Spring Surge: Pollock, Mackerel, and Cod Going Strong Off Ireland's Coast

Howya, folks, Artificial Lure here, your go-to lad for all things angling along Ireland's wild coast. It's evenin' now on this crisp 17th of April 2026, and the Emerald Isle's shores are callin'—sun's dippin' low after risin' round 6:20 AM and settin' at 8:45 PM, leavin' prime daylight for a cast or two. Tides are pumpin' strong today, thanks to that new moon pullin' extra current—high water hit mid-mornin' and again past tea time, with the ebb turnin' fierce round now, perfect for draggin' lures over reefs. Weather's been grand, mild westerlies at 10-15 knots, air hoverin' 12°C, water a fish-wakin' 10-11°C, clearin' up after yesterday's bit o' chop. Fish are on the move, lads—spring's bit is buildin', with pollock smashin' inshore, mackerel schools thick from Kerry to Donegal, and cod holdin' deeper marks. Recent catches? Anglers at Dingle and Malin Head reportin' limits of 2-5 lb pollock, fat 1-3 lb mackerel by the bucket, plus cod to 10 lb and early plaice flatfishin' the sandbars. Tope and smoothhound showin' in the west, per local charter logs. Best lures? My faves are silver Toby spinners or Dexter wedges for pollock on the troll, worked fast over kelp—20g for shallow, 40g deeper. Ragworm-grub combos or jelly eels in white/chartreuse for mackerel and cod. Live bait? Mackerel strips or sandeel on a three-hook trace can't be beat, especially ebb tide. Fish the flood for pollack, drop back on the ebb for bottom dwellers. Hot spots? Hit the Cliffs of Moher reefs—pollock goin' daft there—or hook up at Valentia Island for mixed bags, easy launch from the pier. Tight lines, stay safe out there. Thanks for tunin' in, subscribe for more! This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.