals pinch them off your line. It can be bedlam down there, particularly when the kids are around. Leads & hooks flying everywhere.

As flanum said the north beach can be quite good. You could also try Barnageera beach for flats, or any of the rock spots north of Skerries for pollack & the like.

The best times for macks from the harbour in Skerries would be, as Degsy said, an hour or so either side of high tide.

Cheers Billy,
looking forward to having a go over the weekend. have to see when the tides are. What is the best method for pollack and that off the rocks. Would I get them spinning a german sprat or the like. Real novice when it comes to sea fishing but eager to learn. Was thinking of joining a club, saw there was one in Balbriggan and another in Rush does anyone know how active they are, just looking to meet some people and see what works, nothing too serious

coolagad · 30-05-2008 7:54pm

anyone catching anything around bray or greystones? or even off the rocks on bray head?

remember catching them in onion bags years ago in greystones harbour, big shoal nearly beached. must of been seal chasing them....

stevecrow74 · 31-05-2008 3:11pm

coolagad wrote: »

big shoal nearly beached. must of been seal chasing them....

no.. they are just very stupid fish

learnerplates · 02-06-2008 5:06pm

I don't have any feathers, I've one spinner and a few hooks, also have a bottom weight thing (a weight with 3 hooks further up the line), any of these any good, there's also prawns in the freezer!

Was down at Nemos pier today seemed to be plenty of mackerel swimming about.

Degsy · 03-06-2008 10:06am

learnerplates wrote: »

I don't have any feathers, I've one spinner and a few hooks, also have a bottom weight thing (a weight with 3 hooks further up the line), any of these any good, there's also prawns in the freezer!

Was down at Nemos pier today seemed to be plenty of mackerel swimming about.

Buy yourself some feathers,and a couple of floats too.

BlueBandit · 03-06-2008 10:07am

A gfew fish to be had in Skerries, but nothing too major. You should be able to get enough for super though if you can find room to cast.:D

Mackyboy · 03-06-2008 10:18am

I was in Greennore yesterday, there were about 6 people fishing. I was talking to one chap, he had 3 mackerel between 1pm and 5pm (he was the only one to catch. So their slowly on their way in lads.

Anybody know how Clogherhead is doing

MB

The Hill Billy · 03-06-2008 11:58am

BlueBandit wrote: »

A gfew fish to be had in Skerries, but nothing too major. You should be able to get enough for super though if you can find room to cast.:D

You obviously caught a few after I left. Good meeting you man.

Degsy · 03-06-2008 12:57pm

Was in howth yesterday,six fish caught the whole day.Had to leave because of headwreckers,tourists and scumbags.

learnerplates · 03-06-2008 1:47pm

I tried Nemo's Pier in Galway yesterday eve with a spinner, got a bite but no luck.
There were about 10 of us there for about 2hrs and while I was there I saw at least 30 mackeral pulled out, all using feathers, you could see the shoals running about 20 yrds out, they're definitely in on the west, maybe it takes a while to make round to the east coast.

learnerplates · 03-06-2008 1:48pm

Degsy wrote: »

Buy yourself some feathers,and a couple of floats too.

nowhere open yesterday that was my problem, feathers are the answer for sure.

mackerel fishing

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