Bubble and Fly fishing

I thought long about another fishing report, but there is not much to report this time of the year. Usually the fishing goes quiet for a couple of weeks. However friends of mine got sea liced grilse fresh of the tide. As the tides were very high (3.8-4m) over the weekend, fish could easily sneak up the river. Most of the fish were caught on prawns in low water conditions.

However there is another method which can provide superb sport from early on in the year, given the conditions are right for it. I am talking about the Bubble and Fly. I got the first Springer this year up in Clongee on the 25/04 exactely with this method. A fine fresh fish about 7 pounds, caught in medium to low water. Again in June I got a superb 14pounder in Morans Rocks, also in low water conditions.

With the summers are getting dryer this is the method which can save the day. I remember this June, when my friends were struggling to get fish on their 10 days holidays. They averaged 2 fish each for a period of 10 days, fishing the worms and prawns in very low water conditions after 4 weeks without any rain. I fished only in the evenings after work and got two fine springers, the before mentioned 14 pounder and another 8 pounder. As the year progresses the Bubble & Fly fishing will pick up again and should provide good back end fishing.

Tackle: I would recommend a 11-12ft rod, with a nice soft test curve. I fish a Daiwa Samurai, medium heavy, 11ft, which unfortunately is no longer available. Do not fish too heavy a rod, especially when you are fishing for hours, as this method can put some serious strain on your back, almost as bad as spinning. The longer the rod, the more line control you have. I fish a 0,30mm line which has a breaking strain of about 12 pounds. I don´t go lower as you always can expect a fine springer, even in June or July. Also playing a fish over shallow, rocky water puts some stress on the line.

Where to fish: I prefer fishing in water not deeper than 6ft. East Mayo, Clongee, Gannons and Foxford Salmon Anglers have some perfect Bubble & Fly water. If you are new to a fishery it might come handy to have a prawning or worming rod with you, set to 5 or 6 feet depth. This way you will easily find the suitable water.

Flies: Depending on the time of the year, water temperature and water hights you will need flies from sizes 8 to 14. The Yellow Shrimp, Foxford Shrimp, Orange & Gold and Ballina Grey will do for most of the year. Some hair wing flies as the Hairy Mary or the Stoats Tail will catch fish later on in the year.

How to fish: Usually you cast across and work the rod tip with not to fast a retrieve.

I hope I have inspired you to give it a go yourself. But be warned, there is days, when you are better off fishing the more traditional methods. But when the water is low enough and anything else fails, this method can really come into its own.

If you need some advice when in Foxford, I am available most weekends.

Tight Lines,
Erwin Dewald
Foxford, Co. Mayo