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Print versionTimoleague Estuary, Courtmacsherry
From Bandon on the N71, take the left turn to Timoleague and then on towards Courtmacsherry. The road to Courtmacsherry runs along the west bank of the estuary and there are numerous places to park at the verge side with adjacent small pathways leading down to the marks.
A small estuary with weed covered rock edges giving way to clean sand, though with some weed evident in some parts. Very shallow, and save for the main feeder channel, virtually dries out at low water over a big spring tide.
Fishing is either off the rocks, or from areas of shingle at high water level.
Flounders form the mainstay of catches, along with eels and dogfish, But some good bass are taken, especially in the autumn, along with Summer mullet. The sea facing end also carries summer mackerel, plus autumn coalies, whiting and dabs.
For the bass, eels and flounders, very short casts keeping baits close in around the base of the weed covered rocks proves most effective. Occasional longer casts into the deeper channels during high water picks up dogfish, plus more flounder.
A light spinning rod or bass rod, and a reel filled with 12lb line handles all targets bar mullet. Leads need be no more than an ounce for close casting, but 3oz grippers are needed if you're fishing the deeper channels during the flood tide.
Float fishing with small harbour ragworm or flakes of mackerel flesh will take the mullet, though prior pre-baiting of a particular area will dramatically increase your success rate. Go down to 4lb line for these.
Fishes best from three hours before high water to half an hour after. Once the depth starts to decrease, the fish disappear quickly. Best time for bass, mullet and flounder is the hour before high water slack. Eels show well during slack water itself.
Bass show from May through to November peaking in September. Eels are a summer species, with coalies and dabs likely from September onwards. Flounder and dogfish show all year.
Peeler crab is plentiful along the estuary banks and is by far the best bait for all species other than mullet. Worm baits are far less effective, though mussel works well for the flatfish as there are large numbers over the rocks.
Start fishing towards the mouth of the estuary as the tide starts to flood strongly and work back with the tide fishing two or three different marks as you go. This is more productive keeping you in contact with the fish longer.
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