review 2008

South East Angling Ireland SALTWATER SPORT FISHING CENTRE

SEAi~

Season

2008 A review

after what seemed like an impossible situation, I also apologise to those people whom I cancelled but sometimes its better and safer not to fish at all.

What is becoming apparent to me is the increasing interest in saltwater fly-fishing. Numbers of people visiting SEAi are up in the following categories 1. Saltwater fly fishing 2. Instructional days 3. Visitors from within Ireland interested

in saltwater fly and lure fishing Numbers of people fishing with lures from international destinations has decreased somewhat, this may be indicative of other aspects of the marketing strategy of SEAi. Because of the difficult and challenging nature of saltwater fly fishing for bass, and whilst there are an increasing number of people interested in this aspect of the fishing, it may also have contributed to the drop in numbers of fish returns per day during a difficult season. This is not truly reflective of the saltwater fly fishery and in fact after two consecutive years of tough fly-fishing conditions we hope that the weather will improve for 2009.

2008 shall be remembered as a difficult year for bass fishing. Since I officially started with a full time guiding service the year produced somewhere in the region of 50% less fish than 2007, and 2007 whilst good was down on previous returns. It was also a year where num-bers were less than 50% of the five-year average. Summer catches in the estuaries and along many parts of the south-eastern coast were hampered by the runoff from heavy rainfall and the constant strong wind and waves stirred up sand and mud. Water clarity was almost a constant issue right through the summer and it wasn’t until late September that some consistency was achieved. The autumn months of September, October and November produced some spectacular fishing and we were rewarded with bigger fish on the fly than I would have previously experienced. In fact the entire season produced a better quality of fish than any of the other previous four years experiences. Because of the considerable challenges we experienced fishing was at times very difficult, and fly-fishing was often impossible or dangerous. I would like to say thank you to all the people who persevered and often got their rewards

Angling in Ireland with SEAi

SEAi~


The weight distribution of fish is not available for 2003, 2004, or 2005 – I was using these periods to capture a reasonable sample of actual weight against length, very similar to the B.A.S.S. measurements/conversion table. It must be said that that in any ‘scientific analysis’ this report would not stand up

to scrutiny. Whilst numbers of fish are reasonably accurate a lot of the weight distribution numbers are based upon quick ‘visual guestimates’ of length based over hours of experience. Fish are also often measured against a rod enabling quick return/release. Lure fishing returns do suffer during bad weather conditions however the impact is not as severe as that placed upon fly fishers. Over the five year reported period, numbers of lure fishing visitors has decreased. This is part of the active marketing strategy based towards a more fly-fishing oriented guiding service. As a consequence of the increase in fly fishermen there is a significant decrease in catch returns. However these numbers are influenced heavily by two very difficult summers in a row. FISHING- I learned a LOT this year about bass fishing in very difficult weather, most of it in relation to fly-fishing for bass. There is a multitude of variables 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. DO NOT be surprised where and when you will find fish even if the window is only very small. Bendy Rods for 2009—Jim

2008 Analysis2008 Analysis

2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 5 Year Aver

April 3 1 2 3 2 11 2May 5 6 3 8 1 23 5June 44 45 53 49 25 216 43July 58 68 73 69 27 295 59

August 40 43 41 38 21 183 37September 78 88 91 78 29 364 73

October 32 27 31 22 11 123 25November 14 15 10 5 2 46 9

Total 274 293 304 272 118 1261 252

SEAi Total Visitor Days

Visitor Nationalities

France

Ireland

Denmark

England

Belgium

Italy

Holland

Switzerland

New Zealand


Over the last five seasons SEAi has slowly developed and continues to progress a customer base consisting of dynamic and progressive European and Irish anglers. These anglers are interested in and demand the following aspects of salt & fresh water sport fishing

• A modern approach to guiding with a high degree of a daily success rate whilst providing competent angling solutions.

• In depth knowledge of lure fishing, all its technologies, target species and maximum

potential • In depth knowledge of fly

fishing, its demanding regimes, target species and maximum potential

• Education and leading edge methods and techniques with a view to improving angling skills

• Balanced tackle and equipment ensuring maximum fishing pleasure

• Quality accommodation and hands on service and support equipment

• Conservation and environmental awareness

• Traditional aspects of modern Irish life

SEAi has found a new and dynamic aspect of sea angling that offers an alternative to the market found in the traditional areas of salmon and trout. Here at SEAi I am dedicated to making a difference to my guiding service. I like to ensure that each customer will receive a warm Irish welcome, friendly service and the inspiration to come back to Ireland again. The SEAi Guiding Service offers the absolute highest level of professionalism and customer service. When you book a trip with SEAi for saltwater, river or lake fishing, with SEAi you

can expect an experience punctuated by, and emphasised around you, your safety and enjoyment. I am a fully insured professional guide with years of angling and guiding experience along the coastline of South Eastern Ireland. Whether you are a seasoned angler or someone who is interested in either learning the craft of saltwater fly or lure fishing, or simply improving your angling skills, I hope your visit to Wexford and the SEAi centre will exceed your expectations.

My service offers a variety of trips from full day boat trip excursions to half-day trips for anglers with a tight schedule. Fly-fishing, lure fishing all bespoke requirements are catered for. Trips can include the use of waders, top of the range lines rods and reels, flies, terminal tackle. I also provide quality

transportation to and from your accommoda-tion here at SEAI to the surrounding areas. I can even collect and return you to and from your airport.

After your day or days of fishing, I will de-liver you back to your point of origin. I genuinely take your safety, enjoyment and relaxation very seriously, and I will go the extra mile to ensure that your trip is a memorable one - regardless of whether you catch one fish or fifty.

Guiding Services SaltwaterSaltwater


SEAi~

New For 2009 Guiding Services

FreshwaterFreshwater

GUIDING TRAINING HOLIDAYS EQUIPMENT ACCOMMODATION

Salt water fly and lure fishing along the south east coast of Ireland offers some of the most productive and unspoilt fisheries in Europe. There are many opportuni-ties for not only catching a big fish but also for catching some different sporting spe-cies like sea trout and mullet on the fly. Your hunting grounds are kept very secret and have proven over time to hold some excellent fish.

By putting into practice various fly fishing and lure fishing techniques and methods South East Angling Ireland will ensure that you can benefit from this knowledge. A committed customer service enhances not only your stay but our experiences also.

The season runs from June 16th through to October 16th, with the prime time for sea bass during July, August. September and October. Your principal target species are sea bass, sea trout, mullet and pollack. Along the way we may also encounter garfish and mackerel. Should you require equipment such as rods, reels or lines and even protective clothing or waders South East Angling can provide them all. Simply inform us of your angling needs and we will supply them for you.

The fly tackle generally required is a #9 9’0” saltwater rod, a saltwater large arbor reel with at 75 to 100 yards of 20 lbs b.s. backing. Lines need to be of two types floating and intermediate and they need to posses the profiles necessary to cast large bulky flies. If we need to go deep a fast sinking line can be provided. The intermediate lines should have a sink rate of between 1 or 2 ips. Leader material needs to be a combination of tough hard mono and a fluorocarbon or mono tippet. Should you require any of these items for your holiday we will be happy to provide them for you at agreed rates.

A suitable line tray is essential The outdoor clothing you will need should consist of breathable wind resistant rain gear. A pair of breathable or very light neoprene waders. Felt soled or a combination of studded and felt wading boots, a pair of Polaroid glasses and good layering.


Salt Water

Fly

&

Lure Fishing


Over the past few years I have had to find alterna-tive venues for people to fish when bass fishing becomes impossible. This happens on an odd day when its simply to windy, and particularly when the wind blows in from the south east. Luckily within an hours drive from the SEAi centre is a magnificent river, The River Barrow. The river is a unique recreational fishery, facilitating both game and coarse angling. The river also supports a

fishery for twaite shad and plays host to a prestig-ious international shad fishing competition. The Barrow is renowned as a game and coarse an-gling river for salmon, brown trout, roach, rudd, pike, perch and tench with easy access to all parts of the river from the Barrow footpath. The salmon and trout fishing season on the River Barrow commences January and runs to the end of September. Good trout fishing can be enjoyed at a number of locations on the river and its tributaries. Between Goresbridge and Graiguenamanagh and at Milford the fishing can be very good and trout of up to 2lbs can be caught. Below the weir in St. Mullins the trout are small (.5lb) but plentiful. So I have now fished the river several times and have learned a lot about where the fish are and how to catch them. If you would like to avail of the pike trout and perch potential just sim-ply add the details to your holiday re-quirements.

For the fly fisherman , the Barrow offers native wild brown trout in all of the weir races at the 22 locks from Athy to St. Mullins and on many stretches of the river itself. Barrow trout grow to good size and are excellent sport. The Evening rise on many parts of the river has a good hatch of sedge, as the sun goes down the locals fish the brown or grey flag with great success. The Trout and Salmon fishing season on the River Barrow is from 18th of March to the 30th of September.

fishing on the river SEAi~ trout & salmon

Our new product for 2008 is our residential bass fishing school. This ‘school’ offers participants the opportunity to learn all the aspects of modern bass fishing techniques including saltwater fly, saltwater lure and even covers traditional methods like baits. Based over four days from Wednesday to Sunday the programs are relaxed and informative as well as providing fun and the opportunity for us to ‘practice what we preach’. We will also touch briefly upon other saltwa-ter species the angler is likely to encounter and how best to face these angling op-portunities. Evening meals and packed lunches will be provide by a local restaurant and we hope to bring you the opportunity to meet and mix and learn from some of Irelands best fly casters and indeed fly tiers. Any person wishing to partake of our one day or indeed any of our bespoke courses can also avail of the opportunity to stay in our self catering facility. This means you are never more than 50 metres from our constant care and attention. Our facility is newly renovated and contains all modern conveniences. You are residing in quiet, mature, tree lined streets yet never more than a five minute walk from the hustle and bustle of Wexfords’ main street. Local restaurants, shops, pubs and heritage sites and all within arms reach and can add a new found dimension to your fishing experience.


SEAi is certified in occupational first aid, group tutoring and facilitation. It is fully in-sured to transport and work with groups of up to eight people in many disciplines. Thank you.

Jim Hendrick

Self Catering Accommodation

Bass fishing school SEAi~

On-line Sport fishing

Resource


Here at South East Angling we offer a full range of instructional courses. These course cater for both the begin-ner and the more experienced angler. I have designed these courses to ensure that your day is spent both understanding the theory and putting it into practice whilst having a good time! The following is a brief detail on the course content and layout • Equipment will be provided if re-

quired • Course are short and not exces-

sively detailed • Each saltwater fly fishing course

leads to another to continue your development it is advised to at-tend at least two

• Every opportunity to practice and

indeed attempt to catch fish will be taken during advanced courses

• Course content covers topics

like—safety, the correct equip-ment, understanding your equipment and how to use it ef-fectively, knots, lines flies and fly choices etc. The content is com-prehensive and continuously up-dated.

• There is a hard copy of all notes

for each participant. • Courses range from Saltwater Fly

Fishing and tying, to Lure fishing and advanced fishing techniques.

• Samples and information are

available from www.bassfishing.ie • SEAi is fully insured, certified first

aid, group facilitation and adult education.

Training Courses

Weight 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 5 Year Averlbs

< 1kg 2.25 0% 0% 2% n/a n/a 0 0>1 < 2kg 4.48 9% 47% 48% n/a n/a 1 0>2 < 3kg 6.73 43% 34% 31% n/a n/a 1 0>3 < 4kg 8.98 36% 13% 9% n/a n/a 1 0>4 < 5kg 11.23 7% 5% 8% n/a n/a 0 0>5 <6kg 13.48 3% 1% 0% n/a n/a 0 0>=6 kg 13.50 except except 1% n/a n/a 0 0>=7 kg 15.75 except 0% except n/a n/a 0 0

Total 98% 100% 99% 0 0 3 1

SEAi Weight Distribution of total catch

2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 5 Year Aver

April 0% 60% 0% 88% 100% 86%May 65% 58% 0% 81% 100% 72%June 66% 84% 77% 83% 94% 82%July 68% 83% 64% 87% 84% 79%

August 60% 81% 83% 91% 84% 83%September 58% 73% 74% 88% 86% 77%

October 55% 86% 80% 81% 70% 78%November 57% 84% 57% 68% 65% 67%

Total 61% 82% 73% 87% 84%

SEAi % Total Lure Rod Catches

2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 5 Year Aver

April 0% 0% 0% 13% 0% 30% 0May 35% 0% 100% 19% 0% 55% 0June 34% 16% 23% 17% 6% 22% 0July 32% 17% 36% 13% 16% 27% 0

August 40% 19% 17% 9% 16% 21% 0September 42% 27% 26% 12% 14% 29% 0

October 45% 14% 20% 19% 30% 29% 0November 43% 16% 43% 32% 35% 48% 0

Total 39% 19% 27% 13% 16%

SEAi % Total Fly Rod Catches

2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 5 Year Aver

April 3 1 2 3 2 11 2May 5 6 3 8 1 23 5June 44 45 53 49 25 216 43July 58 68 73 69 27 295 59

August 40 43 41 38 21 183 37September 78 88 91 78 29 364 73

October 32 27 31 22 11 123 25November 14 15 10 5 2 46 9

Total 274 293 304 272 118 1261 252

SEAi Total Visitor Days

A year in review—some data collated from 2008

Number 7 and 8 St Johns Road Wexford, Ireland Ireland

Phone: 00353 (0)53 9123351 Email: [email protected] Web: www.bassfishing.ie

South East Angling Ireland or SEAi, offers a high quality, value for money

Tourist Angling/Sportfishing service. We can provide fully guided shore and boat

Sportfishing packages combined with the provision of 4 star self-catering

accommodation situated in the centre of Wexford town.

SEAi also provides extensive training in all aspects of sea angling. From

saltwater fly fishing to distance beach casting, many disciplines are catered for.

Through the development of a vigorous,

sustainable and environmentally responsible,

recreational angling activity SEAi hopes to

create and establish, a range of high quality

and sustainable recreational angling

tourism services and products. SEAi will con-

tinue the promotion of the necessity to

maintain and protect fishery habitats, the

environment and related communities. Jim Hendrick

Defined By Nature Enjoyed By You I fished in a lot of places all over the world. I know a lot of species and their catching techniques. But here in Ireland, Wexford with Jim Hendrick, I learned a new way of fishing. Nico de Boer—International angling journalist

...I witnessed first hand, your beautiful coast, felt the warmth of your hospitality, and the superb silver fish of your fishery. I look forward to when I can return and fish again….. Ed Mitchell—US Angling Journalist

….we have find the best place for fly fishing sea bass in Europe, and the best guide…... Herle Hamon—International fishing guide and journalist.

...thank you Jim for all the excellent moments in front of the sea and the other ones around a glass of wine or pint of beer….. Pascal Etain—International Journalist and fishing guide.

Saltwater Sportfishing Holidays With South East Angling Ireland

SALTWATER FLY AND LURE FISHING SPECIALISTS

South East Angling Ireland brings

you the ultimate Irish Sport Fishing experience. Whether your preference is from shore or boat on saltwater fly or lure, SEAi will optimise your chances of a fish of a lifetime. Years of experience and concentrated customer focus will ensure a fishing experience you wont find anywhere else. By paying constant attention to customer requirements we provide a package that suits you -the angler. During constantly changing weather and environmental influences we adapt and tailor your days fishing to provide maximum pleasure and safety. With multiple venues to choose from, all of which are within easy reach your valuable holiday time is spent fishing and not travelling. Come to Wexford and discover what you have been

missing. Jim Hendrick.

SEAi~

Failte Ireland Approved 4 star self catering accommodation — Please call or visit our website for

review 2008

Documents

Transcript of review 2008