Common Skate from the shore

[Ian Burrett]

Davy

I seem to remember a sea angler report about three Skate caught from your local pier in one night perhaps 10-12 years ago.

 

Has there been any success since then?

 

Ardtornish point always seems a likely spot for them as it shelves away very quickly.

 

John Montgomery who works for Ardtornish estates told me he has had, whilst scalloping, Skate swimming over his head in 40-50 ft of water

 

Did you hear about the recent Irish docomentary on Skate fishing from Baly Castle, Apparently they are catching 2-3 a day in an area considered barren a few years ago.

 

Who knows? We might be catching them down here again if they continue to flourish.

[Davy Holt]

Hiya,

 

Off hand i think there has only been one more skate caught from the pier , a small fish of 40lb. I know there have been a good few hooked and lost though due to the amount of snags down there.

 

I though the same about the point but you would be dragging your line over sharp rocks and you also have the problem of a sizable wreck just in front of you. So really the odds would be against you.

 

I've heard about John's claims but was told to take them with a pinch of salt if you get my drift :)I do however know of a few fish being seen in less than 40' from reliable sources up there

 

I've not heard about this documentary, but it would be expected if the area has been left alone for a few years. I'm sure the banks out from you will also start producing again if they have been left alone by the trawlers.

 

As it stands they are making a slow but steady comeback and are now showing again in quite a few of their old haunts