Rossnowlagh Strand, Co. Donegal

This is a true south-west facing surf beach, shallow and wholly clean sand. It takes on an impressive series of five water tables running around 150 metres out during a stiff blow. The left-hand corner backs up to rocky cliffs and is a good spot, though plenty of fish come from the middle of the beach in front of the access road.

It fishes later in the year starting in June for flounder, dogfish and dabs. A few plaice are likely from June to July. Bass can show during late July, but fish to 8lbs are taken in the late August to September period. The early autumn can also see turbot to 3lbs.

Whiting move in during night tides by mid September, and are joined by a few codling running the surf come October through to February. The bigger whiting also show in the post Christmas period.

The boats catch thornbacks close in off the beach and a spring tide at low water is bound to produce a few, especially in the April/May period, and again in September and October.

TACKLE & BAIT
Your only choice is a 5-6oz beachcaster, 6500 sized multiplier or fixed spool and 15lb line. Distance can be important for the bass, codling and especially the rays. Try shorter casts though, for the turbot, flounders and dabs.

Leads need to be 5oz release wire grippers as there can be an undertow that pulls your kit round to right on a flooding spring tide.

Fish a one-hook clipped down rig for the bass, rays and codling. For variety, a two or three hook rig takes everything. Stick to 3/0 hooks for bass and codling, but drop to size 2 or 4 Aberdeen's for the flats and whiting.

Worm baits take just about everything, bar the rays. It's worth having sandeel with you to pick up the turbot and to tip off with. Like wise some mackerel. There are razorfish shells on the beach and these would be a good move for the flounder late on in the year.

GETTING THERE
Take the N15 to Ballyshannon. Turn on to the R231 for Creevy, Coolmore and Rossnowlagh. There is a signpost to the beach, which can be seen from the road as you drive towards it. It is better to keep down from the land and drive closer to the sea.There is soft sand in front to the hotel and streaching northwards. Before parking your car, know the tides, a tide book can be bought locally for €2 (£1.40 Sterling approx).