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NEWS SEPTEMBER 2004 |
NOV_2004 OCT_2004 SEP_2004 AUG_2004 JUL_2004 JUN_2004 MAY_2004 APR_2004 MAR_2004 FEB_2004 JAN_2004 DEC_2003 NOV_2003 IN_THE_NEWS
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CLICK ON THE DATES FOR PREVIOUS WEEKS NEWS IN THIS MONTH SEPTEMBER 2nd SEPTEMBER 10th SEPTEMBER 23rd __________________________________________________________________________________________
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"" "FERGIE HERE....please leave a message after the beep!" Codling Bank, September 8th -- Sitting in the harbour, waiting for the partner in crime to arrive. Looking out to sea at the tail-end of a strong Easterly still having its effect on the waves, wondering if its really safe to head 9 miles out to sea. But when the other half is telling you that the summer is nearly over and he hasn't caught a Tope yet, the decision is basically taken away from you. As it happened, the further out to sea we went, the calmer the sea got, until eventually, we were on the bank, anchored and in the water with a bare ripple on the water. We knew something good was going to happen as soon as we started hitting fresh baits with our spare rods. It's wasn't long before the first run of the night sparked us into life. But what was to happen next was to mark a pattern that was going to torment us for the rest of the night. These fish were like freight trains, picking up the bait, heading for the horizon at speed, getting a good 100 yards off the line and then snapping the rig. No matter how much leader we put on, or how early we struck, the end result was still the same. It was as if they were in a feeding frenzy and other fish were coming across the braid while the main fish was racing away. This thought was nearly confirmed when one fish broke water 10 yards from the back of the boat as Fergie Griffith was bringing in a string of Mackerel. As soon as the fish realised where it was, it turned and headed down to the darkness again. The killer about fishing on the bank in the latter half of the summer is that the fishing gets better but the sun doesn't let you stay out as late as you would like. By 8.00pm we had finally managed to land two fish, lost at least another half a dozen, and Fergie managed to land a rare Spur Dog. The funny thing was, Fergie still hadn't managed to land a summer Tope off the Bank, from my point of view, this can only be a positive, because now, we have to do it all again! Written by Paul Robinson (Bray Sea Angler's) **************************
"Best Mates" DAWN RAID, September 10th -- We had talked about it all summer, "The Early Bird", not once had we managed an early excursion to the Codling Bank. Last year we made a few with great success, so last Thursday, with a nice "HIGH" sitting over the coast, we decided on a Friday Morning Dawn Raid. The plan was to head out at 5.00am, get some early fishing under our belts, but still be back in, washed, and in work by 10.00am at the latest. Well, at least the good intentions were in the right place! Myself, Brian Whelan, Steve Guest, and our old buddy Larry "The Slapper" Byrne, met in the clubhouse for 5.30am, some more awake than others, by 6.00am we were on our way out of the harbour and by 6.30am we were on the bank with baits in the water. The sun was already up, but with so much cloud in the sky we were robbed of one of the magical moments when the birth of a new day gives you images seen by so few as the sun first emerges from hiding (anyway, enough of that drug induced garbage). The first run took its time, nearly as long as it took to hook up a few fresh baits. But it wasn't long before the reels on both boats were screaming. A number of really good fish were landed, with none threatening the 20lb mark, but good fights all the same. 10.00am came and went, with a lot of run's and about a third of the fish being landed, in one case we managed to clear a second trace out of a fish, which always gives you a lift knowing that you've returned a fish to fight another day. At this stage the good intentions were gone, but myself and Brian still had a day's work to put in so home we headed. The other two lads went on to land another two fish and came in about two hours later. All in all, a great idea, one to be repeated. Check out www.crabrock.com for another side of the story. Written by Paul Robinson (Bray Sea Angler's) ************************** Club Roundup -- The IFSA Boat Master Angler Championships took place last weekend in Cahersiveen. Our club was represented by Martin Kennedy and Liam O'Callaghan Jnr. The fishing itself was really poor with the weather forcing most of the boats to stay close to shore in the bay. Some boats were being won with 4 and 5 fish. Unfortunately, none of our lads made the team, but Martin did manage a very respectable 11th place with Liam claiming 15th. I would like to Congratulate, Warren Doyle from our neighboring club, The Bray Head Sea Anglers, who ended up in second place and will proudly represent Ireland next year in the World Championships being held in England. A couple of date changes for the coming month, I'm sure this isn't the last time we see these move. Sept 26th -- Seiko 2004 East Coast Shore Championships hosted by South Shore -- The Knights of the Silver Hook are also holding an Open Boat Competition on Sunday Sep 26th October 3rd -- Club Master Angler, Jem Toomey Species Competition October 9th + 10th -- IFSA Shore Master Angler Finals (venue unknown) October 17th -- Final Bray Head Leinster League Boat Competition and Club Master Angler October 31st -- AGM ************************** Thanks this week goes to Mick Leggitt for doing such a fantastic job in the pen with absolutely no help from anyone. **************************
"When was the last time ya had a Tetnus?" ><)))> ______________________________________________________________________________________
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"" "Our little Minnow's" Junior Boat Master Angler Competition -- It's all over, six events later, a load of happy little (and not so little) anglers proudly going back to school to tell all their friends and teachers about the medals and trophies they won. That's what its all about, showing the kids a great time, getting them out in the fresh air, teaching them how to catch fish, and praising them for their efforts. None of this would have been possible if it wasn't for Ricky Thomas, Ray Robinson, Declan O'Sullivan and Mick Leggitt, who gave up their time to give so much joy to others, Well Done!. The final leg of the event was held on Saturday September 4th. We had a turnout of 12 juniors. The weather was fairly OK, with the sun splitting the stones, but a sneaky Southerly wind came up to put a chop on the sea, but the true anglers that they are, not one of the juniors got sick, they were far to busy battling it out for the glory. Flying around the bay to take photos, I couldn't help notice the gleams on every single face I came across. They really enjoyed every minute of the competition. Unfortunately, as luck would have it, the fish didn't play fair, and only a handful of anglers actually caught anything. But by 3.00pm a lot of very hungry little anglers were back on dry land and eagerly awaiting the next stage. Ricky's wife (sorry Mr's Thomas, I never found out your name) and some of her friends did a fantastic job setting up the trophies and decorating the club house, it really made it all the more special for the kids. All the kids were treated to KFC, which I have to say went down very very well, with only bones being left. By 5.00pm all was over and a lot of very happy anglers headed off to show their pals all their silverware. Next year will seem like a lifetime away for them, but I'm sure Ricky and the lads will have a couple of ideas up their sleeves! Click here for the results (although, I still have to add Saturdays) Written by Paul Robinson (Bray Sea Angler's) **************************
"" "One for everyone in the audience" All the Winners -- Over the six competitions it was nice to see the prizes being spread across all the crew. But it's also interesting to see some really good talent coming through the ranks, and hopefully in a few years these tykes will be representing the club on the national stage. On the final day Dervilla O'Sullivan won the honors in a hard fought battle. Over the six legs, some of the other winners were, Megan Toomey Robinson, Megan Shortt, Mark O'Sullivan, and of course, the eventual Master Angler, Hailey Thomas. Not to be forgotten are the other hardy souls who gave it their all only to learn one of the most valuable lessons in angling, "It's a funny sport, and anything can happen at any time!". So until next year, keep up the interest, pester the family to buy you the odd magazine, and in no time at all you'll be back out there battling the next big fish for the supper! Written by Paul Robinson (Bray Sea Angler's) **************************
Club Roundup -- Just a short note to let everyone know that Sunday see's the last leg of the Senior Leinster League Boat competition being hosted by the Bray Head Social and Fishing Club. Checkin is from 8.00am 'til 8.30am in their Club House. Fishing is from 9.00am 'til 2.00pm.
************************** Thanks this week goes to Ricky, Ray, and DOS. Also, Mick Leggitt, Mrs. Thomas, and everyone else that helped make the Junior event so successful. Finally, the most special thanks of all goes to the JUNIOR Sponsors, the Douglas Family, and Kingscroft Development Ltd. **************************
"Nobody loves BARNEY!" ><)))> ______________________________________________________________________________________
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"" "Kilmuckridge at night" Leinster League Shore Competition Tinabearna, Kilmuckridge, Co. Wexford -- The trip to Kilmuckridge was a pleasure now that the new road has been opened. 90 minutes after leaving Bray I was checking in and getting my scorecard. The venue was broken up into two beach Tinabearna and the next beach south of it, but actually, they're the same beach. After a further jaunt in the car and leisurely stroll to my peg (no 29) I managed to lump all the essentials onto the beach and proceeded to get the "killer" gear ready. I had arrived in good time and had allowed myself an hour to set up. First was the rod, this was the first time I'd been on a beach since March (I think), so as soon as I had the auld rod and reel ready I pelted a 5 ounce out to the horizon, now that was a stupid idea! For the next twenty minutes I was trying to unravel a huge bird's nest, but eventually perseverance paid off and we were ready to go. As the start time drew closer it was time to wrap a few sandeels and say hello to the neighbours. Al, from Rahey was to my left on peg 28 and Joe from the host club, Kilmuckridge was the other side on peg 30. Two very nice guys who made the lonely fishless hours bearable. The first cast of the competition produced a counter flounder with Joe also producing one. Al managed to bring in a dogfish. So, next cast was out far to see if I could pick up the bigger points from the dogs, but to no avail. Out went the next cast, but this time I was putting it back into flounder land, and again, it wasn't long before I had my second flounder in the bag. The lads either side were also steady with their fish, and from what I could make out, with the first hour of the competition being the last hour of the rising tide, this seemed to produce the majority of the catches. Three hours into the competition, the halfway mark reached and the word was filtering around the beach that there were a few 10's and 12's. I had three, with one of them being my very first ever Tope off the beach, a little 47 centimeter scrapper. Joe from Kilmuckridge also managed to bag a small Smooth Hound minutes before I landed the Tope, so our spirits were high. If only we knew then what we know now, Stephen Brennan, one of the best Shore Anglers in Ireland was nearing the 20 mark with no sign of him letting up. By the end of the session, I had landed and returned 5 fish, which I was happy enough with, Joe had 3 and Al had 4. From the reports which I've received so far, I believe Stephen Brennan finished with something in the region of 37 fish and "First Place". This guy is amazing! Anyhow, by 12.30 I was back in the house, I didn't stay around after as it was too late. But well done to Kilmuckridge for picking a great venue, and a good night weather-wise. Written by Paul Robinson (Bray Sea Angler's) **************************
Piking on the Suck 29 August 2004 -- Well we couldn't wait for September instead we went on our first piking trip of the season last Sunday. We set off at the usual 5.00 a.m. and we were joined this time by Paul Dagger and his son Declan. The river Suck was the destination and Paul came well prepared as he produced a large pot of stew which we all ate heartily as it was just the ticket on a cold August morning and set us up well for the day. The river unfortunately was very high and the water clarity was bad but we persevered and as usual the river did not let us down as at 12:30 after hours of inactivity I got a little tug on my line closely followed by a second and then a great surge as the fish took. I had to play the fish for a while as it was not prepared to come quietly and did a fantastic tail walk before calming down and coming to the net. It weighed in at 9lb 9 ozs not bad for the first fish of the season but being a bit ring rusty I made the mistake of not being careful enough taking the hooks from this fish and it did a flip and wrapped the wire trace around my finger and if I had been a little slower I am sure I would have lost the tip of my finger. I've attached a picture of the wounded finger as a warning to all to be careful while unhooking fish. Another great day and when the water level falls a bit and the clarity improves we will be back for more and bigger fish. Talk to you soon Pat Robert with a thumping Bass caught on a drifted sandeel P.S. I also attached a photo of sea bass caught by one of the lads in Cork on our trip recently to our old friend Brian Byrne in East Ferry. One of the lads caught a Launce eel so Robet had the right idea, on it went onto a hook and within no time a fine bass was landed. Written by Pat Murray (Bray Sea Angler's) ************************* Club Roundup -- Loads of news needing to be feed to the members this week. Our last Junior Competition is taking place this Saturday, Sept 4th at 12.00. We're hoping for a good turnout. Our next Boat Leinster League Competition is on Sunday Sept.12th. This is the last leg of the league and also a Master Angler leg for the club. The competition is being hosted by the Bray Head Fishing Club. You'll need to contact our secretary soon if you're interested in fishing it as places are limited. EFSA are hosting the European Boat Championships in Cahirsiveen this week. The reports coming back so far are very promising, from what I've heard the Irish have won all the sections of the two-day light lines sections with the heavy lines being fished Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I believe a few of the Bray lads are sitting in a good position after the first day, they even made the 6.00pm News last night! Our AGM has been moved to Sunday October 24th, this is because the next few weeks are hectic with angling events. Here's a brief rundown of the coming weekends Sept 4th -- Club Junior Final Sept 12th -- Bray Head Leinster League Competition and Club Master Angler Sept 18th + 19th -- IFSA Boat Master Angler Finals, Cahirsiveen, Co. Kerry Sept 26th -- Seiko 2004 East Coast Shore Championships hosted by South Shore October 3rd -- Final Club Master Angler, Jem Toomey Species Competition October 9th + 10th -- IFSA Shore Master Angler Finals (venue unknown) October 17th -- InterClub Boat Competition October 24th -- AGM
************************** Thanks this week goes to Pat Murray for his Pike contribution, hope the finger heals with a nice scare so he can sit in front of the telly when he too old to move, look down at it and remember the fun times, all good anglers need a fish scare to show off. Pat has just joined the elite ! **************************
"Tep-sember is here and the kids are back at school" ><)))> ______________________________________________________________________________________
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