Articles

Virgin Reef
Terry’s Travels Virgin Reef Exploring another new reef           During a recent late summer boat-angling adventure, and on return to the harbour, I passed over an interesting looking reef. It showed up on the newly fitted-plotter. Yet another feature that my old plotter had failed to reveal over previous seasons. It is remarkable how technology continually evolves, unlocking these secrets of the deep. The Lowrance was really starting to earn it's keep...

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Making an anchor box
Terry’s Travels Making an anchor box   I have owned my Red Bay Fast Fisher for well over twenty five years now, and have loved and continue to love just about everything about it. Fair enough, built in the 1980's, she hasn't the speed and sexy lines of a modern craft, but what she lacks in that department, she more than makes up for in sea-handling, sturdiness and reliability. As Tom from "Red Bay Boats" once said to me (the vessels creator), "don't ever be afraid of that boat in...

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Painted Ray
Terry’s Travels Painted Ray Also known as Small-eyed Ray ( Raja microocellata)           My one and only experience with Painted Ray was many years ago during my match angling days. The event happened to be a Master-Angler shore match in Cork, and during the evening session, a handful of these fabulous creatures turned up to the guys that had greater experience and local knowledge. On that particular, flat-calm evening, it was the “big chuckers”...

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A late in the year Bass Bash
Terry’s Travels A late in the year Bass Bash   An invite for a crack at the Bass, how could I turn it down!         My old friend Ross Macklin heard I was in the Cork area, and extended an invite to join him and another great angling friend Ken Murphy for a few hours lure fishing. I first met Ross about thirty years ago (I can't believe I've just said that) on the banks of the mighty River Barrow. He walked up to me and told me who I was! "You're Terry Jack...

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A Lazy Weekend in West Cork
Terry’s Travels A Lazy Weekend in West Cork   A last minute, "spur of the moment" plan late Summer, saw me heading south of the border to West Cork. The recently purchased Ventura Roof Tent has been a fabulous addition to my camping and fishing campaigns, making these short Irish excursions comfortable and great fun. This upcoming break would be another. Michele had never seen a Mullet, never mind caught one, so this would now become a Mullet adventure. I also threw in a float ...

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Flood on means Gudgeon!
Terry’s Travels   Flood on means Gudgeon!           It is that time of year, when the constant flood waters push the smaller fish, and their predators into the back waters, bays and canals for respite from the deluge. Despite the minuscule size of Gudgeon, there is something about them that attracts me to pursue them, and now, with winter rains upon us, it is the season. Standard little Irish Gudgeon Yes, one of the main reasons for my interest, is...

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All at sea
Terry’s Travels All at sea             Throughout 2023, I managed to get the Fast Fisher out on the water a handful of times. Back in May, my old mucker Michael Mcgympsey joined me for a two-day stint. A rare weekend break in the weather happened to fall just right, with light off-shore breezes and medium strength tides. Suffice to say, chances such as these are few and far between, and you have to strike whilst the irons hot, or miss the opportunity. ...

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Ventura Roof Tent
Terry’s Travels Ventura Roof Tent   A full year of testing           https://venturarooftents.com/discount/Angling%2520Ireland Just over a year ago, I looked in to the merits of a roof tent. There are quite a few makes on the market, but the Ventura model caught my interest. It has an extra large size option, which comfortably sleeps three and an "annex" room that can be attached. The annex comes with a fitted waterproof groundsheet. This gives plent...

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A last chance hunt for Specimen Tench this season
Terry’s Travels A last chance hunt for Specimen Tench this season         In early Spring of this year, I made a concerted effort to target Specimen Tench, and was lucky enough to land one. This temporarily satiated my appetite for most of the year, whilst I ran about Ireland hunting other species with varying degrees of success. However, the old Tinca passion is never far away. I had to have one more crack at these beautiful creatures before the temperature dr...

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