The forecast showed a nice clear spell to get the kayak out and try get a Tope. Once again I loaded the car up the night before to head down early to catch the first high tide. I called over to Kevin Brain the night before to pick up a good supply of Mackeral baits. Check out his latest catch reports and website at www.kbfishingireland.com. With the car loaded it was an early rise to hit the road down to Tralee Bay.
As in my previous write up on the Ray I got in my last outing here, my rigs were much the same. Single hook ledger rigs tied on 30lb fluorocarbon trace line to a short length of 20lb nylon coated wire to prevent the Tope from biting me off. I prefer to tie my wire direct to my fluorocarbon trace line as it then takes away the need for a swivel and a crimp thus making the presentation much more neater and appealing. This I learnt as a youngster while fishing for shark on light tackle back in S.A. On the business end was the old faithful and very good hook, the Cox and Rawle Uptide Extra. I used two sizes which were 4/0 and 6/0.
I arrived at the spot which was like a pond with not a ripple on the surface and the sound of Seagulls whining as they do. I felt confident that there would be some good fish caught today. As a fisherman there is an inner feeling that is felt when you know that it is going to be a good day. with no hesitation the kayak was loaded up, the GPS turned on and the paddling started to the position of choice. The tide really pushes here so I use a longer chain to hold my anchor in place and reduce the risk of it pulling out and me drifting away off the mark. I dropped the anchored and baited up the rods.
With the baits sitting in position it was only a game of patience. As the tide pushes here in the middle stages there is quite a heavy amount of weed passing which makes it a little frustrating but the rewards of sticking it out are worth it. As I waited patiently I had my first bit of interest. Lifting into the fish I felt the solid resistance and a good run. The familiar fight of the Stingray. After a short but good fight I got the small Stingray to the side of the Kayak and took a quick photo carefully before letting it get back to its business.
The tide really started moving after this so I decided to explore the area as I have never really had a good nose around the place. What I came across was some really good looking features that have been noted and I decided to give them a go. With the bass season open and the tide running it made it ideal to target some. Using the tide run to my advantage I fished extra light and by this I mean 
just a simple double inline hook setup. No weight, nothing, just the hooks. Sandeels are flooding in all around the place and most fish are stuffed to the gills with them. I had no sandeel with me or lures so I had to improvise. Using the white shiny belly of the Mackeral, I cut a thin strip and rigged it up to flow in the top layer of the water and not spin. The key is to not let it spin. Paddling slowly against the tide did the business as I hit four Bass in no time at all. Two were above the size limit and two were little schoolies. What great fun on a spinning rod and just a hook.
The tide was easing off at this point so I decided to head back into position for the change of the tide. It was not long till I had a good take. The line peeled off the reel and I was in to a good fish. After a few powerful runs I got the fish to the surface and was delighted to see a good sized Stingray. I decided to take it into the shore as I was very close and get a photo to show the size of it. Once I got the photo and carefully handling it, I put her back and she glided away.
After releasing this Stingray, which was kindly assisted by two shore fisherman, I went back out to my anchor and readied myself again. The rod doubled over again and I was into a heavy fish. Bigger than any fish I had this day. It went round the kayak, under the kayak and stuck to the bottom. I finally got a glimpse of what was a really good Stingray and bigger than the one previous. I did not want to handle such a fish on the kayak or go back to shore with it so I unhooked it next to the kayak and watched it swim away.
The tide was flowing fast again at this stage and the weed was coming with it. I had another take and found myself attached to a decent Thornback Ray. Covered in thorns but nice patterns on its back, I took a photo and let it back into the tide.
Waiting for the tide to ease I went in to stretch my legs and have a bite to eat. My bait was looking a little worse for wear at this stage but I still felt confident there was a Tope there with my name on it. I went back out and baited up both rods with whole joey mackeral with heads and tails removed. Waiting patiently my Shimano Trinidad started peeling line off, this was a Tope. I lifted into the fish and he ran off with the current. The fight was great as the Tope tore back up the current past the kayak and gave a great account of itself. When he cam up next to the kayak I lifted him carefully onto my lap. A couple of photos and I was a happy chap. The Tope was released and swam away.
A really good day to be out just soaking it in. Fishing, thats what its about.!
Until next time,
Tight Lines.
Fishing With Mack 