Fishing Marks: Port Grenaugh
Location and description
Port Grenaugh is a tiny cove situated on the east coast, roughly half way between Douglas and Castletown. A narrow road winds it way down to the beach, where there is parking for several cars.
Although it is possible to fish the beach, the actual fishing mark I am referring to in this instance is the rocky headland to the south side of the beach. This is easily accessed via the short footpath. When you reach the large yellow telephone cable marker (you can't miss it) then simply make your way over the rocks to the waters edge.
The beach itself is shallow, with some sand and some sections of rough ground. There is a small stream which enters the sea here. Fishing from the rocks is onto shallow rocky ground.
I have included this mark simply to highlight that fishing is meant to be fun. You don't always have to target big fish or exotic species to enjoy it. This is really a mark for catching lots of small fish on very light tackle - doing so will be sure to put a smile on your face, and can be a welcome distraction after several unsuccessfull trips in search of more challenging targets.
Species
Callig, coalfish and ballan make up the majority of catches. Mullet often congregate in the bay itself, attracted by the vast amount of natural food found in the large piles of seaweed stranded on the beach. No doubt there are also dogfish waiting to take ledgered baits.
Tackle required
The whole point of fishing here is to have fun. That means using a light spinning rod, or even a fly outfit (although there is not much room for the backcast). A short spinning rod of about 9 or 10 foot matched with a small fixed spool and 10lb line is ideal.
Any small spinner will attract the callig and coalies, and a float set up is ideal for targetting ballan.
You only need to carry the bare minimum of tackle, which can usually be fitted into pockets or a small pack. The easy access and short walk make it an ideal spot for a quick session when time is against you.
Best fishing
Due to the shallow nature of this venue, it is really best fished over the high water period. From May onwards you stand a great chance of catching lots of callig and coalfish to spinners or lures. Fishing in the evening, with high water coinciding with dusk is a very productive time.
It is one of the few marks where I use spinners in preference to real sandeels or rubber/jelly lures. This is simply because there can be so many small fish at times that it would be a waste of good sandeels !!! Any silver spinner will work, although you should replace the treble with a single hook to make it easier to remove the hooks and return the fish unharmed. Be sure to start your retrieve as soon as the spinner hits the water or else you risk losing it to a snag.
It is possible to take fish right off the surface using small plugs or poppers, and this is great fun. Watching even a small fish hit a surface lure is visually very exciting.
The callig and coalies are mostly around the 1lb mark, occassionally 1lb 8oz, so we aren't talking huge fish here. However, caught on light tackle they can still provide some good sport, especially the coalies which seem to fight harder than the callig.
If you want to catch something bigger, then ballan can be targetted using a float, which needs to be set very shallow (say 10 foot). Lugworm or crab baits are best, and you can expect to catch some fine wrasse.
You are unlikely to break any records, or catch a fish of a lifetime, but you should at least have fun.
