Mullaghroe Strand, Blacksod, Co Mayo

A clean sand beach, steep to at high water, but mainly shallow with no snags. Faces almost due east directly into Blacksod Bay, and only takes a short surf even in east to southeast winds. A good mark when strong west winds prevent you from fishing the west side of the Belmullet Peninsula.

Fishes best through the flood tide with the two hours before high water excellent. Spring tides are best for the rays and codling, but neaps fish well for flatfish.

SPECIES
Summer and autumn months provide spotted ray, small-eyed ray and thornbacks, plus dabs, flounder, turbot, plaice and sea trout.

From November to March gives codling, coalfish, flounder, dabs and whiting.

BEST BAITS
Lugworm and ragworm are essential for the flatfish, coalfish and codling, but the rays and sea trout take sandeel. Mackerel strips or squid are good for the whiting and are good tippet baits with the worm.

TACKLE
Distance is not needed at high water with the flatfish, sea trout and whiting close in, and so a spinning rod and 10lb line with just an ounce of lead works well. Longer casts prove best over low water, so go for conventional beachcasters, 15lb line and 5ozs of lead. Use this gear for rays as well.

Top rigs are two-hook clipped up rigs for general fishing, but switch to a single one-hook rig clipped down for the rays. A 2-foot trace and a single sandeel allowed to wash around tight in in the surf is an alternative sea trout method and also takes the turbot.

GETTING THERE
Take the N59 to Bangor Ferris, turning on to the R313 for Belmullet. As you come to the market square in the centre of Belmullet take the right turn for Blacksod, and then about a mile down the road turn left again for Blacksod. Mullaghroe is signposted to the left as you approach Aghleam. Good parking right above the beach.