ANGLING NOTES: A SURVEY of the angling potential of Waterford Estuary is expected to highlight exciting new locations at this premier angling venue.
The seven-day project got under way last Wednesday with successful sojourns to “marks” within the estuary. Part-funded by Wexford Local Development in conjunction with Walter and Jim Foley, charter skippers respectively of the 40-foot Orinoco and 42ft Wild Swan, the idea behind the survey is to improve the scope of angling tourism in the area. “Rather than steaming to tried and tested marks week after week, we need to check on new areas. For example, the sand banks within the estuary are a haven for flat fish and check the viability of the many wrecks in the vicinity,” Foley says. Fishing onboard the Orinico we checked locations at Creaden Head, close to Brownstown, the Great Lewis wreck and numerous marks off Passage East and Duncannon with interesting results. In total, the group accounted for six species including codling, eel, dogfish, flounder and near-specimen dab. A 5am start on Thursday heralded a brighter and calmer day, allowing the group to explore marks south of Hook Head. A two-hour anchored stint on West Rock brought greater awards with conger to 6kg, ling, codling, pouting and wrasse. The survey will continue (weather permitting) at different locations until Wednesday. A clearer picture is expected to emerge as to the true potential of this angling venue. Meanwhile, Walter and Jim Foley have ordered two additional charter boats due to come on line for next season. The 26ft New Haven Mitchells will have the potential to explore inshore marks. “Bass fishing can be excellent along the coastline,” according to Walter.
This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times