A special old cane
Although Ireland has a large population of pollack and sea bass, the size and number of olds found here is very impressive. When the tidal phases are less interesting for pollack fishing, olds can still be found marauding in the kelp beds. The lack of fishing pressure makes this already aggressive fish a good pastime between tides. However, these are very powerful fish, easily exceeding 50 cm, so you'll need a suitable rod.
For maximum pleasure, I recommend a 10-35 gram spinning rod, about 2m40 long, with a fast action. The blank should be powerful enough to bite old hooks when fishing with Texas hooks, as well as to prevent them from sinking into kelp. You'll need a size 3000 or 4000 reel with a high ratio and 16-hundredths braid.
For big game fishing
When the tide is right and the fish are approaching the shore to feed, these spots are our main target. They usually arrive in schools of several hundred individuals of any size, ready to take on the first prey that comes within reach. The power of these fish and the Irish weather conditions force us to use equipment accordingly.
Casting distances in excess of 60 metres need to be achieved, with lures that sink quickly to avoid being swept away by waves, current or wind. To achieve this, you need very long rods, 2m70 if possible, capable of casting between 30 and 80 grams minimum. Once again, opt for a powerful rod fitted with a size 4000 or 5000 reel and 18 or 20 hundredths braid, depending on the weight of your lures.
Bass or fly
Now that you're equipped to fish for pollack and olds, you have two options: bass fishing or fly fishing. If you've chosen a fishing area close to a river mouth or oyster beds, a 2m70 rod in 14-42 grams for fishing the many bass on a surface lure will be perfect.
If this fishing technique doesn't interest you, opt instead for an 8-gauge fly rod, which is great fun to use when weather conditions permit. On sunny days, places and old women can be sight-fished, what better way to have fun than on a fly rod with big streamers.
