Tope Fishing Tips

[YAPPO]

I have managed to catch LSD's no problem, Bull Huss, Thornback Ray but no tope so far.
I am now trying to target the tope and have had 3 unsuccessful outings so far.
I am boat fishing in the area from Bray to Wicklow Town. I start by catching mackerel for bait and I use a whole fish(not too big) hooked through the head as described in an article on this site.
Any tips or local knowledge to improve my chances would be appreciated.

[MarieK]

I find the freelining technique as described on this site doesnt work for me, maybe Irish fish are different!!

I usually just use a mackerel flapper on a wire trace and about an 8oz lead cast it out a bit from the boat and wait with the ratchet on for a big run.

MarieK

[YAPPO]

Thanks MarieK

I have been given a new mark to try on Sunday and I will try both methods and a few different baits.

Will let you know how I get on

[fergal]

good luck to ya fella, id love to see some tope catches on this forum

[YAPPO]

OK sea too choppy for this old body to anchor up so kept in closer and caught 6 cod & 8 pollack plus of course about 20 mackerel to top up my bait supplies.
Ah well I will try again to get out for that elusive tope and try out your suggestions.

Tight lines

[salmotrutta]

make sure you cut the backbone out of the mackeral as this will give it more scent for the tope to home in on.