Bass Fishing Resources - Notes and observations

Bass Fishing Resource

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Thanks to Everyone

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Contents

winter light at the cutbucktail deceiver....BTDRed 'n Edmullet on the flysaltwater fly fishing the rocky shoreIrish Angler CoversFebruary and 2 days in Cork..Redington Super Sport Series - now available at SEAiLucky Craft Pointer Real Skinwhat we saw today the dog and I - Feb 11thwhat we saw today Giles and I - Feb 13thjack and the scorpion fishhipster - line tray basket type thingysome of the oldest rocks in the worldsaltwater fly fishing in estuariespredator and saltwater flies from Rod Tyesea trout from the sea on the flyExciting Seabass Games - ESGFreshwater Lures from SMITH - Panish & DD PanishTroutin' Spin Interboron Rodsguiding the guide....people often ask me.....My sixth year of guiding for.....& the C+R competition

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Lure fishing techniques for saltwater - IrelandSalt Water Lure Fishing - Part 1 of 21 - Surface LureFishing ISaltwater fly fishing - Part 1 of 21 General Fly Choicewhat we saw today the dog and I - April 1IWASHISaltwater fly fishing - P2 of 21 - The instinct of thedecisionEngelse-drop or the English Dropwhat we saw today the dog and Iwhat i say today - April 08chasing saltwater silver - the elusive seatroutfirst signs of madnessBass Fishing in Ireland - An overviewapril evening at one of my favourite placesSaltwater fly fishing - P3 of 21 - Where is my fly?Spring light at the cutSalt Water Lure Fishing - P2 of 21 - Retrieves for earlyspring and...Three days in the melting potYour phone callstrout from a lakedestination (wexford) fly fishingThe Saltwater Guiding Service from SEAi.shad in the river

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Niall strikes it lucky - 10 days before close!still stunned by the colourslet sleeping monsters lieVisiting anglers to SEAi and Wexford - 2008the fish - the smiles............take offlarry makes loops at the riverBoat Angling Irelandthere are other places toowhat we saw today the dog and I - May 28thSaltwater fly fishing - P4 of 21 - Choosing a flySalt Water Lure Fishing - P3 of 21 - Fishing UltralightLuresFuture posts scheduled for JuneSaving Lives At Sea - Sea anglers includedSaltwater fly fishing - P5 of 21 - Fly casting forsaltwaterJust arrived at SEAi......feeding activityaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhT LAST!At the SEAi SWFF workshop today.fly fishing the surfSWLF - P4 of 21 - Using and choosing micro luressome days are better than othersAndrew and Philip - aka 'The Nolan Sisters'

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Saltwater Lure Fishing - P4 of 21 - Water Clarity (I)In 'BASS FISHING FILES' Now -Saltwater fly fishing - P6 of 21 - Choosing the right flylinesAlans first of many on the fly!New Zealand girls - a can do attitude!Ger Potters Summer of Silver ContinuesIn Bass Fishing Files Now - 'Guiding On The WaterfordCoast'a sequence of inevitable events.....Saltwater Flyfishing in an open timber boatThe Irish Times TodayIn Bass Fishing Files Now - Bass fishing on the CorkCoastContinued surprisesWANTED - One weather repair kitIn Bass Fishing Files Now - Attempting bigger bass onthe flywave landscapes today...little things that mean a lot.3 Days in the South EastAllez les bleus - the continuationIn 'Bass Fishing Files' NOW - Attempting bigger basson the fly - F...Saltwater Lure Fishing - P5 of 21 - Water Clarity (PII).things can only get better!

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Post No 101'Bass and B.A.S.S.'Big Fly-Big Fish - Do I need BIG rod?The GalleriesSwimming with bassMackerel on the fly - Childs playIn 'Bass Fishing Files' NOWFishing with a bycycle wheel!say hello then wave goodbyeIn Bass Fishing Files NOW -letters and phone calls etcA week in SeptemberJump for your livesSaltwater fly fishing - P7 of 21 - Where should I fish?A fishing reportDaiwa Certate Bass Rods - 902ms / 802msInternational Interest-Bass Fishing WexfordDublin Bass on the fly - Ger PotterIn a flapEnd of the weekA day with friends on the boatremains an influenceSeptember evening at the riverBass Fishing on the Fly in Norway DVD

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Caught and released - JonathanAutumn Bass at St Helens83 cms of Solid Silver Landed Today on the FLYWhat people say about the coursesSaltwater fly fishing in OctoberThe pier in HowthThe Season 0f 2008 - a review!The Sloopy Droopy !Bassfishing Files Now OpenIn Novembers Irish AnglerSaltwater Fly Fishing WorkshopsAutumn Silver and GoldOctober Bass on the Fly and Lure - A week with SEAi'committed' bass fisher - should be!Mackerel on the fly - Childs Playfor Andrew and PhilipSaltwater fly fishing - P8 of 21 - When should I fish?best bass fishing ?Holidays OverCan you 'dead drift' a surface lure?ALL NEXT WEEK IN BASSFISHING FILESFISHING THE TIDAL RACE! PIFISHING THE TIDAL RACE! PIIFISHING THE TIDAL RACE! PIII

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Do you find yourself dreaming?FISHING THE TIDAL RACE! PIVAndys' Flies go on HolidaysThank youFISHING THE TIDAL RACE! PVWinter scenes at the riverWexford Anglers on Irish TeamThe toughest bass fishing year yet!Be careful what you fish for!Salt Water Lure Fishing - P6 of 21 Surface lure fishingIISalt Water Lure Fishing - P7 of 21 - Micro lures for seatroutSaltwater Lure Fishing - P8 of 21 - Surface lure fishingIIISaltwater Lure Fishing - P9 of 21 - Surface lure fishingIVSaltwater Lure Fishing - P10 of 21 - TimingsIn Bassfishing FilesSaltwater fly fishing - P11 of 21 - Influences, Tidal FlowSaltwater Fly Fishing - P10 of 21 - Where are the fish?Ireland remains a Great destinationNEW PE+ Crystal Line from CortlandCurrent surface water temperaturesBASS FISHING WEEKEND WORKSHOPS 2010Spring day in march

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Fly fishing for bigger bass - IFly fishing for bigger bass - IIOn the Barrow with David Wolsoncroft DoddsWhat colour is the sun?Fly fishing for bigger bass - IIIFirst Workshop of 2009Spring estuary bassFly fishing for bigger bass - IVSurface water temperaturesWhat we saw today the dog and INext week in Bass Lure Fishing FilesSummer Rainfall 2008Surface water temperatures.Fly fishing for bigger bass - VSometimes you forgetSaltwater Fly fishing tips - summarySaltwater Lure Fishing P12 of 21 - Catch & ReleaseAll is never lost!Pike fishing with Peadar O Brien and DavidWolsoncroft DoddsAlans start of seasonThe approaching tide - Week 19/20.Bass Fly Fishing Season BeginsDestinations Ireland - Coming Soon..Easy like a Sunday morning....fly & lure

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A lifetimes ambition realised at todays workshop!Bass Fishing Guides Diary 2009Saltwater Fly & Lure Fishing WorkshopsFly casting for saltwaterPike - 30lbs plus on the FlyX-Layer Vs Clouser MinnowRecent rumoursWexford summer daysSunday, May 31, 2009Tackling up for bass - Fly FishingThe Bass Fishing FliesBass Fishing in IrelandItalian Video Opportunity with Angelo Piller - FlyFishing for Bass...Opening Day 2009Welcome to the DARK SIDEThe remaining chapters of SWFF & SWLF tips - BassFshing Wexfordsplash, bubble and POP.........Latest ReportsAndrews C+R - 79 cm'sHow difficult is SWFF for bass on the Wexford Coast?A great mornings fishing.Fly Fishing for Bigger Bass - VISaltwater Fly Fishing For Bigger Bass

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Tuesday, July 07, 2009Colms superb achievementWaves of rockoooohhh baby I loved you so......The Big White OneTo Shauna, Caroline and EileenAllen strikes silver on home ground on the flyThe Ones That Dont Make itConditions Week 30The Warmest of Wexford Welcomes!Ivan the terrible or not as the case may be!A Short FairytaleHurricane season arrives late in WexfordHolidays 2009West Cork JellyfishFish & FlyGoing homeThis morning is marked foreverEvening time and a close to a spectacular dayBass fishing neednt cost the earth!Saturday, August 08, 2009Last Guiding Session of the weekGlad to be away from it sometimes!Saturday, August 22, 2009

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Landing Gearnew definition of summer madnessbiodegradable soft luresForecasting the weatherGet on down..........thats where its at!get into the grooveFriday, September 04, 2009Is this what we have been waiting for?Theres no doubt its nearly impossible !Out of the brown and...........into the blueTuesday, September 15, 2009Autumn surface lure fishingThe rod is loading and so is the weather!September satisfactionTwo specimen fish on the FLY - during a Workshop!Sunday, September 20, 2009Reflections and RefractionsIan's pesonal best - this morning.Saturday, September 26, 2009Five Ninety Nine - Silver amongst Autumn GoldFly Fishing for Bass - ConsiderationsIndian Summer Workshop - with Fran and GerIndian Summer Workshop - with Fran and Ger

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Wednesday, October 14, 2009Forecasting the weatherColins beautiful bass on the flyDaiwa Day Breaker performs at Day break!Eric le Guyader in WexfordFriday, October 23, 2009T minus 20 and counting destination AndrosT minus 19 and counting destination AndrosA fishing movie about a fishing movie!Forecasting the weatherWednesday, November 04, 2009David Wolsoncroft Dodds in Northern ManitobaT Minus 8 and counting - destination AndrosT minus 7 and counting - destination AndrosA Christmas present?Coming soon 2009 a review!Off today at lastWho made it happen?Tuesday, November 24, 2009A return to realityDay One - Andros South - Monday Nov 16thSaturday, November 28, 2009Barracuda at the airportA Bass Fishing Guides Diary - the last issue!

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The end of 'A Guides Diary'Late Autumn Bass Flies - experimentalSome summary stats from 2009Back to (a) school at Andros SouthForecasting the weatherSeek and you shall findroom for wordsWednesday, December 09, 2009What do we think about when we think........Get HookedTrained to TrainSaltwater Fly Line

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winter light at the cutSaturday, January 12, 2008 During my fishing days i spend a lot of timewatching and thinking about different typesof light. I notice the dramatic effects it hason the landscape and the way it canchange our perceptions of how good or badfishing co nditions will be. The light altersour mood and hence we react accordingly,as a result our fishing is affected. But is thischange in our fishing brought about by ourown conceptions of how we think light

affects the fish we hope to catch or is theresomething else at work? Indeed somelighting conditions are better than others?Dull overcast days are favoured by manyanglers as low light levels increase fishesconfidence whilst bright sunny days keepfish 'down', or so it goes. The challenges offly fishing lie in many places no more sothan in convention. As the cold wet andd a r k

weather stalks the land, sea fishing is very quiet. The sunis low in the sky and shadows are long. It is a while beforethe seatrout start running the estuaries and April seemsan age away. Eager Salmon anglers sit fidgeting andfussing as opening day approaches.But slowly the days are getting longer, the sun gets higherin the sky, the light changes and I too wait in anticipationfor the new season of Spring and the challenges of 2008.Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 05:05PM (UTC)

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bucktail deceiver....BTDSaturday, January 19, 2008

During the late autumn of 2006 i was givensome flies by a friend of mine from the UK.These were the bucktail deceiver. I triedthem and had some success, but it wasduring the 2007 season that the fly reallycame into its own - i f ished almostexclusively with it and it has proved itself asan excellent bass catcher on the Wexfordand Cork coast.

Easy to tie and easy to cast make it theideal fly for many occasions and the flytying variations make it a perfect allrounder. Tied skinny and you have aperfect sandeel type pattern, tied with morematerial and its a great baitfish.

The enticing action of bucktail is hard to beat and my bass fly box now containsgreys/whites and chartreuse of course. Originally created by Bob Popovic in 2003 the flyis tough and long lasting and can also double as a teaser.

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Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:40AM (UTC)

Red 'n EdSunday, January 20, 2008

.....glad to know Jim had the good commonsense to use the better looking person (Me)for a picture on the website. Wouldn't besurprised now if he gets overwhelmed withinquiries from lots of good looking womenwondering who that handsome guy (Me) is.Again he showed good common sense anda good eye for business by leaving Ed outof the ad. Who knows the likes Ed wouldhave attracted to the site. I've been toIreland a dozen or more times over the pastten years. Getting to really see Ireland

(Beautiful places Jim took us) while we were fishing made that trip my best! Bendy Rods -JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:56AM (UTC)

mullet on the flyTuesday, January 29, 2008 Catching mullet on the fly is quite an angling challenge, not an imposible one, but onethat takes a little patience and time. From as early as late March or the first few weeks ofApril these fish can be seen mooching, swirling and splashing about in our estuaries. Aswater temperatures rise and the days grow longer into late April so their numbersincrease, where they spend their winter months maybe something of a mystery, but Igreet them as the first sign of hope after a bleak January and February.

These species are late maturing often as late as nine or ten years, and not only are they18

late developers but they also seem topossess an ability to spawn in which everyear they choose. Subject to the usualinfluences like water temperature andavailability of food, it is suggested that theydo not spawn until at least late April andspawning may continue into late summer.Fish tend to remain in one location overtime especially if there is a local 'foodsupply'. Often to be taken advantage of by

the fly angler!

So what are we to do? How do we setabout catching this fish? Like many of ourapproaches to saltwater flyfi shing inIreland it helps to find a congregation of fishor rather where at specific times do fishtend to congregate in good numbers.Estuaries, harbours, tidal drainage systemsand even the open sea, quite often close to

shore hold large numbers of fish. Through simple observation we can judge when mightbe the best time to tackle our elusive quarry. During the early stages of a rising tide largeshoals of mullet will sweep into the estuary moving further inshore with the flow of water.There is an interesting behaviour that you can observe during this time especially wherethere is a lot of bl

adder wrack. Fish will often swim in less than six inches of water and you can often seetheir dorsal and tail fins. Its important that you stay out of sight to avoid spooking them, ifyou do dont worry too much as they will return. With the rising tide fish will often swimunder sections of the seaweed with a very much-exaggerated sinuous motion, almostsnakelike. I often wonder are they dislodging food particles from the seaweed tentacles? 19

Watch them move from bunch of weed tobunch of weed! Ok so we have found a fewfish I here you say but what are theyeating? If there is a local supply of food likean ouf low p ipe or e f f luent f rom acommercial fishery or otherwise mullet willtend to gather at these locals - imitativeflies of the food source can catch you somefish no doubt. Bread flies, worm flies,seaweed flies even grayling flies have been

cast at this wonderful fish. The latest story Ihave heard is that in one locality duringsummer they have a weakness for icecream cone! Now there's a tying challenge.Its probably best to fish and cast at them aseffectivley as possible with a generic 'whitefly' of bread type imitation at first then tryfishing with more specific patterns. Some ofthe types that i have caught fish on can beseen here - and its worth remembering that

streamer patterns, seatrout patterns andeven small bass patterns have also caughtme fish.

Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:13PM (UTC)

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saltwater fly fishing the rocky shoreThursday, January 31, 2008

The rocky seashore is a dynamic world ofenergy sound and constant motion. Wavescrash upon the shoreline and run towardsyou like a white and green freight train,hissing and roaring; spray is caught by thewind and blown into your face. Sometimesyou are lost in a world where there is noother sound other than the booming surf;the air is filled with the strong smell of

ozone and a salty mist. Far removed fromthe constant bickering and demands ofmobile phones, television and computersyou focus and become lost in the lonelyand demanding environment of the rockyseashore. You are insulated from hecticmodern-day life in a place where you willfind you need your best fishing abilities,maybe not the best presentations, maybenot the best casts, and maybe not too many

fish. But the rocky seashore presents thegreatest challenges to the saltwater flyfisherman. You can fish through thosemany challenges, the clambering overrocks, the casting into the wind, the waves,the constant catching of the running line inrocks and weed. The balancing actperformed with a line tray on slippery rocks.When you return to the car, and take off thegear, quickly now as it has started to rain,you sit in the front seat and before you start

the engine you look over the distant shoreline through a foggy windscreen. Havinglearned another small thing today you smile to yourself, and glow inwardly at what youhave achieved, and already you lay plans for the next venture.

As anglers we are presented with a wide variety of rocky shorelines and each has its owndemands and each offers its own saltwater fly-fishing opportunities. Rocky shorelinesprovide holding areas for fish between tides, feeding areas for fish, and cover for bothambush and hunting. Because of their erratic formations, rocky shorelines often createand help to enhance currents and rips. Slacks and eddies are evident at different stagesof the tides and time invested by the fly fisher watching the water is a worthwhile activity.These features exist sometimes for hours sometimes for as short as a few minutes. Waveactivity plays a hugely important role and they often can be used to determine where fish

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will lie. Whilst we fish these areas, wind direction and lightlevels affect how we make presentations and what type offly we will cast

I like to break down the rocky shoreline into three orpossibly four types. Type one is the ‘dynamic’ rockyshoreline. By dynamic I mean that there are rocks on theshoreline that are moved about regularly by wave action.The rocks at this type of shoreline are usually trapped intoa small cove and generally display rounded type featuresand shapes. These areas are often prone to catchingrough seas and during such times you can hear the rocksrolling and knocking, as they grind into each other underthe waves. Because of the constant motion they endure,

no life can adhere to themor indeed to the base rock upon which they lie. They areoften not affected by neap tides in respect of theirpositions and neap tides will generally not cover themcompletely. During spring tides however, seaweed willoften become trapped between them and if the rightconditions prevail maggot flies will abound. As the nextspring tide arrives and water floods into and over therocks maggots will be lifted into the sea often in theirthousands providing food for bass and particularly mullet.This area is best fished in calm conditions

The next type of rocky shoreline is what I like to call‘mixed’. Mixed ground to me is where we have a lot ofsmaller rocks trapped between rocky outcrops with lots ofrock pools evident.

These areas are less prone to the dynamic changesdiscussed above and so life has an opportunity to‘grip’ on here. Seaweed grows freely and offers coverfor moulting crabs, butterfish and gobies. Rock poolsare often full with shrimp, anemones and small fish.Rocks are covered with barnacles, limpets andperiwinkles. These areas are a rich feeding ground fora lot of fish like wrasse pollack and bass and shouldbe visited and targeted frequently by the salt-water flyfisher. This area is subject to some big wave activityand hence there is seldom any sand but because ofthe protection afforded from larger rock masses itremains protected to some extent from the rigours oftough weather. This area is best fished with anonshore breeze.

The third area of rocky shoreline that we will look at is the area that I call ‘varied’. A‘varied’ rocky shoreline consists of sand interspersed with rocky outcrops. These rocky

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outcrops are often not visible over highwater but rather reveal themselves as thetide drops and recedes. Over wintertime alot of high wave activity may createoutcrops by abstracting sand or indeedcover these outcrops and a spring visit tomany beaches can reveal some bigsurprises. On a day-to-day basis ‘varied’rocky shorelines do not experience hugechange and are not prone to strongcurrents. Only after a large storm or periodsof prolonged strong winds is there anoticeable change. Activity is based morearound and along the rocky outcrops.Covered in weeds with pockets of waterand many pools they hold life somewhatsimilar to the ‘mixed’ area above. Trappedbetween rocky outcrops are often lugwormor small mussel beds another feedingground for many of our predators. This areaalso fishes best with a slight breeze, whichcreates wave activity

The last area of rocky shoreline that we can see on our coast is that which I like to call‘permanent’. ‘Permanent’ rocky shoreline is often seen as vast areas of flat rock coveredin barnacles up to the high water mark and interspersed frequently with small pools. Bypermanent I mean that generally on a year-to-year basis these areas remain the sameand exhibit very little change. ‘Permanent’ areas of rocky shore generally allow us theopportunity to fish into deeper water from a height. It is often that just to the left or right ofa ‘permanent’ shoreline you will see a ‘dynamic’ or even ‘mixed’ shoreline. Washed freeof any sand and stone they provide a safe base for the angler to fish from but are oftensubject to large or even freak waves and should be treated with some degree of respectand care. Around the ends of these permanent structures there are often fast currentsand deep water – more opportunities for the fly fisher with short leaders and fast sinkinglines.

How do we go about catching fish on the fly from such a wide variety of locations? Whatflies should we use? Should we use floating or sinking lines? When in relation to tideshould we begin our fishing? What presentations should we make to increase ourchances? In the previous series of last year we discussed tackle and flies and agreedgenerally that a #9 rod and line – floating and intermediate would fulfil most of ourrequirements. A stripping basket or line tray is essential. Flies tend to be the traditionaltype of white or white and chartreuse – deceivers and clousers. I would also add somebrown or brown and red cockroaches and maybe a few sand eel type and crab patternstoo. Timings are important in relation to tides, weather and time of year.

Time invested in watching the rising and falling of tides will reveal where and when wateractivity takes place. Checking and understanding which way the wind blows and how this

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affects wave direction and hence our fly presentations will greatly increase our chances.Where there is moving water and cover you will generally find predators lurking andhunting but care must be taken in how we approach these fish. Tramping down the beachin our waders clinking and clanking and then proceeding to walk and clamber over therocks and perching ourselves at the end of the nearest point will only scare every fish inthe Irish sea away.

By minimising our noise, visual and environmental ‘profile’ we can often creep up or stalkour quarry. Be aware of things like birds on or near the ground where you intend to fish. Iffor instance there is a lot of seagulls or cormorants resting up in the area and youmanage to scare them off in one big flock by walking up quickly then any fish close by willalso see their profiles as they all fly off together, he’ll swim off too. Walk up slowlystopping now and again and bit-by-bit the flock will take off. Cormorants will slide into thewater rather attempting a panicked take-off splashing and flapping across the water. Allthese little things help.

Fishing clousers on intermediate or sinking lines in shallow water in a rocky area willprove very difficult, it’s a tactic better kept for the deeper water around the ‘permanent’shoreline. A deceiver pattern with a big profile on a monofilament leader and floating linewill be easier to fish in the vast majority of circumstances encountered on the rockyshore. Presentations can be made along the edges of promontories where retrieves arekept to a minimum. When a fly is cast properly, wave action will simply lift and carry agood fly up and over rocks and back again as the wave recedes, once contact ismaintained, the correct wave is chosen and slack is controlled this presents the fly verynaturally to cruising fish. A constant casting and stripping of the fly, whilst it may beeffective from time to time, will not appear natural in many occasions.

Continuous practice and experience at casting into, onto behind and in front of waves willquickly teach you what works best in terms of line management and presentations. I havea preference to fish whilst positioned away from rocks or reefs and try to cast long onto orinto them. I cast parallel to the shoreline and try to present the fly and line onto a wave asit rolls over the reef. Casting too early and you get a tumbling of fly and line which is notgood, casting too late and the wave has already past and you fly and line don’t travel onlyto be met with the receding wave and hence pushed further out to sea.Fish will swim onto and around reefs through waves but not every wave will do this. Theyhave a canny knack for measuring the ‘transport’ systems and they will take a wave thatwill assist them on the return journey too – they pass over the reefs in and out waiting forthat big deceiver to swim in front of their noses. Make sure your there. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 12:44PM (UTC)

Irish Angler CoversThursday, January 31, 2008I would just like to thank the staff at Irish Angler for their continued support and help overthe last few years. I have had four covers with the magazine and quite a few articles. I amof the opinion that this not only helps my small business considerably but works wondersfor the promotion of Ireland as a country where quality angling is still available. This is a

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recent comment i got from a friend of mine in the USwho surprised me by saying he receives the magazineregularly.

...good looking and informative new magazine. And Ijust saw an article by you in the January issue of Irishangler, good work and fantastic photographs...Ed

Ed Mitchell - USA


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February and 2 days in Cork..Sunday, February 03, 2008

Its remarkable really how quickly things canchange - the top photo was taken onsaturday morning the next two were taken24 hours later virtually at the samelocation.....


Redington Super Sport Series - now available atSEAiSaturday, February 09, 2008 Our newest performance rod here at SEAi . Featuring the newest Redingtontechnology.The SS Super Sport is an ultra light and ultra sensitive 4-piece performancerod that offers smooth casting, superb lifting power and balance with minimum weight.The blank is made with Redington™ Red.Core construction, which incorporates 85-26

million modulus Toray Japanese graphite, high-densityresin coating and a layer of tape wound graphite, creatinga super strong, super light blank. The series is completedwith titanium trimmings and high-end appointments.

Aluminum reel seat with graphite insertThe finest grade cork grip availableTitanium snake guides and titanium oxide stripping guidesAlignment dots with rod length and weight indication oneach sectionComes complete with a unique blue woven graphite tubethat features a laser engraved cap

What Fly Fisherman Magazine said about the SuperSport

WHEN WE HEARD THAT Redington’s new SS SuperSport series was made with 85-million modulusgraphite - a material we’ve been told is too stiff andbrittle for fly rods - we thought maybe there was justa little bit of the unusually light graphite compositein the butt section. But according to Redington SalesManager Mark Andresen, more than 75 percent of therod is made up of 85-million modulus graphite - fromthe butt all the way up past the third section and intothe tip. How do they keep the light but brittle materialfrom breaking? According to Andresen, the secret is theinner core that is made from a 3/32” strip of low-modulusgraphite wound in a spiral around the rod mandrel likethe stripes on a candy cane. The 85-million modulusgraphite material is then wrapped on the outside in thetraditional manner, with the fibers running lengthwisefrom the butt to the tip.Without this tape-wound inner core, Andresen saysthe 85-million modulus graphite would likely breakunder the strain of a large fish, but the combination ofthe core and outer fibers creates a light, fast-action rodwith exceptional strength. The midnight blue rod hassilver wraps, Pac Bay TiOx blue striping guides, andtitanium snake guides. There are seven 4-piece models,3- through 9-weight, plus a saltwater 6-weight.- FFM Staff


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Lucky Craft Pointer Real SkinSaturday, February 09, 2008

ARRIVING SOON AT SEAi -


what we saw today the dog and I - Feb 11thMonday, February 11, 2008


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what we saw today Giles and I - Feb 13thWednesday, February 13, 2008


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jack and the scorpion fishThursday, February 21, 2008I got this fantastic photograph from an e-mail friend called Jack. Jack saltwater fly fishesin and around the Dalkey area of Dublin. He caught this, his first fish of the season on alittle shrimp pattern which he tied himself. It makes me wonder how many other speciescan be caught on the fly in Irish waters? and I also wonder was it the first saltwater flycaught fish in Ireland of 2008? - thanks Jack for a great first fish of 2008.

Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 12:19PM (UTC)30

hipster - line tray basket type thingyThursday, February 21, 2008

this is definetly the best line tray or basketthat i have ever used. Here is the tecnicalblurb....... Anyone who has used one of StanPleskunas’ line management devices(LMD) appreciates his attention to detail.Stan’s “Hip Shooter” (coined by DanBlanton) is the most user friendly strippingbasket available.

Key design collaboration with Dave Sellers plus inputfrom Ed Jaworowski, Dan Blanton and a host ofothers has resulted in this remarkably effectivestripping basket’s construction and design.Some of the “Hip Shooter’s features are, extremelylight weight and collapsibility for travel.The engineered “line coil separators” and outstandingcomfort due to the soft foam construction. In additionthe basket is easily converted for right or left hand useand the unique stainless steel clip allows it to be puton and removed without unbuckling your wading belt.

In short its a great piece of functional gear. seehttp://www.aquatecfishing.com/


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some of the oldest rocks in the worldMonday, February 25, 2008


saltwater fly fishing in estuariesThursday, March 06, 2008The magic, mystery and wide variety of life that often surrounds an estuary make themvery special places to fish. These are the places where the sea sneaks slowly into theheart of our landscape twice a day, steals the rich deposits that lie there and runs awaywith them. Creeping over shingle banks, bubbling along sandy shores and sliding aroundcorners onto mudflats, the tide fills and empties the estuary with its life giving nutrients.Protected from the full force of the open ocean estuaries provide a sanctuary for vastcommunities of plant and animal life and within the estuary you will find ‘micro worlds’ ofshallow open waters, marshes, sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, mud and sand flats. All32

are protected from the full force of wind and wave by the nurturing arms of the estuary.These are places of transition where the land meets the sea in an intimate exchange ofdaily natural life.

The estuary fosters an abundance of habitats that support marine mammals, seabirds,fish, crab, clams, worms, cockles and mussels. These animals are linked together and toan assortment of plants and microscopic organisms that form a complex food chain thatis influenced by many factors. As the tide ebbs and flows over sandbars and mudflats,complex currents and slacks are created temporarily and then disappear or re-appear atdifferent locations within the estuary. Fish follow and hunt the food using the tide andcurrents everyday. Fish are keyed into feeding opportunities that the fly fisher must learnto recognise. These are wonderful places where rivers meet the sea and the sea meetsthe land in a constantly changing environment. They provide without doubt some of thebest opportunities and challenges for the saltwater fly fisherman.

The water that flows into and out of the estuary is constantly changing. Because of theconstant tidal flows that influence the amount of mixing between fresh water andseawater, things change on a day-to-day basis. Weather patterns like wind and rainfurther influence the temperature and salinity of estuarine waters not only during thedifferent seasons of the year but also every day. Thus, daily tidal flows combined withchanging weather patterns are responsible for fluctuations in water conditions in anestuary. This has a significant impact on the abundance and feeding patterns of fish. Thefly fisher needs to get intimate with these influences before he has any degree of successin the estuary.

Fish that live in and around estuarine areas are very interesting because they exhibit anumber of patterns that are influenced by changes in daily, weekly and monthly tidalfluctuations and indeed these fish are affected by degrees of salinity, water temperature,current and tidal heights. For example, the daily rise and fall of tides creates flows whichhelp to carry and distribute various food items that fish need. This food gets distributedinto and out off estuaries in greater or lesser quantities depending on the state of the tide.Food items in tidal estuarine areas include shrimp, crabs, small fish such as immaturemullet, flounders, as well as many types of worms that crawl or burrow on the rich, muddybottoms of the estuary.

For this reason the saltwater fly fisher should take advantage of tides by fishing whentides are high or just beginning to fall, when creatures that live near the shoreline aremore active and fish are attracted by the availability of more food. Certainly, one of thekey factors in successfully fishing an estuary is an understanding of the local tide andtidal current. One general rule, however, and I have found it almost always to be true, isthat during a falling or ebbing tide the fishing will be better on or near the outside of anestuary. Similarly, the inside of an estuary is usually better with an incoming or floodingtide. This is simply due to where the bait is being carried and ‘condensed’ and howpredators are also using the natural ‘transport’ systems provided by tides. The tides andtidal currents are complex phenomena influenced by many things, including the sun andthe moon. By consulting tidal heights and tidal current charts the fly fisher can be wellarmed regarding this important information. Each estuary has its own particular rhythmand a fly fisherman with knowledge of how a local estuary works will increase his or her

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chances of success.

Fish moving into and out off and sometimes through an estuary, will often not completethe journey in one go. Along the way the fishing paths that they have travelled for weeksor months on their daily journey for food will have several important ‘stopping’ locations.These locations are linked to the type of activity the fish is engaged in; indeed the fishmay be exhibiting one or more activity types while at these locations. Resting, hunting orsimply shoaling.

Lets imagine we are driving along the west coast of some distant land. We have our flyfishing gear in the boot and we have a few days off work. We have no real plans otherthan to drive and fish. As we descend into a green valley and look out over some fields, avast expanse of mud and sand flat, reflecting silver and gold in the summer sun, revealsitself to us. Naked and vulnerable we see an estuary undressed. We stop the car at theside of the road and take advantage of our elevated viewing position. At the narrowmouth in the distance the silent turmoil of pure white surf tells us the water is clear. Wenote the channels, the water that has stayed in the estuary and where it lies. The cornersand bends and indeed some small rocky outcrops where we know rising tides will flowaround in the next few hours. We drive to the closest access point we can find gear upand position ourselves midway along the shore of the estuary.

During summer months some fish like bass will choose not to leave the estuary when thetide is exiting. Instead sometimes they will ‘lie up’ within the remaining water that stays inthe estuary when the tide is out. These fish are often lying in deeper pools created wherecurrent has created ‘waves’ of sand. They may often lie along edges of bends wherewater is deeper and drop-offs exist. They are resting and maybe digesting and are veryshy. One of the most exciting ways to catch these fish is with surface poppers. Now itsoften not easy to cast a bass popper with a long leader as turnover can be an issue. Iwould recommend that you try and fish one that is the longest you can. Lining these fishis an issue as they will either simply swim off or refuse to take. Polaroid glasses arealways highly recommended.

Watch as to where your shadow falls particularly late in the evening or early morning. Thepools where these fish lie are often recognised by having a darker colour than thesurrounding areas of water – this usually indicates depth. After much trial and error youwill begin to recognise which type of pool holds fish. Try and place the end of your fly lineat the edge of the pool whilst your leader unfurls across it or better still along the edge ofit– easy! Wait and then pop and retrieve and repeat. There is nothing more exciting thanwatching the powerful shoulders of a bass create a bow wave in very shallow water,swimming faster now, towards your fly, hoping the next impact will be your popper –boom! All hell breaks loose.

You can spend some time stalking along the estuary after these fish. You probably willhave noticed the clarity of water, which is always good. Mullet can also be tackled at thisvery early stage of tide. As the tide begins to push into the estuary and further up yourlegs past your knees you will usually notice deterioration in the clarity of water. There is alot of suspended particles and the water may be feel warmer and have a slight green oryellow colour. Apart from the tidal and current influences within the estuary the fly

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fisherman should pay particular attention to this water clarity phenomenon.

During a typical summer this ‘unclear water’ moves in and out within an estuary on a dailybasis under tidal and wind influences. During periods of very settled weather the amountof ‘unclear water’ can be very small – and as the tide pushes past the angler it may onlytake one hour or less for the water to become clear again. This of course depends on thelocation that the angler is fishing within the estuary. During this time fishing oftenbecomes very slack and there is little or no activity. Then, if the angler has remained inthe one spot, after some time the water will run clear again, the temperature will drop alittle and usually the fish will follow very quickly. The incoming tide then usually remainsclear until full tide.

This ‘unclear water’ is subject to many variables, which affect its size, density andtemperature, and hence the time it takes for the estuary to push clear. A few days ofheavy rain before your fishing will increase this turbidity or a few days of onshore windswill also increase it. The lethal combination of heavy rain and strong onshore winds willoften stop fish that would normally enter the estuary from feeding therein. And even asthe weather improves their expected feeding patterns will have changed as they huntcloser to the bottom. Sinking and intermediate lines are often the order of the day.

The type of turbidity also affects the timing of the estuary running clear which has a bigimpact on your bass fly-fishing. Onshore winds will throw particles into the water that arelarger than say particles washed into the sea from a mud flat or rain fall. As aconsequence clarity returns quicker to the estuary from an on shore wind than fromheavy rain, generally of course. This phenomena was particular evident this year as theestuaries remained cold and grey and often brown well into the month of July. Excessiverainfall and cooling breezes affected many fisheries all over Ireland and indeed NorthWestern Europe this summer.

So now the water is pushing well over our knees, we can feel the tidal flow build and thewater has run clear. By remaining in the one location we can catch bass and sea trout asthey pass us by on their way into the estuary. Maybe we have local knowledge andinformation regarding a holding spot has been given to us. Bass will hold up for shortperiods behind sandbars or rocks or other obstructions. They wait to ambush theirpassing food items. As the tide pushes into the estuary it becomes more difficult for themto hold these stations so they simply slip away and move further up with the rising tidetaking up another station. Again and again the process is repeated both on the rise andthe fall of the tide.

The technical issues of saltwater fly-fishing in an estuary remain of course as anotherchallenge to the fly fisher. Type of line and presentation are very important, and thesecan be more important to some species than others. Shy fish like mullet and seatrout areoften spooky and more difficult to catch whilst bass remain more aggressive and active.Tactics and techniques vary widely as does equipment and it is probably beyond therange of this article to venture down that road. The important aspects from a saltwater flyfishing point of view is for the angler to develop an instinct or feeling for the many andinteresting influences within our estuaries that ultimately will influence his fishing success.

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Our own influences are also apparent within estuaries. Pollution from failing septic tanks,poor sewage treatment plants or under resourced facilities, storm water runoff fromempty ‘holiday ghost towns’, industrial organic waste discharge, and contaminated runofffrom farms using fertilizers or yards with animals can impact on our vulnerable estuarinesystems. Estuaries also face loss of habitat due to our obsession with development indelicately balanced areas of natural beauty. Damage is caused by the continued andoften-illegal overuse and plundering of estuarine resources. These have resulted in acontinued reduction of even protected fisheries like bass, loss of habitat and wildlife, andthe destruction of wonderful landscape.

We all have a part to play to protect and maintain our valuable estuaries. Bendy Rods -JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:48AM (UTC)

predator and saltwater flies from Rod TyeThursday, March 06, 2008

Rod Tye based in Co.Mayo ties wonderfulsaltwater and freshwater predator flies inmodern materials. All the pike i caught inFebruary were taken on Rods flies. I lookforward to taking many more fish on theseand more superb flies.We will be collaborating to build a series ofbass fishing flies later this Spring. BendyRods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 07:57PM (UTC)

sea trout from the sea on the flySunday, March 09, 2008

Its getting close to that time of year againwhere I look forward to seatrout fishing inthe sea. Beware - it can become anobsession! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 12:51PM (UTC)

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Exciting Seabass Games - ESGThursday, March 13, 2008

Team the lucky Craft ESG 8'-6" with adaiwa Certate 3000 and you have theultimate saltwater sportfishing combination- perfectly balanced for modern lure fishingtechniques - especially Irish bass.Are you ready for summer !

Available now at SEAi - click on pics toenlarge


Freshwater Lures from SMITH - Panish & DDPanishSunday, March 16, 2008 A minnow designed for twitching which is equipped with a near vertical lip and fixedweight. This lure produces rolling and wobbling that appeals to fish in confined areas,even if you use fastpaced twitching. Consecutive hard twitch produces a fish running away, small shortintermittent twitching reproduces a wavering small fish.

The DD panish is intended for for trout and salmon fishing in the fast flowing midstreamand downstream sections of rivers. Diving minnows that are high in resistance should be 37

stable in water flow unless manipulated bythe angler. The centre of gravity transfersystem is designed to remain in place oncethe lure has achieved its position whilst inthe panish it is a mobile system.

These lures are also suitable for saltwaterapplications -

Targeting sea trout, bass, pollack andmany other species has never been morepossible. Please call SEAi for more details.

These lures are available in the followingdimensions and a wide range of coloursand finishes

DD Panish 95 SP and F 9.5cms - 12 gs - Depth 2.7msDD Panish 80 SP 8cms - 7gs - Depth 2.2msDD Panish 65 SP 6.5cms - 3.5gs - Depth 1.8ms

Panish 85 F 8.5cms - 6gs - Depth 1msPanish 70F 7cms - 4gs - Depth 1msPanish 55F 5.5cms - 3gs - Depth 0.8ms


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Troutin' Spin Interboron RodsSunday, March 16, 2008

Combine these rods with the range ofPanish freshwater lures as featured belowand you have a beauti ful balancedfreshwater application - casting lures from2gs - 10gs the Interboron offers a uniquefishing experience a combination of qualityand excitement. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 06:28PM (UTC)

guiding the guide....Monday, March 17, 2008

So you start the week on a Saturday morning bycleaning, polishing and hoovering the car, checkingwater and oi l and diesel and placing someconversation pieces on the dashboard, a few flies orlures or something to spark a few words that willinevitably generate the first of many debates over thecoming days. You get dressed in your best ‘guiding’gear and of you go to the airport. This is always astrange time for me – mind games are played as youask yourself ‘What will they look like’? ‘What will theybe like to fish with?’ and then as you continue to waitfor their arrival one of the party coming throughrecognises you with a smile that says so many things,and then the week begins. Introductions, hellos, flightok? Hungry? No, ok, lets go to the car, it’s this way; 39

I’m sorry what was your name again…seven days ofintense focus and interaction. Its often that when theweek is over I am left with a strange sense of anti-climaxas I say goodbye to whom were once strangers but arenow friends and close companions. Welcome to the worldof the saltwater fishing guide.

It is inevitable that the customer will often not know whatto expect when he arrives. He will be quite prepared toask lots of questions, questions you will have heardbefore and you will provide answers that are an integralpart of the service that you provide. Questions in relationto t ides and moon phases, weather condit ions,temperatures and various other external influences will

h e l p y o uplace the fisherman into a ‘category’. Othertypes of questions about local politics or thecountryside or history will also force you tocategorise the angler. Speed of questions,the number of questions, the type ofquestions, how the question is asked, andthe often-animated conversations amongstthe group in home languages before thenext question follows helps you in forming

and managing the customers expectations.And here we come to the greatestchallenge of the next seven days –anticipating managing, and providing thatexpectation to the best of your abilities.Each customer’s expectation is unique andeach customer is a fisherman. So when Imet Steen Ulnits from Denmark at theairport in August not only had he a unique

expectation, not only was he a fisherman,not only was he a fisheries biologist but aswell as that he was an international fishingguide. A new challenge lay in front of me –how to successfully guide a fishing guide?

For your information Steen is a fisheriesbiologist by education from the University ofÅrhus but is now a full time outdoors writerand photographer. He works for a number

of magazines - mostly the Scandinavian fly only magazine "Flugfiske i Norden" where,besides being one of the founders and present co-owner, he is on the editorial staff. Healso has his own angling page in "Jyllands-Posten", the largest Danish newspaper with a

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circulat ion of some 250.000 duringweekends. Being a fisheries biologist by education(and profession for some years) he hasdealt a lot with environmental issues whereand when they pertained to fish and water.He also specialises in fly-fishing and travelall over the world, sampling exotic fishingand thus obtaining new material for articlesand books. Speaking of which he hasw r i t t e n

20 so far - in his own name. Besides that he hastranslated 7 books into Danish and co-authoredanother 10 international books. Mmmmmmmmh……

Now here he was in Wexford looking to catch an Irishbass on the fly!

After day two of gentle fishing I felt something waswrong. So what was it? I had made two mistakes.One, I assumed that because of Steen’s vastexperience and knowledge that he would know exactlywhat to do and how to do it, and two, I wasn’tmanaging his expectations based on my assumptions,and hence he wasn’t catching any fish. Simple really.

The fact was, he was not like any other customer and at the same time he was exactlythe same. I had categorised him immediately as an expert who didn’t really need muchinteraction from me as I assumed he knew how to catch bass on the fly. Steen had hadsome experience of them in Denmark as they are now increasing their range into theNordic countries. Or maybe they were already there and people just didn’t fish for them,and anyway he surely didn’t need me to show him how to catch a predator on the fly!However after four sessions Steen hadn’t hit a fish and I needed to put it right veryquickly. Of course we had discussed equipment and flies and lines and fishing and tacticsin detail but what had we missed?

Steen was using a #8 rod and a #8 integra ted floating shooting head with a ten-footleader and a traditional lefty’s deceiver size 1/0. There was nothing spectacularly wrongthere as I suspected. His casting was what I like to refer to as a relaxed style with anequally relaxed retrieve of a slow strip and stop. The thing was, as I stood and watchedhim on the last session of day two he was continuously casting and retrieving to the sameplace and retrieving at the same pace with the same fly. Nothing changed in his almostrobotic and yet effective technique. I say effective in as much as the fly was presentedcorrectly, was fished correctly but it was monotonous, too monotonous almost withoutconfidence and with a degree of uncertainty. He needed to change and so did I.

On the third session I went into super guide mode. I didn’t care if he was a ‘world-class’expert; from now on he was been treated as if he was a novice saltwater fly fisherman. I

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have as a preference started to use Varivas tapered leaders so I suggested to Steen thathe do likewise. Our fly choice was my default clouser minnows in white and white andchartreuse, coupled to the same colours in a bucktail deceiver pattern that had provensuccessful all spring and summer long. I ensured he had sufficient supply of both types.

This session was an evening one and as the wind was north northwesterly the sky wasprone to dramatic light and colour changes as had been the case for many days.Temperatures were down slightly an d water clarity was incredible. However over thelast few evenings I had noticed baitfish appearing in shoals along the coast often chasedby hunting mackerel. As yet they remained out of reach of our flies. The venue was anopen beach with some rocky outcrops. Recently I had picked up fish cruising along theoutcrops as they hunted with the rise of the tide. Takes were fierce and often as not thefish were deep hooked so I also removed the barbs from the flies we were using.

So I positioned Steen along one of the outcrops and explained in detail some of theobservations I had made over the past few weeks. I drew in the sand some of my‘theories’ not really knowing whether they were true or not but at this stage I wanted himto have a very positive attitude and feeling of confidence. So we began to fish again – fancasting over the outcrop and…. nothing happened. I moved up the beach to explore thenext set, took a lazy cast and hit a small fish of about two pounds; whilst I was landinghim I noticed another bigger fish hunting through the channels of the outcrop. I walkedback down the beach and spoke to Steen telling him of the fish I caught and of thepossibility of him catching the one I had also seen. We attached a grey and white bucktaildeceiver pattern and Steen made his first casts in the direction of the fish. He stripped thefly and bang – was on, at last! During the evening as the light continued to amaze us andthe evening sun began to set we were treated to more fish. Mackerel chased sprats ontothe beach and I’m sure some bass chased the mackerel too. We changed our rods to#4’s and simple silver patterns and had some real fun. Just before the light disappearedSteen had another bass on the deceiver.It happens a lot like this. Sometimes it’s a little mysterious. I believe you can make thingshappen in fishing simply by talking and communicating to someone that they are doingfine and by making them feel more confident suddenly they catch fish. I felt I didn’t needto make Steen feel confident, I assumed he was more than capable and I’m sure he was.However, that extra ingredient, that last piece of the jigsaw was missing – you can neverassume anything in fishing least of all that either you or someone else knows exactlywhat to do. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:53AM (UTC)

people often ask me.....Tuesday, March 25, 2008People often ask a lot of questions about my fly fishing. The one sure question you canbe asked is about your choice in equipment and especially rods and reels. I dont like tomake recommendations as such but i do know that what i use has been influenced bytime and continued performance. When i am guiding i often use carbon composite flyreels - they are tough, resilient and hard wearing and dont need to much minding.

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When i am fishing by myself the reel i use is the Danielsson LW 6 nine. All i can sayreally is its ideal reel for use in Irelands saltwater environment with modern single handedrods and light two-handed rods for salmon, sea trout and all Irish saltwater applications.

A drag system needs to be completelywaterproof to be rel iable, and mustwithstand any condition the angler mightencounter, including exposure to saltwater,sand or dirt, and extremes of temperature.It also has to be easy to handle and shouldr e q u i r e a l m o s t n o m a i n t e n a n c e .Danielsson's extreme requirements as tofunction, materials and manufacture haveresulted in exactly such a drag system,completely sealed to the highest industrial

standards and impervious to the dirt and water that are the Achilles' heel of otherreels.Tomas Danielsson also wanted to maintain the advantages of light weight and alarge arbour and the result is the LW series. Almost as light in weight as the Original andFW models, and with an astounding braking ability, the LW is a superior reel for single-handed fly rods that you can trust to get the job done.Danielsson LW features:

* Waterproof and heat resistant bearing and drag assembly in Hi-End materials.

* Works in wet or dry, cold or warm conditions, through the full range of drag settings.

* Pressure chamber tested: waterproof down to 10 atmospheres.

* Form and friction-stable drag discs withstand temperatures to 2000°C.

* Corrosion resistant, anodized high strength aluminium.

* Other components in stainless steel.

* Large drag knob makes it easy to set correct resistance.

* Min- and max- settings available within 330 degrees of knob travel.

* Optional outgoing/incoming clicker (can be deactivated).

* Easy-to-change spools.

* Large arbour/fast line retrieve.


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My sixth year of guiding for.....& the C+RcompetitionThursday, March 27, 2008

This will be my sixth year of guiding forbass on the Wexford coast - I have spentthe last few days fly fishing for sea troutwith some success and during that time Iwas fondly remembering the summer of2003. This was the summer when i mademy first editorial and it was with Voyagesdes Peches - one of Europes leadingsportfishing magazines. The photographabove was made on the first afternoon ofthree - both fish hit at the same time on

surface lures, an unforgettable experience. Like all the editorials that were to follow andstill do, it was a fantastic 3-day succes. We filled 6 pages in the magazine and the storiesare still heard in Paris. The latest article from SEAi is featured in the European magazineVliegvissen. If you would like to read more editorial please visit my resource page onhttp://www.bassfishing.ie/ Here you can see articles from - Fish and Fly, Peche Mouche,Loup et Bar and many more. I had during the summer of 2002 'field tested' the businesswith some customers using modern lure fishing techniques and enjoyed such a highdegree of success that I finally decided to take the plunge during that winter, and tryguiding as a job. Now six years later I am witnesss to a growing popularity in lure fishingfor bass all along the coastlines of south eastern Ireland. Bass fishing for six months ofthe year on the Wexford coast, five days a week for the past five years, I have seen somespectacular sites, witnessed incredible fish and learned an incredible amount oftechniques and methods. But most of all it continues to give me great pleasure to be Irishand presenting this wonderful country to all my customers both foreign and national andthe wonderful fishing we are lucky to have here. As i move into my sixth year I continue tolearn and develop new techniques both in modern lure and fly fishing. This year I willconcentrate more on developing flies and techniques for Irish saltwater fly fishing. I amlooking forward to the season of 2008 and offer you a chance to enter my C+Rcompetition. THE COMPETITON If you would like to enterPlease submit your favouritephotographs of a catch and release fishing scene on fly or lure (made during 2008) toSEAi [email protected] - the final decision reagrding the winner will be made onSeptember 30th 2008 - and a prize of 100.00 euros of tackle can be won. Photos will beposted to the SEAi galleries as they arrive between now and September. click on this linkto view the gallery http://www.swsfd.fotopic.net/c1482798.html Good luck and tight linesJim Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:43PM (UTC)

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Lure fishing techniques for saltwater - IrelandThursday, March 27, 2008During April I will post short daily (if possible) articles here on saltwater lure fishingtechniques - this will cover a lot of aspects of surface lure fishing, jerk baits and soft baitpresentations to bass and other species in Ireland. I will also cover lots of valuable fishingtips and techniques to help improve your lure fishing......

During the five seasons that i have guided for bass on the south coast of Ireland I havelearned a lot of angling information. This information has been learned from or given tome by many mature and vastly experienced anglers who have travelled wide in theirdestination angling, and particularly those in the saltwater fly and lure fishing arena. Theirexploits have brought many of them to places like South America, Japan, Europe, theUSA and Africa - and it is this wealth of experience that i can share with you.

This 'experience' covers a wide range of elements ranging from equipment, safety,techniques and observations made over not only the last five years but also how it hasbeen succesfuly applied and adapted to Irish saltwater fly and lure fishing during thattime. I have managed to 'track' a lot of anglers opinions in relation to the performance ofvarious items and equipment, and as a lot them travel the world in search of new speciesand destinations there are a few common factors they all come to demand and expectfrom the equipment they use. Be it reels, lines, rods or lures - factors like the ones beloware a few that are most regularly mentioned

• constant reliability• fishing performance• endurance and longevity• balance• effectivity

As a result of this monitoring I continue to work closely with companies who manufactureand distribute modern lure and fly fishing rods and reels. I want to continue to learn andunderstand new and emerging techniques and methods and how they might beapplicable to my business here in Ireland.

In respect to the postings please dont hesitate to make a comment on any of the topics,in fact contributions would enhance the pages, or indeed if you have any questions oraspects of lure/fly fishing that you might like to discuss here dont hesitate to mail me [email protected] and I can personalise your question.

I must add that everyone has an individual preference or experience. These differentopinions and experiences that are expressed and discussed here have been condensedover a long period of time with a lot of valuable contributions from many people. They arenot biased in any direction and are offered here simply as help or assistance to anglers.

Jim Hendrick Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:25PM (UTC)

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Salt Water Lure Fishing - Part 1 of 21 - SurfaceLure Fishing IMonday, March 31, 2008

Of all the types of fishing an angler canexperience in Ireland surface lure or‘topwater’ lure fishing is without a doubt oneof the most exciting, enjoyable, addictiveand may I say simple techniques forcatching predatory fish and especially bass.

It is certain that if you are seeking theultimate bass fishing experience, then

surface lure (or fly)fishing is the way to go - the awesome visual action of fish strikes andattacks that happen very regularly are unforgettable. The added visual appeal andresponse that comes with surface lure fishing is very powerful in terms of anglingpleasure. It’s very often that the result of a missed strike when a bass swims awayunhooked after that mighty attack and hit is enough to produce a satisfactory experiencefor the angler – its an adrenaline rush and very addictive so be warned!

Using lures that float on top of the water is what makes surface fishing more of anexciting angling experience than any other style of fishing. Lures that are primarily usedare specifically known as ‘topwater’ or ‘surface’ lures. These types of lures are quitesimple looking; many are produced in realistic, baitfish type patterns with lifelikeappearances and colouring to appeal to fish’s sensory receptors. Most surface lures arehollow-bodied and made from hard durable plastic or wood with a standard tail treblehook, and in some cases, two other treble hooks. Debarbing and reducing the number ofhooks will help your fishing and protect the fish and YOU from unnecessary damage.

So what are the tactics for surface lure fishing? Any angler despite their anglingexperience can attempt and even master the basics of surface lure fishing quite easily.It’s a little bit of work at the beginning, but it’s really worth the effort. The concept issimple, and basically involves being able to fish on the surface of the water. The trickthough, is being able to manipulate the way one’s lure acts, floats, swims and reacts onthe water’s surface.

What you need to have is a decent ability to coordinate your rod, line retrieve, and thetiming of each with specifically hand eye coordination. Surface lure fishing starts withyour eyes and ends with your wrists and hands. You must watch the lure (particularly theway it reacts) as your retrieve and fish it. Secondly, using your wrists and retrieving linehand on your reel to control line pull, tug and twitch, and thus create lure action oranimation. When the lure is swimming successfully on the water’s surface it is thisenticing element that the fish beneath the water is fully drawn to. Techniques for fishing ina surface manner can vary from popping the lure to walking it or twitching it in a lifelikemanner across the surface.

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All the above cannot be done with out proper line tension and control Without doing this,the way the lure reacts will not appear natural or act in the correct manner for which itwas designed. Thus slack line in your cast and retrieve will yield sloppy and non-realisticfishing action. Keeping a ‘realistic’ fishing action as much as possible with your surfacelure presentations is crucial, especially since bass react very positively to lifelike luremovement.

Next month () - retrieves for early season lure fishing. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:35AM (+01:00)

Saltwater fly fishing - Part 1 of 21 General FlyChoiceMonday, March 31, 2008

Choosing Flies

What fly should I choose for saltwater fly-fishing in Ireland? Its not and easy questionto answer in one sentence, and I guess itsprobably not possible. Saltwater f lyselection can be as simple or as complexas you make it. You have so many choicesand so much information that it can oftenbecome terribly confusing. You can buyflies at tackle shops, on the Internet, or

indeed learn to tie your own often to no particular avail.

I am asked all the time what the best fly to fish with, when making fly selction choicesbear in mind the species you are pursuing. Saltwater fly patterns are relatively few innumber in comparison to the huge number of flies used in freshwater so that makesthings a little simpler. Saltwater flies are somewhat restricted in their scope - mainlybaitfish and crustacean patterns, yes there are smaller bugs like slaters and hoppers andthings so ‘matching the hatch’ is an option for the creative tier. The obvious answer is ‘....Something that looks like a small fish!’, but we all know its not that simple and there aremany factors other than a small ‘fishy’ looking fly that also need to be examined beforemaking the decision to tie on a fly. Size, type, colour, and target species - when and whatdo I choose?

I have caught several species on one pattern, I have caught bass on bonefish patterns, Ihave caught mullet on seatrout patterns, and I have caught flounders on rainbowpatterns! What does this tell us about saltwater flies, or indeed about saltwater fish?Given the predatory instinct of the fish and the tactics of the careful and strategic anglerthe WHAT type of fly becomes less important (but not entirely so) and rather the HOWthe WHEN and the WHERE becomes much more relevant and important.

So the following are flies I would recommend for the beginner in Irish saltwater fly-fishing

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Deceivers – White and white and chartreuse, olive and brown and tan – size 2 – 2/0

Clousers – White and white and blue, pink and white and olive size 2 – 2/0

Others – Charlies in tan and brown, Fredes, Minkies, Gotchas in black and white and pinkand white, oh and some surface Po ppers/Gliders/ Gurglers.

Next Month ()- the instinct of the decision Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:37AM (+01:00)

what we saw today the dog and I - April 1Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:17AM(+01:00)

IWASHIFriday, April 04, 2008Ar e you ready for Summer? Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:44AM (+01:00)

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Saltwater fly fishing - P2 of 21 - The instinct of thedecisionFriday, April 04, 2008

There are times when you open your fly box and reachfor a fly to tie on; and you have instinctively made theright decision. The fly fishes well, it casts well under theconditions and ultimately produces a result for you. Thisquick decision-making is done without any long gazinginto the fly box and trying to decide on colour or size ortype but rather extends from the confidence of experiencethat is now second nature to you and your fishing.

You have spent your time on the water under manydifferent conditions chasing many species. Some daysare good and some days are bad - depending on yourexpectations of course. In terms of getting fish on a hookthe reasons for not catching fish are equally as importantas the reasons for your successes. Doing the same thing

incessantly to no real end with no real result is soul destroying. While we don't need tooperate like scientists, some analysis as to the reasons of success or failure is important.

This analysis if you want to call it that, fine tunes us and focuses our attention on manyfactors. Wind direction, temperature, light conditions, tide, moon, time of year and fishbehaviour etc and in this case the fly choice. We cannot wait for all of these factors to bein their optimal positions or 'best levels' and then decide to go fishing - it simply wouldnthappen, but we can learn the influences of each element and hence make valid anglingdecisions.So when does the Type become more important rather than the Where or the How? My'go to' BASS fly is a white and chartreuse deceiver pattern on a size 1/0 hook. Nothingvery revolutionary there, but it could also be a white and chartreuse clouser minnow.Already there's an option. Two very important flies - two decisions, and then more whenyou add colour and more when you add hook size!I have already said my 'goto' fly is a white and chatreuse deceiver - but it is only mychoice on unfamiliar ground. When fishing a new area for the first time this is my choice.

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If i catch fish on this fly at a venue (never more than 3) then I may change to a differentpattern. If the subsequent pattern doesn't provide results under a similar time frame, inthe same conditions then i will change again, and again. This may result in you been ableto determine an optimum fly for a particular set of circumstances.If you cast any fly and you catch some fish then its one of those days - if you cast only aparticular pattern that catches fish (where others havent or in greater numbers or in anaccelerated time frame) then its time to sit up and take notice. Visiting the venue on otheroccasions under similar circumstances may well confirm this for you. Now your 'goto' flyfor your new favourite venue might be a cockroach or a black deceiver. Depending on thecircumstances!So you arrive at your fishing you open your box and out comes your singular choice froma range of patterns - you have caught a lot of fish in your last two visits using this fly andyou confidence is high - then something changes - you dont catch any fish - you trychanging a little bit but no luck!

Next month () - where is my fly? Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:56AM (+01:00)

Engelse-drop or the English DropSaturday, April 05, 2008

We had some fun with this little surface fly last summer - the Dutch name of the Engelse-drop is derived from a sweet which is available in Holland called the English drop. Thecolours above are also the colours of the sweet (look closely at the pic) - this fly wasgiven to me by Jos van der Wouw and the tying sequence will be available in the galleryat the following link in the next few hours- http://www.swsfd.fotopic.net/c1487770.html

have some fun on the surface with them

Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:27PM (+01:00)

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what we saw today the dog and ISaturday, April 05, 2008I'm afraid the dog was hit by a car today (driver didn't stop) and has a badly injured leg,bruised but not broken! So 'what we saw today the dog and I' will be reduced for a whileto what I saw today - I'm not even sure if he pays that much attention to the things I seeto be honest - he's usually off at other things. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:51PM (+01:00)

what i say today - April 08Tuesday, April 08, 2008


chasing saltwater silver - the elusive seatroutTuesday, April 08, 2008I had the opportunity to fish two times this week and decided to lure fish for seatrout. Withcool northerlies and north westerlies plus bright skies it was never going to be too easy.The sea has run crystal clear and remains 'cold' so I felt that fishing slow and deep wasthe order of the day. A little lift and drop on the bottom and then I had a some luckyesterday with two little fish of 34 and 35 cm's - I fished with a Shimano tecnium 2500,Smith Trout n Spin 8'-0" minnowing rod (casting 2-10 grammes), 3kgs bs braid, fluoroflexplus leader, and Smith trout 'n surger lures - 6 grammes, 6.5 cms.

Bendy Rods - Jim 51

Posted by Jim Hendrick at 10:15AM(+01:00)

first signs of madnessThursday, April 10, 2008 This is a copy of a mail i got yesterday

Heh Jim

Just got one in ............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 'bout 45cms. Old guy there before me with thatcasting style where you have the lure just off top of rod got one first. But i felt if he can getone so can i. Spotted his lure a small black and silver, the fish he had caught had at least6 green sandeels in his gob. I fished and fished, my hands cold my back sore, was gonnacall you for some support, just then another lad came along and had a taz dev on andsaid he had some success with it last year, i had tried all my small lures at this point so ifound a green an silver taz unopened at the bottom of the box and stuck it on. First time iever used one, cast it out the wind hit it it was like a frisbee and went about 20 yds. I52

thought to myself " thats trying to make its way back to tazmanian thats some yoke" butthen bang and i was on to this fine fish. He didnt put up a great scrap, i had clutch onvery light following your advice and he was mine. I measured and tagged him andbagged him for the old man who will be trilled. Its 20 years since we caught seatrout in.............. so he will be delighted.

BTW 1 barbless hook worked no problem.

Im so exited.

ADENDUM

this is a follow up mail i got this morning from the same patient I mean person

Morning Jim

I was lying in bed last night just about in the transfer/twilight zone and i was dreamingabout the seatrout catch, i has reeling in the spinner in the dream and then he took it, so istruck! i dragged my hand across the sheet at 200mph and the sound of this woke meand the mrs my heart was pounding i thought i was gonna have a coronary or something.She said what are you doin, i said nothing, she said were you dreaming about yourseatrout so i admitted to it and explained that the brain files away the memories andevents of each day when you sleep and that this was so exiting for me that my brain gaveme another chance to enjoy the moment. We had a good laugh about it!

TRUE STORY m8

Am i nuts?

I leave the diagnosis up to the professionals....calling soon I'd imagine. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:44AM (+01:00)

Bass Fishing in Ireland - An overviewFriday, April 11, 2008 Fisheries Science Services

FSS recommends that bass should continue to be managed as an anglers’ rather than acommercial species. Regulations that are currently in place should remain and should beenforced. FSS also advises that efforts should be made to obtain wider protectionthrough the European Union for the species which is seen to be vulnerable in Irishwaters.

All agencies involved with fisheries management and angling should continue to co-operate in the management of this species.

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Bass in Irish waters are protected by a number of measures whose effect has been toextinguish the commercial fishery for the species. The Bass (Conservation ofStocks)Order, 1990, regulates the activities of Irish fishermen within ICES sub-areas VIand VII: commercial fishing for bass is prohibited, the taking of bass using nets isprohibited, and Irish fishing boats must not have bass on board or engage intranshipment of bass. This order also sets the legal size of capture of bass at 40 cm.

Two further measures, hitherto reissued annually, were in 2007 renewed on an open-ended basis.

The Bass (Restrictions on Sale) Regulations 2007 (S.I. No. 367 of 2007) prohibits thesale or offer for sale of bass (other than bass which have been imported into the State).

The Bass Fishing Conservation bye-law No. 826 of 2007 (S.I. No. 368 of 2007) imposesa bag limit of two bass in any one period of 24 hours and it provides a ban on angling forbass during the spawning season (15 May – 15 June).

The combination of regulations have the effect of confining the exploitation of bass toanglers. Bass is the only marine fish species which is managed in this way in Ireland.

State of the Stock

The bass stock remains greatly depleted since the 1960s and 1970s. Irish bass landingsare dominated by occasional large recruitments. Fish of 1989 and 1990 are nowbecoming rare in the anglers’ landings and the 1995 year class, which is robust amongUK fish, is not strongly represented in Irish waters. However, the 2002 year class whichwas the strongestin the series of 0-group surveys since 1996 is due to recruit to the fishery in 2009 and the2007 survey of 0-group fish was encouraging.

Source - The marine institute Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:08AM (+01:00)

april evening at one of my favourite placesSaturday, April 12, 2008

Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 05:05PM(+01:00)

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Saltwater fly fishing - P3 of 21 - Where is my fly?Sunday, April 13, 2008Flyfishing in cold, early springtime saltwater or late winter time can be very difficult andeven downright disssapointing for the fisherman. Its my belief that of all the fishingconditions that exist (except maybe cloudy and weedy water) saltwater fly fishermandislike cold water the most. I have witnessed a lot of fisherman become so frustrated overthese early and late periods (Spring and late Winter) that it makes them stop fishingduring these parts of the season completely. From December through to late April is oftenavoided by many saltwater flyfishers and in fact its not until the warmer months of May orJune that many will begin their fishing at all. I can understand this and there have beenseveral points in time when I felt this way too but through some perserverance and with alittle hard work there are some good tactics that can greatly increase your chances.

There are other apects to this early and late season fishing that are beneficial too -as youmake and complete your early or later sessions, you also get back into or stay 'in thegroove' much earlier and longer than your warm water friends! Sometimes over a lazyand slow winter, picking up and starting that fishing momentum can become difficult adifficult thing! A bit like the fish who are sluggish, probably somewhat slow moving andgenerally finding things a little bit difficult - shake off those 'comfortable' feelings and getout there....during this time you will undoubtedy hit some 'weather windows'. This mightbe a few hours of exceptional conditions that suddenly bring fish on and you havesuccess out of the blue - mark it down as something to watch out for in the future. Itssomething to amaze your friends with. 'You mean you caught fish in the middle ofFebruary you hear them ask' - 'its not possible' they say. You know it may not be veryfrequent but it is very possible. The reason - you are actively engaged and in tune withyour fishing.

Fishing in the 'off season' always seems to be better when the water temperature issteadily rising as in Spring and not falling as in late Winter. This often means that weatherfronts are becoming a little more stable and it’s often bright and sunny for a number ofconsecutive days. These types of conditions will increase your chances of catching bass,seatrout and other species.

Bass will start to move inshore in the Spring and there are two reasons why I think theyare moving inshore. One reason is to find the warmer water, the second, is to find food.

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Food sources have probably diminished over the long winter and forage has been greatlyreduced due to lack of sunlight and cooler temperatures at sea. It may be one of thereasons that during 'weather windows' fish move out of and then back to their winterhaunts.

I look for shallower water, and I definetly start looking for water clarity.

Its difficult to know exactly what is the most common food source for fish are at this timeof year. Crabs, shrimp little sandeels are probables. Throughout the wintertime whenwater temperature is cooler, I suspect predators are on the deeper bottom offshore andmost of the food sources have already been greatly reduced. During early spring I tend touse smaller flies that are trying to imitate shrimps and small sandeels that I see along theshoreline. Be aware that the type of fish strike or take you will experience will tend to bemore reactionary and slower rather than the sheer massive hunger or hunter strike thatyou will experience during mid and late summer.

To get the fly to fish it means fast intermediate or sinking lines with clouser minnow typesfished on or near the bottom - inched along or fished strip and stop.

The retrieve and the fly line will put your fly in the right fishing position. So where is myfly? At this time of the year it needs to be on or close to the bottom! There are two fishingactions to make. One is the long strip you make with your line hand to move and pull thebait through the water. This is the initial 'triggering' method helping to grab the fishesattention. The second action is the stop or pause. This will allow the clouser to 'drop' tothe bottom. So the fish has seen the fly swim and drop, maybe once or twice. It is duringthis 'fly activity time' that a bass will make the initial decision to take the fly, more oftenthan not on the drop or pause. Pausing for 8 - 10 seconds is a good idea - even more,and sometimes Inching the fly along the bottom after the drop can result in very delicatepick ups by fish - be ready.

Remember fish are very lethargic and don’t swim around using lots of energy in coldwater.

Tactics to use in terms of the retrieve and helping to put your fly in the right place.• make longer slower strips with less time on the pause or stop• make shorter strips with more time on the pause or stop• increase the time of the bottom 'inching'• add some stopping and starting to the bottom 'inching'• slow down - A LOT!

Next month (May) - Help - what type of fly? Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:28AM (+01:00)

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Spring light at the cutSunday, April 13, 2008

You may have read the second posting Iever made to this blog back on the 12th ofJanuary called winter light at the cut - it wasa cold dark miserable January day. Thesephotographs were taken under differentlighting conditions and just shortly after thecut had been made - 3 months later.


Salt Water Lure Fishing - P2 of 21 - Retrieves forearly spring and...Tuesday, April 15, 2008Since I've posted on SWFF tactics for cold spring water I would like to mention todaysome ideas for SWLF at this time of year. I have already mentioned 'weather windows'and this post is not specifically about watching weather patterns and then meeting withsuccess (i'll do that later) but its more about a few ideas as to how. One thing is definitehowever and that is the amount of effort you will need to make at this time of year isconsiderably greater than the easy fishing of summer and early autumn when fish aremore aggressive.

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At the time of writing sea water surface temperatures are roughly between 9 and 11degrees at the moment and this is just over the effective operating temperature for bassfishing. In other words fish should be somewhat active. Again i can only speak out ofexperiences here at Wexford for the following water temp ranges as described to mesome time back by a fisheries biologist as best as i can remember

At 5 degrees its the minimum acceptable temp for their existence or rangeBelow 8/9 degrees they seem to enter a state of suspension - slower metabolism (softlures, suspended lures)Between 10-12 degrees you can catch them on DR diving lures and sinking fly linesBetween 12-15 degrees you can catch them on surface lures and flies and most otherluresAbove 16 degrees oxygen starts to becomes an issue and they are not present/ or feedin cooler waters

However winds have been predominantly Northerly and North easterly over the last fewweeks and surface temperatures of the sea are a little down. I have a few notes from thearchives that indicate my first surface bass fishing wouldnt generally begin withconfidence in numbers until early May, and then its time to stop as the season is closed!

Traditional methods of fishing at this time of year involve casting and retrieving - castingand retrieving with lots of different types of lures - tobies, krills, rapalas etc. But what if wewere to cast and not retrieve or at least retrieve much more slowly and EFFECTIVELY - itcould take us three minutes or more to retrieve our lure. So what are we doing? We arepresenting the opportunity to the fish to strike the lure for much longer periods of time.Rather than casting and pulling lures at speed past slow and often sluggish fish we aregiving them the opportunity to take at their operating factors and not ours.

In order to achieve this we can fish with suspending jerk baits. These lures do not float orsink but rather suspend at the depth to which we fish them. We make our cast, tighteninto our main line and feel the lure engage - a few deliberately slow turns of the handlewill get the lure to swim and dive - and then we stop and wait and.........wait, butmaintaining contact with the lure - gently we fish it home. Adding a little speed will drivethe lure deeper and as we make the stop again and again the 'active roll' of the lure whensuspended is enough to entice a cold water take.

Next month (May) - fishing ultralight Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:21AM (+01:00)

Three days in the melting potThursday, April 17, 2008Sea bass on the fly! When I mention this to people who ask me about my preferred fishand fishing method, it is usually met with a number of various facial expressions and I’msure some mental debate. I can see some people thinking ‘…. he said bass on the fly, hemust be mad...’ the quizzical look or some anglers think ‘…I’ve heard about this but neveractually given it a go…’ the thoughtful look and then sometimes you get the expert guy

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who volunteers ‘…I’ve caught permit and bones in the Seychelles but never tried myhand at sea bass...’ the waters too cold approach. Anglers are as varied as the fish in thesea!

This summer I had the pleasure of fishing with an angler who really has caught bonefish,tarpon, permit and carangues on the fly. From Kamchatka to the Koala Peninsula, fromIceland to the Caribbean he had fished in some of best fly-fishing arenas of the world.They wanted to fish Wexford for bass! I met him and his friend one Sunday afternoon inJuly at Dublin airport in a cold force 5 blowing in from the Northeast. After establishingwho everyone was I was told that one set of fly rods had not come off the plane and justto liven things up I noticed it had started to rain. This was day one of three – a nice,testing start to a hectic three-day schedule.

The drive from Dublin to Wexford took about three hours in torrential rain and fallingtemperatures. One thing you don’t need for bass fly-fishing is a rapid change intemperature and you certainly don’t need strong winds. Oh and one other thing thatdoesn’t help is a customer with high expectations on a tight schedule in tough weather. Ihad already written off day one and once we made it to Wexford I would check theweather satellites and make some decisions regarding day two. I had 68 hours to get myclient some fish. On the way down talk was loud and animated, discussion ranged fromtactics and fly types to lines and depths, speed of retrieve, retrieve types and back tochoice of colour – it shortened the journey and helped lighten the three hours ofconcentrated driving. At eight that evening I enlightened my clients that the wind wasremaining in the Northeast but slackening somewhat. Temperatures were about threedegrees below normal and we would have an early start at 5:00 am. They appearedhappy with my decisions. 64 hours remained.

In these tough weather situations it is essential to remain positive. I believe one of themeasures of a guide’s strengths is his ability to get fish for his clients even whenconditions are bad. Having done my homework and already spent nearly 600 hours atwork so far this summer I felt confident that we would get a result, I had the locations thatproduced fish even in an easterly breeze, fewer mind you but they were there. It wasdown to the clients.

5:30 am – 58 hours left, first venue. A little more weed than I would like floated on thewaters surface and in the mid layers, I felt it would clear in the running tide at about 6:15and we would just have to fish through it. It’s seldom that you can pick up a fish inseaweed soup but it has happened. We persevered and we all got into fly-fishing modeafter about one hour. The weed cleared and water clarity with it. Wind was from left toright at about fifteen to twenty miles per hour – not too bad but a little cold. Four hourslater and we had no fish. I called an end to the session and suggested coffee and a breaktill this evening. During the drive back to Wexford conversation was a little quieter andquestions a little more direct. ‘Why do you think there was no fish this morning Jim?’ ‘Doyou think we will get fish this evening?’ ‘Are we going to the same place?’ When I firstheard these questions from a customer I automatically assumed responsibility for notgetting the client some fish. I would come home disappointed and disillusioned. Todaythings are a little different. It still hurts when you work very hard, you plan, you ensurethat the flies are working, your support gear is ready, the timings and tides are optimised

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to venues, secondary options are evaluated and then you don’t get fish. But I havelearned that even after all of these things and more, you cannot be responsible for fish,you can only optimise your client’s chances of catching them based on your abilities andcontinuous commitments.

We were at the second venue, there was 52 hours left. The wind had increased slightlyand moving to the south, temperatures were still down but rising slowly. The water wasbeginning to get coloured and I knew this was a bad sign I would have to resort toWexford harbour and the shelter it offered for the next session. But lets get this one donefirst. As is often the case after a tough first session fish will come in the second or thirdattempt. After four casts my client was into a decent fish of about 4lbs, then his friend hadone of about 3lbs and promptly lost it. After five more hours all three of us had no more.47 hours.

This was session three in a five-session schedule. We had one fish and the weather wasbeginning to improve. The tide on sessions four and five would be very favourable and Ibelieved fish would come late in the client’s three-day visit. It’s a different perspectivefrom the customer’s point of view, expectations are high, it’s the second early sessionand concentration is beginning to lag a little. Its cool and bones and muscles are stiff. Ittakes a while to get moving. But the prospect of bass on the fly is a great incentive. I had39 hours, I was confidant that in the second last or last session we would get somedecent fish, pull through this one and we would be ok. I had taken my two customers intoa secret location in Wexford harbour. Tides were running a little faster and fish usuallypiggybacked a free lift. We managed three fish in the middle of the session, one each.After four fish and 38 hours fishing, pressure was building a little and conversations in thecar on the way home had almost died, and then there was silence.

Evening came around and there was noticeable lift in attitude. Heads were held higher,gear was assembled faster, and waders were already on before we got to the venue.There was no waiting around for instructions this time, the customers had heard thembefore and in the warm evening sun I knew what I had suspected would begin to happen.We had three fish each that session – exceptional fishing by any means and one ran to 5and a half pounds weight.

There were whoops and yells and photographs and all fish were magic and beautiful andI felt the pressure lift and could really enjoy myself for the remaining few hours of daylightand I was already looking forward to the last early morning session… on the way homethe car was full of questions and chat and congratulations and the recalling of events andsights and splashes and shakes of heads and shaking of hands and exclamations andbig 'No's' and looking and re-looking at the photos in the small screen of the digitalcamera and then eventually there was silence and vacant smiles.

A different silence. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:37AM (+01:00)

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Your phone callsSunday, April 20, 2008I’ve noticed that during periods of fine weather the number of phone calls I get increasesdramatically. I guess it’s a normal thing, fine weather gets people thinking about fishing.Not all of the phone calls I get are in relation to business of course and for the past fewyears many of them are in relation to illegal bass fishing. During the last weeks of Marchfor example I received 3 calls connected to this subject from different people.

These are not what I would term or call ‘I suspect..’ calls; these are confirmed sightings ofthe regular illegal activity of bass fishing. Boxes of fish been landed, nets been shot, fishbeen sold, vans coming to collect. People, make these calls to me, whom haveconsistently witnessed this activity over the same periods for many years in the sameplaces – and this year is no exception it seems, the theme of this years calls is nodifferent.

The general content of these calls is that the people who have made them have beenthrough the correct channels of the fisheries boards, the gardai, some people have evencontacted local politicians and STILL the activity continues unabated. The question thesepeople ask me is generally something like ‘…maybe you might be able to do somethingJim…’ I keep hearing the same names, the same descriptions, the same places, and thesame activity, - the same exasperation and frustration is obvious from the tone of onecaller to the next.

As an angler I sympathise and listen to the calls that I get, make some notes. I cant reallydo much either.

Then I get more calls or people stop me in the street!

In few weeks time I will close my small business for four weeks – this is the closedseason for bass fishing – May 15th to June 15th. Closing a business for four weeksseems like madness but its one of the factors that I need to work and plan around until Idevelop an alternative solution. During these four weeks I will see anglers fishing for bassquite openly – but what is really frustrating is the continued illegal netting pressure thatoperates openly during this time, closed or open the activity continues.

This year, since Christmas, I have had 4 requests from potential visiting groups ofanglers – two from Italy one from Holland, and one from France – to fish in Wexfordduring the period of May 15th to June 15th. These people are ALL fly fishers – singlehook and have a C+R frame of mind.

One of these groups would have had a significant impact on promoting bass fishing inIreland. I have managed to re-negotiate one of the groups for guiding later during theyear, the others I’m afraid will go to fish elsewhere in the world during this time. This iswhat the business has to deal with and absorb and it’s just an example. Dont get mewrong, I’m not looking for anything and I am not in any way advocating opening theclosed season (god forbid) but maybe you can imagine my normal sense of frustration at

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turning away the business when its obvious that

The economic benefits from a personal point of view are goodThe impact that the 4 groups would have on the local economy are considerableThe positive profile that would continue to be built around the bass fishery in South EastIreland through international editorial would be enhancedRemember its a sustainable practice with little or no environmental impactThe promotion of Ireland as a world class angling destination would continue

but where it really hurts and the frustration is magnified is knowing that during this time ofthe closed season, and during the entire bass season that the nets are out there killinghundreds of fish, with no management, no foresight, no sustainability, no planning -destroying another national resource with no consideration to any positive or creativepossibilities.

So please keep making the calls, I will do what I can, as anglers I share in yourfrustration. As a person trying to promote our country as a world class anglingdestination, with a sustainable plan with continued positive impact on local communitiesmaybe now you can share in some of my perspective too !


trout from a lakeSunday, April 27, 2008

David and I went fishing on Friday andSaturday, we were fly fishing for pike.Friday proved very difficult with wind anddriven rain, the lake felt like a cold greymiserable place. There was a short windowin the afternoon and we hit some fish -more of which later.

Saturday began a little slowly too butpicked up speed throughout the morningand early afternoon. Unexpectedly aferocius attack on Davids lure left usstunned and as he struggled to get his finefish closer to the boat we could only guessat its size. Running repeatedly and fightingdoggedly we imagined a considerable fish.Eventually landed, weighed and measuredat 7lbs and 6 ounces going to 26 inches -an incredible brown trout under anycircumstances. Bendy Rods - Jim

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Posted by Jim Hendrick at 06:55PM(+01:00)

destination (wexford) fly fishingTuesday, April 29, 2008

These are some stills taken from (above) aDVD I made with Marryat and MarcPetit jean...http://www.petitjean.ch/eng/home/default.asp as you can see his flies, material andfishing skills work not only in Wexford butal l over the wor ld. A great f ishingcompanion, just ask him about my mothershome-made blackberry and apple tart!!Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 01:13PM(+01:00)

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The Saltwater Guiding Service from SEAi.Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Since 2003 SEAi has carefully developedand continues to build a customer baseconsisting of dynamic and progressiveEuropean and Irish saltwater sportfishers.My saltwater service continues to grow anddevelop and we constantly attempt toimprove and provide the following for you toenjoy.

1. Travel to and from your airport - Dublin, Cork or Waterford in ou r comfortable SUV.2. On your arrival you can relax in our quality accommodations based in a quiet

mature suburban setting, a short walk from our town centre. I can ensure your staywill be a comfortable and pleasant experience. Information is provided in our SEAiinfo pack and you can sample some of Wexfords local breads, cheeses and Jamsfrom our welcome basket.64

3. Your fishing is matched to the optimum weekly tides and a printed plan of our dailyactivity and fishing requirements including regulations is provided and discussed indetail on your arrival and on a daily basis.

4. Wexford town HERE and all of its amenities is easily accessible, you are less thanthree minutes walk from restaurants, shops, pubs and many places of local interest.All are here for you to enjoy, relax and play.

I recognise that todays visiting anglers arenot only interested in but expect thefollowing from their guiding services

o A modern approach to guiding coupled toa high degree of success whilst providingcompetent safe and insured anglingsolutionso An in depth knowledge of saltwater lurefishing, all its technologies, target speciesand maximum potential realisedo An in depth knowledge of saltwater flyf ishing, casting, target species andmaximum potential real isedo Educational facilities and opportunitiesincorporating leading edge methods andtechniques with a view to improving anglingskillso Availability of balanced quality tackle andequipment ensuring maximum fishingpleasure

o Quality accommodation and hands on service and support facilitieso Conservation and environmental influences and issueso Traditional aspects of modern Irish life and opportunities to experience and learn oflocal history and sites of interest.

The Guiding Service offers the absolute highest level of professionalism and customerservice. When you book a trip with SEAi for Saltwater, River or Lake fishing, you canexpect an experience punctuated by, and emphasised around you, your safety andenjoyment. I am a fully insured professional guide with years of angling and guidingexperience along the coastline of South Eastern Ireland.

Whether you are a seasoned angler or someone who is interested in either learning thecraft of saltwater fly or lure fishing, or simply improving your angling skills, I hope yourvisit to Wexford and the SEAi centre can exceed your expectations.

My service offers a variety of bespoke solutions catering to your needs, for example.

• One night stay and one day workshop - two four hour sessions with lunch €275.00• One night stay and one days workshop - one six hour session with light ref

reshments €255.00 65

• Two nights stay with two days guiding - bespoke to your requirement €465.00• One week stay five days guiding - bespoke to your requirements - p.o.a

Trips include provision of top of the rangelines rods and reels, flies, lures andterminal tackle. please call for furtherdetails

I genuinely take your safety, enjoyment andrelaxation very seriously, and I will go thatextra mile to ensure your stay is amemorable one - regardless of whether youcatch one fish or fifty.

The Fishing Requirements

Salt-water lure and fly-fishing along thesouth east coast of Ireland offers some ofthe most productive and unspoilt fisheriesin Europe. There are many opportunities fornot only catching some quality fish but alsofor catching some different sporting species

like sea trout and mullet on the fly or indeedlure. Your hunting grounds are very specialplaces and have proven over time to holdsome excellent fish.

By putting into practice various saltwaterfly-fishing and lure fishing techniques andmethods South East Angling Ireland willensure that you can benefit from this

knowledge. A committed customer serviceenhances not only your stay but ourexperiences also.

Our principal target species is bass; seatrout, mullet and pollack are also availableto the interested angler. Along the way wemay also encounter garfish, mackerel,mullet and wrasse. Should you require anyequipment such as rods reels or lines SEAican provide them all. Simply inform us of your tackle needs and we will supply them foryou.

Saltwater lure fishing tackle considerationsThe equipment required for saltwater lure fishing should consist of a lure or spinning rod,

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length of between 8'6" to 10'-0" capable of casting lures in the range of 10-30 grammes.A good quality fixed spool reel in the 3000 to the 3500 range or size loaded with 8 or 9kgs braid is perfect. A range of diving and surface lures is also required and luredecisions can be influenced by the time of year and weather - for more details please callor mail me for best advice.

If you require a boat fishing session then a slightly different outfit can be used as we oftenneed to cast larger lures in the 35-75 grammes range so a suitable rod isrecommended.Braid strength needs to be increased too - about 15kgs is sufficient. Againadvice on lures and lure choice and tackle can be had by mail or phone.

Saltwater fly fishing tackle considerations Generally required is a #9 - 9’0” saltwater rod, a saltwater large arbor reel with 75 to 100yards of 10kgs backing. Lines need to be of two types floating and intermediate and theyneed to posses the profiles necessary to cast large bulky flies. If we need to go deep afast sinking line can be provided. The intermediate lines should have a sink rate ofbetween 1 and 2 ips. Leader material needs to be a combination of tough hard mono anda fluorocarbon or mono tippet. If you require any of these items for your holiday we will behappy to provide them for you at the agreed tariffs. A line tray is essential. Flies can beprovided as a complimentary addition to you holiday. All lines and tippets can be IGFAapproved if required.

The gear and accessories The outdoor clothing you will need should consist ofbreathable wind resistant rain jacket and a pair of breathable or very light neoprenewaders. Felt soled or a combination of studded and felt wading boots, a pair of Polaroidglasses, a cap and if you are travelling in autumn some thermal underwear. Werecommend a layering system. If these items are not available to you then any suitablewaterproof system can suffice shorterm. Sunfactor, a hat or cap and a digital camera arealso recommended. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:17AM (+01:00)

shad in the riverSunday, May 04, 2008

These beautiful fish were taken on the riverBy Ollie today -Hi Jim,thought I might try for these guys inearnest today,and was rewarded with threesmallish but very feisty fellahs. Great sporton light tackle..............


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Niall strikes it lucky - 10 days before close!Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Vision XLA 8/9 reelVision 3zone SW #9Rio Outbound #9FRio Hard alloy monoRio Flouroflex plus

Oceanflies chartreuse and white deceiver

Whilst guiding for Niall this week he had areal treat - it had been blowing easterlymost of the week but was still mild. Waterwas loaded with weed for the first tenmetres or so but Niall picked the fish up atabout 15-18 ms out. Hit the fly hard in a bigcurrent fished across and down with little orno retrieve, loads of wave activity so hewas in 'good spirits' - went back fine too.

Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:54PM

(+01:00)

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still stunned by the coloursWednesday, May 14, 2008

the colours of these shad when taken fromthe river leave a lasting impression, a trulyspecial fish. These photos dont really dothem justice.


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let sleeping monsters lieMonday, May 19, 2008


Visiting anglers to SEAi and Wexford - 2008Tuesday, May 20, 2008The following nationalities are represented in anglers using the guiding services ot SEAithis season. Most anglers stay for more than four days and less than seven. The highestnumber of anglers interested in learning about SWFF are Irish.

Saltwater Fly Fishing

Denmark (6)New Zealand (2)France (8)Italy (3)USA (2)Ireland (10)England (2)Belgium (4)

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Saltwater Lure Fishing

England (2)Ireland (4)France (9)Holland (3)Belgium (3)Spain (1)

Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:30AM (+01:00)

the fish - the smilesWednesday, May 21, 2008 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:02AM (+01:00)

............take offFriday, May 23, 2008


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larry makes loops at the riverMonday, May 26, 2008


Boat Angling IrelandMonday, May 26, 2008 Just a short note to the guys from BAI to say thank you for your patience and interest atSaturday evenings 'workshop'.

Its not often I get the opportunity to speak in front of such a large number of people aboutthe many aspects of Bass fishing.

I was glad to be able to help and encourage many of you into what surely is some of thebest and most exciting fishing Ireland has to offer at the moment.

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Your positive questions and answersallowed us to develop a very worthwhileevening, and for me personally it createdand confirmed another opportunity to helpcontinue the development of SEAi.

keep casting - Jim Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:21AM(+01:00)

there are other places tooThursday, May 29, 2008


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what we saw today the dog and I - May 28thThursday, May 29, 2008


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Saltwater fly fishing - P4 of 21 - Choosing a flyThursday, May 29, 2008

Although I have been saltwater fly fishingfor a good few years now I guess I’m still inmy infancy when compared to many otherpeople. I have also realised my personalfishing tends to be very much limited to thebeginning and end of the seasons. Inbetween times I’m guiding for customersand I generally don’t like to fish whenguiding unless asked. Because of mylimited time, which must be similar to manyother peoples, I like to make the most of

any opportunities that I may have. It still surprises me to get a fish on the fly and I alwaystry to go fishing as best prepared as I possibly can. This to some extent eliminates thefactor of luck, but I believe you make your own luck in many things and fly fishing is nodifferent.

During preparation I inevitably need to make choices regarding equipment etc. One of thethings I have started doing lately is travelling only with my jacket, waders, line tray, rodand reel, two spare spools plus some tippet material. And that’s it! My jacket holds two flyboxes, the tippet material and the spare spools. Of course I’m tempted to bring anotherfly box but where do I put it – in a bag? Then I’ll put more stuff in the bag that I don’tneed. But what flies do I put in my fly box? How do I make my decisions?

Size Does Matter.Size is a very important factor when choosing from your selection. Early spring time andsummer I tend to choose smaller, skinnier flies whilst later in the year and towardsautumn my choice is towards bigger fatter flies. Be sure that what you see out of thewater in a fly is replicated when the fly is in the water. Many materials have differentqualities whilst under water!

Shape and silhouette.If you are seeing sandeels in the water then i would suggest that you fish with a sandeeltype pattern - long and skinny. If you see baitfish then choose a broader denser pattern.Often a change within a pattern type ie changing a deciever for a different deceiver froma different tier or material may result in more takes. This seems to be related to thematerial type of the fly and its better representation of the bait present in the water. Howis the natural behaving?

Imitating natural motion.If you are witnessing lots of surface smash takes from bass then it might pay to fish onthe surface with a popper or gurgler. If baitfish are visible and moving slowly in tightshoals then fish slowly with a deceiver pattern on a dead drift. Again softer materialsfished slowly are often all that is needed. If fish are beyond visible range a clouser patternmight be succesful in reaching those that are closer to the bottom.

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What colour is the sun?Whilst color may not be considered by many to be a huge factor in fly choice there aresome hard and fast rules - colours closer to the surface are more important than coloursin deeper water due to light absoprtion and reflection. Choose a colour that is closest tothe natural baitfish present if possible - grey/white - brown/tan/olive - pink -black/grey/white and a good general colour for bass is chartreuse and white or just plainwhite.

My two boxes are divided into quarters - reading the quarters from top to bottom and leftto right the following applies

Bass Box 1Quarter one - small clousers of the colours above and some with larger dumbells - size 4-1Quarter two - larger clousers of the colours above - size 1 - 3/0Quarter three - half and half patterns of the colours above size 1- 2/0Quarter four - various clousers of different sizes and material

Bass Box 2Quarter one - small deceivers of the colours above size 4 - 1Quarter two - larger deceivers of the colours above size 1- 4/0Quarter three - eel and crab patterns of various sizes and coloursQuarter four - surface patterns - poppers and gurglers size 1 - 4/0

Next month (June) - how far should I cast? Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 03:10PM (+01:00)

Salt Water Lure Fishing - P3 of 21 - FishingUltralight LuresFriday, May 30, 2008Fishing ultra light lure gear doesnt mean ultra weak - dispense with that other theory too -big fish big lure - yes its true on occasions but big fish also eat little fish if given theopportunity. Heres another one - light/small lures restrict my fishing - take that one with abig pinch of salt too! The biggest opportunity for the saltwater lure fisherman whochooses to fish ultralight is that it creates access to many more species. Seatrout,wrasse, bass, mackerel, pollack, garfish, even mullet can all be taken on ultralight tackle -by confining your fishing to larger heavier lures and gear you may be limiting yourexperiences and opportunities for enjoying these other species.

Ultralight lures also transfer to fresh water for perch, pike, brown trout and salmon

How many quality seatrout have you caught on saltwater lures intended for bass - someperhaps, but by scaling down and adjusting your lures and lure tackle not only can youcontinue to target bass but you can also put seatrout positively in the frame! And so manyother species too. By opening the box of micro lures your fishing becomes instantly more76

creative more active and more involved.

So what is ultralight? To me ultralight fishing is done with lures less than 10 grammes inweight - rods are often shorter than eight feet - reels are small in the 2500 or less style ofthings and braids are kept light too , less than 5kgs.

My current ultralight set up is of the following

Rod -Smith Bayliner boron - casting 2 - 10 grammes - length 6'-6"Reel - Shimano stradic 2500Line - PowerproTippet - Varivas fluorocarbon

No swivel or clips are used.

With this setup its possible to cast a 6 gramme lure 50 metres and more. Light lure fishingdoes not restrict your fishing, with the correct setup it enhances it. Nor does a balancedand light setup mean excessive 'playing' of fish. The technology invloved in modernultralight lure rods allow you to/or

1. cast sufficient distances with micro lures2. work the lure properly3. work across a range of different lure types4. land fish quickly and efficiently5. fish comfortably for long periods6. provides access to many different species

Next Month (June) - Choosing ultra light lures for differnt species


Future posts scheduled for JuneThursday, June 05, 2008 Salt water lure Fishing P4 - Choosing micro lures - equipment and tacticsLure actions and retrieves P5 - getting the best from you lure

Saltwater fly fishing P5 - How far should i cast - the casting phenomena in Irish saltwaterUsing the right lines P6 - lines for different species and occassions

Dermot won a days workshop with SEAi on http://www.sea-angling-ireland.org/ in theRNLI draw. I look forward to his visit on the 19th and many other people during June of2008. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 12:07PM (+01:00)

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Saving Lives At Sea - Sea anglers includedMonday, June 09, 2008

RNLI Sunday June 8th - Wexford

http://rnli.tripod.com/home.html


Saltwater fly fishing - P5 of 21 - Fly casting forsaltwaterTuesday, June 10, 2008

This is not a ‘how to post’. In other wordsI’m not going to tell you how to fly-cast forsaltwater. There are plenty of other peoplewho are more prepared to do that. What Iwould like to try to get across to you goessomething like this….

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‘…On a good day I can cast ‘x’ number of yards, on a bad day I struggle to hit ‘z’ yards.’

Where ‘x’ is a lot and ‘z’ is not that many!

Rudy Van Duinjhoven in Wexford Sometimes your preparation for a fishing session is meticulous to the point of obsession.It makes you feel good, and in control. You have prepared well, with a nice range of flies,lines, tippet, gear and you have done some planning around weather wind and tides.You’re focused, and on the drive down you feel calm and look forward to some hours ofsaltwater fly-fishing, the anticipation builds nicely as it’s your first time out in 10 days. Itcouldn’t be better.

Then somewhere between the third and tenth cast of your fishing you decide you want togo home. The cast is dumping and crashing, tailing loops are of phenomenal quality anddistance well....at its worst you want to turn the rod into a javelin aimed at the vile heart ofthe cruel sea, go stomping and muttering back to the car, kick the rabbit you saw on theway down the path, and at the top of lane stop the car and bite and punch the steeringwheel whilst growling like a mad dog. The following words perversely go through yourmind 'With good casting technique you can place the fly where you want it, effortlesslyand with precision and grace,...' they dont do anything to improve your mood.

The loneliness of the long distance fly caster (or not) as the case may be!

If you are already a capable caster in terms of both distance and presentation, in mostsaltwater conditions, then you can usually weather these storms and pour some oil on theissues. But if you are new to the sea or indeed flycasting then its more of a problem.Without the experience or indeed a number of 'negative casting' experiences how can welearn to deal with the above? Or more importantly can we recognise the early signs of abad day and find a middle ground, not X or Z but Y perhaps?

I think the important thing to remember is that it happens to everyone, and it happensless often than you might think. When it happens to me I tend to stop fishing very quickly.And for a while, I sit and watch someone else casting or simply watch the birds go by. Iknow that I probably wont cast to 'x' this time out but when I try again I make shortaccurate casts with small flies - if it works out then fine, I might make the move to furtherand bigger but only slowly, and sometimes I have to retreat! This is where 'y' exists - I amflyfishing within my limits and still enjoying it.

Rather than persisting with the agony of a poor casting day it pays to take time out and tothink about turning it around. You can do this by using many techniques but my favouriteis to start again after a while and push little by little until you move from casting mode tofishing mode and once again you begin to think and feel this might be ok - there might bea fish behind that rock over there - pull through the cast, stop, yes, not perfect butok......coming around now.....was that a follow?

some tips to use when things are not working out from a casting point of view• Only put the amount of line you want to cast in your line tray• dont put the biggest fly in the box on first

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• dont try to cast to the horizon with your first casts• if you are using heavy sinking lines or big flies - open you loops and slow down• try to determine where and how the fish are feeding• if they are blitzing on baitfish then presentation or distance wont be a problem• if they are visible then they must be reasonably close - but wary!• at night fish are very close - very!• a current can often carry your fly to the fish!• overlining your rod by one can often bring back that 'feeling'• take you time and relax

Next month (July) - choosing the right fly lines Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 03:39PM (+01:00)

Just arrived at SEAiFriday, June 13, 2008

The following lures (and more) areavailable at SEAi -indeed why not pay SEAi a visit and be thefirst to own some of the best lure and flyfishing equipment currently available.

Smith Troutin Surger - 3.0 and 6.5grammes - from 40mm - 60mm(vertical, rolling, falling, twitching, even trytracing the bottom)This lure is fitted with a special single hook!

Application - seatrout, bass, pollack,mackerel, wrasse - garfish Also transfers to freshwater

Smith DD Panish and Panish - from 3.8grammes to 18 grammes - from 55mm-95mm(d iv ing , deep d iv ing f l oa t ing andsuspending covering the table from .5 to2.5 metres - weight transfer and a widerange of colours)

Application - Bass , seatrout, pollack andmackerelAlso transfers to freshwater

Smith Zipsea pop and pen - 18 grammes(surface)Application - Bass, pollack. When you need

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a slow retrieve and yet need to maintain agood action in breaking waves a good luresilhouette is often very important. By 'giving'the lure to the fish through many realisticpresentations in tough conditions theselures can perform like no other. Watch thezipsea pop generate a 'bubble stream' likeyou have never seen!

Smith Kacoon - 20 grammes (sub surface walker, distance caster)Application - Bass . A sinking pencil lure with a fixed internal weight and a superbdistance caster. By combining retrieve rate and rod angle you can create various actionssuch as drift and soft twitching often deadly in an estuary. At the open sea a moreconstant retrieve with a faster twitch is more successful as a 'provocation' type attack.

Smith Wavy - 12 grammes 8.5cms (diving - sinking)Application - Bass. When fishing in rocky and reefy areas you require a strong lure thatcan withstand impacts with obstacles like rocks, concrete, etc. The lip of the Wavy isattached further forward than that of conventional lures thus protecting the lures 'line toeye' relationship and helping to minimise rough ground hook ups.

Above - Japanese Sea Bass not dissimilarto our own Irish fish - in many many ways!

Coming soon - La luna, zipseapen, Wavy (5cms), Jib, and the new range of SMITHbayliner boron specialist bass rods. see theaaaaahhhhhh LAST post Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 04:36PM(+01:00)

......feeding activitySunday, June 15, 2008Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 07:28PM (+01:00)

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aaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhT LAST!Tuesday, June 17, 2008

The Smith Bayliner Boron in Action Photomade by Julien Garbil Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:03AM(+01:00)

At the SEAi SWFF workshop today.Tuesday, June 17, 2008Scierra XDA #8/9Vision GT4 #9Rio Outbound intermediate

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Custom leader - Rio Hard alloy mono - andflouroflex 35 lbs > 15lbsHand built half and half (olive/white) size2/0Mangrove hip shooter line tray

Ger Potter from Drumcondra is attending atwo day SWFF workshop at SEAi - aftersome casting tuition this morning we wentfishing in very strong south westerly winds -looks like the practice casting paid off asGer landed his first bass on the fly!

Ger also ties his own flies and this excellentexample of a half and half proved ideal inthe rough seas today. A great achievementunder any circumstances.I will put the step by step guides to the flyand more pics in the gallery later this weekhttp://www.swsfd.fotopic.net/ Bendy Rods -JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:06PM(+01:00)

fly fishing the surfThursday, June 19, 2008Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:22PM (+01:00)

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SWLF - P4 of 21 - Using and choosing microluresTuesday, June 24, 2008

One of the most frequent questions I amasked is 'What knot do you use to join braidto mono?' When dealing with micro luresany hindrance in terminal tackle will affectits ability to 'swim' correctly so I use a verytidy and strong knot called the ReverseAlbright.

Form a six inch loop in your braid using theimproved clinch. Run the mono and thebraid loop side by side, then wind the braidloop around the mono at least 12 times -pass the tag end of the mono back throughthe braid loop - pull both ends of the monoslowly whilst holding the braid firm (usuallywrapped around a pen or somethingsimilar) then ease the knot down.


some days are better than othersTuesday, June 24, 2008Daiwa CertateSmith Blowshot B90 RSPowerpro - 8kgsRio flouroflexSmith Zipsea pen84


Andrew and Philip - aka 'The Nolan Sisters'Friday, July 04, 2008

Andrew decided to give Philip his brother two days bassfishing and guiding with SEAi for his 40th birthday. Thismeant they would fish twice on Thursday 04th and onceon friday morning. The days were sandwiched betweentwo weather systems and I felt it wasnt going to be easy!Fishing, and working hard they both got the results theydeserved in less than ideal conditions. I had great fun asthe digs and slagging flew........and the fish were on!

Landing Gear

Rods - Smith Bayliners - 7'-4"Reel - Shimano stradics and twin powersLine - Powerpro 8 kgsTippett - Rio flouroflex and fluoroflex plus 9 kgs

Lures - VariousLocation - The south east Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 03:59PM (+01:00)

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Saltwater Lure Fishing - P4 of 21 - Water Clarity(I)Friday, July 04, 2008

I'll try and post some thoughts on water clarity over theweekend. This foto was taken on opening day 2008.

Water clarity is a factor that will strongly influence yourbass fishing. The extent of that water clarity; be it tooclear or too unclear are at opposite ends of the tacticalfishing spectrum. Fish behaviour is different at both endsand hence you will need to apply different methods tocatch them. In clear water fish are often visible whenswimming and when hooked will often be ‘mobbed’ byother members of the shoal. Often as you bring your fishcloser to hand, this activity can be clearly observed. Clearwater fishing is often full of refusals whilst on the otherhand ‘brownish green’ water is impenetrable to our gaze

and we wonder what’s going on down there, are thereindeed any fish in there?

All of my guiding services operate below the point atRosslare burrow shore. In other words I never go ‘upnorth’ to do any bass fishing with customers. Thereasons for this are related to water clarity and thechallenges it presents. As you move into the estuaryat Wexford and North past the Raven point the sea isin constant contact with sand. The currents and windare in constant interaction with this sand anddepending on their strength and direction as well aslongevity there is a lot of ‘suspended’ particles in thewater for long periods of time. There is sand all alongthe East coast and this is further complicated bychannels and bars and strange and complex tides.

Further south past the southeast corner, there is of course vast quantities of sand, but I86

suspect this sand and the geography hasdifferent qualities than that on the eastcoast.

There’s not as much of it – no long golden beaches of fine grainsThe sand particles have different qualities on the southern coastsThere are rock platforms and deeper water closer to shoreCurrents tend to be stronger and fasterThere are less straight lines

We are talking strictly shore fishing at the moment – bear in mind that estuary fishing hasits own complexities like run off from the land and rivers.

After a long period of say North or Northwesterly breezes the water clarity is oftenamazing on the south coast. A westerly breeze doesn’t affect this clarity adversely but asit swings further south towards the southwest or south then this breeze or wind begins tohave its affects. The longer the wind blows and the greater its strength the more unclearthe water becomes. Waves crashing and rolling puts particles into the water, the weatherchanges the environment!

If you witness a lot of seaweed deposits on the beach its usually an indication of previoushigh wave and wind activity. This seaweed will rot and will often decompose into the sandwhere you are walking. When waves hit this sand it adds these smaller often-minutedecomposing particles to the water and then you can witness quite a vivid two-colourscenario of blue and green (or even brown) at the sea close to shore.

The water clarity and its longevity/components and causes are not an easy thing tounderstand. Because I’m exposed to it on an almost daily basis I try not to rationalise itbut have developed a ‘sense of conditions’ based on experiences. Unclear water on thesouth coast is a different phenomena than that on the east coast and hence the fishing isdifferent and you’re expectations should be too.

You arrive at you fishing destination – its warm, a little cloudy and misty, high tide is inabout 3 hrs and it’s a spring tide, wind is from the southwest force three. Perfect. Thenyou walk into he water and you can’t see your feet. Not so perfect! The cause of thisunclear water has been wind force, wind direction, and the previous number of hours ithas blown for. Combine this with heavy rain and you get miserable water conditions.

One of the reasons I emphasise the need for anglers to tune into the weather systems isto try and enable the elimination of surprises and often disappointments. Taking theexample above and applying it to today July 05th for example. It’s a nice sunny day here;it’s a bit breezy the tides are good I might go fishing! But. Already the water was murky,the wind blew very strong from the east in the last 12 hrs, and its still blowing at 4-touching 5. It will get worse this afternoon. There has been no settling period for particlesto descend. Sunday looks like a calm day with winds dropping this evening and all daytomorrow so by Monday morning or maybe even Sunday evening – fishing will returnsomewhat as particles descend, barometric pressure builds again and the water clears.The nature of the particles are heavier than those along the east coast, I believe they

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descend faster.

Can you calculate the extent and the longevity of the unclear water?

The table above is a representation of wind force and a recovery rate for fishing. Pleasedo not interpret this as 'definitive' or 'carved in stone' in any way. Its based aroundobservations and experiences of the last 6 years or so. The way it works as a guide isthat any number below three has a negligible if any effect upon the fishing. So forexample if it blows force three for 4 days its value is 2 and has no effect real effect onyour fishing (we are not considering direction). If it blows force 4 for four days its value is3 and this does have an effect on your fishing or rather - water clarity and fish behaviour.

It should be noted that if it blows force six for 2 days its value is 2 this is in fact a 2+ andprobably closer to three. The table values for force 6 and 7 should be treated with this inmind.

The values also give a rough indication of the number of tides it takes to recover so if itblows force 5 for three days we have a value of 3. Multiply this by 12 and this is therecovery time for water clarity from the time of the decrease in windspeed on yourforecasts. A sudden drop in windspeed may increase the clearing process.

Please bear in mind this is an indication from clear to unclear on the south coast - it doesnot take into account the current clarity of the water. In other words if the water is alreadyunclear this table is meaningless. It is also based on a slowing of wind speed to thenegligible end of the table for a period of time, the 'future wind' on your current forecastswill decrease in speed from the value you are now taking.

A value of two is merely an indicator and can often be a heads up to change. Any valuein the range of 3 or 4 and water clarity is affected and consequently so is your fishing -beyond the factor of 4 fly fishing is generally impossible and even at 3 it can be downrightdifficult. Lure fishers can expect to fish up to a value of 4 and even an early session at 5but not for any extended periods.

Because the south east coast is subject to so many influences - water depth, currentspeed, geography, weather, its possible to locate areas of 'clearer' water even whenwinds are blowing hard. This is where again, ground work and perserverance pays of. Byconstantly fishing in the one location you may well become accustomed to its patterns butyou are also subject to its negative influences. You need to find fallback locations whenyour favourite is full of weed and brown sandy dirty water. You learn more by exploringand expanding your fishing - I dont know exactly what a bass does when the water isdirty but i know they hunt differently and in different places - change your techniques andstrategies and you will find them! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:00PM (+01:00)

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In 'BASS FISHING FILES' Now -Saturday, July 05, 2008 Water Clarity and Bass Fishing - causes, effects, and how to adapt you fly & lure fishingtechniques.Tight lines - Jim Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:46AM (+01:00)

Saltwater fly fishing - P6 of 21 - Choosing theright fly linesSunday, July 06, 2008To be successful when targeting early season bass or sea trout or indeed throughout thevariable summer season in Ireland then your presentation or depth of fishing is going tobe key. Slow steady retrieves are often the norm while fishing as close to the bottom aspossible. At the early times of year bass are still somewhat lethargic and still in theirenergy conserving mode. Their noses are down as they root through muddy estuarybottoms in search of small marine worms and other tiny invertebrates. Here is where avariety of sinking and intermediate lines will greatly add to your success not only in theearly part of the season but throughout the summer as well!

Many fly fishers however don't carry the right equipment, in this case lines, to get the jobdone. As we grow in the sport the majority of us have spent our time or moneyaccumulating a wide assortment of flies that we have to choose from. Deceivers,clousers, poppers, half and half’s, on and on and on they goin so many differentcolours…we've already discussed this in part 5 and 4.

If you're like some fly fishers I know you probably have so many flies that you can't findroom in your box to carry them all. You probably also carry many flies that have neverbeen cast into the water at all. These are the flies we label for that "just in case scenario",or "I like it so much i dont want to fish with it".

With the new season now well underway I think it is time for many of us to change ourway of thinking or the approach that we take. We need to start to measure how effectiveour time spent fly fishing at sea actually is. Do you keep a mental note of any of yoursuccess? Or do you just move along casting and casting, putting in another bad daywhere you say the fish weren't there or they weren't hungry or the sky was too blue ?

Or does this sound familiar? The fly fisher next to you is catching fish and you are not.You cast just about every fly in your box but each one yields the same result, nothing. Orhow about this, you move from a spot and another fisher comes along steps in andcatches a fish on the very first cast.

I think all of us can honestly say that at least one of these scenarios has happened toeach one of us sometime in our fly fishing career. I know they have to me and it can berather frustration especially if they repeat themselves. Dont worry though, there arent that 89

many saltwater flyfishers for this to become a normal occurrence!

So what is the answer? What should go through your head when you are not producingfish and you know that you should be? One of the big keys to your success in saltwaterfly-fishing is going to rest with your presentation at different depths. You will need to lookat two components of your presentation that are important. One is the retrieve that youare using and the other is putting the fly in the right place. In other words putting the flywhere the fish are. Which of these is more important? Well, I think it is safe to say thatputting the fly where the fish are should be your first and most important consideration. Ifyou have the correct retrieve but there are no fish anywhere near your fly then good luck,because you are going to need it.

I would recommend the following lines as essentials for the Irish saltwater flyfisherman tocover all presentations at many depths.

Rio Outbound - #9FRio Outbound - #9IRio Outbound - #9S (rate as needed)Rio Aqualux Striper Bass line -(Recommended)

orScientific Anglers saltwater mastery series fast and slow sinking lines plus a floater

Plus

Jim Teeny - Ts-350swJim Teeny - Ts-450swJim Teeny - Xd- 300

Plus

Custom built shooting heads

Next month (September) - where should I fish? Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 03:16PM (+01:00)

Alans first of many on the fly!Friday, July 11, 2008Scierra BW 2 9'-0" #8/9Snowbee XSRio Aqualux striper line #9Varivas saltwater tapered leaderHome built chartreuse and white deciever


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New Zealand girls - a can do attitude!Thursday, July 17, 2008


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Ger Potters Summer of Silver ContinuesFriday, July 18, 2008

Whilst guiding Ger Potter on the waterfordcoast on friday his summer of bass on thefly continued with this beautiful fish.


In Bass Fishing Files Now - 'Guiding On TheWaterford Coast'Friday, July 18, 2008I have been doing a lot of work on the Waterford coast recently - I travelled to guide somecustomers late yesterday evening and today - you can find the flies, the techniques, thestrategy here later this weekend! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:01PM (+01:00)

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a sequence of inevitable events.....Sunday, July 20, 2008


Saltwater Flyfishing in an open timber boatFriday, July 25, 2008SEAi has aquired an open timber boat - 17 feet long and constructed from larch and oak,it is my intention to use her for Spring seatrout fishing, and summer and autumn bassfishing in and around Wexford harbour.

A team of 'painters' and 'shipwrights' have been gathered to perform the neccessaryrepairs and I personally will pursue the qualifications and insurances needed to operateher safely over the next few weeks. It is hoped to have her operational before the autumnseason begins.

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Not built for speed I bought the boat tocreate an 'experience' of relaxed estuary flyfishing. I feel it will also add a newdimension to 'the one day' fly fishing visitorsas we will have the opportunity to reach fishoffshore in tidal rips from sandbars andsandy shores.


The Irish Times TodayTuesday, July 29, 2008 Link to article Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:37AM (+01:00)

In Bass Fishing Files Now - Bass fishing on theCork CoastTuesday, July 29, 2008

Guided Bass fishing today between Kinsaleand Crosshaven!


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Continued surprisesThursday, July 31, 2008

Eileen, my wife is a Cork woman. Her father and motherare both Cork people, we were married in Cork and wehave holidayed quite a lot on the Cork coast, in fact wespend a lot of time in Cork. We have our differentreasons, Eileen having spent long summers at the holidayhouse as a child finds a connection, I on the other hand atsome time try to connect with fish, Dan and Ruth are 100metres from the beach and the rock pools! Circles.

Its inevitable that the times we spend in Cork are usuallybased around neap tides, thats the rule in our house, welive our lives around the tides - no its not quite as bad asthat. But yes if I dont have workshops on a neap tideweek and Eileen can take one or two days then we aregone. The fishing gear goes too amongst all the otherstuff, a small amount at least. Its a small amount but its agood amount. I never plan my fishing times or anythingand often, just after a weeks guiding, I don't want to fishfor a while. The urge always creeps back though, usuallyafter about 48 hrs.

So my fishing in Cork over the last ten years or so hasalways been a hit and miss affair or more of a miss Ithink. Last year I came across a location that held mullet,Gilthead bream, (small) bass and garfish and had a goodday with light lure fishing - this year I planned to try themall on the fly. And as they seemed to be present on aneap tide that was exciting too. I went there this week andthe fish weren't present - simple.

There is part of me that is resigned to not fishing for bass on neap tides with any realconviction, the other part (the sad one) says different. So on Monday having been to Fotawildlife park with the kids and knowing I was fishing a falling neap tide, in the afternoonmind you, I went fly fishing for bass. Heavy rain, high humidity, strong westerly winds I 95

trudged over to an unfished venue, well at least by meanyway.

Sometimes you just know the fish will be there. Suddenly- gone was the water seeping up my sleeves, gone wasthe sweat and sluggishness, gone was the resignation. Iwalked down along a finger of rock and watched thewaves roll over them going whiter than white against thedark sky and the green and blue water was fizzing withoxygen and the water was clear and the tide wasnt as farout as I thought and after 20 tough casts I had a fish or arock no it was a fish - and I was surprised again andagain!


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WANTED - One weather repair kitFriday, August 01, 2008 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:22AM (+01:00)

In Bass Fishing Files Now - Attempting biggerbass on the flySaturday, August 02, 2008Catching big bass is not easy and the added dimension of the fly adds another degree ofdifficulty. I am not neccessarily a big fish hunter but through incidences of having caughta few I have learned a little that I hope I can bring you through 'Bass Fishing Files' overthe next few weeks. I will keep each section reasonably short too.

1.Casting2.Retrieves3.Location4.Timing5.You in the 'Bass World'6.Behaviour7.Weather and tides8.Flies9.Gear (possibly)10.Fish handling (possibly)


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wave landscapes todaySaturday, August 02, 2008


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...little things that mean a lot.Saturday, August 09, 2008

Jim -I think I can speak for the three of us when I say thatthe guiding, education, accommodation - the wholepackage - exceeded by uncountable orders ofmagnitude anything we could have hoped for and Isincerely hope that you got as much sheer enjoymentout of it as we did. Two specimen bass to lures/fly forthe lads and two personal bests for me on consecutivedays is not to be sneezed at at all, especially given theconditions we had to deal with - well, you had to dealwith. You're the one who had to do the hard work - wejust did our best to follow your advice. I know that Andyand I had a certainty from last year that you could putus where the goods could be produced, god willing andweather permitting, and I think Gerry (globally

experienced angler that he is) is in absolute awe of yourabilities. His comment as we stood on the roadside withhis knackered engine was 'well, could have been worse -it could have calved on the way down - and I wouldn'thave had my specimen bass'.

Once again, we have returned from our stay with youenriched by the experience and with much to ponder andpractice in the next year and a couple of days, which,believe me, we will be counting. And thanks for putting upa prize for the SWFF competition - I'll not be taking partsadly as I'm taking a few friends out and introducing themto fishing for blues, porgies and tope that day and since Ihave to drive them there and back and entertain, I can't

even sneak off for an hour to get the fly rod out.

Give my regards to you lovely wife and teach your childrenwhat three generations of the Hendrick clan already know.The world will be a better place for it.


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3 Days in the South EastSunday, August 10, 2008 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:24PM (+01:00)

Allez les bleus - the continuationWednesday, August 13, 2008

Dear Jim,

I just would like to congratulate you a newtime for the top level quality of the pieces ofinformation and the marvellous galleriesthat you propose on your blog. They arelike "parts of dream". We hope to visit younext year, we will do our best in order toinform you ASAP (when it was not the caselast time...). We keep in mind the verypleasant wexford fishing areas. Chris is still

very proud due to your (very good) choice to introduce his "photo" at the opening page ofyour website.Please give our very best regards to Paul who was also fantastic during our fishing trip.Just for last, we were very disapointed not to meet you during the last sport fishingexhibition in Paris (February 2008). The irish guys that were present on the "Irish fishingbooth" were so friendly and also seemed very tired (we have visited them around 2:00PM). For sure, when you travel from France to Ireland (or the opposite), this trip cannotbe without strongs effects for your health!!!

Fred. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:08AM (+01:00)

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In 'Bass Fishing Files' NOW - Attempting biggerbass on the fly - F...Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Having had a look at some castingtechniques we now move to Big flies

Fly choice is important when targetingbigger bass, of that there is no doubt. Sowhen making choices I tend to favourbigger flies, when I say bigger I meangreater than 6 inches in length.........thisoften means big lines too! Bendy Rods -JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 02:25PM

(+01:00)

Saltwater Lure Fishing - P5 of 21 - Water Clarity(PII).Saturday, August 16, 2008

The sun is beating down from directlyabove your head, the sky is the brightest ofblues and the water's as clear as Gordons.Theres only the faintest of breezes coolingthe sweat on your back - On the other handwhat happens when you are fishing in coldchocolate? The following notes could helpyour f ly and lure fishing under bothcircumstances.

Dealing with cloudy water - tactics for basson fly and lure.

The photograph to your left is now acommon sight on the south east coast, andhas been especially visible and regular overthe last few weeks. The lethal combinationof continuos strong winds and heavy rainadds 'colour' to the water, combined withlarge deposits of rotting seaweed it spellstough times for the fly and lure fisherman. Circumstances like the one to the left are at theextreme end of the range and as the first thirty meters are brown I am often asked,especially by flyfishermen, as to what to do. 101

There are two major types of fish - thepredatory type and the scavenger type.Predators tend to want to catch and eatmost of their prey when its alive, althoughthey will scavenge if they need to. Usingtheir highly developed senses of smell,sight, sensitivity and hearing they locatetheir prey easily. Sight is a very welldeveloped sense in most fish and is

especially sharp in those that are predatory.Fish can see either binocularly with botheyes forward or monocularly with eyes onboth sides of their heads. Bass tend tohave them high on their heads lookingforward and somewhat to the side.

Because of water clarity in Ireland and itsnormal restrictions, fish tend not to seebeyond twenty or thirty feet. They havegood colour vision and they have excellentnight vision too. Predators rely on sight as the major tool in the hunting box. But whathappens when they cant see!

The extent of the turbidity of the water is usually indicative of whether bass will bepresent or not. In the photograph above they are most definetly not present, thisphotograph was taken after some days of very strong winds and rain. The photograph tothe right was taken after the wind had blown but the weather was improving and the seawas 'fining down' or settling. Bass would be present in the circumstances to the right evenwith the suspended particles and seaweed present. The camera visibility here wasreduced to about two feet.

Tying up subsurface visibilty, the weather and its impact on your fishing has beendiscussed in Part One. Here are some pointers to help when the sea is murky.

1. Try to fish as early in the change of wind direction, increase in strength ordeterioration as is possible.

2. If this is not possible re-plan you fishing to attempt the latest set of tides in the cyclethat correspond to an improvement. In other words after wind and rain dont gofishing just 'cause the sun shines - it takes time for the fish to return.

3. If the change in weather that is causing the 'breakdown' is a big one the first twotides of this period are often excellent at producing BIG fish, if you can deal withconditions!

4. If the change in weather is a fast moving depression that comes and goes veryquickly, fish immediately the next tide when the barometric begins to rise - a keytime!102

5. Do not fish after extended periods of strong wind6. When the sea is 'fining down' dont be dissapointed not to get fish on the first tide

you try - try the next - they'll be there and hungry too.7. Avoid fishing areas close to runoffs or river inlets, estuaries, where weed is

gathered on the beach, or the windward sides of peninsulas or rocky points.8. Check the visibilty of different areas of water by dropping a fly into the sea and

estimating maximum distance at which it remains visible - often fish can beconcentrated in the optimum areas of 'bad' conditions. Use a brightly colored or verydark and noisy fly or lure! Do some combat fishing by creating impacts withstructure with the fly or lure.

9. Fish a black or purple or 'BLURPLE' fly as this contrasts sharply as the bass view itagainst the skys lighter background. Try black or dark poppers or fish heavy fliesclose to the bottom where visibilty is often slightly better

10. Try and find current and watch and wait - often different phases of the tide produceclear conditions just for a short period - fish are often condensed in these areas andtravel with the clear water.


things can only get better!Saturday, August 16, 2008


Post No 101Sunday, August 17, 2008I've reached post number 101 for this blog. Over the past few weeks I have been addingsome material to the Bass Fishing Files section. Now that I have material added andsome commentary going it will be accessible to all readers of Saltwater Fly & Lure earlythis week. I hope to keep Bass Fishing Files as informative and interesting as possiblewith

1. weekly weather predictions2. fishing reports and predictions3. help and information4. up to date techniques and methods

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5. local information for the visiting angler www.bassfishingfiles.blogspot.com or on the link to the right

If you would like to see anything added to the files please dont hesitate to contact me [email protected]


'Bass and B.A.S.S.'Monday, August 18, 2008A refreshing new book from the Bass Anglers’ Sportfishing Society, with over 70 articlesdrawn from the Society’s magazine over the years. Covering the UK, Republic of Ireland,Channel Islands and striped bass in the USA, it deals with every aspect of the fish, thefishing and the Society.

From people who genuinely know and understand their bass fishing and have done so foryears - this is a must for every serious bass angler.

http://www.anglersbookcase.com/ Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 12:08PM (+01:00)

Big Fly-Big Fish - Do I need BIG rod?Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Does a big fly mean a big fish ?

How can i cast a big fly in strong wind?

How do I land a big bass on a light fly rodquickly and without stressing the fish?

A fly rod is a casting tool and I am oftenasked the above questions and many more- retrieves, fly choice, presentations - howdoes it all fit together?


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The GalleriesThursday, August 21, 2008I have been neglecting the galleries somewhat http://www.swsfd.fotopic.net/ over the lastfew weeks. This is because i've been concentrating on the 'bassfishing files' blog andanother project which is cooking for the winter. I will over the next week or so bring youup to date with some nice photographs I have made over the last five weeks or so

Bendy RodsJim Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 12:14PM (+01:00)

Swimming with bassSaturday, August 23, 2008


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Mackerel on the fly - Childs playMonday, August 25, 2008

Dan and Ruth (aged 8 +6) have had greatfun catching mackerel on the fly this week -I'm told the next fish Ruthie wants to catchis a Bass! Its fantastic fishing for earlybeginners in saltwater fly fishing and theonly real assistance is a little casting help,making sure they both dont fall in andminding sharp hooks! They learnedretrieves, knots, fish handling, a lot aboutnature - plus had loadsa fun!


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In 'Bass Fishing Files' NOWWednesday, August 27, 2008Fly and Lure fishing tactics for when you and the fish are faced with poor subsurfacevisibility. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 07:58PM (+01:00)

Fishing with a bycycle wheel!Saturday, August 30, 2008


say hello then wave goodbyeMonday, September 01, 2008


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In Bass Fishing Files NOW -Tuesday, September 02, 2008

The eleventh specimen of our season was recorded lastevening - see all the details, rod, reel line and lure inBassfishing Files later this week.

Plus after a years fishing I review of the best bass fishingreels currently available -

Daiwa Certate and the Daiwa Exist Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:07PM (+01:00)

letters and phone calls etcTuesday, September 09, 2008I met some people at the weekend who spoke to me about their frustation at not havinghad any reply to their letters or phone calls regarding illegal bass fishing in Wexford. Thisis nothing new and all I can say to you is to continue to send the letters, make the phonecalls, make copies of them and send them to politicians and anyone else whom you canthink of ! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:58AM (+01:00)

A week in SeptemberTuesday, September 09, 2008 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:20AM (+01:00)

Jump for your livesTuesday, September 09, 2008Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 02:09PM (+01:00)

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Saltwater fly fishing - P7 of 21 - Where should Ifish?Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Here we are a third of the way through theSWFF section already. Looking back overthe previous six sections I can see wheresome posts need to be re-written andindeed more information added. That willbe done in time, at the moment I want tokeep moving forward at the rate of oneposting a month. That will mean by nextSpring we should be up to post number 14or 15.

SWFF - Part 1 of 21 General Fly Choices

SWFF – Part 2 of 21 – The instinct of the decision

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SWFF – Part 3 of 21 – Where is my fly

SWFF- Part 4 of 21 – Choosing a fly

SWFF – Part 5 of 21 – Fly-casting for saltwater

SWFF – Part 6 of 21 – Choosing the right fly lines

SWFF – Part 7 of 21 – Where should I Fish

Where should I fish?

In the articles section of this blog you can find detailed descriptions of how you canattempt saltwater fly fishing both on the The Rocky Shore and within and aroundestuaries Estuaries . Perhaps you can use these quick links to access the articles at alater time,

Looking at all that water around the coast its a big place – this is where you are going toflyfish and isn’t it a pretty big place? What I want you to look for and indentify are placeslike

The mouth of estuaries.Rocky headlands.Points of land that stick into the sea.Long stretches of beach that suddenly stop.Deep patches of water that lie close to shore.Where rivers flow into the sea.

Circle these places on your map – these are all possible fish holding areas. Pick somethat are relatively close together but offer different types of topography and concentrateon those. Open your tide tables look for the next low tide, and then when the time is rightpop the children in the car and tell your wife/partner that you are taking the smallies on apicnic/treasure hunt, hence the map and compass. Remember you will often be travellingto these places early in the morning so a long distance journey is not recommended.Look at the maps in the weather section of the newspaper and note the wind direction.When you arrive at low tide look for deep pools, rocky patches and reefs, holes andgullies, water colour, try to imagine when the tide is rising where does the water flow andhow does it flow around and within the area. Are there any ambush sites where predatoryfish will be lying in wait? Is it possible to access these areas as the tide is rising and arethese areas a safe place to fish? Note what way the wind is blowing and how is this goingto affect your casting ability/range/accuracy. Keep visiting the areas with the children orfor long romantic walks with your loved one and as the year moves closer to summer,activity in the water should increase, baitfish should appear, sea trout, bass and mulletwill show themselves on or above the surface. Keep constant notes of wind direction,temperature, tides, phases of the moon, natural activity. These notes will, over timebecome your fishing reference

Of the areas that you have chosen perhaps two or three will have most if not all of the110

following

A strong geographical feature – like rocks, headland, or river mouth etc.Will have displayed high levels of natural activity – bird life, and fish life.Is prone to tidal currents like slacks and fast eddiesIs easy to access and safe to fishIs fishable in different wind directions.

This is where you are going to fish. Let these three places be your own private huntinggrounds, get to know them like your back garden. Begin to feel comfortable there in allconditions and begin to anticipate the effects of the combinations of wind, tide, andtemperature on your fishing environment and the wildlife that inhabits the area. There isalways the opportunity with time spent at the water either fishing or simply observing toadd to that vast database that is necessary for success. For instance, you will learn that asudden drop in temperature (by two degrees or more) or a sudden change in winddirection, or a slight combination and change of these factors will turn fish off for a whileand make them harder to catch. Weather will also play havoc with your casting andmood, its difficult to get motivated at times but no one else can make you pick up that rodand get out there!

Next Month (October) - When should I fish? Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 07:08PM (+01:00)

A fishing reportThursday, September 11, 2008There are a number of things going on in this REPORT - probably working on levels thatcan only be discovered over time and a re-read or two -

I can’t say thank you enough (to all of you) for what is a glowing example of what I amtrying to achieve through SEAi, this report alone represents to me what the Bass fisheryin Ireland is about.

Having fun, catching sporting fish on new and challenging methods, staying safe,camaraderie, memories, all done in a perfectly sustainable environment.

I worked hard those three days - no harder than normal mind you - I felt I needed to getthe message across to somebody to demonstrate that SEAI is not just an 'aspiration, abring somebody fishing type set-up’. It is a proper angling guiding service that hasoperated around the bass fishery in this country for six years now.

Whilst this post maybe written around SEAi - it’s really much more than that. Here inIreland we have a bass fishery to rival any in Europe or indeed the world. However we asanglers seem to pay scant attention to the protection, exploitation, development and theconservation of the species.

Its time, as IRISH sea anglers, to start thinking constructively and positively about the111

future. To think about and act about this resource and those that need protection,resources that have the potential for continued development on one hand andexploitation on the other.

Rather than ignoring the in-action, rather than ignoring the inability or lack of will toprosecute illegal offenders, (this only empowers them to continue), rather than listening toand following blindly the rapidly emerging experts - you must realise as Irish Sea anglersthat this fishery is here and needs your support. Nobody else can do it!

It’s down to you to drive and change the in-action, to ask questions about protection, todo something and realise the value of what we have - the potential, the expertise, thechallenges, and to acknowledge these things and do more, for ourselves and byourselves, for a change and indeed, the future of bass angling in this country.

Thank you Pat, Andy and Gerry. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:31AM (+01:00)

Daiwa Certate Bass Rods - 902ms / 802msFriday, September 12, 2008You might be familiar with the Daiwa certate spinning reel - a true gem - but have youfished with the Daiwa Certate Bass Rods ?

Last week I fished with both the 902ms and the 802ms - and had great fun landing someserious fish. A review is scheduled later this weekend in Bassfishing files. Bendy Rods -JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:26AM (+01:00)

International Interest-Bass Fishing WexfordSunday, September 14, 2008

Daniel la Raux - Jounalist & Angler - Peche en Mer - France

Nico de Boer - Journalist & Angler - De Roofvis - Holland

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Wijm Brassar - Angler - Holland

Brian Mc Ardle - Angler - Boston - USA


Dublin Bass on the fly - Ger PotterMonday, September 15, 2008

Hi Jim

Just to let you know that I caught thisb e a u t y t h i s a f t e r n o o n a t1 2 . 4 5 p m . ( h . w . + 4 5 m i n s . )wind=s.e.3/4 onshore,100% cloud coverNear ................ co.Dublin.water clarity=good. Bass=60cm,5lbs.6ozs.

Landing gear

Fly size#1/0 razzle dazzle fly,(I got therecipe for the fly from Ray Bonderew's book,"Stripers and Streamers".)The fly measuresapprox. 6"and is coloured blue,green,yellow and white!Line Rio striped bass intermediate #9.

Rod Vision GT4 sw 9' #9.

Reel Loop evotec clw 5-8.This in my opinion is an excellent composite reel that isreasonably priced and won't corrode unlike the innards of the scierra xda it replaced!

Thanks again for all your help and advice Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:02AM (+01:00)

In a flapThursday, September 18, 2008Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 02:49PM (+01:00)

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End of the weekFriday, September 19, 2008There is no doubt in my mind at this time that this week has been particularly difficult forbass fishing in Wexford. SEAi continues to develop its well established relationship withFrench bass fishermen and this week Daniel from Peche en Mer magazine (55,000copies per month) was here to sample the fishing and make some articles. Journalistsalso joined us from Holland for the week.

Through some tough days of flat calms, north easterly breezes and sunny skies I thinkwe've done Wexford and indeed Ireland and its wonderful fishing proud again. Constantcomments were made about our fantastic coastline, the nice town and all its shops andpubs, and the friendliness of the people. This is just a few of many.

To all the people invloved during the week - Sandra, Ryan, Danny, David, Ashley,Jonathan, Neville, John, who helped in more ways than they can imagine - many thanks.

Jim Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 06:54PM (+01:00)

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A day with friends on the boatTuesday, September 23, 2008 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:58AM (+01:00)

remains an influenceTuesday, September 23, 2008With, withoutAnd who'll deny its what the fightings all aboutOut of the way, its a busy dayI've got things on my mindFor want of the price of a tea and a sliceThe old man died.

Richard Wright Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 12:49PM (+01:00)

September evening at the riverWednesday, September 24, 2008 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:58AM (+01:00)

Bass Fishing on the Fly in Norway DVDThursday, September 25, 2008Would anybody be interested in helping me put together a team to do something similarto this for Ireland in 2009? - it looks excellent.

Bass Fly Fishing - Norway Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 07:10PM (+01:00)

Caught and released - JonathanSunday, September 28, 2008Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:12AM (+01:00)

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Autumn Bass at St HelensSunday, September 28, 2008

Clive takes a lovely fish in beautifulconditions Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:42AM(+01:00)

83 cms of Solid Silver Landed Today on the FLYSunday, September 28, 2008 In Bassfishing Files Now

How I caught this Bass on the fly - flies, techniques and strategy used

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What people say about the coursesMonday, September 29, 2008Hi Jim, I just wanted to say thanks very much for a very informative days fishing with you.Improving my casting and approach to fly fishing in the sea will hopefully help me catch abass on the fly eventually either this year or next. I will have to start tying up some of theflies that you have showed me as well and try them out around dublin.

Thanks again

Jack Prendergast [email protected]________________________________________________________

Hiya Jim,

Thanks so much for the days tuition last week and the course notes etc. I certainlylearned a lot. Some of the information makes so much sense when you hear it, yet youwould not put it together without attending. It was well worth our while. Thanks again.Hoping to put some of the techniques and knowledge to use in Dublin soon before thewater temp drops. Any tips for locations and times of tide etc etc??Hope all is well with yourself,

Gareth Hayden [email protected]______________________________________________________

Thanks very much for the notes and the invite to the blog. Thank you again for a veryinteresting day yesterday. I am now a lot closer to achieving a life's ambition and nowfunnily making new ones!!

I have been practicing knots and reading the notes over the course of the day (inbetween bottles and nappies). The blog is very interesting. The more I read about SWFFthe more intriguing it is. I will hold the line and try to catch fish on the lures and build upmy sense of it all next season. I will get down to Clonanav in the Spring too and start the

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ball rolling on the casting etc. Hopefully, by this time next year I will be ready to cast aSW fly in anger!

Dave Clarke [email protected]_____________________________________________________

Hi Jim

Then I feel very happy to get an invitation, Jim! Thank you very much! :-)I am going to tell all my frieds who are fishing about your site, and I think many of themhave already been surfing around and really enjoyed your pictures and articles.

Since the bass is a pretty new specimen in our waters it is really informative to read allyour articles about the subject. The season for bass has been bad back here this year,but know it seems to be a little bit better, but only for a short wile since thewatertemperature is approaching 10 degrees celsius, and then the bass will be far gone.Actually I am just waiting for the workday to end right now, because today we are goingto try to catch some bass :-)

Thomas Gjeterud - Norway [email protected] _____________________________________________________

Hi Jim,

I took your advise and I went down to the beach you brought me to. I left the house at4am last Saturday morning. I got there at about 5:45am. What a brilliant time of the day. Istayed there until about 12 noon. I had a great time. I brought the spinning rod that Ipurchased off you - what a rod. I also brought the fly rod but it got a little breazy to use.

Please find attached my prize. I returned it back to the water straight away. Any idea whatweight it is?

I caught it on a floating plug. In fact it stayed about a foot under the surface.

Ray O'Toole [email protected]______________________________________________________

Hi Jim,

Well done on the 83cm fish today. Must have been great on the fly. Fished the last 3 hrsof the rise this afternoon at St. Helens. Cloud cover was great, but the northerly breezemade it cold in the water and not very optimistic for success! No joy anyway on fly orplug. One other angler had a fish on a piece of free lining mackerel strip over someshallow water. Remembered that it was this weekend a year ago I had my first sessionwith you. Thanks for introducing me to this exciting sport. I’ve nearly gone fly only in melast few session but today it was also very enjoyable to fish the Sammy with the plug rod.Hopefully will have a few more enjoyable sessions before the season ends. Would beinterested in doing any off-seasons sessions, e.g. winter species or even just working on

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casting technique, if you were available. Alternatively, I would also like to meet at somestages to review some of things which I have learnt and observed about bass fishing thisyear and may answer some of those puzzling questions which I can’t seem to find theanswer to!

Patrick Molitor [email protected] ______________________________________________________ Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:19AM (+01:00)

Saltwater fly fishing in OctoberThursday, October 02, 2008

Despite the cold Northerly and Northwesterly gales, we're having a pleasantweek of bass fishing on the fly. The winningcombination of Rio's streamer lines andgrey and lavender bucktail deceivers cantbe beaten. Edouard, Dominic and Jacquesfrom France have not only taken severalbass on the fly but its also their very firstbass of any description. A challenging andvery interesting week so far! Specieslanded - bass, pollack, and sea trout at thesea and pike and brown trout from the river- all on the fly!


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The pier in HowthMonday, October 06, 2008

If you drive onto the pier in Howth rightNOW you will see a blackboard with thefollowing details outside a well known fishdistributor

Fresh Line caught sea bass @ 19.95 eurosper Kilo inside the plant is the followingblackboard details Wild fresh sea bass24.95 euros per kilo

Farmed sea bass is also available at 12.95euros a kilo120

Does anyone know the actual source of thefish?

In the face of the report below - whatexactly is going on? Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 06:05PM(+01:00)

The Season 0f 2008 - a review!Tuesday, October 07, 2008 Coming Soon

Wind, rain, more rain, and then some morewind, followed by cloudy cold water - theexperiences and the lessons learned in thetoughest year yet - 2008!

From one ext reme to another - achallenging and interesting season!

V i s i t o r s f r o m -

Denmark/France/Italy/Holland/UK/NewZealand/Ireland/Scotland - I share theirsand my own experiences on fly and lure!Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:12AM(+01:00)

The Sloopy Droopy !Wednesday, October 08, 2008 Is this my favourite Bass fly? It certainly is one of four at the moment - more inBassfishing Files during October. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 04:27PM (+01:00)

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Bassfishing Files Now OpenThursday, October 09, 2008Hello and welcome to all of you who are reading this post. I'm glad you have found yourway here and thank you for your continued interest not only in SEAi but in Bass Fishing inIreland. Over the last few months I have been busy slowly building a resource for mywebsite visitors that is a little more oriented towards bass fishing. I n particular I would like to share information that is relevant to bass fishing on fly or lurein Ireland. Included in many observations will be many topics like those below

tidesphases of the moonwind and other weather influences including water clarity and watercrafttemperaturesfish activitymethods, techniques and equipmentflies and lures used and testedThe 'fishy feel' factor for days ahead - my best opinions on chances

If you have a specific area of bass fishing interest or would like to see something here oron these pages then please do not hesitate to post and share it with us.I will try and answer any questions as best I can or at least point you in a good direction ifI cant! By making this 'blog' more live and interactive it will help fishing experiences for allof us.

Bendy Rods Jim


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In Novembers Irish AnglerFriday, October 10, 2008 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 05:10PM (+01:00)

Saltwater Fly Fishing WorkshopsSunday, October 12, 2008

Bassfisherman - Saltwater fly - two-dayworkshop Tariffs available on request from Jim @[email protected]

Do you want to experience and face a newangling challenge? A challenge that will seeyou develop your fishing instincts and skillsfurther than you ever believed possible, achal lenge that wi l l reward you withconsequences that may change your lifeforever. If so then bass fishing on the fly isfor you!

For those starting fly fishing in saltwaterthere are often many skills and numerousequipment requirements and choices to bemade. This can prove daunting to thebeginner or even the exper iencedfreshwater fishermen. My saltwater fly

fishing courses are designed not only tohelp you understand fully the equipmentand your required applications, but you willalso learn about cast ing, advancedsaltwater f ly f ishing techniques andwatercra f t . Why i t is impor tant tounderstand various species their habitats,life cycles and all of the influences. You willalso learn how and where to purchase anduse the best equipment. Having completedthe courses you will have a comprehensiveunderstanding of this intriguing and fast developing aspect of saltwater sport fishing andall its dynamics. I hope too we can have some fun along the way as we fish in some ofthe best bass fishing locations this country has to offer.Please be aware these courses are not for ‘Experts’. I do run Advanced courses onrequest but this series is designed to make the sportfishing angler feel safe, comfortable

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and relaxed and to help remove some of the barriers that may exist especially whensaltwater fly-fishing. There is a comprehensive set of notes supplied and continuous e-mail support after completion of each course.

Saltwater fly Fishing Day One

Summary Part One - Introducing Saltwater Fly-fishing

o An introduction to Basso Behavioural patterns and ‘water craft’o Discover how to read tides and the effects they have on our fishing.o Fly Rod types and their applicationso Suitable reelso The technology of a fly fishing lineo Leaders, loops and lineso How best to stay comfortable and safe when fishingo A brief look at some flieso Accessories like the ‘stripping basket’o Learn to apply your skills to a range of different saltwater fish.o Short questions and answers session.

Summary Part Two - Introductory Saltwater Fly casting

o Safety when castingo The types of rods and their effects on castingo The fly line profile and its role in castingo The cast as it unfoldso Basic efficient casting style for saltwatero Casting and you—common errors to avoid and positive aspects to enhanceo Making your first casto Tangible evidence of rod line and leader working togethero Confidence when castingo Brief intro to various types of casto Roll, overhead and single haul.

Saltwater fly Fishing Day Two

Summary Part Three -Beyond the basics

o Various knots their uses and how to tie themo Places to find fish and how and when to fish them effectivelyo Correct decisions regarding fly selectiono Effective retrieves and how to use themo Casting techniques when conditions are tougho Casting big flies for big fish with safety in mind

Summary Part Four - Intermediate Saltwater Fly-casting

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o How to improve your casting, fishing skills and knowledge.o Techniques for big flies and strong windso The single and double haul

Conclusion and summary of previous discussions, the future, you and SWFF. BendyRods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 01:36PM (+01:00)

Autumn Silver and GoldFriday, October 17, 2008

A very busy week spent saltwater flyfishingso far- with many great fish fish landed indifferent conditions and with different flies.See more details HERE


October Bass on the Fly and Lure - A week withSEAiSunday, October 19, 2008

A nice surprise in a holding area - Day OneOct 12

The week got off to a great start as I tookthis nice fish on Sunday morning. I wasworking with a good friend of mine -demonstrat ing a ‘how to’ approachregarding fish holding areas on the fly.Eventually after I got my cast going awayfrom the key area we made a stealthapproach to a nice lie and suddenly the fish

was on! Its always much more fun when demonstrating when something like thishappens and I think Paul was flabbergasted. And that was it for our very short session -the hollow fleye works again. Landing gear

Redington CPS #7Vision composite - #6/9Rio Striped Bass Aqualux - #8 Inter-BassFlies – 2/0 White, grey and lavender hollow fleye from Andy Elliott

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Rain, more rain and then some wind - andfish, oh and flies! - Day Two & Three Oct13,14

Colin Rigney from Blackrock joined me onSunday evening, we had two days ofguided Bassfishing on the fly lined up.Monday morning was spectacular withbright blue skies but a chilly westerly kept ita little cooler. We fished the rising tide over

a normal lyprolific area and a family of seals closely accompanied us.Up to six seals were present at any one time – normallyone or two wouldn’t bother the fishing but a family posedus some serious problems. We enjoyed the companythough.

Colin and I fly-fished on Tuesday in extremely wet andwindy but considerably milder conditions. As the windreached force five and even six during the afternoon weweren’t to be deterred. Persistence paid of and we landedseveral bass in challenging conditions.

The fish were again taken on the lavender and grey/whitehollow fleye.

Landing Gear

Redington Super Sport #9Vision 3-zone carbon compositeRio Aqualux Striped Bass Intermediate #9Rio Hard alloy mono and Flourflex + handbuilt leaderHollow Fleye - 2/0 Lavender/Grey and White tied sparsefrom Andy Elliott.

Comment

Conditions although mild were particularly tough. It blewhard all day (4-5 bft) and the rain fell very heavy, the fishwere at 25 meters or more. Double hauling and castingbackwards is a skill learned by right handers who want to catch bass whilst fly fishing onthe Southern coasts - prevailing winds tend to be South or Westerly so its both safe andefficient. Waves were running increasingly bigger as the day progressed and as the tiderose the water was fizzing with oxygen, it remained clear for most of the afternoon. Apatience game ensued in the heavy rain - it was just a question of when! We took all thefish on the same pattern.

Cooling conditions and chilling out! - Day Three & Four Oct 15,16126

Andrew dropped in on Wednesdayevening far a late season session ofsurface lure fishing. We had a quick chatand a cup of tea with Colin before he left forhome. The fish were played hardball onWednesday afternoon probably because ofthe sudden downward shift in temperature.After Tuesdays warm, wet and windyconditions things were now very muchdifferent and a little difficult with a freshercooler feel

to the air.

We had seen some f ish and missed a few onWednesday, but on Thursday morning we landed anumber of beautiful fish as they got used to the 'newer'conditions and they returned to form a little. We managedto avoid going sub surface; a risk given the conditions butAndrew is a surface lure addict. This is Andrews accountof his experience in a mail to mereally really had a great time wed and thurs. I dont knowhow you can keep going tho your a fit man. you will defobe knocking on the presidents door for the 3k grant whenyou hit the 100! Imagine the lures you will be able to getin 60 years time. Will the swim themselveson remote control?

i really appreciate you trying so hard for mein the two sessions. And as usual it paid off.

i was wrecked yesterday and struggled onthe drive up. but im fine now. in fact imthinking of doing a runner this pm. hw at1.30 if tide change brings the expected shiftto southwesterly......................

love the fishing corners strategy.enjoyed seeing them lunkers swim bygot good crack outa shifting that near inseal.was amazed at the moon rise sunsetmoment, the dark sea and the white waterfizzing over the rocks near sunset.the companythe meal and conversationthe tipsthe autographed articlefrom the kidsThe quiet moments even tho i never really shut up

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cuda done without:

falling down(again)loosing bonniebending xwrap 13 walkergetting shock from fencerolling in cowshitehaving a stitch in every muscle in my bodygetting lures stuck in the bumper of the car

Funny thing is the cuda done without thingswere down to me, the good things weredown to you and eileen and the kids.looking at the lists above isnt it amazingwhat you can pack into 36 hrs? was drivinghome yest and everything looked andseemed weird, i cudnt talk to people on thephone. it was down to me trying to stepback into the "real" world. It knida takes 12hours or so doesnt it. dont forget, its theoverall package.

Landing Gear

Smith Blowshot Smith BaylinerShimano Stradics, powerpro with fluoroflexleadersSurface lures - sammy, spook and tanto.

A Galway man in Wexford! - Day Five &Six Oct 16,17Seamus Hartigan the Galway salmonf ishery manager WRFB arr ived on

Thursday evening intime for the opening of the Wexford FestivalOpera. Eileen Dan Ruth and I accompaniedSeamus to the opening ceremonyfireworks, which were spectacular. Earlierthat afternoon I had walked Seamus to apotential bass fishing location, taking himthrough fish lies, current developments, andfishing strategy. We were ready for Friday’sfly-fishing.

Friday morning was spectacular. Seamus was new to saltwater fly-fishing and over fourhours slowly managed to get into the swing of things. I managed a fish of about 3.5 kgs

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just to keep things interesting and Seamus on his toes!We finished the session and had a short lunch at TheYard restaurant before session two. Friday afternoonand things were looking different as winds increased fromthe south and west. We had changed to a completely newlocation and a different fly-fishing strategy. Seamus hadborrowed an integrated shooting head for this afternoon’ssession and this helped his casting and presentations noend. I managed a nice fish in the early part of the sessionjust to keep things interesting but as wind speedincreased the water clarity diminished the fishing becamemore difficult, the sunset however was spectacular. DavidByrne from the CFB joined us on Friday evening for achat and a pint or two.

Landing gear

Redington CPS #7Vision composite - #6/9Rio Striped Bass Aqualux - #8 Inter-BassFlies – 2/0 White, grey and lavenderhollow fleye from Andy Elliott. Comment -Its not always easy to catch bass on the fly.It can be a difficult task at times due to linemanagement, casting, wind, footing, bigflies and distant horizons. However, all the customers who visited SEAi this week eithercaught or witnessed the catching of bass on the fly. For many people who visit SEAi,realising and discovering the techniques and strategies creates the urge to try it againand again and then to succeed - it can be done!

3 Wexford men get lost in town! - Day Seven Oct 18

Three enthusiastic and beginner saltwater fly fishers attended a workshop on Saturdayat SEAi. MJ, Michael and David (aged 16) whom are avid freshwater fly fishers nowwanted to learn the requirements for fly-fishing in the sea. We spent three hours between09:30 and 12:30 at the theory of Bass fishing on the fly and then we took ourselves to thesea to practice casting, techniques and strategies. After some initial difficulties in locatingmy house we had a wonderful day and the craic was mighty.

We covered topics like -tides,locations, safety, biology, timings and many many more!Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 05:30PM (+01:00)

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'committed' bass fisher - should be!Monday, October 20, 2008Hi Jim

On Saturday morning I walked down to ......... with only the light of the moon. I could hearbut not see large fish moving (probably large mullet). I had a few casts but with nothinghappening I decided to catch a few Zs in the field where the hawthorns end, while Iwaited for the tide to turn.I dozed off but was woken a few times by the sound of very big fish near the edge. it allfelt very fairytale. It definitely wasn't the real world, where I assume people are certifiedfor sleeping in fields. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 12:06PM (+01:00)

Mackerel on the fly - Childs PlayThursday, October 23, 2008

The surface of the water boiled with hungrymackerel, baitfish jumped for their lives andthey swam as a tightly knit group believingin safety in numbers. But they had nowhereto go as the mackerel had them cornered inthe little coves, they tear through themass ive ba i t ba l l t ime a f ter t ime,hammering the shoals, picking off dinneralmost at leisure. Here they come againcruising at flank speed up one side of thelittle bay; the sprats momentarily turn thebrown rocks silver in an attempt to avoidthe saltwater tigers, they jump out of thewater to escape.

A Mexican wave of tiny jumping and franticfish spreads along the side, then across theshore and down the other side of the littlecove. The water is full of tiny flashingscales, and green and blue str ipedmerci less hunters.

The vast mackerel shoals on our shores during late August and September are a greatexample of a migratory fish. Mackerel don’t reside inshore but rather take advantage ofbait movement. Here in Wexford the shoals generally don’t arrive until the first springtides in September but further south they can be caught much earlier. If conditions arefavourable they can be caught right through until late October. Of course it’s a great timefor many anglers and the beaches of the south Wexford coast are often at their busiest.

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Because of their vast numbers, suicidal tendencies andsheer ease of accessibility, mackerel fishing is great funfor children who like fishing or would like to catch fish inthe sea for the first time. Often within spitting distance,casting to hundreds of fish with the simplest of flies’ lifecan be fun in the middle of a bli tz. The wholephenomenon is a big visual fishing treat. Standing andwatching the water with my two guys, Dan aged eight andRuth aged six, they would literally scream with excitementas the shoal moved along the surface of the sea towardsus. ‘Here they come again Daddy, look. Look.’

And sure enough as the fish came closer not only couldwe see the surface of the sea boiling but we could hear it

as well. Thefrantic baitfish swam as best they could,hundreds of mackerel charging at the shoalfleeing for its life, it sounded like theheaviest downpour you could imagine.They swam and hunted past us and were

gone again. We turned all three of us andlooked back up the shore anticipating thearrival of the next shoal and the excitementof it all.

Eileen had phoned me earlier that weekfrom Cork to say Dan had been catchingsprats in his swimming trunks during theevening and both he and Ruth were eagerto get their rods from Wexford. I had twodays off and decided I had better head

down that wayas they both sounded like things possessed on the end ofthe phone. They both told me stories of swimming inmackerel shoals, ’..the fish were all around us Daddy’!

I had a light spinning rod and some spinners and a #5seven-foot fly rod loaded with a floating line that we usedregularly for ‘exploratory fishing’. I’m not the kind of personto force the situation and both kids will tend to sometimeswant to go fishing and sometimes they don’t. Admittedlyspending a lot of time fishing with people, when you arrivehome and are asked can we go fishing Daddy can we, canwe? It makes me smile a bit. Ne ither do I force them orencourage my children towards any particular aspect offishing but rather tend to steer them towards the activityitself. Fly or lure who cares at this point its better than sitting

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in front of the TV on a grey summers day!

What I want and would like them to learn is to carefullycatch some fish, handle them with some respect andeither kill one or two for eating or return them to the sea. Ialso want them to have as much fun possible doing this.Last year Dan had a problem with the killing of somemackerel that we had caught, so much so that he stoppedfishing for the rest of the summer. I didn’t want this toaffect his fishing adversely and had little chats here andthere and let him reason it all out for himself, answeringquestions (when prodded by Eileen) regarding his ‘fishinglogic’, farms, trawlers, etc. He arrived at a position wherethis year he instructed me that we needed only to kill two

f i s h p e rperson and only if we wanted them or weknew somebody else who did.

So off we went that evening on our greatmackerel hunt. Ruthie with her l ightspinning kit and Dan with the rod with the‘backwards reel’ as he calls it. I had beenwatching the wind and knew that in this bayas it blew westerly and offshore the spratswould ball up and swim tight to the shore.

Personally I was thinking a little ahead I knew it would swing and increase southwesterlyin the next few days, this created white water and confusion amongst the baitfish andfired up the BASS. We’ll leave that to later. Walking down the slope to the beach Ruthiesaid rather matter of factly, like a seasoned striper fisherman on the east coast of the US‘they’re there all right’.

She had learned to spot individual fish as they cruised and picked off wounded orconfused sprats, they were visible as individual splashes on the surface. I wasimpressed. ‘We’re not after those guys’ said Dan ‘we’re going to the creek to catch them’.The Creek as its known locally is a deep gully with high sidewalls that forms a naturalcollection area for sprats. Dan said to me that he could see the seagulls flying over thecreek and that was a sign of fish. ‘That’s what grandpa says Dad!’ Good man Jim Powell.

It’s only a short walk but it takes us of the beach, which can become a little crowded andsomewhat dangerous at times. But its somewhat easier and anyway a little walk neverdid anyone any harm. We arrived and sat down and watched. The seagulls had fallenback to another feeding spot and the bay was a dark mass of hundreds of thousands ofsprats. And here they came, leisurely feeding at will, swimming through the bait ballstuffing themselves on small fish. I cast at first for Ruth and she retrieved the spinner,almost immediately a vibrating fish was on. The little rod rattled and shook as if electricitywas passing through it and Ruthie fought her fish valiantly! I can feel him, he’s a big oneDaddy a HUMUNGOUS one I think.

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Then it was Dans’ turn, a fish every cast. I had de-barbed the hooks for safety and easeof release. I wanted them both to get used to feeling the fish in their hands and been ableto hold them properly and not be afraid. With wet hands and a gentle grip they managedthis many times although its not easy with a vibrating, electro fish like a mackerel. Fromthen on we released all our fish simply by shaking them of the hooks and not touchingthem at all. Then I introduced the fly rod, Ruthie from a practical point of view said shepreferred spinning.

At this point in time Dan can lift and cast the head of a #5 and retrieve – enough to hooka mackerel and enough to get that ‘feeling’. He very much takes it or leaves it and that’sfine. We huddled together over little pools and I explained to them both how the flies andlures we were using fooled the mackerel into believing they were sprats. We examinedthe mackerel we caught closely, marvelling at the colours, their big eyes and Ruthieremembers that mackerel have a spike too! We put one in a big pool and watched it swimaround and around and I explained that they never stop swimming, we watched himpowerhouse his way through shallow water back to sea and Dan says I’m going to catchhim again and he made a cast and caught him again….

And then we had had enough, and already as we walked up the hill to the house in theautumn dusk the questions were fired, the conversation was fishing. ‘Where will we gotomorrow?’ ‘Do you think I caught the biggest one Dan?’ ‘Did you see me casting far?’‘How many did we catch Dad?’ ‘I’m not touching anneee tomorrow Dan’. Its funny now,listening as we neared the house, with the porch light on, I had heard similar wordsearlier that week, but from people a lot older than Dan and Ruth. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:03AM (+01:00)

for Andrew and PhilipThursday, October 30, 2008 The importance of time is at its most obvious at birthsand deaths. A small, new baby has all of its vast timeahead of it, and a new child will also need large amountsof your time. When someone has died sharing you timewith that person is no longer possible. At such momentsof realisation, thoughts about your own allocated time andhow you spend it can become both sombre and verypersonal.Our everyday life is filled with events, people and places.Now and then we claim to live for the present, or at leastwant to strive to live in the present. But unless you knowexactly what you are going to do tomorrow, next week,next month, next year your grip on the present canbecome weak to the point of invisibility. A modicum ofexpectation is essential for living in the present. Then,now and later are pivotal concepts to movements within life. Each moment comes andgoes, and only at the time of your choosing will or can you attach a signifigance. Thesmell, after rain in a dusty summer street, the distant sound of a train as it approaches

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the station to bring you to the city, the flock of birds arriving for the winter tired and glad toland. The smiles, the words, the fun the sad times - each moment that you have sharedhas defined you, not by what you are going to do or what you have, but by what you arebecause of these valuable moments. Memories are formed in the present, in your time.Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:35PM (UTC)

Saltwater fly fishing - P8 of 21 - When should Ifish?Friday, October 31, 2008 When is often a more important question than where if you are fly fishing for bass onthe south coast. Not only must we be cognisant of season, but also time of day, time oftide, time of moon phase and even ‘time of weather’. Within these parameters there arealso the questions of when should I use a particular line or a particular fly? When should Ibegin to make my first casts, when will the fish be here? So many whens !

There is no doubt we should fish as often and whenever possible, if only life was thatsimple! And of course if the activity of fishing is more important to you than actually tryingto quantify your catch rate or success then when is a considerably smaller priority. Someof us just like to get out there and spend some time fishing full stop.

For those of us who take things with a view of continuous improvement then when playsa more important role. Below are some simple rules for people beginning to bass fish onthe fly in Ireland

Ask when for season - Season is April to December - with key times of June to OctoberAsk when for time of day -A good time is during a change of light from dark to bright or bright to dark (dawn anddusk)Ask when for state of tide -Spring tides produce more fish than neap TidesAsk when within tidal run -Some locations fish best at the beginning of the tidal phase other at the fall of tidalphases - always look for water movement and motion.Ask when during different phases of weather - Bass are susceptible to changes in weather conditions, temperature, barometricpressure, wind direction. GET IN TUNE WITH THE WEATHERAsk when do you change your fishing tactic, colour of fly, type of line..... Never stay doing the same thing in the same place - keep on the move, observing,learning, changing and adapting and most of all enjoying the freedom that flyfishingcreates

Next Month (December) - Seven over looked tactics Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:34AM (UTC)

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best bass fishing ?Monday, November 03, 2008

Arguably the best month (and mostdifficult) for a big fish on the fly, Novemberis here. This week looks a little cooler withsharp northerlies and north easterliesblowing.However tuesday and wednesday morninglook very good and present a a goodopportunity to the big fish hunter.Water temperatures are dropping slowlyand are now at 11/12 degrees. Its a longway from the cold of February and March

so we still have a great chance especially in the next 7 days. It wont last forever and thisis probably obe of our last chances! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:09AM (UTC)

Holidays OverSunday, November 16, 2008

My sh ort holidays are over! So its back tothe grindstone. Will update the blogs overthe next few days - please keep an eye onthe new SEAi winter guiding service PikeFishing on Fly & Lure.

I'm also already looking forward to nextspring when I shall introduce my newservice for 2009 - Saltwater Fly & Lurefishing for seatrout - this will be done frommy new timber boat which is currently beenre-built. Surely there is no stronger fighting

fish in our local estuaries than these trout and the service is grounded in two years ofresearch and development.


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Can you 'dead drift' a surface lure?Tuesday, November 18, 2008Dead drifting is a tactic used in fly fishing where the fly is allowed to drift with no drag inthe current. This year whilst fishing with George and Marc we 'dead drifted' surface luresin a local estuary, catching lots of bass. More in Bassfishing Files later this week. BendyRods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 05:39PM (UTC)

ALL NEXT WEEK IN BASSFISHING FILESFriday, November 21, 2008

HOW TO FISH THE RACE HERE in sixparts !I will discuss tactics and best methods forbass fishing in this fast deep tidal water

• Vertical jigging• Surface lure fishing• Diving Lures• Soft lures an approach


FISHING THE TIDAL RACE! PISunday, November 23, 2008

Part One - Lines

In a tidal race like the one to the left there isno room for errors regarding basics likeknots, line, rods and reels.

Bass (like the one below) and pollackfighting in the fast moving tide will test gearto its phyical limitsMAIN LINE : Your choice of line is veryimportant from a BS point of view, the

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amount you will need and the type required in order tofish successfully. I tend to fish with the same size reelbut I have 3 spools loaded with different breakingstrains of braid for different applications. All the spoolsare fully loaded with braid straight through, in otherwords I dont use backing behind 100 metres of braid.The breaking strains I use are 8 kgs, 12kgs, and16kgs.

TIPPET/LEADER MATERIAL: Tying a short length oftippet or leader material to you main line can behelpful from a number of different aspects. Lets dicussthe joining of the two materials first. My preferred knotis the reverse allbright, not only very simple to tie, it

posseses a slim profile, is protective of the braidplus I dont think that in all of my fishing timehave I ever had this knot open ordeter iorate.

Your material choice be it fluoro or monoand its BS will influence the formation of theknot. The 'harder' fluoro material will need afew more turns for the knot to 'grip' theleader. Mono been slightly softer is grippedbetter by the braid and thens to bed insomewhat easier.

Be careful when 'tightening in' the knot andensure that thetwists do not overlap. Take your timepulling the knot downand ease the loops into position if needed.

The last connection is the leader or tippetto a conector of some kind. When I'mfishing from the shore I dont normally use aconnector or link of any kind and simply tie

on my lure using the rapala knot. Out here on the boat when we often need to changelures very quickly a good connector is essential. The strength of the connector is vital.Use a uni knot to tie the leader to the connector.

The link that has consistantly worked for me over the past years has been the illex hyper8. Its almost a fail safe locking mechanism and is a definite must for this type of fishing. It

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is better to keep things very simple and Ihave found that over complicating thingswith swivels or traces does nothing toimprove your experiences or chances offish, in fact they may not work at all.

Recommended super l ines: DaiwaTournament, Stren Super braid, NacrylanEvolution, Power Pro, Xorus Monster.

Recommended leader material: Gamma,Rio Fluoroflex, Seagaur, Variva, Frog Hair-Blue.

Keep it simple, strong, and yet balanced!Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 05:01PM (UTC)

FISHING THE TIDAL RACE! PIIMonday, November 24, 2008

Part two (Monday) - Rods

When I first started fishing in this tidal race Iused only one rod. Today like my braidsolution I now use three different types. Thetype I use wil depend on the application Iam fishing.The rods are specifically designed formodern lure fishing techniques and aregenerally multi modulus carbon with high

quality fittings.

I tend to use the following138

• A longer rod for distance casting from the boat (2.7m)• A shorter rod for closer and deeper lure work (2.4m)• A rod for jigging (2.1m)

It is of course possible to use one rod for all threeapplications im just getting more demanding as I getolder!

Depending on the type of fishing you would like to do or ifthe fish have determined the technique that is required tocatch them, having the correct rod is essential to makethe correct presentations neccessary. In other words fishmay be on the surface at 80 or 90 ms from the boat or onthe back of the reef ,10 meters deep.

It is important to remember that tidal races will produespeeds of 5 or 6 knots and some are even stonger.Playing and landing a strong species like a bass can be

very difficult in such a tidal stream and the fish will use all of its strength and guile to usethat stream to the best of his abilities. Using a poor quality rod or reel will lead to theinevitable loss of tackle.

Recommended Rods: Illex, Zenaq, Wando, G-Craft, Tenryu, Smith, Jackson.


FISHING THE TIDAL RACE! PIIITuesday, November 25, 2008 Part three - Reels

To your right is Julien LaJournade, editor for Voyagesde Peches. Pictured here during the summer of 2003at the tidal race in Wexford, Julien was and continuesto be of great help to SEAi. It was though hisinspiration and support via his magazine and themany lure fishing techniques that he gave me, whichhelped SEAi develop in its early days. Now eventoday, six years later on, he is still very interested.

I distinctly remember the first day we fished on theboat, it was the first time I had seen a Shimano Stella.It was also the first time I had held a fixed spool reel ofsuch high quality and state of the art engineering.Today I can see why its still the main choice of the worlds top sportfishermen. 139

Out here, the fixed spool rules for advanced lure fishing and only quality will survive. I'mnot saying you need to rush out and spend 800 euros on a FS spinning reel but sometime spent and invested wisely before your choice is made will pay off in the long run.

Recommended Reels: Shimano Twin Power, Daiwa Certate, Shimano Stradic.Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 01:51PM (UTC)

Do you find yourself dreaming?Wednesday, November 26, 2008


FISHING THE TIDAL RACE! PIVSaturday, November 29, 2008

Part Four- You, your boat and the fishOver the years you meet a lot of very interestingpeople. I happened to meet John Devereux owner ofthe Celtic Lady when I was much younger (12) when Iwas deep sea fishing with my father. I met him as anadult for the first time during the early autumn of 2003.At the same time I was guiding Clive Gammon forbass fishing in Wexford. Not that Clive needed it ofcourse - for he had been fishing here with DesBrennan since the early nineteen fifties.I was fishing in the company of legends. John is theoldest serving coxswain in the history of the RNLI andClive well......we were fishing the race using livesandeels. John and I have fished the race ever sinceaboard the Celtic Lady, regularly catching some

superb fish, having great fun and even experiencng some scary and of course frustrating140

moments. We learned and probably, for thefirst time in these waters witnessed a lot ofnew fishing together.For us working at the race, it was aboutboat positioning, lure choice, presentationsand then re-positioning - a constantlearning process. In all the years we havebass fished so far, with so many fish andexperiences, we have learned that the boatand its presence and position is thesingular most important factor for success.Not only does it influence your fishing but it also influncesthe fishing around you, and other boats also affect you.Very few people understand this and hence the fishing is often not at its best or even non existent. Fish are spookedand driven elsewhere by many simple factors - so simplesometimes people cant see them and then everyonelooses. photo of Clive courtesy of Terry Thomas. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:45PM (UTC)

Andys' Flies go on HolidaysWednesday, December 10, 2008Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 06:31PM (UTC)

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Thank youSaturday, December 13, 2008Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:21PM (UTC)

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FISHING THE TIDAL RACE! PVSaturday, December 13, 2008

Part Five (techniques) Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:29PM (UTC)

Winter scenes at the riverFriday, January 09, 2009

A short trip to the river today to see some salmonspawning. You can see more HEREBendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:42PM (UTC)

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Wexford Anglers on Irish TeamMonday, January 12, 2009News is reaching me of James Gordon and Barry Roche - two Wexford anglers whocompeted at the weekends master shore competitions. Barry finishing first and Jamessecond places them on the Irish Team - a fantastic achievment. Well done guys.

Jim Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 06:16PM (UTC)

The toughest bass fishing year yet!Wednesday, January 14, 2009 South East Angling Ireland A year in review 2008

2008 shall be remembered as a difficultyear for bass fishing. Since I officiallystarted with a full time guiding service theyear produced somewhere in the region of50% less fish than 2007, and 2007, whilst

good, was down on previous returns. It wasalso a year where numbers were less than50% of the five-year average. Summercatches in the estuaries and along manyparts of the southeastern coast werehampered by the runoff from heavy rainfalland the constant strong wind and wavesstirred up sand and mud. Water clarity wasalmost a constant issue right through thesummer and it wasn’t until late Septemberthat some consistency was achieved.

The autumn months of September,October and November produced somespectacular fishing and we were rewardedwith bigger fish on the fly than I would havepreviously experienced. In fact the entireseason produced a better quality of fishthan any of the other previous four yearsexperiences. Because of the considerable

challenges we experienced, fishing was at times very difficult, and fly-fishing was oftenimpossible or dangerous. I would like to say thank you to all the people who persevered

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and often got their rewards after what seemed like animpossible situation, I also apologise to those peoplewhom I cancelled but sometimes its better and safer notto fish at all.

What is becoming apparent to me is the increasinginterest in saltwater fly-fishing. Numbers of peoplevisiting SEAi are up in the following categories

1. Saltwater fly fishing2. Instructional days3. Visitors from within Ireland interested in saltwater flyand lure fishing

Numbers o f peop lefishing with lures from international destinations hasdecreased somewhat, this may be indicative of otheraspects of the marketing strategy of SEAi. Because ofthe difficult and challenging nature of saltwater fly fishingfor bass, and whilst there are an increasing number ofpeople interested in this aspect of the fishing, it may alsohave contributed to the drop in numbers of fish returnsper day during a difficult season. This is not trulyreflective of the saltwater fly fishery and in fact after twoconsecutive years of tough fly-fishing conditions we hopethat the weather will improve for 2009.

The weight distribution of fish is not available for 2003,2004, or 2005 – I was using these periods to capture areasonable

sample of actual weight against length, verys i m i l a r t o t h e B . A . S . S .measurements/conversion table. It isavailable for the years 2006, '07 and '08. Itmust be said that that in any ‘scientificanalysis’ this report would not stand up toscrutiny. Whilst numbers of f ish arereasonably accurate a lot of the weightdistribution numbers are based upon quick‘visual guestimates’ of length based overhours of experience. Fish are also oftenmeasured against a rod enabling quick return/release. Bigger fish are measured usingthe BASS tape. Numbers available on request.

Lure fishing returns do suffer during bad we ather conditions however the impact is notas severe as that placed upon fly fishers. Over the five year reported period, numbers oflure fishing visitors has decreased. This is part of the active marketing strategy basedtowards a more fly-fishing oriented guiding service. As a consequence of the increase in

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fly fishermen there is a significant decrease in catch returns. However these numbers areinfluenced heavily by two very difficult summers in a row.

Lessons Learned - 2008

GEAR; I operate the guiding service on average for 10 hrs per day – over a 7 monthseason that can add up to a lot of hours in mny different environments. The weather thisyear placed untold demands on rods reels and lines but also on waders, jackets andother protective gear. I realise the average angler may not spend as much time on thewater as my customers and I – but I would strongly recommend that you buy the best youcan afford especially in relation to protective gear like jackets, boots and waders.

FISHING; I learned a LOT this year about bass fishing in very difficult weather, most of itin relation to fly-fishing for bass. On the south and east coast there is a multitude ofvariables that will influence the fish, wind, temperature, tide and rain to name only a few.Understanding and observing these influences will help you no end in your fishing. DONOT be surprised where and when you will find fish even if the window is only very small.Yes there are some hard statistics that are always associated with the words like ‘never’or ‘always’ or ‘must’ – I will say to you now -you find the boundaries for yourself, you willbe surprised! Its not about the moon, or tide or wind, its about the amalgamation of theseinfluences by you and then using the information tactically.

CUSTOMER CARE: Because conditions were often very difficult during the seasoncustomer care was of utmost importance. This extended from two sources that wouldntnormally be as demanding. At times with strong winds and heavy rains, fly casting wasvery physically and mentally demanding. Extreme care was needed. I emphasisedregularly both from a stable footing point of view and the travelling fly line, that it wasneccessary for me to watch the customers fly/fly line and its path during strong winds,and to be extremely vigilant of waves. The second aspect of customer care was constantcommunication and encouragement when things were tough as was often the case. Inormally fish very little if at all (unless invited) when guiding and most of my time this yearwas spent demonstratng wind beating techniques while trying to fish effectively. Its veryimportant to me that YOU catch the fish not ME!

TACTICS; Soft lures, BIG flies and sinking lines – the hot items during 2008. In muddywater wait and watch the situation develop over a tide - water tends to be a little clearernear the bottom!

Bendy Rods for 2009Jim Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:16AM (UTC)

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Be careful what you fish for!Thursday, January 15, 2009Shark on the fly - here Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 04:53PM (UTC)

Salt Water Lure Fishing - P6 of 21 Surface lurefishing IITuesday, January 20, 2009

Often imitated, impossible to duplicate, theSuper Spook is just as deadly as theoriginal Zara Spook introduced decadesago. Oversized eyes and the trademarkwalk-the-dog action make everything frombass to redfish attack with a vengeance.Fish don't simply bite a Super Spook, theyattack it. HERE

Thats some of the blurb on one of the most

successful lures of all time. When youconsider that the lure was first created backin 1939 by the Heddon company and calledthe zaragossa 6500 it was made fromwood. Following the development of theplastic version Heddon changed its name tothe zara spook 9260. It has continued toevolve for nearly sixty years with a 4 inchthree hook version released in the midnineties - its still marketed by the Heddonbrand after all this time.Available for less than 10 dollars it has proved time and again an indispensable lure formy cutomers and I. Due to its long existence its often overlooked in favour of more'advanced' lure types and is often considered 'obsolete' or 'forgotten'. The biggestmistake you can make is to forget to add it to your collection. The lure has occupied aplace in my top 10 for many years now.

Its unique 'clunk clunk' sound and wide walk the dog action creates a target that manybass simply cant refuse. The lure is not the worlds greatest caster but it more than makesup for this with its own unique credentials. When water is colder and a little 'off' and fishare not responding on the surface - then reach for the spook - it can often be the one thatgets you the adrenaline rush of a surface hit that you might hve missed.

Remember your fishing with a lure that started life 60 years ago and has remained verylittle changed since then. Some things dont need fixin'. Bendy Rods - Jim 147

Posted by Jim Hendrick at 09:09PM (UTC)

Salt Water Lure Fishing - P7 of 21 - Micro luresfor sea troutWednesday, January 21, 2009

Before you begin fishing for seatrout withthese lures I would ask you to considerreplacing the treble hooks on these lureswith single barbless hooks.


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Saltwater Lure Fishing - P8 of 21 - Surface lurefishing IIIWednesday, January 21, 2009

Cutting up the surface clock.

There is a technique used in fly fishing called fancasting. Imagine you are standing at the watersedge and rather than making your first castsstraight out in front of you and then retrievingback, you make a short cast almost parallel tothe shore line to your right hand side and thenretrieve. Lets call this the three o clock position,you then cast again to your right to the samedistance but at an earlier position on the clockface - some what before the imaginary little handis on three. You continue in this fashion fromright to left past two o clock, past one and twelvewhich is straight in front of you and continue

across to your left, past eleven and ten to nine o clock, always at the same distance.

Where there is no current running you could begin to cast again at nine and at a slightlygreater distance and work your way back to three and then back again to nine, again atan increased distance - slowly working you casting from right to left and left to rightfurther out to sea with each pass. If there is current on your location lets say flowing fromright to left I find that generally fish point into the current if holding, so casting from nineback to three is often less effective.

This technique allows you to cover all of your fishing ground in front without going into thewater, to a range of say 30 metres. The next phase involves you stepping into the wateraway from the shore line for about two metres and beginning to fan cast again, right toleft, wade a little, then fan cast right to left and continue until you reach a safe wadinglimit. If you have done this slowly and carefully a cast behind you is often worth a try.Return to shore, have a sit down and then move down the location a little and beginagain.

So how do I apply this to my lure fishing? Of course casting with a lure is considerablyeasier but that doesnt mean you should be less patient or less careful. Simply flippingyour first casts to thirty metres along the shore and working out and around in the fancast fashion works equally as well from a lure perspective. In fact you may be suprised tolearn where fish lie, and covering them like this gives you the opportunity to find themwithout spooking them off.

NEXT - Tidal timings and our presentations Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:16PM (UTC)

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Saltwater Lure Fishing - P9 of 21 - Surface lurefishing IVWednesday, January 21, 2009 What time are the fish?

In the diagram to the right the anglers cast is madeperpendicular to the beach. There is a current flowing fromright to left and in the next three diagrams lets assume thecurrent flow and speed remains constant. The anglers lureis represented by the small black oblong shape and thepath of the lure is indicated by the large blue arrow. This isthe path the lure will take with a constant normal retrieve.The important thing to remember in this situation is thediection and motion the head of the lure is taking - take alook at the red arrow. This is CAST A.

In the next Diagram or CAST C all things remain the sameexcept the speed of retrieve the angler imparts on hislure. In this instance the speed of retrieve is slowed downand the path that the lure takes is much wider. Take alook at the red arrow in this instance and the difference isclear. The head of the lure is travelling in a different andwider presentation. This is CAST C.

In this last diagram again the current remains constant,but this time the angler increases the speed of his retrieve- the presentation is different as the head of the luretravels differently and the path taken is much tighter tothe perpendicular. This is CAST B. Simply by varying thespeed of the retrieve you can make three simple but verydifferent presentations. Not only is your lure swimmingdifferently but its sound will also be different. In thissimple situation all things remain constant but in reality itsnot that simple. As tides rise and fall so the speed at which they run and flow increasesand decreases, the direction in which they flow changes over many hours, the type ofsurface wave activity changes constantly as it interacts with local wind speed, direction,barometic pressure and even the type of ground which the water is running over.

If we were to take CAST A over a normal tide rise and fall where the angler doesn't varyhis retrieve but we applied local tide flow, the path of the lure would be different atdifferent times during the tide.

The following rule may help you determine maximum flow of water over any time of tideat a location during that tide. Fish activity and especially that of bass will coincide with thiswater flow at different intervals .

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In the first hour of the tide 1/12th of the total tide or waterwould move.In the second hour 2/12ths of the water moves.In the third hour 3/12ths have moved.So after the first three hours a total of 6/12ths of the tidehas moved. For the remaining half of the tide the systemworks in reverse -during the fourth hour another 3/12th of the water movesin the fifth hour 2/12thsand in the last hour 1/12th moves.During Spring and Neap tides this volume can be greateror smaller, speeds are reduced or increased, and rangesare wider or narrower.

It is interesting to note that at the end of the fourth hour3/4s of the TOTAL tide has pushed through. How does this affect our virtual angler whohasnt changed his speed of retrieve?

For the first and early second hours of the tide the lure would travel in a path resembingCAST C for the later part of the second hour and early part of the third it might look likeCAST A. As the tide moved into the late third and fourth hours it would look like CAST B,and for the remainder of the tide it would begin to resort to CAST C.

So not only is this tidal flow timing affecting our presentations it also affects the timingand the behaviour of the fish WE want to catch and also the behaviour of the fish THEYwant to catch too!

Understanding how our target species behaves in this sequence is a vital part of yoursuccess and this is based around how their prey behaves, swims, hides, feeds, movesaround and generally behaves in the tidal sequences, flow and movement of water. Varyyour retrieves and presentations to match that of prey rather than simply pulling luresthrough or across the water. In other words small fish like gobies in some locations mightbe active in the first two hours and the last two hours of tide - during the rush hour theyseek cover from strong currents. Thats two different presentations you will need to make.

NEXT - Which of the twelfths is the best for fishing? Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:44PM (UTC)

Saltwater Lure Fishing - P10 of 21 - TimingsSaturday, January 24, 2009 Two weeks goooood - two weeks baaaaaaad

This is not a miss-quote from some talking farm animal but it is a very accurate indicatoryou can use for bass fishing in Ireland. In fact you dont really need to know much morethan the following short list

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1. Spring tides fish better than neap tides2. The new moon often produces more fish than the full moon3. Good weather conditions means good bass fishing4. Fishing is better when the water is clear or clearing5. Fish early in the morning or late in the evening6. Fishing will deteriorate over time if the wind blows from the east

What this doesnt mean

1. You cant catch fish on neap tides2. You cant catch a lot of fish when the moon is full or at any other stage3. Bad weather produces no fish4. You wont catch fish in dirty water5. You cant catch fish at 15:30 on a hot bright summers day6. All easterly breezes are bad

Below is a chart of the tidal instances between the 4th and 11th of July 2009.

Saturday the 4th of July to the 11th of Julyis currently reserved here at SEAi by agroup of three Dutch flyfishers. They expect5 days of good bass fishing with a sevennight 6 day stay in Ireland. Arriving late onsaturday we will begin fishing on Monday -which is period 7 on the x-axis. This planhas already been discussed with the groupin detail several times. In other words these

customers are here at a very good time to fish for bass (point one above). During thisperiod there is a full moon (tues 7th) (point two above). July is the middle of summer(point three above) so conditions are normally good (point four above). Clients are morethan willing to experience a work free environment that allows them have wonderfulencounter that often go beyond fishing. (point five above). I cant influence the weather(point six and three above).

During the five days of guided fishing, plans will be made initially for the week, and thenoften re-made as weather and conditions dictate. Discussions and decisions are madeafter and during each guided session. What I like to do during a five day period like this isto introduce people to venues early in the week when we are not fishing - I walk themthrough locations creating 'visibility' and discussing location 'development' over tides. Asthe week progresses we return to these locations ready to fish - flies, lures,presentations, locations, timing of effort, safety concerns, positions have already beendiscussed and clients are ready and eager to fish. I try to emphasise advice afterall isonly advice and people are free to take or leave it - the only time I am particularly 'tough'is when safety is an issue.

Each day that I guide I am attempting to place people into safe locations where theyhave the maximum opportunity to catch fish! This is done in respect of weather, tidalconditions, equipment and experience. In other words I don’t simply bring people fishingevery day, I hope to guide them into situations where they can learn and achievesomething from their angling experiences in Wexford – i.e. They successfully catch and

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return a number of bass! I can’t make them catch the fish but I can assist anddemonstrate and facilitate but ultimately it’s down to the angler to take full advantage ofthe situation.

If as an angler you are continuously adding more variables into the equation that onlyserve to restrict your fishing and fishing times rather than enhancing them then you arelearning nothing. There is one only one-way to boost your chances and that’s to do it andlearn the craft for yourself. Bass fishing is not about an ever-increasing number ofexacting situations that prevent you from going fishing. It’s not about counting fish; it’s notabout catching the biggest fish, and I hope it never becomes competitively fished for inthis country. Yes there are many, many factors involved that influence the fish but on anygiven day, on any twenty different locations, during a spring tide in summer withreasonable conditions you can expect to catch bass!


In Bassfishing FilesWednesday, February 04, 2009 Fly fishing for bass is not always about casting and retrieving, you need to control howyour fly and fly line are affected by many and various factors - waves, current, wind,eddies.. coming soon Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 12:29PM (UTC)

Saltwater fly fishing - P11 of 21 - Influences, TidalFlowTuesday, February 17, 2009

Tidal flow and fish position relationships

There is a significant relationship betweentidal flow or states and the positions thatfish take up during that flow. Not only dothey take up different positions but they doso at different times in different locationsoften within very localised areas.

This is especially true for bass and learningthese relationships is one of the major keys

to success for the fly and lure angler. One of the first of these tidal influences that thebass fisherman learns is that fom the shore neap tides are often not as productive asspring tides - simple. You can follow that with something like full moon tides are not asproductive as new moon tides, equally as simple, and reducing tides over a moon areoften better for bigger fish. Before you synchronise your watch and go fishing to the latest 153

fashionable tables rest assured you dont need to nowmuch more than the above. What can bring you muchmore success than any 'galactical optimisation software'is learning and understanding fish behaviour in thephases of a tide over a location within any lunar cycle. Inthe diagram above we are at a hypothetical rocky point atlow tide. Water is indicated blue, sand yellow and rocksare a darker colour To your left the diagram indicates the same locationmuch later in the cycle of tidal development. Tidalstreams are in full flow and currents, eddies and backwashes are all in action. Fish are to be caught here too.

Below is the tidal data for Rosslare during July 2009.Spring and neap tides areindicated and the early spring tide is clearly visible asbeen somewhat less active than the later spring tide ofthe month. The locations indicated in this example will fishdifferenty on each day over the spring tide cycle andindeed differently within the same month.The diagram of the full tidal flow above would look similaron both spring tides but in fact the water flow, strengthand volume would be completely different.

Reading the p revious posts HERE regarding tidal flowscould help you determine when to fish your favouritelocation. With the third and fourth hours of any tidecoinciding with maximum activity, bear in mind each

location has its own patterns and its ownreasons for fish to be in its vicinity. Food,shelter, breeding, resting some locationsprovide them all others just one or two. Ifyou would like to discuss these or any ofthe other similar posts below or indeed themany other aspects of bass fishing in detailthen why not try one of my courses - HEREor HERE or maybe even try a one dayguided fishing trip. Bendy Rods - Jim

Posted by Jim Hendrick at 01:21PM (UTC)

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Saltwater Fly Fishing - P10 of 21 - Where are thefish?Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Lure fishing for bass in the sea whilstdifficult at times, and fly fishing too with itsgreater challenges should not to be viewedas impossible tasks. They do howeverrequire some particular skills. Casting yes,presentation yes, patience yes, but theessence of this post is based around theknowledge of 'where the fish are'.If you spend some time with succesfulfishermen and you happen to have foundone of them

who will talk sensibly about his experiences over time,you will quickly learn that they have several uniqueabilities. One of them is that they instinctively seem toknow where the fish are, or rather they know where thefish are going to be! The 'where' is not specifically likewhat we have mentioned before HERE but rather the'where' along many miles of coastline (be it estuaries,current, rocky headlands, open beach) at any particularpoint in time during the day. This of course doesnt meanthat ALL the fish gather in one location that is privy to onlya few people, but it does mean that at certain times undercertain conditions, you are more likely to catch fish atlocation X rather than Z.

Lets go back to our 'virtual' rocky point - its 5 in the morning (June) and the wind isblowing easterly with a rising tide. This means that three major influences are sourced

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from a singular direction - the rising sun will shine from the anglers right hand side, thewind will blow from the anglers right hand side and the current will be flowing from theright hand side. This little scenario presents a particular set of circumstances to the bassangler -

1. At this time of day the sun is low on the horizon for some time. When currents flow,fish tend to point into the direction of current and in this case when they point intothe current they will also be pointing into the sun. They will experience lots of light inthe water in the direction they are facing for the first few hours over dawn. Their fieldof vision is bright.

2. Wind blowing in the same direction as current flow tends to 'flatten' the water and ifatmospheric pressure is dropping both the volume and speed of the moving watermay increase significantly as a result of this.

3. Depending on the strength of the wind and whether the angler is casting lures orflies his mainline will be affected by both wind and current. As a consequence so willthe presentations he makes to the fish with the fly or lure. A lure moving in a headon collision with a predator does not induce many takes!

During the periods of dawn and dusk contrast should play a significant role in your lureand fly colour choice. With fish staring into the sun against a lighter bckground a darkerlure or fly will appear more visible. Bass tending to hunt mid or low water in theseconditions may need to change position more frequently to view prey from differentangles to make determinations. Having to change and jostle for position will expose themto the strengthening current, this current as I have mentioned may be stronger becauseof lower atmospheric pressure and wind force and hence the fish may not spend as muchtime as they would hunting in this local as they are expending energy. In other words thissimply may not be the place to fish today! Fish holding lies are often volatile and basedon subtle external influences that can change from hour to hour and day to day!

Appearing to have what can seem like the fishing powers of a Jedi Knight is based overyears of experiences coupled to a high level of sensitivity towards many of theseinfluences.

Next - Making the best of the circumstances


Ireland remains a Great destinationMonday, March 09, 2009Just published Partir Pecher (march-april-may edition) features NINE pages on bassfishing in Wexford, Ireland. Ireland holds its own as a unique location against more exoticdestinations like the Bahamas, Greenland and Alaska, because of the quality of the bassfishing, combined with the unique attractions of the South East and all of the amenitiesavailable.The journalist (Daniel) involved in making the article spent a week here in Wexford withmy family and I and got a first hand experience of what the fishing and the guiding

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service provided.For those of you who care to remember the' difficult' season of 2008 this week provedno different. Although at times the sunshone, it blew north easterly for fivedays....interesting!The article is both realistically balanced andmature in its approach to bass fishing inIreland and all of the aspects involved. Italso does a fair, accurate and brilliant jobfor Irish angling as a whole.


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NEW PE+ Crystal Line from CortlandWednesday, March 11, 2009A new crystal clear FLOATING fly line now available from Cortland for fishing warm wateronly! Surely a cold water solution is not far away..........

This is what Cortland have to say

The all-new Precision PE+ Crystal is formulated with a proprietary blend of polyethyleneand special copolymers. Built on a nylon monofilament core, the PE+ Crystal’s patent-pending crystal-clear jacket is naturally lighter than water, eliminating the need for micro-balloons or other agents to make it float. The hard, ultra-smooth PE+ line jacket finish hasa lower coefficient of friction than any production floating line ever built, so it shootssilently through the guides and casts faster and farther than equivalent PVC-coatedfloating lines. The tough, new PE+ line jacket is also much more resistant to cuts /abrasion and is fused to the monofilament core with an almost unbreakable bond so nailknots hold securely and there is never any separation of jacket and core. It’s high tensilestrength virtually eliminates stretch for instantaneous hook sets and incredible sensitivity.The PE+ jacket is also UV stable, will not absorb water, is highly resistant to chemicals --and won’t soften or dissolve when exposed to DEET, gasoline or most other solvents.And, unlike PVC-coated fly lines, they are 100% recyclable.

www.cortlandline.com Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:17AM (UTC)

Current surface water temperaturesWednesday, March 11, 2009


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BASS FISHING WEEKEND WORKSHOPS 2010Saturday, March 14, 2009 Details For 2010 will be available soon!

This 2 night and 3-day on the water and residential projectwill be held at SEAi’s premises in Wexford and will runfrom Friday morning through to Sunday evening.Introductions will take place on Friday afternoon and thenits straight into instruction and fishing, each afternoon orearly morning we will fish for bass at some of my preferredlocations along the Wexford coast. Every attempt is madeto apply on a one to one basis, what we have learned in the’classroom’ to your fishing during your day.Evening meals and lunches will be provided at a localrestaurant and our facilities are self-catering and approved.You will be staying in a mature central and quiet location

never more than 5 minuteswalk from all the amenities provided by Wexford towncentre. This weekend is limited to four people. Take alook here for more details www.bassfishing.ie/house.htm

SEAi is fully insured, certified in first aid and groupfacilitation. Each day, personal course notes will beprovided on the many aspects of bass fishing amongstthe varied topics we will discuss some are listed below.

Safety, the species an introduction, equipment - functionand decision making, saltwater fly fishing techniques,advanced saltwater lure fishing, seasons, water clarityand temperature, tides and the influences of the moon,daily influences and variations, pressure changes,weather fronts, feeding patterns, colours and fly and lure

choices, presentations and secret tactics, fly and lure fishing at night...During our fishingtime we will delve deeper into the topics we will have discussed at 'class' and a morehands on and practical approach is taken.

For more details please e-mail me at [email protected] or call me on 086 3444557Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:15AM (UTC)

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Spring day in marchSunday, March 15, 2009

Andrew enjoyed a nice spring day todaywith some beautiful sea trout landed in mid-afternoon. Taking our time, we waited forthe strategic state of tide and suddenly thefish were there. All fish were caught onsingle barbless hooks retro fitted to thelures. Trebles can really damage these fishvery easily. . . Landing Gear . Rod: Smith -Troutin Spin Interboron Line: Varivassupertrout advance braidReel: Shimano tecnium 3000 Lure: Sinkingminnow details available HERERemember sea trout are a designated sportfish, it is neccessary to have a licence tofish for seatrout irrespective of your fishingin fresh or saltwater. Go HERE for moredetails. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 06:36PM (UTC)

Fly fishing for bigger bass - IThursday, March 19, 2009 001 January Fly Tactics for Bigger Bass Publish at Scribd or explore others: PromotionalBrochures & Catalogs fly fishing for bass Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:50AM (UTC)160

Fly fishing for bigger bass - IIFriday, March 20, 2009 002 February Fly Tactics for Bigger Bass Publish at Scribd or explore others: Brochures& Catalogs angling in ireland wexford ireland Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 01:51PM (UTC)

On the Barrow with David Wolsoncroft DoddsWednesday, March 25, 2009 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 07:07PM (UTC)

What colour is the sun?Wednesday, March 25, 2009In Bass Fly Fishing Files tomorrow - what bass see and how your colour choice of fly orlure is more important at some times rather than others. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:29PM (UTC)

Fly fishing for bigger bass - IIIThursday, March 26, 2009 003 March Fly Tactics For Bigger Bass Publish at Scribd or explore others: PromotionalBrochures & Catalogs saltwater fly fishin fly fishing Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 12:05PM (UTC)

First Workshop of 2009Sunday, March 29, 2009

David Norman at the first LURE Workshopof '09 HERE


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Spring estuary bassFriday, April 03, 2009

When spring seatrout hunt and smolts seeksanctuary in the nursery area of estuariesBASS know where to find an easy meal!Can you match the hatch? - Bendy Rods -JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:54AM(+01:00)

Fly fishing for bigger bass - IVSaturday, April 04, 2009 004 April Fly Tactics For Bigger Bass Publish at Scribd or explore others: Brochures &Catalogs saltwater flies saltwater fly fishin Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:49AM (+01:00)

Surface water temperaturesSaturday, April 04, 2009


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What we saw today the dog and IMonday, April 06, 2009 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:43AM (+01:00)

Next week in Bass Lure Fishing FilesWednesday, April 08, 2009Application - Rigging & Fishing

SOFT BAITS FOR BASS Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:16AM (+01:00)

Summer Rainfall 2008Saturday, April 11, 2009 A significant impact on bass fishing in 2008

Rainfall totals were above normal everywhere and were more than twice normal in theeast and southeast of the country. Except for a few parts of the west and northwest, eachof the summer months was wetter than normal. There were some exceptionally heavydaily falls throughout the season, particularly in the period from late July to mid-August.

This summer’s rainfall was caused by a succession of unstable low-pressure centersmoving slowly across the country. The summer weather of 2008, though unusual, was farfrom unprecedented. Similar summers in the past were those of 1986, 1985 and 1958.

The extreme rainfall experienced during the summer of 2008 cannot be attributed toclimate change. The totals recorded fit within the range of natural variability, which isgreater that the global warming ‘signal’ at our geographic location.

JuneRainfall totals were above normal almost everywhere, with around twice the normal Junerainfall measured in the south and southeast of the country. Relatively little rain wasmeasured between the 7th and 16th, but some heavy falls were recorded at other times.Many stations recorded their wettest day of the month on the 21st, when a band of heavyrain was followed by widespread thunderstorms; 50mm of rain was measured on this dayin some places.

JulyJuly rainfall totals were near normal in parts of the northwest, but it was an exceptionallywet month over most of Leinster and Munster, where rainfall totals for the month weremore than twice the July normal. Heaviest daily falls this month were in the periods 1st to6th and 28th to 31st. late on the 31st; exceptionally heavy rain caused significant flooding

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in parts of County Limerick.

AugustAugust rainfall totals were above normal everywhere, the third successive month ofwetter than normal weather. More than twice the normal August totals were recorded inparts of the east, northeast and midlands, while some stations recorded over three timesthe normal. The number of rain days recorded during the month (days with 0.2mm ormore rainfall) was also well above normal; there were between 20 and 30 rain days atstations this month compared with the August average number of between 14 and 19.

A More Detailed report is available from Met Eireann HERE Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 03:57PM (+01:00)

Surface water temperatures.Saturday, April 18, 2009


Fly fishing for bigger bass - VSunday, April 19, 2009 005 May Fly Tactics For Bigger Bass Publish at Scribd or explore others: Brochures &Catalogs saltwater fly fishin Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:17AM (+01:00)

Sometimes you forgetTuesday, April 21, 2009 You get on with things that are 'related' to fishing on a day to day basis. Site admin,posting, writing articles, e-mails, customer planning and suddenly a week of tides hasgone by and its a friday at lunch time and the children are off school for two days and164

your wife has the weekend off too.

You do normal things, shopping, DIY, the garden, playwith the children and go for a picnic or two. Youmanage to leave the PC off for almost a whole day.Then its monday and the three are gone again and ifits sunny the phone starts to ring, and you post someletters and re-arrange and maintain the fishing gearand prepare notes and files for workshops and you goto some meetings and another week goes by. Thenyou run three workshops in a row and you talk andcommunicate with people for 24 hours non stop aboutbass fishing.

You getfurther and further away from the fishingand then you just stop and go. Today waslike that. I stopped working hard at doingnothing that was important and went fishingfor four hours - I missed it badly. I mayhave forgotten but I remembered just at theright time. As I stood and looked over thewater that I really hadnt seen properly sincelast year I heard terns, saw Gannets diving,swallows arriving along the coast, smallwaves breaking crystal clear, then whiteunder blue skies. And then you catch some fish I ask myself is there a better job? BendyRods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:23PM (+01:00)

Saltwater Fly fishing tips - summaryFriday, April 24, 2009Im just about to post on catch and release practices which will be part 16 of this 21 partseries. Below is a quick 'quick link list' to all the postings so far that I have made over thepast few months. I have also indicated 'provisionally' what the remaining six postings willbe and I hope you will continue to enjoy them.

Bendy RodsJim

SWFF - Part 1 of 21 - General Fly Choices

SWFF – Part 2 of 21 - The instinct of the decision

SWFF – Part 3 of 21 - Where is my fly165

SWFF - Part 4 of 21 - Choosing a fly

SWFF – Part 5 of 21 - Fly-casting for saltwater

SWFF – Part 6 of 21 - Choosing the right fly lines

SWFF – Part 7 of 21 - Where should I Fish

SWFF – Part 8 of 21 - When should I Fish

SWFF - Part 9 of 21 - Influences I – Tidal Flow

SWFF - Part 10 of 21 - Where are the fish?

SWFF – Part 11 of 21 - Casting for bigger bass

SWFF – Part 12 of 21 - Water conditions and bigger bass

SWFF – Part 13 of 21 - Presentations for bigger bass

SWFF – Part 14 of 21 - Flies for bigger bass

SWFF – Part 15 of 21 - Influences II and bigger bass

SWFF – Part 16 of 21 - Catch and release practices

Future Postings are based predominantly with Wexford in Mind

SWFF – Part 17 of 21- Influences III Weather and the fishing environment

SWFF – Part 18 of 21 - Gear and equipment

SWFF – Part 19 of 21 - Wexford - Challenges of the Estuaries

SWFF – Part 20 of 21 - Wexford - Challenges of the Rocky Shore

SWFF – Part 21 of 21 - Wexford -Challenges of the Open Shore


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Saltwater Lure Fishing P12 of 21 - Catch &ReleaseTuesday, April 28, 2009

Catch and Respect

There is skill in a proper release. Pleaselimit your kill rather than killing your limit.

Catching a fish is a skil lful process,releasing one successfully back to the seaalive and healthy also requires skill andgood techniques.B e f o r e

you start fishing look closely at the area where you areangling and search for lies that you suspect a fish mayrun to for cover and use to his advantage for escape orpossible hang up.Plan regularly as you move and consider how you willplay land and return your fish under the circumstancesyou are in. Check for your safety and a path to bring thefish through.

Some helpful tips for good catch and release.

Handle the fish as little as possible and try to keep thefish in the water when removing hooks.Avoid lifting or touching the fish if you can.If you do need to touch the fish make sureyour hands are wet.If you do need to lift the fish make sure heis supported evenly.Avoid lifting the fish out of the waterunsupported.If you are using lures and are nervous ofhooks consider using a boga grip.It is often not necessary to use a boga gripwhen fishing single or barbless hooks, cutdown or eliminate its use as you grow inconfidence.Have a plan for releasing a fish before landing it

Because time is crucial in keeping a released fish alive, work quickly and eliminate anyover exposure to air.Avoid using landing nets.Do not drag fish over dry sand which clings to its slime.Handling the fish with wet hands helps to avoid removing the beneficial fish slime. 167

Remove treble hooks carefully and quickly using pliers and try to avoid lip or flesh ripping,also avoid any contact to the red gill plate area.When taking photographs make it very quick and always plan ahead.Revive an exhausted fish in the water by passing water over the fish's gills by using agentle back and forth swimming motion until the fish recovers.

Points to Consider

Cut down on the number of hooks on your luresDe-barb your treble hooksDe-barb your single hooksTry to land fish as quickly as possible to avoid overstressing themOverplayed and overexposed fish die after releaseA quickly landed bass will still have a lot of energy and is very inclined to shake his headfrom side to side – a dangerous time for both fish and angler for potential damageespecially with multi hooked luresLonger lures with multiple treble hooks cause greater damage to fish than shorter ones

If you intend to kill and keep a fish from time to time then carry the proper tool do the job.Don’t leave fish gasping and flapping on the shoreline but use a salmon priest to dispatchhim quickly.If keeping a fish consider keeping one that has spawned a number of times > 45 cms.Try not to kill the fish that everyone wants to catch i.e. return bigger fish.


All is never lost!Wednesday, April 29, 2009 ‘One last cast’, I cried across to my friend. We had been fly fishing for three hours andthings were beginning to wear a little thin, it was now much later than we would normallystay in the tide, three hours of intensive fishing and we had nothing to show. During theprevious evening we had made the following agreement for the next days tactics. Wewould only fly fish; we would fish barbless hooks, we would not bring any lure fishingequipment with us, and we would catch whatever tide was necessary and travel to the

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remotest venues!

Previous experience had thought me that atsome localities fish only feed at specificmoments during the tide, I knew that thislocality was one of those areas and wewere now way passed the optimum time.Hence my call for one last cast. Strippingback the fly for the last time, I picked someseaweed of the line, hooked the fly in thekeeper ring

and head down I slowly made my way back towardsbase camp. Defeated. My friend stayed on for a fewmore casts then he too repeated the procedure. Pouringcoffee and opening some biscuits and cakes I remainedslightly dumbstruck at the fact that we had caughtnothing. Both of us quietly ate our cakes and drank ourcoffee not saying much but absorbing our surroundingsin a way that is often difficult to do when you are fishingintently. The odd comment was passed about the peace,the colours and the sheer beauty of nature. We bothavoided the obvious for the moment and rested for sometwenty minutes or more. Sometimes during thesesilences two things will happen, one – I will begin to feel

i n tense l yuncomfortable and loose some faith in myabilities as an angler and return home toprepare for the next tie I go fishing, or two-there is a passive recharging of some innerbattery, and some times an unspokencommunication with my friend or evensometies a client which will often lead toboth of us standing up at the same time tocontinue fishing.

Now at this venue, to do this, was, for mevery unusual. Many times I had fished and re-fished over various tides and times andweather conditions to establish some patterns. Thousands of hours spent castingdifferent flies and lures in different ways at different times had lead me to believe that wewould not fair any better than we had before. I have a habit of changing my leader andtippet after every session and when I was doing this over my coffee I also attached myfavourite all round bass fly, the white deceiver. Above the deceiver on a dropper Iattached a much smaller baitfish type pattern and so was fishing what I call a ‘chaseteam’. This often works when fish are well fed and it will often induce a response thatprovo kes a take on the smaller fly. I advised my friend or rather he suggested to me thathe try on the surface with a brightly coloured popper fly. I agreed and said that we shouldfish closer together to cover the layers more effectively. Fishing a popper fly and adeceiver as a team will often bring fish to the person on the deceiver!

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During the next forty minutes or so I began to believe thatthings were just as I believed they would be when therewas a loud surface splash followed by a shout from myright as I watched John hook into a plump bass of abouttwo pounds. His rod arched over into a pleasing, powerfulfish. I retrieved and cast in his direction and suddenlyboth of us were into fish! We fished for another hour untilthe action slowed and eventually stopped. I caught threefish the other guy had four, we kept one to eat the restwere returned alive to the water fit and well. Now where isthis leading to you might well ask?

Firstly – you don’t always have everything figured out!Just because it doesn’t look or feel right to you doesn’tmean it’s not right for the fish or indeed if you think it is right it doesn’t necessarily mean itis. I have often heard it said that ‘you need to think like a fish’. Sometimes I find it hard tothink like a human never mind a fish. The general influences in a fish’s life are tide,temperature, and time of year. Coupled to this is a natural instinct for survival,reproduction and opportunism regarding availability of food. Clever uses of these factorswill more than often lead you to success, there are times when none of it makes anysense at all.

One thing I am sure of – hard work will produce results, it’s a question of try and try again.

Combine these factors with a few ground rules regarding fly selection a nd you arebound to increase your chances at least twofold. If I was lost on a desert island andpresented with a choice of bass saltwater fly patterns I think there are only a few I wouldchoose. Firstly the all white deceiver with a little flash would be my number one choice,this and patterns like it have caught me the most fish. The second choice would besimilar with the exception of adding some olive/chartreuse/lavender and a maybe a bitbigger than the previous pattern, and my third fly would definitely be a small surfacepopper (just for excitement).

It is interesting to note that this summer I have fished some combinations or teams of fliesand indeed lures that have helped increase the number of fish caught. A combination oftwo poppers one bigger than the other is very exciting even if a little difficult to fish with.Deceivers or sand eel patterns of different sizes fished in teams also present plenty ofopportunities with ‘induced’ take more often on the smaller fly. The right choice andcombination can often be critical so can sticking at it when you believe all is lost! BendyRods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:40AM (+01:00)

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Pike fishing with Peadar O Brien and DavidWolsoncroft DoddsFriday, May 01, 2009

A pleasant days fishing in Carrigmacrosswith Peadar and David - the first signs ofsummer - see more HERE later todayBendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:04PM(+01:00)

Alans start of seasonSunday, May 03, 2009 This is Alan from Waterford learning fly casting at a saltwater fly fishing workshop today.I met him on home ground last saturday morning after I had taken the greyish coloredphotograph below.The net was strung about 150 - 180 metres along the coast. LAST FRIDAY evening Istarted to receive some calls from a few people about the net, I duly rang the ERFBwhom had already received calls in relation to it and its location. I was told it was beenlooked after. I went to Waterford, then across to Kerry, back to Wexford and up to Cavanand arrived back home on saturday.Allen called during the week, asked me if he could come up to do some practice castingand fishing as he was having a little hassle with the intermediate line.

I brought him to the location where I bring a lot of people to learn, which happens to bethe place where the net was reported to be 10 DAYS AGO. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 01:45PM (+01:00) 171

The approaching tide - Week 19/20.Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Bass Fishing Outlook for the next fourteendays HERE

I have these new Rhode Island flatwings totry and a bunch of new lures from Japan -Its the first real opportunity for bass on flyand lure - cant wait! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 02:06PM(+01:00)

Bass Fly Fishing Season BeginsThursday, May 07, 2009 The first swifts of summer have arrived and can be heard screeching around the twinchurch spires in town. This to me, is my annual indication that I can truly be confident ofattempting bass on the fly in Wexford coastal waters. A living indicator.

You may ask what has a bird that spends its time in our towns and cities got to do withBass fishing!

During approaching cooler and windy weather parent swifts can spend long periodssitting on nests close together, or on top of each other with bodies hunched and feathersruffled for warmth. In abnormally cooler and damp weather swifts may throw out completeclutches of eggs before themselves congregating in clusters on walls. Swifts will takeshelter in their nests in heavy rain, even staying in for much of the day.Last summer theyseemed to be totally absent.

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If you cant hear them screeching or see them whirlingabove you house in town then consider the weatherbefore going bass fishing!. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 01:38PM (+01:00)

Destinations Ireland - Coming Soon..Thursday, May 07, 2009

Destinations Ireland - a new service from SEAiI am pleased to announce a new service as provided bySEAi – I call it Destinations Ireland. Over the past fewyears I have travelled to some of the remotest and mostscenic areas of Ireland searching for quality anglingdestinations. These are destinations that can provideoutstanding fishing, new and challenging environments,dramatic scenery and quality casual accommodations.With Destinations Ireland I hope to share some of theseelements with you and your travelling companions. Morelater.


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Easy like a Sunday morning....fly & lureSunday, May 10, 2009

Andrew and I took some wonderful fish on thismornings tide. Andrew fished the lure whilst I fished thefly. One or two of the eleven fish landed and returnedran to over 6o cms one > 65cms.Success came both on fly (5) and lure (6) more detailsof the landing gear, flies, lures and tactics now in BassFly Fishing Files

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A lifetimes ambition realised at todays workshop!Thursday, May 14, 2009

Dave realised a lifetimes ambition today at the lastworkshop before the close of season. Some excellentbass landed - first time bass mind you! More details inBass Lure Fishing Files later today! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 01:44PM (+01:00)

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Bass Fishing Guides Diary 2009Friday, May 15, 2009I have compiled the articles written for Irish Angler about life as a bass fishing guideworking and living in Ireland onto a seperate section of my blog. You can view them hereat this link. I hope you enjoy them - Jim Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 03:53PM (+01:00)

Saltwater Fly & Lure Fishing WorkshopsSaturday, May 16, 2009 Bassfisherman - Saltwater Fly or Lure - One-day workshop

Tariffs available on request from Jim @ [email protected]

For those starting lure or fly fishing in saltwater there are often many skills to learn andnumerous equipment requirements and choices to be made. This can prove daunting tothe beginner or even the experienced fishermen. With more than 30 years of bass fishingexperience and working at my eight year as a bass fishing guide my saltwater lure & flyfishing workshops are designed not only to help you fully understand the equipment, butalso to help you learn about casting, advanced lure fishing techniques, and why it isimportant to understand various species their habitats, influences and life cycles. You willalso learn how and where to purchase and use the best equipment. Having completedthe courses you will have a comprehensive understanding of this intriguing and fastdeveloping aspect of saltwater fishing, each customer is provided with over one hundredpages of notes and continued e-mail support - plus I bet too we can have some fun alongthe way as we spend as much time as possible with practical application on the water.

Options - bespoke to your requirements

One night stay at SEAi HERETea/Coffee and light breakfastSaltwater Lure Fishing WorkshopLunch at The Yard Restaurant

Total Fee €265.00 per person – group rate available on request – 3 people maximum.

Summary details ONE-DAY WORKSHOP

Session One at the SEAi Centre – 3hrs morning

Bass, mullet and seatrout a species overview· Season· Breeding· Timings· Feeding patterns

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· History of, in Ireland· General behaviour in locations like estuaries, rocky shores, open beaches· Discover how to read tides properly and the effects they have on our fishing.· Understanding the finer points of weather influences on the Wexford coast· Winds· Rain and its effects· Air temperature· Water temperature· Discovering and understanding location development and bass patterns

Lure fishing gear· Rod types and their different applications· Suitable reels· Braids, fluorocarbons, mono and clips· Line loading· Unique fluorocarbon and mono knots for braid· Lures fishing and rigging· Lure choice and type (recommendations)· Surface lure fishing· Sub surface lure fishing· Surface baits and jerk baits· Softbaits· Metal baits

Break for Lunch at The Yard Restaurant

Session Two on the water – 3 to 4 hours afternoon and evening

On the water· Safety and a quick location audit for your safety and fish handling· How best to stay comfortable and safe when fishing· Learning 'Location development' over a tide· Watercraft and ‘running down the fish’· Correct presentations· Lure choice and selection for any given time and location type

· Catch and Return – its much more than returning fish (discussions)· An emphasis on returning fish even before and after the designated 'closed season' asconditions dictate· An emphasis on NOT killing mature fish but returning them· Fish handling regarding

Leaving the fish in the water when releasingPlaying and then landing the fish - what to do over sand, rocks and other difficult areasDe-hooking,Handling,PhotographingReturning and recovery

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OR proper dispatching of fish and reviewing the legislation

· Reviewing the different types of rods and their applicability to different types of lurefishing· The lure profile, colour, its action and its role in fishing when conditions are tough· Fishing and you—common errors to avoid and positive aspects to enhance· Advanced fishing tactics and strategies· Confidence when handling and returning fish and making super photographs· Learning to apply your skills to a range of different saltwater fish. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:34AM (+01:00)

Fly casting for saltwaterTuesday, May 19, 2009Let there be no mistake about it - fly casting for bass in the saltwater environment can bea challenging task! But too often that task is created by ourselves and the search fordistance. Somewhere at the beginning, and often far too regularly, our objective becomes30 yards as quickly as possible. And yes we measure it with footsteps and tapes andstrips and congratulate ourselves when we get there, but we forget to look how we gotthere.

Satisfying your ego with distance often can make you both blind and deaf. Blind to yourwide ripped open loops, blind to the broken wrist, blind to poor turnover. All we see is ourtag and leader crash landing some distance ahead of us and we are happy! The poorhearing is a result of the shouting done by the voice in our head - we must cast further.The rational and cool tones of self analysis are drowned out - we cant hear ourselvesthink never mind remember the words of our instuctor.

Casting 30 yards in the local park to the background sound of summer blackbirds isdifferent than pushing big flies into a headwind whilst terns hover overhead and you leaninto thee foot waves. But we want personal satisfaction immediately and too many timeswe are not prepared to listen to our instructor and do as he or she says. We dont practiceenough (short periods - regularly) and then wonder why we havent mastered thetechnique that we paid a lot of money to learn. We dont listen because we think we knowbetter or somehow, magically we will assimilate the ability to fly cast before the next timewe go fishing.

Some things I look out for

Rod - when double hauling over long periods of time a more mid action rod rather than asuper fast version will help with your timings - you dont need to be as accurate ALL of thetime.

Line - dont extend the overhang beyond your ability to control it - be aware of where therear taper ends and the running line begins

Hauling - hauling wont make a 70 foot caster into a 120 foot caster - it will however make178

your casting much more effecient, and when blind casting to bass over long periodshauling will 'sprad the load', leaving you less tired at the end of the day. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 01:26PM (+01:00)

Pike - 30lbs plus on the FlyThursday, May 21, 2009Guide and pike fly fishing specialist David Wolsoncroft Dodds took this spectacular fishon Tuesday. Click Here to view! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 05:20PM (+01:00)

X-Layer Vs Clouser MinnowSaturday, May 23, 2009

Some thoughts on flies and soft lures inbass fishing.

THE BLURB

XLAYER is hand poured jerk bait withreverse rib design, which makes XLAYER’sstop & go action more precise and deadly.With an offset hook set in a certain wayXLAYER will dog-walk under water, and setit in a normal way it instantly becomes afalling bait for dead-sticking. You can alsoshake XLAYER with a 1/32 or 1/16 oz jighead for sight fishing. In another words,XLAYER is the all round soft jerk bait youhave been waiting for.

THE BLURB

The original Clouser Minnow, developedby Bob Clouser for smallmouth bass in theSusquehanna River AROUND 1984, wasdesigned to keep moving through the waterno matter what the angler was doing.Clouser’s rationale was that baitfish, whenpursued by bigger fish, don’t stop to look atthe scenery.The Clouser Minnow sinks quickly when ithits the water. When you start a retrieve,the fly swims through the water. But if youstop moving the fly, it keeps moving as it

sinks deeper (falling). The only time it stops is when it’s lying on the bottom (sticking) or179

being grabbed by a fish. Building an offsethead can create an interesting walkingmotion!

This is not a post where one method iselevated in superiority above an other. Iwould like to demonstrate the similarity thatexists between two different approaches toa particular aspect of bass fishing. LeftyKreh has caught over 86 different speciesof fish on clouser minnows of manydifferent types. Im sure if you were to take all the anglers in the world currently fishing softbaits you would probably find that that there have been as many species taken onplastics. This simply demonstrates that both presentations are extremely effective andare essentially very similar - they both imitate 'prey' fish darting around foraging or indeedescaping a predator - there may also be other circumstances exhibited like prey'behaviour' that predators find attractive. Both clouser minnows and soft baits exhibitthese characteristics very effectively.

The essential difference between the two techniques (apart from material) is of coursedelivery - one method of delivery is by a lure fishing rod and fixed spool reel, the otherwith a fly rod and fly line. I have put heavier clouser minnows on my lure fishing gear,cast, and caught bass and I have also 'fly-rodded' with soft baits to much success. BendyRods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 07:37PM (+01:00)

Recent rumoursTuesday, May 26, 2009The commercial lobbyists are a strong united powerful and cohesive force that constantlytease at the commercial restrictions pertaining to Bass fishing. This is done not only inIreland or the UK but at European level at EVERY opportunity that is presented to them.This type of message rings out at this time every year but only since the change in thenecessity to ‘re-invoke’ the commercial ban every year has it taken on a new note orvariation. It may keep us on our toes for a while but soon disappears over the horizon –most of us forget about it, while this group never takes its eye off the ball and invents andre-invents new strategies to appeal to politicians. They get closer and closer.

Having attempted to make a living from Bass guiding in this country for the past sevenyears, approaching the month of may was always a nervous time as the bye laws neededto be re-considered by the relevant minister, I mean how could you forward plan yourbusiness if your resource could be destroyed in a very short space of time? A doublewhammy a national resource that you hope are carefully exploiting by been sustainablecoupled to something that you loved doing could be destroyed in a flash. And not only foryou but for thousands of others too.

June was always met with a sigh of relief. So its no different this year – the rumours will180

start and hopefully go away as nothing but rumours, the illegal fishing will continue, andas I have worked very hard this year to sell an angling experience to people fromDenmark, Italy, France, Ireland, America, Holland, England and Spain - whom will leavethousands of euros in the local Wexford economy, come the year end I will submit mynumbers as I have always done in the hope that this information is in some way apreparation for some war chest to counter the lobbyists. Because I’m afraid some day itmay well happen – how well prepared in hard facts and figures will anglers and otherorganisations like the IFSA, Bord Failte, the CFB be on that day, how strongly united,cohesively proactive and energised will they be, to stand up and protect what is anational resource and not just the imagined property of a reckless few who are quiteprepared to destroy it?

Doing it on that day will be too late! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:04AM (+01:00)

Wexford summer daysSunday, May 31, 2009 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 12:44PM (+01:00)

Sunday, May 31, 2009 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 07:40PM (+01:00)

Tackling up for bass - Fly FishingTuesday, June 02, 2009Below is list of material suitable or needed for fly fishing bass in Ireland, please find thatthe following items are all very suitable, budget, recommended and even top of therange.

Fly Reels

Loop Evotec CLW8-12Okuma Airframe 7/9Danica Traditional 6/9Temple fork outfitters TFO 429Danielsson Lw6-9_____________________________________________________

Fly Rods from #7 - #9 – occasionally #10 in late Autumn

Vision 3 zone sws €155.00Lefty Kreh TiCrX €185.00 181

Scierra BW2 €275.00Redington CPXswSage Xi2_____________________________________________________

Fly Lines #7- #9 – occasionally #10 in late AutumnFloating and IntermediateRio Aqualux striperRio Outbound Inter and Rio outbound short for estuary wading/surf fishingTeeny TS XDScientific anglers mastery series_____________________________________________________

Suggested Leader material -

Rio FlouroflexFrog hair deep blueVarivas

Frog hair deep blueRio saltwater tapered leaders

Rio Bonefish/permit tapered leaders____________________________________________________Backing

Dacron backing 100ms 12-15 kgsFlies – Deceivers/clousers/poppers/sliders – white/white& chartreuse/Olive/white – grey/lavende/blue/white – from 3cms – 20cmsStripping Basket

____________________________________________________ Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 01:50PM (+01:00)

The Bass Fishing FliesSunday, June 07, 2009 For those of you who asked, the bass flies that are displaying in the post below havebeen tied by the following people

Andy Elliott - visitor 2008Rudy van Duinjhoven - visitor 2007 Enrico Puglisi -Ed Mitchell - visitor 2004Marc Petitjean - visitor 2006and Rod Tye -

Sadly Rod Tye is no longer with us. The flies average in length from 6 to 9 inches,182

because of good design and a clever use of materialmost can be cast to bass with a #8 and even a #7 ongood days!

The Puglisi works really well in the surf and I use a G-Loomis stinger double hander to cast 35-40 yardsoverhead with a Rio outbound short. Bendy Rods -JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 01:36PM (+01:00)

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Bass Fishing in IrelandWednesday, June 10, 2009 Flyer Costs Publish at Scribd or explore others: Brochures & Catalogs bass fishing in irelBendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 03:23PM (+01:00)

Italian Video Opportunity with Angelo Piller - FlyFishing for Bass...Thursday, June 11, 2009

I'm really looking forward to the 19th ofJune - Angelo contacted me recently aboutthe possibility of filming fly fishing for bassin Wexford - we will work together for sevendays in Wexfords many different locations.These are his words.....

....am planning a holiday with my girlfriend,probably June. I was thinking to bring her ina warm place (where obviously I can fish),

but your website is so good, I can try to convince her to try Ireland. Consider that I live inthe italian dolomites, where it's warm only in summer.

I have recenly started a new activity, a kind of Flyfishing Moviemagazine:http://www.reelvideo.eu/Next monday I'll send you one copy.

In Italy interest for sea bass has recently started, and it would be great if I could make ashort film about you and seabass fly fishing. How are the chances...is there a possibilty tofilm the capture of three or four sea bass?

I am responsable for the magazine section of Pipam: http://www.pipam.com/ which is thenr.1 italian webpage in Italy with almost 5000 subscribers, I am interested in writing anarticle about this experience too.

I can only hope the weather holds up, its a real opportunity to demonstrate thetechniques, flies and the wonderful venues and fishing challenges that the south eastoffers to the saltwater fly fisherman.

http://www.flyfishitaly.com/ Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 02:46PM (+01:00)

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Opening Day 2009Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Tight lines to everbody for the coming seaon of 2009! Itsa nice day for opening, lets hope it stays that way for therest of the season.

Bass Fly&Lure Fishing Files will be updated regularlyfrom today until the end of the season.

bendy rods in 2009Jim


Welcome to the DARK SIDEFriday, June 19, 2009Fly fishing at night! - I discuss tactics and techniques in Bass Fly & Lure Fishing Fileslater this week. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 12:50PM (+01:00)

The remaining chapters of SWFF & SWLF tips -Bass Fshing WexfordFriday, June 19, 2009The remaining 5 posts planned for Saltwater Fly Fishing tips and Saltwater Lure Fishingtips will be written and completed over the next six months or so. The previous sixteenposts of SWFF and SWLF tips are currently been re-writtten and this project althoughsomewhat behind schedule is nearing completion. The thirty two posts have beencondensed into 5 chapters and I then expanded upon them to provide almost 110000 185

words.

These remaining SWFF and SWLF tips will be posted to Bass Fly&Lure Fishing Files.They too will be expanded upon and re-written for completion during Spring of 2010.These completed and re-written chapters will give me another 100000 words.

I then hope to combine these words with photos from an archive of over 10,000 toproduce a book, working title -FISH THE WHITE WATER - Bass Fishing Wexford fly & lure.

The remaining chapters will be similar to the following headings and will complete thisblog at the end of 2009 or early 2010.

SWFF – Part 17 of 21 – Wexford - Water, wind, moon, sun, sky, the elemental forces thatshape our fishing on the south east coast

SWFF – Part 18 of 21 – Wexford – The coastline is a map at the centre of my life

SWFF – Part 19 of 21 - Wexford – Challenges and opportunities in the Estuaries - Fly andLure

SWFF – Part 20 of 21 - Wexford – Challenges and opportunities along the Rocky Shore -Fly and Lure

SWFF – Part 21 of 21 - Wexford – Challenges and opportunities of the Surf Shore - Flyand lure

Bendy Rods - Jim


splash, bubble and POP.........Sunday, June 21, 2009

Theres more to poppers than you mightthink! Certainly casting a popper andworking it back in the much described'erratic fashion' does work, but do you findyourself wondering why some days arebetter than others?

Traditional technique - simpy cast youpopper and let it land. Tighten down to yourlure by winding a little line and when yousee your lure moving a little then simply

move your rod tip in a sharp pull - provided you are using braid and a reasonably stiffish186

rod you lure will generate a 'bow wave'.This bow wave is related to the type ofmovement you make with your rod arm andthe size and shape of the concave face ofyour lure. Shorter snappier movementsmake different waves than longer strokes.Experiment with movements and lureshapes. Of ten an exaggera ted oruncontrolled motion will see you lureturning end over end and fouling upon themainline, with braid minimal movementscreate the most effective fishing.

Stop and go - Combin ing thesemovements above with periods of stoppingthe lure give the fish the opportunity tolocate the source of all this disturbance.Constant popping with constant retrivingwhilst on occassion does produce fish willalso cause you to miss many opportunities.Adding a stop creates a longer retrieve timeand hence your lure is fishing for a longer

period - time for fish to find it! Add stops for as long as twenty seconds if you can standthe suspense!

Bubble stream generation - Creating a bubble stream can often produce results wherepopping wont. A buuble stream is simply a long pull of the lure through the water causinga 'whoooshh' followed by a stop often just subsuface. Bass locate the lures through theirwell tuned senses and this technique creates both longer and different sounds coupled toa visual stream of bubbles. Can you 'walk' a popper? - If you own the new generation ofpoppers then not only can you perform all of the above but you can also combine it withthe 'walk the dog' technique. Some poppers are more difficult to walk than others, someare downright impossible but when you can achieve the combination of walk and pop itsoften unbeatable. Not all poppers are created equal - The concave face of your popper isunique to the particular model. The angle that this face is presented at is also differentacross ranges of lures. Owning one popper doesnt mean 'you have a popper and dontneed any more'. Sounds, shapes, splash types, even static presentations all makedifferences to your fishing on the day. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:12AM (+01:00)

Latest ReportsSunday, June 21, 2009 With lots of fish now showing in all the systems plus the prospect of a great weeksweather and tides ahead its all systems go. Mike hits and returns an 8-pounderconfirming Richard is a Jonah! All details of the latest catches, techniques and tactics inBASS FLY & LURE FISHING FILES tomorrow! 187

Plus Al lens SWFF Journey - BassWorkshop May 5th, Casting Workshop-Glenda Powell June 01st, Refresher bassfishing techniques June 12th - JUNE 22first bass on the fly (see above)!

The first of many. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 05:13PM(+01:00)

Andrews C+R - 79 cm'sWednesday, June 24, 2009

A full report in his own words in BassFly&Lure Fishing Files NOW

.....The fish swam over again and by thelure. He was heading out past it again andhad actually gone past and behind it., ithought im not letting him away a secondtime so i gave the lure 2 quick jerks, heturned like a flash and nailed the lure......Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:49PM(+01:00)

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How difficult is SWFF for bass on the WexfordCoast?Thursday, June 25, 2009

The reality is of course very difficult - youmay be a capable fly fisherman but asconditions dictate the fickle nature of thefish, many factors are beyond your andindeed my control. This 'grip' that elementalforces have on the fishing is particularlyevident this week and sometimes, as I haveoften seen before, a deterioration canhappen quickly and is often not perceivedas possible in having a negative effect onthe fishing. A breeze blowing from a

particular direction, I mean how could it?

I distinctly remember an angling journalist remarking to me last September that he feltthat he had been brought to Ireland in the wrong season for fishing 'seabass' and wasvery dissapointed with the fishing. He knew more about bass fishing in Wexford than Idid. I asked him how was his fly casting this week - he said it was the best it had everbeen. He was a right hander.

The 'difficulties' and the 'positives' of the fishing influences are the subject of the next postin SWFF tips. This is not a post on the technicalities of casting, line management,presentation or similar subjects but of those ingredients that are beyond our control andhow we must deal with them too. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:59AM (+01:00)

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A great mornings fishing.Friday, June 26, 2009 Paul provided the thunder with his snoring whilst Nickdid agreat job on the silver lightning - Bill caught his firstever bass. A day I will never forget, great company -great fishing.Landing gear and a full report of the week is dicussedin Bass Fly&Lure Fishing Files later this weekend.

A classic mornings bass fishing at todays workshopwith Nick, Paul and Bill - with over twenty fish landed itproved to be a great ending to a very up and downweek, but one with lots of nice fish! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 01:08PM (+01:00)

Fly Fishing for Bigger Bass - VISaturday, June 27, 2009 Fly Tactics Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:17PM (+01:00)

Saltwater Fly Fishing For Bigger BassSaturday, June 27, 2009 Summary Links to the Irish Angler Series

Fly Fishing For Bigger Bass- Part ICasting and presentations

Fly Fishing For Bigger Bass- Part IIThe clarity of conditions

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Fly Fishing For Bigger Bass- Part IIIFishing deep with big flies

Fly Fishing For Bigger Bass- Part IVBig flies – big fish?

Fly Fishing For Bigger Bass- Part VInfluences and you

Fly Fishing For Bigger Bass- Part VIFive Fundamentals Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:57PM (+01:00)

Tuesday, July 07, 2009 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:06AM (+01:00)

Colms superb achievementWednesday, July 08, 2009

Dear Jim

.................. I have tried to add more senseto my fishing sessions for Bass to max mychances. Last weekend it came to fruitionwith a superb 10lb 7oz Bass from my localspot. I have taken on board your tipsincluding.............................. all the words inBass FLY&LURE fishing files Bendy Rods -JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:16AM(+01:00)

Waves of rockWednesday, July 08, 2009

A look at the weeks fishing ahead in BassFLY&LURE fishing files now Bendy Rods -JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:00AM(+01:00)

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oooohhh baby I loved you so......Thursday, July 09, 2009


The Big White OneFriday, July 10, 2009

The BWO continues to produce fish - todayI had a 7 an 8 and a >10 all on this fly.

Its been an excellent week.

When a sandeel or launce swims whichpart of its body moves the least? The headis the prime target area for any hungry basslooking to attack immobilise, kill and eatone.

DO NOT worry about bass nipping the tail, or applying stingers or more hooks........

Listen to very few! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:49PM (+01:00)

To Shauna, Caroline and EileenFriday, July 10, 2009Returning a NUCLEAR SUB . Thanks to Rolfe and Andrew for taking the opportunity torealise a dream I've had for quite some time now. But a special thanks to the supportteam at home, the invisible people who make it happen for us. Today will certainly godown as one of the best - for me the smiles continue to say it all. Fish came both on fly192

and lure - a report later. . .......the flyline snapped tightagainst my fingers at the rod handle, it hurt, theDanielsson whirred into life and seconds later thealbright went clink clink clink out through the rod rings.This was a BIG fish and as it powered downtide I saw itstail push it faster and further away from me. Theredington #9 was almost horizontal, the fight of my lifewas on, I thought this surely is the best way to catchthese fish, this is an experience of a lifetime! Tenminutes later..... A full report in Bass Fly&Lure FishingFiles later today. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:22PM (+01:00)

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Allen strikes silver on home ground on the flyWednesday, July 15, 2009

Allen asked me to work with him on homeground for a short tide session today. So Idrove south to meet him. In very difficultconditions he landed this beauty on a whitedeceiver. His persistance is paying off ashe works at his casting his fishing hispresentations - its all coming together.Landing Gear Redington - 9'-0" #9 CPXRio Outbound #9 Inter Rio taperedsaltwater leader Oceanfl ies - WhiteDecever Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:45PM(+01:00)

The Ones That Dont Make itFriday, July 17, 2009sometimes it just doesnt work - the foto graveyard is full


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Conditions Week 30Saturday, July 18, 2009

Details of tides, weather and predictions for bass fishingnow available in Bass Fly&Lure Fishing Files Files.One if the great things about this job is repeat business.Pictured to the left with a nice fish is Jean Yves fromFrance who was last here five years ago in 2004.Jean Yves is back today for a weeks guiding at SEAiwith his fishing companion -allez les bleues! StrawberriesNew Season PotatoesCheddar cheeseJamBrown Bread

and during the week lets hope for some of the thingsthese travellers come here for - BASS! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick

at 10:24AM (+01:00)

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The Warmest of Wexford Welcomes!Monday, July 20, 2009I was working with two French customers today. We went fishing to a local spot thismorning at around 09:00 and fished the drop and anticipated the rise in the afternoon.We chose a 'hot spot', one of many in the local and decided to concentrate our fishingthere during mid afternoon.

Twenty minutes into our fishing another angler arrived in the area, walked up to whereone of the guys I was fishing with (within two feet) and cast straight over him. No hellos,questions, any fish, hows the weather, nothing. He caught my customers line and lure,and I asked him what he was doing? The french fisherman cast again and the guy castover him and fouled the line - AGAIN - I asked him what the hell?

He said 'Yoose have the whole bay to fish in, this is where I'm fishin'! Severalpleasantries were then exchanged, I decided to move.

In a country where tourism might prove to be one of its small saving graces - I guessignorance is still in abundance. Not that I expect any privileges for visitors but fair is fairwhen you have a whole system to fish in! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 04:59PM (+01:00)

Ivan the terrible or not as the case may be!Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Ivan continues his great summer of 2009 -working hard this is his first season of lurefishing.Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:29PM(+01:00)

A Short FairytaleWednesday, July 22, 2009Once upon a time, a guy asked a girl 'Will you marry me?' The girl said,'NO!' And the guylived happily ever after and rode motorcycles and went fishing and hunting and playedgolf a lot and drank beer and whiskey and had tons of money in the bank and left thetoilet seat up and farted whenever he wanted.The end Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:38AM (+01:00)196

Hurricane season arrives late in WexfordThursday, July 23, 2009


Holidays 2009Saturday, July 25, 2009....and though the course may change sometimes all rivers lead to the sea - gone for 10days! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:16AM (+01:00)

West Cork JellyfishTuesday, August 04, 2009 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 04:05PM (+01:00)

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Fish & FlyWednesday, August 05, 2009


Going homeFriday, August 07, 2009


This morning is marked foreverFriday, August 07, 2009 This mornings short session before breakfast was a wonderful experience - I shall leaveit to the lyrical Mr Boyle to describe it a later date, much better than I ever could!

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In fact Gerry, Andy and Pat had a great time here Last Year as well - recalled at this linkHERE !


Evening time and a close to a spectacular dayFriday, August 07, 2009


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Bass fishing neednt cost the earth!Saturday, August 08, 2009

Gerry friel from Donegal landed and returned 13 bass on ashort session on friday morning - he easily missed half asmany fish in the same session.

Landing Gear

Reel - Shimano nexave - €45.00 Rod - Shimano Stradic spinning 11102 - €35.00 Lure - Aile Magnet - € 12.00Line - 150 metres powerpro €25.00

All for less than €125.00!


Saturday, August 08, 2009 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 04:47PM (+01:00)

Last Guiding Session of the weekSunday, August 09, 2009

For the second time since wednesday Iwitness an angler catch more than 10 bassbetween 4 and 8 lbs in one session! Welldone Andrew and Gerry.

Whilst creating this blog I try to portrayIreland and Wexford in a very positive light.I do this by making the most interestingphotographs that I can, not only of the fishbut of the people who are fishing with meand also the environment and time in which

they find themselves. There are many other things other than fishing that make any trip toIreland and Wexford worthwhile and its important for me to remember that when I’m outthere. Not only am I looking to capture that ‘trophy’ moment but I’m also hoping to recordthe influences that are shaping peoples experiences of the country in which they areinvesting a lot of personal time. The more that I do this it becomes more obvious thereare times when I don’t see what visitors marvel at or appreciate and I find myself missingthe moment for them. Its possible to see the same thing so many times that you don’t200

appreciate it any more.

I am always conscious that over selling aproduct could have a negative impact onany business, its true also of a fishingguiding service. Fishing is often very toughand contrary to popular belief, there areplenty of days when we dont see many orindeed any fish. The Wexford environmentdoesn’t possess dramatic jaw dropping

scenery, it doesn’t have the ruggedness orsense of wilderness that you get on thewest coast. It doesn’t have outstandingarchitecture. What Wexford does have is amultiplicity of different smaller environmentsthat are much more complex and whichinteract in a way that is so subtle it canalmost be overlooked. You must lookclosely at each one to experience thedetail. And not only is it important to realise

each one is unique, but spending time in many different fishing environments forcespeople to realise the interdependence and influences one environment has upon anotherand the angling challenges each one presents.

Ultimately this ‘impact’ is what I try to create for my customers the readers and visitors tomy blog. By facilitating people into a multiplicity of venues, the sanctuary of estuaries, theexcitement of rocky shores, the thrill of fast moving powerful currents, the more likely theyare to see and feel the ‘Wexford experience’ that I try to create. Not only do I hope thatthis provides a positive environmental impression and experience of Wexford and indeedIreland, but it also creates a realisation that even after spending a lifetime of fishing forbass in these venues that you are simply scratching at the surface of the sheer number ofmethods, techniques and presentations that you could make to catch them. There are noexperts, but there are many who think they are !

Today was the last guiding day of the week - a week of difficult days and fantastic days -depending on how you looked at it - fishing was tough and became easier - the companywas superb and the shared experiences continue to make it a great bass fishingdestintion. Thanks to all the people who went through here this week.

Tony and Paul - Cork - Two Days - Saltwater Fly Fishing Workshop BassPat and Gerry - Donegal - Three Days - Bass Guiding Fly & LurePhil - Dublin - One Day - Saltwater Fly Fishing Workshop for the tropicsAndrew - Dublin - One Day - Bass Guiding Lure

Im off to Ballina for the week - a long drive ahead!

Monaghan for three days pike on the fly and home just in time around the seventeenth of201

August for bass on the tides again all in the company of dutch anglers. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 12:20PM (+01:00)

Glad to be away from it sometimes!Friday, August 21, 2009


Saturday, August 22, 2009 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 07:44PM (+01:00)

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Landing GearTuesday, August 25, 2009For those of you who asked, the gear used in the sequence below was as follows

Line - Rio Outbound short (tropical) intermediateReel - Danielsson LW6/9Rod - Redington CPX 9'-0" #9Leader - Rio Tapered Saltwater leader

Fly - Blurple - hollow fleye variant from Andy Elliot Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 07:14PM (+01:00)

new definition of summer madnessTuesday, September 01, 2009


biodegradable soft luresTuesday, September 01, 2009 .......There are estimates that as much as 20 million pounds of soft plastic are being lostin freshwater lakes and streams annually in the U.S. The average life expectancy forthese soft plastic lures is more than 200 years.

see more HERE Bendy Rods - Jim 203

Posted by Jim Hendrick at 02:31PM (+01:00)

Forecasting the weatherWednesday, September 02, 2009 I came across a little book recently - Signpost to theweather by D&K Barlett. First published in 1949, I haveextracted their forecasts for each month of the year. Ihope you will enjoy their theories over the next fewmonths - savour the September days ahead!

The Month of September according to D&K Barlett

There can be some fairly good, warm weather during thismonth, particularly in the east and south of Ireland.Thunderstorms can stil l be experienced and oneunsettled period is probable near the middle of the monthThe weather in the North and West can be fairly good butintervals of unsettled weather can bring rain and wind attimes. The days are shorter, the nights begin to feelcooler, and occasional night frosts occur in the Highlands of Scotland, but generally thesummer heat continues to affect the sea and land.

The weeks of September

1st to 7th-A number of warm, sunny days are probable, but there is a danger ofoccasional thunderstorms. The alternative is very cloudy, changeable conditions.8th to 15th-This week is usually cloudy at times but a fair spell is probable.16th to 24th-Generally a few good days of calm, sunny weather, but one very changeableperiod.25th to 30th-There is a tendency for the weather to be more unsettled. The first autumnrains occur and there is less risk of thunderstorm

Bass Fishing - My favourite month of the year. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 01:30PM (+01:00)

Get on down..........thats where its at!Wednesday, September 02, 2009Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:38PM (+01:00)

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get into the grooveFriday, September 04, 2009

You definetly know when you have beentrying hard - too hard sometimes! BendyRods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:33AM(+01:00)

Friday, September 04, 2009 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 06:00PM (+01:00)

Is this what we have been waiting for?Saturday, September 05, 2009Looking towards the weather horizon things are looking very good with a little stabilisationappearing in the systems mid/late week next - these predictions might boost the fishingperformances on the next tidal sequence later in mid September. More details HERE

This is what I have been waiting for and I guess you have too - fingers crossed!


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Theres no doubt its nearly impossible !Monday, September 07, 2009

Anyone visiting on the Wexford coast in thelast few days will know how far away weare from 'normal' September weather. Thegrip that the wind and rain now has on thesea will take some time to 'settle'. Of coursetoday is a nice day but tomorrow there aregales forecast so theres little chance ofstability or indeed fish on the fly in the nextfew days. After a day like yesterday.........but then i ts part of f ly f ishing, thechallenges

are not like any other fishing - its not always aboutcatching.

As Stefanie, Hani and Cedric whom have come fromSwitzerland ride the roller coaster of weather - spirits arehigh and we chat and sit and watch, maybe even make afew casts - who knows?

After three seasons at this level of difficulty for fly fishingmaybe its time for a new strategy !

Its looking good from wednesday onwards though with areturn to better conditions - lets hope it stays that way andwe could have a spectacular Autumn! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:47AM (+01:00)

Out of the brown and.....Tuesday, September 08, 2009


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......into the blueWednesday, September 09, 2009


Tuesday, September 15, 2009 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:33PM (+01:00)

Autumn surface lure fishingWednesday, September 16, 2009We visited a little estuary in Cork yesterday, just to be out of the wind! See the sequencebelow - I had taken some time out from fishing over the last few days so was excitedabout getting out there. Our intentions were to make some shots of mackerel taking lureson the surface hence the micro lure gear. We ended up having some real fun with severalbass who seemed to be enjoying the early Autumn sun. All fish taken on the surfacewithin 30 metres. In the stillness and peace of the afternoon the explosive takes weremagnificent – especially at such close range!

Landing gear207

Rods: Lucky Craft ESG’s – 8’-7” casting 2-16 grammesReels: Shimano twin powers, tecniumsLine: Varivas super trout braid – 4kgs.Leader: Rio powerflex 3 kgs

Lures: Bevy pencil, Bevy popper, Skinny pop, Shirashu minnow, Camion, Wavy,chinupen, and mebapen. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:29AM (+01:00)

The rod is loading and so is the weather!Wednesday, September 16, 2009Like most things in life its a question of timing - getting it right is the key - bide your time,its not that far away! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 05:28PM (+01:00)

September satisfactionSaturday, September 19, 2009


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Two specimen fish on the FLY - during aWorkshop!Saturday, September 19, 2009

John Weir from Ennis Co. Clare had spent Thursdayand Friday with me working at a Saltwater Fly Fishingfor Bass Workshop. Conditions were improving all ofthe time and this morning was going to be one of thosedays. I convinced John to stay for just one more shortmorning session of fishing. I took the fish in the postbelow just at high water at a local mark on a lavenderwhite and grey sloopy droopy built by Andy Elliott. Measuring in at 81 cms he proved to be a worthyadversary and was returned after a few photographs.Its not often that I post photos of myself and manythanks to John for taking the time out to make them.Brian whom was also on the two day workshopreturned to cork mid morning after a big breakfast atcuasnog, convinced more than ever that fly fishing is

the best way to catch bass!

This afternoon John, having seen the fish of the morning and having caught somehimself, decided this was the last shot of the weekend as he was returning to Ennis –whilst John battled on I managed another good fish for the day at 79 cms. It was great tohave someone there to witness it – two specimen bass on the fly in one day.

A big thank you to Brian and John for the company, the fishing, the pints and all the craic!Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 06:52PM (+01:00)

Sunday, September 20, 2009 <//embed> Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 07:46PM (+01:00)

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Reflections and RefractionsTuesday, September 22, 2009 Reflection

As light travels through water it can give us some information about the content of thewater. On calm days the water surface acts almost like a mirror. But look straight down,and the mirror disappears. Instead you see what is under the surface. If you look furtheraway, your viewing angle increases, and the surface reflection becomes stronger. At thesame time more of the light from under the surface is reflected back down.

Refraction

Have you ever put a stick into the water and watched it bend at the surface? You knowit's straight, so what you see is an optical illusion. The reason is refraction. Light fromunder the water is bent as it passes the surface into the air. As a result the underwaterpart of the stick seems to be in a different place from where it really is.Refraction can also make things in the water appear larger than they are. It is also thereason why waves often focus sunlight into patterns of light and shadow on the bottom.

Once in the water the light continues to travel downwards, gradually growing weaker.How deep it goes depends on the type of water and on the angle of the sun.

There are two reasons for the loss of light as you go deeper:

Absorption - photons disappear and the energy they contain is turned into heat or usedfor photosynthesis.

Scattering - photons change direction, but do not disappear. Often the new direction isupwards.

Absorption is what gives water its colour. Open ocean water is usually blue because theblue photons travel furthest before they are absorbed. Water with lots of phytoplankton(microscopic plants) is often bright green. Chlorophyll in the plants absorbs blue light, sonow the green photons travel furthest.Pure or clear water scatters very little light. When the water is clear and clean most of thephotons disappear into the deep. That's why clear water seems quite dark when you lookstraight down.Small particles in the water (plant cells, decomposed matter, sand and mud) scattermuch more light. In this type of water many of the photons change direction and travelupwards. Seen from above when you are looking down this type of water has a muchlighter colour.

In sea water, particle scattering and absorption has a BIG effect on your fly and lurefishing. Just as in fog, the scattering and absorption blurs details, and if you were a fishyou might only see a short distance ahead. The light also fades faster as you go deeper.In water with lots of small particles, it can be dark at just a few metres depth. Tiny

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particles in the water scatter light and make everything look blurred and indistinct. BendyRods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:40PM (+01:00)

Ian's pesonal best - this morning.Friday, September 25, 2009


Saturday, September 26, 2009 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:04AM (+01:00)

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Five Ninety Nine - Silver amongst Autumn GoldSaturday, September 26, 2009

To Ian and Martin who made life easy andfun for two days - thanks guys!

We experienced some great fishing andMartins battle with a > 10 was a series ofimages I will never forget. Personal bests,quality fish, great weather and superblocations all combined for a change.

All fish were taken on surface lures - we feltwhy look for numbers when you can have such visual angling treats!

You can see some of the great experiences we had over the last two days in thesequence below - both have already booked for Autumn 2010. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 02:05PM (+01:00)

Fly Fishing for Bass - ConsiderationsSaturday, September 26, 2009

Could you catch a big silver fish here on thefly ? Considering...

1. Wave height2. Wave direction3. Wind strength4. Wind direction5. Current6. Depth7. Backwash8. Light levels9. Line and leader choice

10. Fly choice11. Casting restrictions12. Tidal state13. Water condition212

14. Time of day15. Retrieves16. Position17. Presentations18. Timings19. Casting strategies20. Safety

Go Here for bespoke solutions


Indian Summer Workshop - with Fran and GerThursday, October 08, 2009

Thursday Morning -

Landing Gear

Rods - Smith bayliner boron BRF 66ML -6'-6" casting 2-10 grammes for 4-10lb lineReels - Shimano tecnium 2500Lines - Powepro - 4kgsLures - Smith Chinupen floating 8.8grammes - clearL e a d e r - V a r i v a s P o w e r F i n e s sF l u o r o c a r b o n 0 . 2 3 5 . m m

Several bass all taken with surface lurefishing techniques


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Indian Summer Workshop - with Fran and GerFriday, October 09, 2009

Thursday Afternoon -

Landing Gear

Rods - Lucky Craft ESG 8'-7" casting 3- 16grammes for 6-14lb lineReels - Shimano tecnium 3000Lines - Powepro - 6kgsLures - Smith Sticky 12.8 grammes - 08L e a d e r - V a r i v a s P o w e r F i n e s sF l u o r o c a r b o n 0 . 3 m m

Several bass all taken with surface lurefishing techniques


Wednesday, October 14, 2009 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:42PM (+01:00)

Forecasting the weatherThursday, October 15, 2009 I came across a little book recently - Signpost to the weather by D&K Barlett. Firstpublished in 1949, I have extracted their forecasts for each month of the year. I hope youwill enjoy their theories over the next few months -

The Month of October according to D&K Barlett.

The temperatures now begin to fall more quickly than in any month of the year, althoughthere can often be a late fine warm spell of several days. The nights will be noticeablycooler. The first frosts are more likely inland.The depressons over the Atlantic are deeper and a greater deal of wind can be expected,but there are not usually more than one or two severe gales.The good spell, if prolonged delays the autumn change into November. and this, of214

recent years has often occurred.The sea remains quite warm but the land surfaces coolquickly, and some fog and mists can be experienced inmany areas.

The weeks of October

1st to 7th - Fair, cloudy days at first becoming morechangeable with a little rain later in the week8th to 15th - Usuall there is cloudy weather with light rainintermingled with fair days16th to 23rd - A calm, fair and quite warm period canoccur during this part of the month24th to 31st - During this week the weather becomesmore unsettled fair days will bring frost but rather

changeable

Bass fishing - Arguably the best month of the year for bass fishing Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:04PM (+01:00)

Colins beautiful bass on the flySaturday, October 17, 2009


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Daiwa Day Breaker performs at Day break!Sunday, October 18, 2009

. . .Rolfe Deppe took several bass this morning- all on surface lure fishing techniquesLanding Gear Rod - Daiwa MorethanBranzino 82 ll Reel-Shimano Stella Line -Powerpro Leader - Seagaur fluorocarbonLure - Zipsea pop Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:46AM(+01:00)

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Eric le Guyader in WexfordTuesday, October 20, 2009

Take a look here Orion Lures


Friday, October 23, 2009 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:38AM (+01:00)

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T minus 20 and counting destination AndrosFriday, October 23, 2009I guess at some time I had to really startthinking about it - for the first time in monthsits finally started to hit me. Location,l oca t i on , l oca t i on . No amoun t o fpreparation, equipment or planning canreplace the natural bounty that I expect toexperience at Andros South . It is, mostdefinitely, the location for bonefish. Intwenty days time that’s where I’ll be.

South Andros Island is widely known asthe Bonefishing Capital of the World. Withthe island's endless, diverse flats, theopportunit ies for my f ly f ishing andphotography are boundless.

I expect to find and to fish to schools ofbonefish that average 2 to 4 pounds, withlarger fish apparently swimming with theschools. I will also hope to make many

shots at tailing and cruising bonefish ranging from 5 to 10 pounds plus. Theseopportunities will come while wading hard sand and marl flats or being poled along in oneof the fully equipped flats skiffs.

One of the pieces of equipment that I used last year and this for my bass fishing willtravel with me to Andros. The simms Dry creek flats pack is an indispensible piece ofequipment. Holding my two fly boxes, tippet material, first aid, spare spools, pliers andcamera its a great piece of comfortable gear. Long lasting and tough. I guess i'll just haveto include insect repellent, lip balm, high grade sun factor and water on the list..... BendyRods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:54PM (+01:00)

T minus 19 and counting destination AndrosSaturday, October 24, 2009The books I have been reading for the past twelve months in preparation for Andros areas follows

Bone Fishing - Randall Kaufmann

Fly Fishing for Bonefish - Chico Fernandez218

Innovative Flies - Bob Veverka

Not only are these books full of incredible photographs but they alsocontain information that takes time to digest, learn and apply.Incredibly I found myself using many strategies from these books inmy bass fishing in Wexford this year. I highly recommend them toany saltwater flyfisherman. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:59PM (+01:00)

A fishing movie about a fishing movie!Saturday, October 31, 2009 "Hustle and Fish" Trailer V1 from Rollcast Productions on Vimeo.


Forecasting the weatherWednesday, November 04, 2009

I came across a little book recently -Signpost to the weather by D&K Barlett.First published in 1949, I have extractedtheir forecasts for each month of the year. Ihope you will enjoy their weather theoriesover the next few months -

The Month of November according to D&KBarlett.

There can be a good deal of changeable,rainy weather during this month.However, short odd periods of calm weather can also occur, with sunshine, althoughnights are often chilly and frost, accompanied by fog near coasts and inland towns.

The sea still retains its warmth but the land surfaces are definitely cooler, and this helps219

towards the changeability of the weather.

The days are shorter so there is less sunshine, and the cool but often clear, nights arelonger. Gales are possible particularly near the end of the first week and during the lastweek of November, but overall it can be a fairy calm month. The temperatures continueto fall faster than at any other time of year.

The weeks of November

1st to 7th – The latter part of this week is unsettled, with rain, but extremes of calm milddays and frosty nights can occur with some fog.8th to 15th – The days continue to become colder. The first effects of the coming wintercan now be felt with frequency of wind and heavy rain increasing.16th to 23rd – Usually a fair to changeable period followed by unsettled and rainyconditions.24th to 31st - During this week the weather becomes more unsettled, rainy weather andstrong winds at times but often milder.

Bass Fishing - Best month of the year for bigger fish on the fly if you can take a shortweather window of opportunity. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:53AM (UTC)

Wednesday, November 04, 2009 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:35AM (UTC)

David Wolsoncroft Dodds in Northern ManitobaWednesday, November 04, 2009Below is a small sequence of photographs from my friend Davids visit to Manitoba earlierthis year! You can visit his website HERE . Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:45AM (UTC)

T Minus 8 and counting - destination AndrosThursday, November 05, 2009 Preparing for a trip to the other side of theworld in order to fish certainly makes youfocus on making correct decis ionsregarding a number of items. Working as afishing guide in my own environment I haveevery aspect covered, timings, gear, flychoice, line type, casting distance, inAndros I will be in the safe hands of BruceChard220

Getting there : I started with my luggage requirements. I need to bring four rods as notonly will I be fishing the flats but I will also have the opportunity to spend two daysoffshore. This immediately increased not only my luggage demands but also line and reelchoices which I will look at later. Considering that my living is made from my fishingequipment I needed something to transport all this gear safely around the world whilstcarrying, clothing, reels, flies and camera equipment. My choice was the FishpondRolling Rod and Gear Bag This unique, wheeled travel piece stores four 33” rod tubes inits bottom-moulded compartment. Top compartment stores vests, chest packs, clothing,waders, etc. I felt that the Chinook’s rugged construction and materials would ensure thatmy gear will arrive safely and in one piece. I got this tip from a guide - cover you luggagewith a bag and tape down - it wont be targeted as a bunch of fishing tackle!

www.deneki.com Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:01AM (UTC)

T minus 7 and counting - destination AndrosFriday, November 06, 2009

The question of gear!! : I think I must haveread and re-read so many books andjournals and forums regarding what gear tobring to Andros with me that I eventuallyjust stopped. This is what I have finallydecided upon. click on the names to link tothe products specs

Rods –T

wo #7’s – Redington CPS saltwaterTwo #9’s – Redington CPX saltwaterOne #9 - Bloke XL50One #10 - Bloke XL50

Reels -Two Danielsson L5W 6nine with spare spoolsTwo Danielsson L5W 8twelve with sparespoolsOne Orvis battenkill LA Mach IV Lines - Riobonefish linesRio tropical intermediatesRio tropical outboundsRio deep sea lines Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 03:58PM (UTC)

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A Christmas present?Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Thinking of a Christmas present then look no further thanOut of the Blue - take a look HERE

photo of Chris courtesy of Matt Spence

" As I reeled up my line and shouldered my bag, Iglimpsed a subtle swirl 50 yards in front of me. It was as ifthe water had been touched by a slowly meanderingdraught of air which faded almost as soon as I noticed it.After a few moments it re-stirred, advancing towards me,weaving left and right, trail ing a row of shallowimpressions on the surface, like a ghost's footprints."Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:53AM (UTC)

Coming soon 2009 a review!Thursday, November 12, 2009When I get back from my trip I will have compiled a summary of the season for A Year InReview 2009. With people visiting from Switzerland, Belgium, France, America andNorway it proved to be a truly international season. I met lots of very nice considerateanglers whom I placed a lot of trust in. As is usual in this business that trust is repaid inmany ways.

For data and photos from previous years of Bass Guiding in Wexford please take a lookat the links below. I also have the .pdfs for 2005, 2004 and 2003 - these are available onrequest only.

A year in review 2006

A year in review 2007

A year in review 2008 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:55AM (UTC)

Off today at lastThursday, November 12, 2009 This is the view to my back garden this morning, cold wet and a little miserable! In lessthan twenty four hours I will begin day one of five days at a Tropical Saltwater Fly FishingSchool with another 4 days of personal fishing to follow both inshore and offshore.

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Its a unique opportunity for me and SEAi to develop andlearn, meet more people and discuss strategies,techniques and methods with experts and experiencedanglers alike- I intend to bring as much of this home aspossible and incorporate it into SEAi for 2010. BendyRods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:18AM (UTC)

Who made it happen?Monday, November 23, 2009


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Tuesday, November 24, 2009 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 04:05PM (UTC)

A return to realityWednesday, November 25, 2009 I have returned from my fishing trip to South Andros in the Bahamas. The wordsneccessary to describe the experience are within my grasp but it might take some time toshape them into how I want to try and best describe the last 12 days. Has it been thefishing experience of a lifetime? Yes it has. But its been much more than a singularfishing experience - in many ways this fishing trip has changed my life and again I nowfind myself moving and thinking in other directions.

Over the next few weeks I shall make some postings here of my experiences - from thepeople I met, the fish that I caught, the things that I have seen and learned - I hope you224

will enjoy them. Below is a sequence ofphotos I made on saturday morning - 14thNovember. We went Kite fishing for sailfishon a short charter off Fort Lauderdalebefore we flew to South Andros in theafternoon. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:50AM (UTC)

Day One - Andros South - Monday Nov 16thThursday, November 26, 2009 Target Bonefish Guide SparklesPartner DavidLocation Somewhere west in the Bahamas

Landing gearRod – Redington Cpx #7Reel – Danielsson – LW 6/9Line – Bruce Chard Bonefish lineBacking – Rio 250 metres 20lbsLeaders – Rio IGFA hard alloy mono – 4 section tapered12’-0”Flies – Gotchas, charlies, clousers and variants fromBruce ChardThe anticipation that I felt on Monday morning was almost

a t t i m e soverwhelming. We had been in the US for24 hours before flying across to Andros andthen I attended the bonefishing school withBruce on Sunday, more of which later.What I had been waiting for was here atlast, this was the real thing, my first daysbonefishing on the fly.Everybody from the lodge in our group wasup and about each morning at 05:30 for aquick coffee and orange juice from the

dining room, breakfast was served each day at 06:15. I had a quick coffee then followedmy strict regime of sun factor application, the last thing I needed was a bad burn. The fly-fishing gear, our lunches in cool boxes, and all the safety packs for the guides wereloaded on the jeep and we were bussed to the little harbour about ten miles away.Arriving at the quay we waited for our guides to arrive in their flats skiffs. We donned lifejackets and speculated as to our locations and weather conditions and fly choice. Our guide for the first day was ‘Sparkles’ and David having had the experience of Androsbefore, spoke about our requirements to him – as an intro we would stalk some individual

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fish in the morning and then try to locate aschool in the afternoon. The gear wasloaded on the skiffs, everything expertlymanaged by Rick, the rods slid into theirlittle chutes already loaded with leaders andflies. Out here things happen so fast youdon’t get second chances!I removed my cap as the guide and the skifffe l l away f rom the l i t t le quay andaccelerated into the tidal rip that was

pushing west – this was our ultimatedestination – a ‘run’ for perhaps one hourthrough the middle of the island at breakneck speed in shallow water to find the fishfeeding in the gleaming f lats – theadventure had begun and as we spedalong into an unexplored wilderness thetemperature had already risen above 25degrees, the sky was blue, the water wascrystal clear, the low green mangrovejungle lay in miles upon miles of impossibletangles. It was 07:45. One hour later David was on the castingplatform of our little skiff. The silencedescended. Sparkles poled us along themargins of the mangroves. He said couldn’tsee properly as the sun was hidden behindsome cloud cover. We persisted for a whileand then he told us to jacket up again – we

would run further west over the ocean flatsto a distant island where the sun wasshining. This time I was on the castingplatform.The skiff coasted to a stop in a slow tidal riprunning downwind behind a little island,sparkles poled me down the length of thewhite sandy beach and at the end of a littlesand bar he swung around and began topole back up the other side, 20 metres fromthe shore – against the wind. The next twelve minutes of my life I will never ever forget

I held the fly in my left hand and about 10 feet of fly line outside the rod tip, I had about 50feet lying in the bottom of the boat, I stood rocking slightly, scanning the impossibly blueand clear water for fish then Sparkles spoke very quietly over my left shoulder the wordsthat I will never forget and in some strange way was almost afraid to hear

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‘Big fish comin’ straid atcha - eleven o clock – fifdee feed’I oriented myself on the clockface and peered into therippling water’Do ya see ‘im ?NoTwelve o clock, goin ride, fordee feed’Do ya see ‘im ?

To say that at this time that my level of attention andfocus was high is one thing. I was so hyper conscious Icould hear the guides pole sliding into the sand and outagain, the water dripping from the end, the gentleflapping of my shirt in the warm breeze, the fly linetapping against my fingers, the call of a disturbed bird inthe midst of the island, the peppery smellon the wind, I couldn’t see the fish andwaited for Sparkles words again.. then

Make a cast for me – one o clock fifdeefeedI did my best under the circumstances

Pik id up an doo id aginMore ride

Led id sink

Now I saw the fish, and two more!

Strip the fly – I saw the fish move to the fly– excited, almost cat like - Sparkles saidStopStripKeep strippin – mon hes a big fish hewhispered (just what I needed)StopStrip, strip agin Hes comin atcha – and then, fish on hesaid – His voice had never risen above agentle conversational tone, the word ‘on’was spoken loudest, but still as quiet as apriest in a confessional. The big wheel ofthe loop opti spun at an incredible speed asthe fish realised he was hooked, I appliedgentle pressure to the line to let it slip

evenly and within two or three seconds I heard the clink clink as the bimini passed outthrough the rod rings. Then the reel spun into a halo of orange mist as the fishaccelerated upwind away from David Sparkles the boat and I, this was the first run into

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the backing. At eighty yards the fish stopped. I wound, he swam and my knuckles wererapped HARD as he accelerated again for ten yards more. He turned and swam at theboat, at speed, I wound frantically. The fish passed us and Sparkles whispered ‘mon datsa gud fish ade pounds Id guess'. The fish swam away again and Sparkles poled usdownwind towards him. I could not comprehend the speed and the power, the ability toaccelerate was incredible. Ten minutes later he was at the side of the boat, I got his head up a little and theperfection loop passed over the tip ring. David reached for the leader then he swam awayagain, unbelievably for another thirty yards, I wound and then Sparkles spoke again fromover my shoulder, I heard the chilling words expressed calmly and low but alsocontaining a sense of frustration.

‘Shark comin ad im’ I bullied the fish as best I could but there was a sudden fierce flurryof red and white and dark yellow as the fish on my line was eaten by the shark. The linewent slack the fish and the fly were gone.I replay it again and again - the experience of the first bonefish that I ever caught, I willnever forget it. We had a long day ahead of us, my life was changing. We ran to anotherlocation.......only eight days left. This surely was the greatest fly fishing in the world!Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 02:06PM (UTC)

Saturday, November 28, 2009 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 07:48PM (UTC)

Barracuda at the airportMonday, November 30, 2009

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone.It's notwarm when she's away.Ain't no sunshinewhen she's gone and she's always gonetoo long anytime she goes away.And I know, I know, I know............

Fred sang all day. He was the happiest andthe funniest guide I fished with all week.Fred loved barracuda fishing and here wewere at location B, a barracuda shoppingmall where they cued up to eat Bruce’s

special fly. At a barracuda fly fishing primer Bruce Chard discussed his theory that thefish hit the fly half way down the body rather than at the head, he reckoned long fliesproduced less fish due to ‘tail biting’. ‘Cuda cut their prey in half, then turned and cameback to ‘mop up.’ All these points were discussed at length but when I hooked and foughtmy first ‘cuda on the fly these finer items of the take were not at the forefront of my mindbelieve me!

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It was a long run to location B, just a little over an hourfor a distance of some fifty miles. The further south weran the greater the sense of sheer isolation. There wasno Monday or Tuesday here, no production meetings,no shirt and ties, no schedules or timetables, and themore I considered the vast expanses of the everchanging flats, watching them light up and disappearonly to re-appear again in vastly different colours themore I realised how far I had moved away from the‘normal world’. I was completely unplugged. We wereway south of Andros Island. The next stop was Cuba.

We were charging towards a green horizon with novisible landmark insight, Andros was already left farbehind. Fred pointed at something that only he couldsee

‘Dats where we’re goin’ he said, de ariport!

Slowly a bright bar silver appeared in the distance. Aswe powered closer I realised the tide was fully out andjust beginning to rise over a long single sandbar ofimpossibly white tough gritty sand. In the distance ontop and slightly to one side of the bar lay the ruins of atwin engined light aircraft. Long rusted into a hulk ofbarely recognisable metal.

‘Now ya know why day call id de airport’ Fred said,and he laughed and sang a few bars from a John

D e n v e rs o n g .

‘Lets get oud an wade to the bones’

Momentarily I wondered was he referring tothe crew that had perhaps remained in thecockpit and were now nothing but skeletonsin ragged blue uniforms, the heat doesstrange things. I shook my head. The skiffscrunched to a stop and I picked up mytrusty number 7 ready to do battle with

some bonefish. Earlier Fred had instructed us that later into the morning as the tideflooded was perhaps the best time for ‘cudas as the bonefish schools streamed over thesand bar. I wondered how fast something had to move to catch a bonefish! In the first fewhours we could wade and hunt a few single bonefish in the glittering silver flats.

My casting was off and I insisted on trying to put my crazy Charlie into the fish’s mouthsfrom sixty feet. This did nothing for my chances and of course I spooked every fish I cast

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too, Fred grumbled several times (whocould blame him). I went and got mycamera. David was catching a lot of verygood fish; I sulked and took some photos!Some days there is no point in forcingthings. I pointed and clicked and made myway back over the flats towards David andFred. As I got closer to the pair I whisperedto David excitedly

‘Two f ish ,e leven o c lock a t about f i f t y fee t ’ .

Dats ok Mon , said Fred – dares aboud five n half thousanof em at one o clock – at fordee feed.

I looked

Slowly I became aware that the darker underwater patchthat lay waving and moving slightly in front of me wasn’tsome grass or seaweed or different sand colour, it was avast school of bonefish, and as my eyes adjusted I couldsee thousands of tails and fins flashing in the sun, fishmoved towards me and away from the shoal, groups

broke off, swam away andreturned, feeling scared. It was a shimmering pool ofbiological silver. The school of bonefish stretched as faras I could see both left and right and into and over thehorizon. David smiled at me. Fred chased away a six footlemon shark with a crazy splashing dance; he hummedthe theme – dun dun, dun dun, dundundundundundun.My brain was short-circuiting; I needed a sit down under atree. I couldn’t speak for a long time.

We had a lot of fun that morning in the middle of nowhere– the three of us. It was a very special moment.

Fred said the sharks were coming too close now as thewater was getting deeper and they would start eating ourfish, or us. Apparently they had the advantage when the

water got to ‘calf level’ I looked behind me a few times on the way back to the boat, notsure whether my wading was attracting them or putting them off. As I was leaning overthe boat washing the sand out of my shoes Fred advised me to keep my hands out of thewater. He smiled!

We went on the hunt for ‘CUDAS as the tide was ripping over the sandbar and down thegullies.

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Fred manoeuvred the little skiff into ashallow channel through which the tide wasflooding. Hetook his position up on the poling platformand asked me to be ready to cast. I wasfishing with my number nine and the BruceChard ‘cuda special fly. Bruce had alreadyexplained to me to strip fast. I simply wasn’tready and didn’t know what to expect –Fred called to me that he could see a fishholding at two o clock at about 120 feet. Forme it was always going to be easier to

distance cast – I made the cast (couldn’t see the fish) and began to strip roly-poly style,faster said Fred. My hands disappeared into a sewing machine blur. Then what I saw next left me dazed and confused (as if I needed more sensoryoverload). The fish was swimming not from behind the fly but rather charging from the lefthand side, at least I assumed it was a fish. A closer description might have been aprototypical silver torpedo with teeth that also had the address of my fly in its memory. Isimply couldn’t comprehend the speed of the fish travelling more out of the water than init, and then he had hit my fly and the reel screamed in terror at the prospect of what layahead.

In the shallow water the fish ran for maybe fifty yards and then decided that going verticalmight achieve more in terms of an escape plan. There was an explosion as the fishjumped from the water and shook his head far from the boat – so far I wondered was thatMY fish? And then he ran and jumped and tail walked again and again

This went on for ten minutes until finally he was brought to the side of the boat andexpertly handled by Fred. These were the little ones.

Fred said lets go to fish quay! I agreed, David smiled knowingly; he was in one of his‘been there done that type of moods’ that meant – you don’t know what you’re in forHendrick. At the back of the tiniest sandbar in the lee of an island where two lemonsharks snoozed in the afternoon sun I cast and hooked another renegade torpedo. Thetake was fierce and I was pulled over and had to take a step forward and plant my foot,then lean back a little. The reel was emptying rapidly, screaming in protest and eventhough I had the drag nailed tight it made little or no impact on the fish. One hundred yards later it stopped suddenly, the silence was deafening and then out ofthe sea jumped the barracuda, again and again! Swimming at speed, jumping withferocity, head shaking and finally, finally giving up. I landed him on the beach as Fred hadpoled the skiff up to the little island. He told me to step out of the water as I had one bigand angry ‘cuda on the end of my line! I looked at David baffled and searching for wordsthat I still cannot find. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 12:00PM (UTC)

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A Bass Fishing Guides Diary - the last issue!Wednesday, December 02, 2009 IA_12_Guides Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:01AM (UTC)

The end of 'A Guides Diary'Wednesday, December 02, 2009I have reached the end of A Guides Diary for Irish Angler magazine 2009. Its been aninteresting and at times challenging opportunity for me to write some words that try toexpress what it means to work at something that I love doing. Not only do I love doing itand working at , but it makes me feel as if I am accomplishing and achieving somethingthat is probably somewhat unique in my own country. Its easy to bring people fishing, itseasy to tell them where to go and provide information, its easy to tell them that you mustbe fishing with this or that or else face the terrible consequences! – providing a qualityIrish Angling Experience is of course another matter.

One of the greatest challenges that I face as a fishing guide is maintaining themomentum that you need to provide a credible profile. That profile is evolving andimproving with each passing season. Its based on angling experiences, qualifications,customer satisfactions, new and returning business, learning from other people. Afterseven years of bass guiding the SEAi profile is founded on a genuine history ofexperience and quality. Experience based on years spent bass angling on the Wexfordcoast, experiences with anglers from around the world whom have brought their time,money and breadth of knowledge to SEAi, this country and the bass fishing found here.This weblog is a continuation and sharing of those experiences.

The quality is provided through the service, the environment, the fish and the customersthat choose to fish with me.

The people whom have helped me to achieve those things and much more arementioned HERE

The twelve articles can be found on the side bar of this blog! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:18AM (UTC)

Late Autumn Bass Flies - experimentalThursday, December 03, 2009These are Andys latest ties for me - a late Autumn or early Winter bass fly - tied to imitatecoa l f ish ! These f l ies and much more are ava i lab le a t h is webs i te -h t tp : / /www.chas ings i lver .org /

More later for fishing techniques and methods!232

One of the huge benefits of working with acreative fly tier like Andy is his ability tobuild and then re-build flies according tospecific requirements. Different materialsbehave differently at different times so its aconstant process of fishing trial and errormet with exceptional failure or success.Andy has an in tu i t ive and ar t is t icunderstanding of material relationhips andbehaviour and combined with my specific

colour and movement emulation requests he has managed to produce the best bass fliesI have fished with. I will continue to work closely with him on this adventure continuouslysearching for the Wexford Range - such is my confidence combined with hours uponhours of work, that at this stage of my bass fly fishing I will very seldom fish with anyother fly other than one we have worked on together! Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 10:48AM (UTC)

Some summary stats from 2009Friday, December 04, 2009 Book 1 Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 08:34PM (UTC)

Back to (a) school at Andros SouthSaturday, December 05, 2009


Forecasting the weatherSunday, December 06, 2009I came across a little book recently - Signpost to the weather by D&K Barlett. Firstpublished in 1949, I have extracted their forecasts for each month of the year. I hope youwill enjoy their weather theories over the next few months -

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The Month of December according to D&K Barlett.

Although there is a good deal of storm, cloudy and rainyweather, this can be accompanied, despite short days,with a good deal of intermingled sunshine. There areoften several gales during this month and northerly windscan bring blizzards and snow fall in Scotland and theNorth of England.There are often two short bright fine spells although frostan fog is probable at such times – particularly near thethird week. The coldest weather of the winter seldomoccurs in this month.

1st to 7th – Generally unsettled rather mixed weather.There are cold and mild days intermingled with rain and

wind, and often snow in the North.8th to 15th – Usually there are fair intervals and sometimes frost and fog, then unsettledweather.16th to 23rd – Some of the best winter weather with fair days, some frost or fog, oftenmild during the day with a possibility of a later gale.24th to 31st – Changeable weather, fair and unnsettled with an inreasing risk of galesand heavy rain.

Bass Fishing - some fish can be caught in the weather windows but it becomesincreasingly difficult from here through to March or April. Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 02:20PM (UTC)

Seek and you shall findMonday, December 07, 2009


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room for wordsMonday, December 07, 2009Hi Jim, Dan Smith here,I've just finished your last bass fishing resource email, and I have to say your contributionto the understanding of angling as a whole has been inspiring .Your website is fantasticand you've rekindled the enthusiam I had for lure fishing for bass. Now that winter is hereI'll be turning my interest to catching big perch but like everything in fishing, conditions willdictate what happens.

Stretchy lines D Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 03:22PM (UTC)

Wednesday, December 09, 2009 . Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 11:17AM (UTC)

What do we think about when we think........Thursday, December 10, 2009What do we think about when we think we are thinking, acting or behaving like apredatory fish? In other words, based on what we know as humans do we carry ourexperiences into the 'fishy world' just because thats all we can apply and then expect fishto behave accordingly?

We go into our local tackle shop and whilst we are looking around we see the latestrange of lures with the hyper-realistic finish that cannot be mistaken for anything elseexcept a sandeel. There's no mistaking it this time they've got it right at last, this lure isgonna catch me a whole stack of bass. Why do we make this assumption? Its becausewe think that what we see and interpret as a reflection or portrayal of 'reality accuracy' willin fact be experienced in exactly the same way by a hunting bass!

Part One - What do fish see that we dont? Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 02:57PM (UTC)

Get HookedThursday, December 10, 2009 Pic as A Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 06:03PM (UTC)

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Trained to TrainSunday, December 20, 2009

I have always recognised both theadvantages and the rewards of continuousprofessional development. I was challengedagain recently on a full time Train theTra iner course wh ich I have nowcompleted. In this constantly changingworld, skills need to be frequently up-datedand readjusted and even here in theangling arena its also true.

I wanted to learn how to improve my ownskills, insights and knowledge to manage training and development in a professionalmanner through the SEAi angling workshops. This training course developed within methe awareness of the context for training and development, and the key issues thatimpact on its planning and delivery in my role as an angling guide/instructor. I learnedhow to train and instruct, but also much more.

I can now utilise my own ‘new found’ expertise to re-design and re-evaluate my existingangling workshops within SEAi and I will offer a new exciting development for 2010.Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 01:45PM (UTC)

Saltwater Fly LineMonday, December 21, 2009 Whilst I was in the Bahamas I had the great privilege of beenable to spend a lot of time with Captain Bruce Chard, a fulltime Florida Keys flats guide, FFF casting instructor andfishing photographer.

Bruce has designed a fly line that best handles the conditionsneeded to cast, present, and fish a heavily weighted fly to thealmighty permit (and many oter species) . The mostprestigious fish deserves the most prestigious line. You needa long cast and a delicate, accurate presentation when you have calm conditions versusshorter casts with a powerful tight loop that will drive a longer leader with a heavy fly hardinto the wind. The hard “HPC” (high performance coating) coating and stiff mono core willhelp in creating tight loops and turning over long leaders, while minimizing line tangles.This line does it all and is available in the Teeny professional series!

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Also excellent for many similar types of fishing, ranging from Tarpon, Bonefish, Shark,Barracuda and anything else that requires a great presentation with a large fly.Guess what, I took some home and I have been casting/testing them here in our coolerwaters and boy do they work - looking for a superb once in a lifetime presentation to acruising bass at distance then this line will do it for you.Available in sizes 8 - 11 wt. Color: Sky Blue Bendy Rods - JimPosted by Jim Hendrick at 09:13AM (UTC)

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Bass Fishing Resources - Notes and observations

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