Strangford Lough virgin

[Headlander]

Hi,

I'm visiting Strangford Lough in early September and wondered if anyone had any information on where to fish, what I could expect to catch, the best tackle and baits/lures/methods to use and where I can collect/dig suitable bait?

Also, what are the chances of getting afloat locally to fish the lough or surrounding areas?

I usually fish form the shore on the hard ground off the Durham beaches for Cod and afloat for Cod and Ling out of Hartlepool.

[raymondo]

to be honest there is not really anything worth shouting about in the lough, there are a few good pollack to be had at lee's wreck but the mouth of the lough is probably better although boat fishing here is difficult due to the ferocious tides
(7knts +)there is a local angling site where you will get good advice - http://www.sea-angling-ireland.org/bulletin%20board/index.php(look up "K2 extreme")

[Headlander]

Looks like I'll probably give the Lough a miss and try some of the other marks mentioned on this forum. Cheers.

[Skulmartin]

You may be a virgin but I am a slapper as far as Strangford goes. It can be a good spot for all sorrts of fishing. It is an incredible place and worth spending a bit of time walking around, turning over a few rocks, investigating the shoreline. It really is unique in ecological terms.

In terms of fishing there are marks for sea trout, mackeral, flatties, dogs,hus and conger, pollock and coalies al from the shore.

The narrows is the best shore spot and the tide is awsome. The best time I feel is the two hours either side of low tide. Anywhere from Marlfield, two miles north of Portaferry to Bar Hall two miles south of Portaferry. You will be able to judge based on your previous experience on the type of ground you are over how to fish.

I normally fish moving rigs, spinners, hokkais etc due to the current and have great sport particuliarly with Coalies (Blocken) and Pollock (lithe) Mackeral can be good sport.

Fly can be quite good at this time of year.

There is at least one boat for charter or hire out of Portaferry. Enquire locally. The moouth of the Lough from a boat opens up all sorts of possibilities.

Good luck

[Headlander]

Thanks Skulmartin,

I'll bring the lures and the spinning gear!

I'm off out into the North Sea tomorrow (2 hours steaming) for Cod and Ling and anything else still swimming out there. Recent reports are good. Fingers crossed.

:)

[K2_NI]

I always thought there were 2 Charter Boats out of the Port' one being the Cuan Shore Chartered by Des Rodgers (Think its a Lochin33), the other being 'St Brendan' a Big Tub of a thing, skippered by John Murray, Having been out on both these Vessels I have found the Fishing quite good.