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Rossnowlagh Strand, Co. Donegal

Mike Thrussell 01 January, 2006 08:15:00

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).

WSF Tackle
SEARCH FOR TACKLE
DEPARTMENTS

BERKLEY FRENZIED POPPER £3.91 Each
Berkley PopperThe most versatile topwater bait ever produced. The Frenzy Popper just might be the best ever! Its unique balanced design allows it to be fished several ways. Chug it or pop it, and it spits water like a big fish chasing little ones. Slow it down with soft twitching actions, and it walks with the best of 'em.

TIDEWATER LURE RIGS 83p Each
FeathersAs any boat or shore angler will tell you, lure rigs when used alone or with bait are great for catching all manner of species. We've selected the very best rigs from the Shakespeare TideWater range that are idea for boat and some shore work.

7" WSF Jelly Worms
Berkley Power WormsDeadly 7inch jelly worms that are deadly for all manner of predator fish, especially pollack. We allow you to buy individual colours so you can mix and match what you want!
Jelly worms are 30p each!

Get ready for the new Plugging Season, Buy 3 get one of them for free, Blue Pilchard Divers
Blue PilchardBuy 3 Devil's Own Diving Plugs you get one of them for free in our 3 for 2 offer.
Check out our Devil's Own Lures.
These lures are ideal for bass and other predatory species. Price: £2.74 each. or £5.48 for 3.

WSF NOW STOCKS SAKUMA HOOKS
Sakuma HooksSuper strong Japanese Hooks from Sakuma. We now stock the 545 Manta Extra, 540 Manta, 560 Stinger and 543 Pennel Manta Extra hooks. All hooks are supplied in boxes of 30.

Bass PoppersBASS POPPERS! FROM £3.67
These excellent long range casting popper lures are ideal for numerous saltwater species including Bass. Berkley Frenzy Poppers.

SALTWATER FLIES FROM FULLING MILL FROM £1.25
Saltwater FliesWSF Now stocks the high quality range of saltwater flies from Fulling Mill. We have picked out a deadly selection from the Fulling Mill range that will help any saltwater fly angler this season.

BACK IN STOCK PENN CAPTIVA CV2 REELS
Captiva ReelsPRICE FROM: £37.18
Sea spinning reel, ideal for use with the Shakespeare Salt Spin Rod. Packed with features including an ultra smooth front drag, permanent instant anti reverse and a metal spare spool. The 5000 is idea for use with spinning with heavier nylons between 12 and 15lbs and Braid.

BACK IN STOCK SALT / CAPTIVA SPINNING COMBO DEAL
Captiva Reel DealsIdeal spinning combo from Penn and Shakespeare. Featuring the hugely popular Salt Spin 10ft, 3 piece spinning rod, and the fantastic Captiva 5000 CV2 Spinning Reel from Penn. PRICE: £73.39

BACK IN STOCK ABU CARDINAL 304FD PRICE: £37.18
Abu CardinalThis Front Drag version of the popular Abu Cardinal range of reels is an ideal reel for braid. Each reel features 7 bearings (1AR) Bearing, Instant Reverse and a spare spool. It holds 210/10lb line. Each reel comes with a free Abu Cardinal Reel Bag.


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