Hi all.
I'm looking to take up fishing this year. I wouldn't say I am a complete beginner, I've float fished for trout in stocked fisheries and did a little sea fishing for mackerel as a kid but haven't really got my feet wet with course fishing. I've been reading up about what I need and different methods etc.
Living close to Downpatrick, the Quoile seems to be the natural place to start and perhaps have a go at pike fishing.
Has anyone any recent experience or knowledge of the river? I've read that it is quite silted up now and fish stocks have been affected because of a number of reasons. I see a spot at Inch Abby I was thinking of giving a go. There are a few fishing stands further upstream too but are there pike lurking there also?
I thought I'd get my research in before getting my rod licence, permits and equipment. Any feedback is much appreciated. Will be happy to post how I get on.
Have you got any equipment atm or are you starting completely fresh
Completely fresh. I've a bit of an idea what I need in terms of line, unhooking mat, rig set up, unhooking tools etc. Only thing I was a little clueless on are rods. I was thinking I would do some deadbaiting and lure fishing. Is there a one rod that can be a bit versatile to do both or should I just buy two budget rods to cover both and get me started? I was thinking a ten foot rod with 3lb test curve? Short enough for river banks with limited cast space but long enough to get it out there.
You could buy a heavy rod and deadbait on it but you wouldn’t be able to cast fair with it and it’d only really be suited for float set ups I would recommend a 7-8 ft rod casting weight roughly 30-80 anything around that would be grand if your fishing from the bank of a river. And then a deadbait rod 10-12ft and about 3 pound test curve you could get both for 200 all in and they’d do a grand job and last you years if your take care of them.
Thanks for the advice. I'm going to put a bit of a shopping list together this week and hopefully get set up for heading out soon.
The Quoile is a great river. For pike not so much..
Heard Pike stocks have dwindled a bit. Recommend anywhere else in Down?
You should check out Ballydugan lake. It’s £15 for a day ticket but it’s full of pike, you’ll be guaranteed catches and it will help you get used to handling and unhooking pike correctly.
Thanks, I've heard about there, will check it out when I get up and going. Yeah been watching a few YouTube videos on handling pike etc so hope to have a fair idea of what I am doing and hopefully put it into practise!