Achill Island County Mayo 6-8th October

[Graham B]

After a bit of deliberation me and my brother plumped for a a couple of days fishing on Achill Island in County Mayo, just up the coast from Westport. The reasoning was whichever way the wind blew we would be able to fish somewhere due to the area being an Island.

It was a good choice as the wind never dropped below 30 knots for the three days we were there.

A break from this seasons cod fishing which has been so far fantastic, I still haven't had a fish over 5lb this year but the numbers are huge!

The wind hampered some of the marks we had aimed to fish as they were too dangerous due to the huge atlantic rollers. The marks mostly envolved a long walk and screamed fish but were just not safe to fish in the conditions we had. To sum most of the marks up would be Cullernose point on steroids!
We still had some success on the fall back marks and eneded up with Pollack, Coalfish, Flounder, Mackeral, Dogfish and a Seatrout! Nothing huge but good mixed fishing on spinning gear and the normal bottom gear.

We had a great time and the only thing next time fishing a bit further I would probobly fish an area fished more regularly.

We didin't have much information on the marks or how they fished so it was a bit of chance it and chuck it!

We got some great information on all of the shore marks in Clew bay for next year!
If you are heading to Achill the best piece of advice I can give is to take hiking boots and comfy ones at that! Be carefull of the Atlantic swells as well! The scenery is fantastic.

Graham.

 

[sam harris]

Achill Island.

Achill Island.

Next time you go over Graham call into the tackle shop at Westport and speak to Doug. He used to work at Hewitsons in the town, but I have been told he now has his own tackle shop down on the quayside just along from the Helm Hotel. He knows the area like the back of his hand and he has taken me to some excellent marks. Did you not have a go for the mullet in the harbour ?.
A great beach for bass by the way is the Silver Strand which is on the south side of Clew Bay. I first fished that area in about 1970, it's my second home, beautiful scenery, fabulous fishing and great people.
Tight Lines,
Sam.

 

[Cawtoot]

Nice pics, they bring back a few memories

I fished a few marks over there a few years ago, Keel Strand, Doogort, Keem Strand and all screamed fish but didn't really produce.
Triple shots of Turbot from Keel Strand was the highlight of my trip.
A few Huss came out of the spot where you have the Doggie in the pics, not sure what the mark was called though but it had a good bit of tide.

Keem Strand is a beautiful mark to fish.