Articles

Paying back the debt
Terry’s Travels Paying back the debt     I promised an I.O.U to find a Skate for Aaron, and it was  time to pay up!   A couple of years ago, on a local venue one evening whilst chasing specimen Tench or two, a young lad approached me for a chat. From by-gone days of writing for Irish Angler magazine, and my current website and blogs, he was well versed with my past exploits in the match scene and my continuing specimen hunting adventures since.   ...

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When once is not enough
Terry’s Travels   When once is not enough           After my recent and really enjoyable camping-fishing session down in St Mullins I couldn't shake that lingering feeling that, despite the large number of fish caught,  it had beaten me. It didn't sit well. It was a brilliant trip, teaching Michele how to cast a lure and catch her first fish, meeting up with old friends and simply relaxing amid serene surroundings. But I'm a specimen hunter, an...

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Terrys Travels A break in the weather
Terry’s Travels A break in the weather           A day at sea presented itself somewhat unexpectedly yesterday. During these erratic Winter months, windows of calm are few and far between. We had a rare break in coastal breezes, but on the down side, the tides were massive. This  puts fishing at anchor in the deeps out of bounds, as I refuse to haul five pounds of lead up through the depths all day! So, what to do? A quick phone call to the lads, wit...

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Chasing Rainbows. Well, Browns actually!
Chasing Rainbows. Well, Browns actually!   Another season, and another crack at the Ferox Trout.         This has been one tough nut to crack for me. As a dedicated specimen hunter, I have managed to tick the box with somewhere between forty and fifty different Irish species. That is, to hook, land, and have verified a species of a nominated "fish of a lifetime" size. Some have came along easily, many have taken time and effort, but the Lake Trout of ten-pounds o...

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Shakespeare Salt Sea Rigs
Terry’s Travels Shakespeare Salt Sea Rigs       Any excuse to spend a day on the sea!   Shakespeare Tackle Company threw a few sea rigs my way, to have a wee play and see how they perform. From the impressive array available, I chose five different patterns that would be appropriate for my local marks. The "Flat Jacks" are similar to the old "Hokais" which are well tried and tested, and require little introduction. Tied on 60lb mono and size 2/0 reasonably hea...

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Targeting Grey Mullet
Terry’s Travels   Targeting Grey Mullet   Thick-Lipped Grey Mullet are one of four Mullet species that frequent Irish waters. Dogged fighters that are high on my angling honours list for fighting ability.       The other three species are the Thin-lipped, the Golden Grey and the Red Mullet. Although the latter may be targeted by shore anglers on occasion, they are more often found beyond reasonable casting range. In this short article, I will be looking at ...

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The River Barrow at St Mullins
Terry’s Travels The River Barrow at St Mullins   I have written short stories regarding Shad on the River Barrow numerous times, here is another.         It's almost thirty years since I first sampled the delights of Shad angling on the mighty River Barrow, in the County of Carlow. Fortunately, I have been lucky enough to return to St. Mullins almost every year since, becoming somewhat of a tradition on my seasonal angling calendar. Annoyingly, I am well a...

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Tench, An Old Favourite
Terry’s Travels Tench, An Old Favourite   From my earliest angling years, Tench have been a cherished freshwater species to target.  Each season, I promise myself at least a couple of determined efforts to tempt a decent fish or two.       I didn't manage this until April, and some might say that was soon enough, as June is traditionally looked upon as the month to seek Tench, particularly in the cooler climate of Northern Ireland. But I have found thro...

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Terrys Travels Fintan's Northern Ireland Adventure
Terry’s Travels Fintan's Northern Ireland Adventure Fintan Lawler is an angling buddy from way back. As a member of East Belfast Coarse Angling Club, I often met Fintan and the rest of the "Dubs" during angling matches throughout Ireland, typically on the tough Dublin Canals.     These were wonderful days that tend to evoke many fond memories, where I carved out whatever angling skills I now possess, against some of the finest "fish catchers" Ireland has produced. As I grow ...

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Terrys Travels Gudgeon The prettiest mini-species?
Terry’s Travels Gudgeon The prettiest mini-species?         As a self confessed specimen hunter targeting all available Irish fish species (looking for that "fish of a life-time"), it is fair to say, I have sought and caught most of what Ireland has to offer over my fishing years, with varying degrees of success.   They all have an angling attraction that has kept me interested, and returning for more. Some have been for their exciting...

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