The Thatch. Back
Location.
Take Youghal bridge to the Waterford Side. Take the first left, a hairpin bend, up to And over the brow of the hill. Take the first Serious left and follow the road down to a Thatched cottage. Park in the car park opposite. There are two spots to fish at high tide if you can't find them, your in the wrong place.
Time and tide:
On springs, only high and low water are fishable due to Severe tide race but can produce better fish. Neaps allow for more time, low is better for flounder high for codling.
Bait and method:
Again crab is best, yet lug can be used to some effect if you pile it on. As there is a very fast tide here you will need grip leads of 5-6ozs to hold the bottom. There are also many snags so be prepared to lose terminal gear. Single or two hook flapper rigs with 2/0 hooks will cover all conditions. If fishing is scratchy in the bay and harbour this mark can produce,
Why the hell am I here:
Winter and autumn codling are two good reasons though the flounder are not as plentiful as in tip head. The real reason is that this mark is well sheltered from the wind and storms while other less wise souls freeze there todgers off on the slob bank or other exposed marks.
Where to fish:
At low water try down the shore line ( wellies are a must). A high there are only two possible spots. A cast of forty yards will get you into the channel for cod. While the flats come really close in, I mean only five or ten yards.
Tips:
This a late season sheltered mark that at high water can only accommodate six or seven anglers. There is a small car park twenty five yards away which is used by licensed salmon netters, keep exits clear.
2009, the thatch and all the up river marks have suffered from the mass potting for crabs and are only now producing a few fish. Rumours of a double figure cod caught here a week ago have yet to be confirmed.