Fishing
North Point
At the North point of Shell Island, the main channel leads out from the
Estuary to the sea, and is very popular with fishermen as the water runs deep
and at times fast. Bass are the major objective although fishing for plaice and
flounder provides good sport. On rare occasions mackerel have entered the
estuary and the sea appears to boil with activity.
Fishing the north channel
Bathing Beaches
During the day, the bathing beaches are too busy during the summer months.
However as twilight approaches and the beach becomes quiet then the
fishermen take over. Again bass is the major prize. From the bathing beaches
Bass, Flounder Plaice Mackerel, Dog Fish, Skate, Thornback,and an occasional
Sting Ray are all fished for
Fishing over the Rocks
Not for the faint hearted. Fishing over the rocks can be rewarding as in
1995 it proved to be for Graham Wilson. He landed the biggest shore caught bass in
the UK .
Fishing over the rocks means floating your line and hoping not to get
snagged. More often than not, you end up loosing your tackle.
Fishing over the rocks
Fishing by boat
Fishing from your own boat can be very fruitful. At the south end of Shell Island is a reef
St. Patricks Causeway which runs out for 14 miles. Great days can be spent fishing for a few mackerel
to provide an afternoon of sport fishing for Tope, Bullhuss, Doggies, Skate, Thornbacks. An afternoon
fishing on the reef for black bream can provide a feast for the old evening Bar-b-cue. and indeed what
a feast!
Bait
Peeler crabs are available to gather yourself from the rockpools. Lug worm
can be dug from the estuary alongside the boats. Various shellfish, Cockles
mussels and small clams can be gathered in the estuary. If really caught out,
frozen bait can be purchased on the 'island'