Youghal Gone Fishin’
By Oona Colin | Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)
Mackerel fishing at Nealons Quay
The mackerel were bursting out of the water again this year in the bay and on the beaches of Youghal and right up the River Blackwater as they made their annual trip into Youghal.
Each year, in the month of August, thousands if not millions of mackerel come into the shores and quays of Youghal for the pleasure of all who await them. The quays are thronged with locals and holidaymakers alike trying to catch these delicious healthy fish, rich in Omega 3 oils. Rods are being cast out, fishing lines are being thrown, all eager to catch these popular fish. The fish are so plentiful that you could almost just put your hands in and pick them up. It’s an incredible sight and one that overwhelms you year after year.
Mackerel fishing at the Pier Head
According to local fishermen, this phenomenon has been going on for as long as they can remember, whereby the mackerel follow the sprat bait into the bay. Another local fishermen told Youghalonline that he has never seen the Harbour so full of the fish, they come every year like clockwork. It’s good for us, it’s plentiful, and it’s cheap. The tourism potential for this type of fishing is enormous
It’s an exciting time and its one we look forward to. It’s also a reminder that the summer is at its end, though many of us are still awaiting the summer to arrive…
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As a young boy (about 7 or
I remember fishing for those plentiful mackerel off the Youghal pier. That would have been about 1950-1951. Although the I cannot place where the photo’s were taken from I still recall the thrill of catching not my first fish, but my first half dozen, all within minutes. It has never ever been that good since.
I wondered what I was going to do with six fresh fish. But on the walk back home I traded them at a shop for flowers for my mother.
This brings very fond memories of you beautiful country and very friendly folk. I am not a natural born Irishman, but my heart is still there. Although I am now 66 yers of age if I ever can afford it I’ll be back to Youghal in a flash and introduce my wife to a wonderful world.
I hope all those mackerel keep on coming and that thrills I had all those years ago continue to enthuse all your young people in the art of throwing a line and catching a feed.
I forgot to mention, I live in a place called Echuca on the Murray River which is the border of Victoria and New South Wales, Australia.