Adrian spotted 2 busts early August off west Donegal – absolutely certain!

Adrian saw 2 busts off West Donegal at end October.

There were 8 Bluefin Tuna landed by a trawler working off the south coast of Ireland in October? 180 to 250 pounds.

Unconfirmed report of a large pod of BFT working off Achill Island, Co. Mayo approx 14 November

No-one is fishing (or looking) for Bluefin Tuna in Ireland this year.

The Rosguill along with Adrian Mulloy headed to the top spot on 12 October in flat calm waters and bright sunlight.

We saw nothing. Some birds and lots of sauries near the surface but not a single bust in an area and at a time in the season when there should have been busting Bluefin.

One day does not exactly prove beyond doubt that there are no Tune there but it looks truely ominous. A commercial skipper spotted birds working and fish busting in September off Downings but is not 100% sure they were Tuna. There are no other reports of Tuna.

Any sightings that are known will be reported on this site – although only another 3/4 weeks left in the season

No boats were working Irish waters with any regularity during 2009.  Apart from the 1 pod spotted by Adrian and I bust spotted by the Rosguill there were no other definite sightings.  There were oil slicks for a week or 2 off west Donegal but no sightings.  ICAAT reduced the BFT quota to 17,000 tons for commercial fishing but “black” fish would not figure in quotas.  As of now I am unsure of the future.

Vey few boats have been fishing Bluefin Tuna this year. There was an unconfirmed sighting of a pod of BFT working off south Donegal at end August.
Adrian was out several days during first couple weeks in September and spotted nothing until 14 when he saw 2 busts off south Donegal. The Rosguill spotted 1 bust on the same day off the usual Tuna mark.

The 2009 season for Bluefin Tuna is now just 8 weeks or so.

2009 is the first season since 2000 that the Rosguill has absolutely no BFT charters.

I hope to privately have a look in the usual spots myself on 1 or 2 days come October & will of course report any news I have on this page. Numbers of Bluefin have been rapidly declining for several years now & it is difficul to be anything other than pessimistic for the future of these magnificent creatures.

11 Sept – Reliable sightings off Mayo

17 Sept – Adrian working good numbers off Donegal

22 September – 1 boat off Downings and another boat off south Donegal – no sightings

23 Sept – 1 boat from Downings & 1 boat south Donegal – no sightings

24 Sept – Rosguill witnessed several busts out of Downings

25 Sept  -  1 boat working out of Downings – no sightings

26 Sept  -  Few busts off Downings

28 Sept – few busts off Downings.  Adrian working off south Donegal – no  sightings

29 Sept to October 12  - no boats working

13 & 14 October – 2 boats working off Downings – no sightings

15 – 31 October – inclement weather – no boats working

2008 – first reliable sighting of Bluefin was off the Mayo coast on 11 September.

Adrian Mulloy was working on a reasonable pod of BLuefin Tuna off the Donegal coast on 17 September for 3 hours.  Lot of smallist Tuna around 200 pounds but other sizes also present – 400 , 600 & 800 pounders.

Extremely poor season. No Bluefin caught in Ireland. Worse than that, the numbers of sightings have been abyssmal, even given the low numbers of days effort. Unsure of what 2008 holds but there is no light at the end of the tunnel.

Please also see following reports:-

http://www.sciencecentric.com/news/07110914.htm

http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=52406

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2007/11/06/eatuna106.xml

1 October – 1 boat working out of Downings – 2 busts sighted

2 & 3 & 4 October – no boats working – report of small pod of Bluefin off North Donegal
5 October – 1 boat working out of Downings – no sightings

6 – 9 October – no boats working

10 October – 1 boat working out of Downings – no sightings

Mid – October – no boats working – no reports.
Please visit this site for an excellent report on Atlantic Bluefin…. http://www.wildlifeextra.com/bluefin-tuna724.html

11 – 25 October – no boats working
Visit http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_297004241.html

Also:-

http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=38799

Adrian has been working a few days since end August off south & west Donegal – no sightings
19 September – 1 boat working off Downings – no sightings

27 September – Rosguill working off Downings – saw several large splashes 1.5 miles away – probably Tuna but not conclusive – also marked on sounder what was probably a pod of Tuna, but again not conclusive

28 September – A few busts off Downings. Reports of sightings off West Donegal

29 September – 1 boat working off Downings – no sightings. Adrian working off west Donegal – reasonable numbers of Tuna

30 September – No boats working out of Downings. Adrian working off West and North west Donegal – no sightings

Some Bluefin were spotted by another Downings Charter boat on 26 August.

1 – Tuna landed
2 – lots of Bluefin off Downings – 12 boats working
3 – few sightings off Downings – 3 boats working. Report of sightings off County Mayo last week
4, 5, 6 – inclement weather
7, 8, 9 – no boats working

Private boat landed a 274 pound Tuna – left Downings and landed the fish into Portrush. Almost a blind strike – saw 3 busts and then had the sucessful hit.
Great news on first day of November & congratulations go to Peter.

1 – 1 boat working – lots of Bluefin
2 & 3- Inclement weather – no boats working
4 – some sightings – 3 boats working
5, 6, 7, 8, 9 – inclement weather – no boats working
10 – 2 boats working – no sightings
11 – no sightings – 2 boats half working
12 – no sightings – 4 boats working
13 – no boats working
14 – 1 boat working – no sightings
15 – lots of Bluefin – 1 boat working
16 – no sightings – 2 boats working – reports of Bluefin off west Donegal
17 – No boats working off Downings. 1 boat working off West Donegal – a few sightings there
18 – no sightings – 1 boat working
19, 20 – no boats working
21 – good numbers of Bluefin off Downings, 2 boats working- none off South Donegal
22 – reasonable numbers off Downings – 3 boats working – 1 boat off south & west donegal – no sightings
23 – no sightings – 1 boat working
24, 25, 26, 27 – no boats working
28 – few sightings – 1 boat working
29 – Lots of Bluefin off Downings – 1 boat working – no sightings off south or west Donegal
30, 31 – inclement weather

3 – inclement weather
4 – 2 boats working off Downings – no sightings
5/6/7 – 1 or 2 boats working off Downings -1 bust only
Report of a Bluefin caugh in a tangle net off the west coast of Ireland
8 – Lot of Tuna off Downings – 2 boats working – no strikes
9 – Lots of birds – no sightings of Bluefin
10 – 2 boats working off Downings – 1 bust
11 – 3 boats working off Downings – no sightings
12 – 2 boats working off Downiongs – no sightings
13 – inclement weather
14 – 2 Boats off Downings, 1 off west Donegal – no sightings
15 – local crabber spotted Tuna working off Downings early in morning – by the time 2 charter boats got there, they had gone & did not re-show.
16, 17, 18 2 boats working – no sightings.
NOT SURE WHAT IS HAPPENING THIS YEAR – IN 2005 NOT A SINGLE BLUEFIN WAS LANDED IN IRELAND AND NOW IN 2006, OVER HALFWAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER THE TUNA SIMPLY HAVE NOT ARRIVED.
19 – Inclement weather
20 – 2 boats working – no sightings
21 – 1 boat working – no sightings
22 – 1 boat workiong – no sightings
23 – inclement weather
24 – 1 boat working – no sightings (poor vis)
25 – at last – they are back – perhaps only 1 day – who the hell knows? Today they were on the surface for over 2 hours – all small fish in the 250 – 400 pound range. Had one chance with the kite, really only a half chance and after that the wind dropped completely. Adrian managed to get close twice – no strikes. Great to see them back in numbers – tomorrow I shall be there early – let’s hope!!!
26 – Great news – two days running – perhaps they have just been late. Better numbers today, and some good sized fish. Got close as did Adrian, but maybe not just quite close enough. Seemed easily spooked, but in afternoon, not just as easily spooked. Same spot as yesterday – within 1 mile.
27 – Inclement weather
28 – 1 boat working – no sightings
29 – 2 boats working – few sightings – Adrian had 1 definite blind strike and 1 probable blind strike
30 – 1 boat working – no sightings (poor vis)

The Rosguill saw 3 busts today off Downings – one 100 metres from the boat. I must confess that I literally jumped for joy when I saw the first of 2006
2 September – Adrian working off Downings – 1 bust

TUNA REPORT 2005

Notably no Blue fin Tuna were caught in Ireland – No one really knows why but there were an awful lot of baitfish around & also it has been know for Blue fin to change their Modus Operande inexplicably.

September & October – 20 days lost to weather

Reports from Downings where practically all sightings were made.

September 6 Moderate sightings
7 Few sightings
8 Few
10 Moderate
11 Moderate – Adrian had hook up & private boat had strike
12 Lots of Tuna
14 Moderate
16 Few Tuna (Liam Carey had strike off South Donegal)
20 Moderate
21 Few
22 Moderate – Hook up by Rosguill & Adrian had strike
24 Few
25 Lots – Adrian had 2 strikes

October 6 Lots
8 Lots
10 Few
11 Lots
13 Lots
14 Lots
17 Few
19 Few
20 Moderate
22 Lots
23 Lots

REPORTS & STATS FOR 2001 TO 2003 LISTED BELOW

16 November update
Posted 16/11/2003 12:49

After poor weather all week, 3 boats searched for Tuna on 16 November. One boat spotted a few busts.
No boats have been looking for Tuna in south Donegal or Mayo

Another Tuna landed
Posted 13/11/2003 14:57

11 November – Adrian Mulloy caught a 300 pounder off Downings.

APPEAL
Posted 9/11/2003 8:14

Purse Seiner

A purse seine netter was looking for Bluefin off south Donegal on 1 October and was off Downings on 2 October. It is not known what flag the vessel is working under or what License it holds. Ireland has no quota for Bluefin and it would be illegal for this vessel to net within 12 miles of the coast.
The presence of this vessel is a concern for stocks – Ireland is the only country in Europe which is an effective “santuary” for Bluefin – even though it is only to the 12 mile limit.
All readers of this notice are asked to write to:
The Minister of the Marine
Dail Eireann
Dublin
Ireland
Please ask that Ireland declares a 200 mile exclusion zone for Bluefin.
The Rosguill spotted the Seiner exactly 12 miles off the coast – not sure what he intended to do if he spotted Bluefin 1 or 2 miles inside him!!!
It is now beleived that this purse seiner will be back in 2004 with all the licenses etc. he needs. If he has a sucessful season in 2004, then 2005 will probably be the last reasonable Tuna season for anglers, and the first season when a number of seioners shall work the Donegal coast. Anglers probably only have the winter/spring to make their voices heard.

9 November update
Posted 9/11/2003 8:4

No boats have been out this past week looking for Tuna – nothing to report

Another 2 Tuna landed
Posted 4/11/2003 14:22

Adrian Mulloy landed 2 Bluefin on 1 November off Downings.
Weather has been fairly bad and 1 November was the only opportunity to get out.
The Rosguill has had no Tuna bookings.

28 October update
Posted 28/10/2003 15:24

Sightings off Downings on 27 Oct. Few busts on 26 and Adrian Mulloy landed a 600 pound fish off Downings on 28 October.
No confirmed reports of Tuna south Donegal or Mayo.

25 October update
Posted 25/10/2003 16:24

A lot of Tuna off Downings on 20th. Some fish 21 + 24. 23 October Adrian landed a 350 pounder off Downings. There are unconfirmed reports of Bluefin off south Donegal.
Adrian Mulloy is effectively working out of Downings. The Rosguill has done just 4 days this year on Tuna.

Tuna under threat
Posted 25/10/2003 16:21

Scientists call for 200-mile sanctuary for bluefin tuna
From Irish Times – 06/10/2003 (490 words)
By LORNA SIGGINS, Marine Correspondent
Ireland boasts one of the last sanctuaries for bluefin tuna, but US marine scientists have warned that it could be wiped out by the activities of foreign vessels.

A 40 metre Spanish purse seiner was targeting shoals of the migratory fish inside the six-mile limit off south Donegal last week, according to the scientists who were participating with Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) in a research programme on the fish.

Mr Andre Boustany, marine biologist at Stanford University’s tuna research and conservation centre, said that at one point the purse seiner, Nuevo Elorz, steamed very aggressively towards the vessel he was working on.

It is believed the purse seiner may have Japanese business links. A Naval Service spokesman said the vessel had been picked up by satellite and was en route south to Spain at the weekend.

Both the Stanford University scientists and deep sea anglers have called on the Government to impose a 200-mile sanctuary for the fish in these waters. Bluefin tuna are one of the most expensive fish in the world when caught fresh, with premium prices paid on the Tokyo market.

Known to record “bursts” of 50 knots, the fish have never been harvested commercially off this coast. In the past two years, they have become “friendly bounty” for a developing “sport” fishery in Donegal and Connemara.

The new “sport” fishery has been attracting big game anglers into the west and north-west – wealthy customers who normally fly to Kenya, the Azores and Cape Verde islands to catch marlin and yellowfin tuna. The activity is based on catch and release – no fish are kept, under the voluntary code of the Irish Game Fish Association.

Mr Adrian Molloy of the Naomh Cartha, who has been one of the pioneers of the activity, says it has extended the tourist season in south Donegal and he is able to fill some 300 extra bednights in the Kilcar area alone.

Several sea angling vessels in Connemara are also involved in the autumn fishery, which has been supported by a BIM diversification programme.

The Stanford University scientists have been working with the sea anglers on a tagging programme for the fish, to assess the state of the stocks.

The Stanford University team refer to a 1998 socio-economic study of the sport fishery for bluefin off the north Carolina coast in the US, which found that the activity was worth some $ 6 million annually to the local economy.

It also extended the tourist season to a year-round activity. Ireland could build up a similar base if a proper management policy was introduced, which ensured that there was no commercial fishing for the species, they state.

Mr Adrian Molloy, a former commercial fisherman, said Spain could not claim traditional rights to the fishery here. “We have made huge mistakes with our resources in the past, and this is an opportunity to take a developing fishery and manage it properly,” he said.

Copyright 2003 The Irish Times
Date: 06/10/2003
Publication: Irish Times

2003 is different
Posted 20/10/2003 5:57

This year there appear to be a number of differences compared to the past couple of years. The Tuna were around 3 weeks late arriving. The Tuna are definitely “hanging around” Downings more than Rathlin or off Mayo. They are in a different place around Downings than the last 2 years.
Please see below the piece on Tuna conservation. I would urge evertone to write to the Irish Authorities.

20 October update
Posted 20/10/2003 5:53

There have been very few sightings off Rathlin O’Beirne over this past week. Adrian Mulloy is having to travel to Downings to produce fish. Alaistair McIlwaine lost 1 Tuna and landed another on 14 October off Downings – this was the 3rd anniversay of the Rosguill’s first Tuna. Adrian landed 3 Bluefin on 18th October. There were sightings of Tuna on 15 & 17 October off Downings. The main diet of the Bluefin is still Saury Pikes. There were no sightings 20 Oct.

7 October
Posted 7/10/2003 14:32

Inclement weather this past few days has kept all charter boats in harbour & the bad weather is set to continue

Another Tuna off Downings
Posted 3/10/2003 15:5

“The Man”, Adrian Mulloy landed another Bluefin of around 300 pounds today 3 October off Downings. There were a lot of Tuna off Downings and also off Rathlin O’Beirne

Purse Seiner
Posted 2/10/2003 14:59

A purse seine netter was looking for Bluefin off south Donegal on 1 October and was off Downings on 2 October. It is not known what flag the vessel is working under or what License it holds. Ireland has no quota for Bluefin and it would be illegal for this vessel to net within 12 miles of the coast.
The presence of this vessel is a concern for stocks – Ireland is the only country in Europe which is an effective “santuary” for Bluefin – even though it is only to the 12 mile limit.
All readers of this notice are asked to write to:
The Minister of the Marine
Dail Eireann
Dublin
Ireland
Please ask that Ireland declares a 200 mile exclusion zone for Bluefin.
Charter skippers have united to devise a code of practise which would limit the taking of Bluefin to 3 fish per year.
The Rosguill spotted the Seiner exactly 12 miles off the coast – not sure what he intended to do if he spotted Bluefin 1 or 2 miles inside him!!!

2 October
Posted 2/10/2003 14:50

Adrian Mulloy had a strike today off Downings. Good sightings – a few sightings of south Donegal.

1 October 2003
Posted 1/10/2003 14:52

More sightings of birds & Tuna off Downings today – Trevor Ryder lost another stinger!!!
The Rosguill has ordinary anglers at the moment.

30 September
Posted 30/9/2003 16:24

Today there were a few sightings of Tuna at Rathlin O’ Beirne.
Trevor Ryder had a hook up off Downings but the line broke at the Bimini twist. A lot of activity off Downings.
A purse seiner is reputed to be working out of Killybegs targeting Bluefin.

29 September update
Posted 29/9/2003 16:44

No sightings at Downings. Sightings at Rathlin on Saturday 27 – none 28, but Adrian had hook up on 28 – lost fish after 20 minutes. The Bills, Co. Mayo -sightings of Sauries skipping out of the water.

26 September 2003 update
Posted 26/9/2003 16:58

Due to inclement weather no boats have been out for a few days.
There were sightings 26 September off Achill Island.
Water temp is now down to 57.7 Fahrenheit

Another Tuna from Downings
Posted 21/9/2003 17:50

Adrian Mulloy caught and released a 300 pound Bluefin North East of Downings today 21 September.
Re. previous report it may be interesting to note that the Tuna caught by the Rosguill had around 20 Saury Pikes and 1 Mackerel in its stomach

Rosguill lands first Bluefin in Ireland in 2003
Posted 21/9/2003 4:22

Here is the unbeleivable, but true, story.
19 September and the Rosguill headed down soyth to the famous Rathlin O’Berne grounds, 60 miles away.
After trolling for 30 minutes a Downings crabber rang and said there were a lot of Tuna off Downings. The next morning (20th) the Rosguill headed back to Downings followed by number one Tuna expert, Adrian Mulloy.
4 hours later off the Downings coast, Trevor Ryder called the Rosguill to alert the presence of Tuna in the “Tuna Box”
The Rosguill headed there and within 1 hour had a hook up on a squid bar.
Ben Smit, from Holland, was in the chair and the fish was wired by Chris Miller from Somerset. The 507 pound Tuna took 1 hour and 45 minutes to land and was boated one a half miles from hook up.
Trevor had 2 hook ups which were both lost and later in the afternoon Adrian had a double hook up and brillantly landed both fish – which were satellite tagged and released.
There was Champagne on Downings pier!!!

More Tuna
Posted 17/9/2003 18:38

17 September and a lot of Tuna were working 3 – 5 miles north of Sheephaven Bay.
A local commercial skipper alerted local charter boats and the Rosguill followed 200 – 300 working gannets for 2 miles.
Very few Tuna are being sighted off Rathlin O’Beirne

At ******* last
Posted 14/9/2003 14:58

A few pods of Bluefin Tuna were working from the Limeburner to north of Lough Swilly this morning, 14/9/03
The Rosguill was the first to spot the busts – great to see them back. There have been no sightings anywhere for 7 days.
Water temp is now at 14.8 centigrade, which is the same temp. as the last week of August last year when the Tuna showed up. The other pecular thing is that Mackerel have been very prolific until now, whereas the last couple of years they “dried up” a couple of weeks before the Tuna showed in numbers(mid August)

11 September update
Posted 11/9/2003 16:54

Bluefin Tuna are either very late or absent this year.
Single or double fish have been spotted in South Donegal each day until 5 September – none since. No sightings in North Donegal or off Mayo.
It is hoped that the high Water temp. is the problem and they will arrive soon. Water temp is still at 15 degrees. Bluefins are at least 17 days late – a lot of people are waiting…….

No sightings but……….
Posted 3/9/2003 16:6

No sightings of Bluefin yet, but Adrian Mulloy had a hook up today 3 September at Rathlin O’Beirne

First sightings
Posted 27/8/2003 15:4

Adrian Mulloy spotted the first Tuna of 2003 on 24 August and the next one on 26 August. Only single fish.
The Tuna are very late this year, although once the first fish is spotted it is normally only a matter of around 1 week later when they show “en mass”.

18 August – no sightings yet
Posted 18/8/2003 15:2

As of today there have been no confirmed Bluefin sightings anywhere

“003 – possible spotting
Posted 1/8/2003 16:58

A Downings commercial skipper spotted a huge shoal of busting fish and 2 hundred or so feeding Gannets on 28 July to the west of Tory Island. He thought that they were Tuna as Dolphins behave differently, but was not close enough to accurately identify.

7 November update
Posted 7/11/2002 15:28

Inclement weather has kept boats in port for this past week or so with only the odd day being “fishable”. Even so there are few charters looking for any fish, much less Tuna.
On 1 November there were a number of sightings off Rathlin O’Beirne.
The latest hook up last year was on 11 November at Rathlin.

27 October update
Posted 27/10/2002 8:48

Inclement weather since 18 October has kept all boats in harbour. No sightings anywhere.

2 Tuna were landed by the supertrawlers in Rathmullan, North Donegal on 22 October

18 October 2003 update
Posted 18/10/2002 14:49

Downings
16 Tuna busting 5 miles north of Horn Head
Reports of lot of Tuna off Tory Island during week

Rathlin O’Beirne
16 & 17 & 18 Few sightings

The Bills
16 Lot Tuna – Derek Noble lost a fish which had taken live mackerel on kite
17 few sightings
18 Lot Tuna – 350 pounder caught

15 October update
Posted 15/10/2002 15:44

Downings:
13 no sightings
14 sightings of 1 pod busting
15 no sightings

Rathlin O’Birne
14 plenty of Tuna

The Bills
14 plenty of Tuna

no hookups anywhere 13,14 or 15

15 October update
Posted 15/10/2002 15:42

Downings:

7 October update
Posted 8/10/2002 15:7

Tuna sightings off Rathlin O’Beirne most days since 1 October & some days off Downings. 7 October there were a lot of Tuna 5 miles north west of the Limeburner and the Rosguill trolled squid spreader bars through the Tuna for almost 2 hours. Despite many Tuna busting clear of the water within 20 metres of the lures there were no takes.
We saw several Sauries (Saury Pike) skipping out of the water beside the Rosguill.

Adrian Mulloy has done it again – landed a Tuna on 4 October and another on 6 October.

29 September update
Posted 29/9/2002 17:0

The previous 3 Tuna landed south of Donegal were actually caught off the “Bills” – south of Achill Island, Co. Mayo.

Fish landed in Donegal and in Mayo were feeding on Saury Pike.

Not many sightings anywhere on 28/29 September. A few busts off Rathlin & Downings.

27 September update
Posted 27/9/2002 17:12

Today after an absence of 2 days Tuna retuirned to Rathlin O’Beirne and also to Achill Island, Co.Mayo.

2 Tuna were landed off Rathlin and 1 off Achill

No sightings 27 Sept. off Downings

Update 25 September 2002
Posted 25/9/2002 16:54

The first ever Bluefin Tuna were caught off the Galway coast last week. A 300 and a 600 pound fish. Both fish are thought to have been caught by trolling lures.

20 September – a wreck 20 miles off Downings attrached pods of Tuna from 11:00 to 14:30. The Rosguill trolled live mackerel including 1 on a downrigger to no avail. Put out 3 livebaits on balloons and Tuna busted twice within 30 metres of the balloons.

21 September – Tuna were absolutely everywhere off Downings. There were multiple and simultaneous sightings of Tuna busting by boats 2 and 5 miles from each other.

22 & 23 September – no sightings off Downings

24 – Calm seas – saw occasional busts

25 – Anchored at Limeburner in force 5 winds. Tunas busted once 60 metres from Rosguill.

Rathlin O’Beirne – Sightings most days this past week off Rathlin. Adrian Mulloy lost a Tuna on 21 September- trolled squid bar

Calm seas
Posted 25/9/2002 16:42

From around 12 to 24 September very unusual light winds gave an opportunity to observe Tuna “busts” off Downings

On several days during the period 1, 2 or 3 Tuna were seen to bust several times a day and up to a mile away. There was not always any Gannets present.

With even force 2 or 3 winds none of these busts would have been noticed unless they were within a hundred metres of the boat.

It would therefore appear that there are Tuna over a wide area in possibly small pods or working on baitfish that do not cause the type of mayhem which attracts larger numbers of gannets.

19 September 2002 update
Posted 19/9/2002 18:34

Some Tuna were at Rathlin O’Berne Island in South Donegal on 17 and 19 September. On 18 there were a lot of Tuna off Rathlin.

2 big Tuna were caught off Rathlin on 18. Adrian Mulloy caught his fourth of the season – 868 pounds. Michael O’Callaghan caught one of 660 pounds single handed!

Adrian is very close to being named “The Man”

A pod of Tuna were reported working 2 miles north west of the Limeburner off Downings by a Commercial Skipper on 19 morning.

Update
Posted 17/9/2002 16:33

A few Tuina were off the Limeburner mark on the afternoon of 14 September and the morning of 15. No gulls working on them.
No reported sightings off south Donegal.

The supertrawlers started working Scad off Downings on 1 September this year. Last year it was 23 August and earlier in previous years.

Update 14 September
Posted 14/9/2002 14:25

Last week days were lost due to inclement weather.
Sightings off Downings Wednesday morning, 11 September, 10 miles north of Horn Head. 14 September 1 mile north of the Limeburner.
There have been no sightings off Rathlin O’Berne for a while.

Update 4 September
Posted 4/9/2002 15:58

There were a lot of Tuna all day today around Rathlin O’Birne island in south Donegal. 3 boats trying to get a hook in – no luck with squid bars or live baits.
A few Tuna broke the surface of the calm sea near the Limeburner off Downings.

Tuna off Downings
Posted 3/9/2002 18:55

Bluefin Tuna were working 5 miles north of Tory Island this morning 3 September. By 17:00 they were 12 miles north of Melmore. There have been no other sightings anywhere since last Friday 30 August

Update 31 August
Posted 31/8/2002 17:49

Tuna were working the Limeburner mark yesterday 30 August for 2 hours. No sightings yesterday off Rathlin – poor visability.

More Tuna landed
Posted 28/8/2002 16:51

Adrian Mulloy landed his third Tuna yesterday 27 August. No sights today 28 either Rathlin or here off Downings

Update Tuesday 27 August
Posted 27/8/2002 17:33

Confirmed report for yesterday – Adrian Mulloy landed 1 Bluefin and lost another.
Still no sightings off Downings since last week.
More sightings off Rathlin O’Birne Island

Update
Posted 26/8/2002 18:30

There have been no reported sightings of Bluefin off the North Donegal coast since 20 August.

There have only been some short sightings off the Rathlin mark, but, Adrian Mulloy is reported as having a hook up today 26 August.

More Tuna sightings
Posted 19/8/2002 18:4

Pods of Bluefin were working to the west this morning(19 August) up to around noon.
The Tuna have effectively been off Downings since at least 13 August and there have also been daily sightings off south Donegal

First Sighting by Rosguill
Posted 18/8/2002 19:11

The Rosguill spent 2 hours today, 18 August, on the ” usual” Tuna grounds a few miles north of the Limeburner and saw several pods of Tuna busting with gannets working overhead.
Squid bars were trolled but no takes.

Additional Sighting
Posted 17/8/2002 17:40

A pod of Bluefins were working the “usual” mark off Downings on Tuesday 13 August – only found out about it today

600 pound Bluefin landed
Posted 17/8/2002 17:39

The first Bluefin landed of this year was caught yesterday 16 August on Adrian Mulloy’s boat.
Adrian works out of Teelin in South Donegal and congratulations go to Adrian for the 1st of the season.

THEY ARE BACK……YIPPEE!!!!
Posted 13/8/2002 17:6

2 Bluefin Tuna were spotted this afternoon (13 august) 3 miles offshore off Downings.

Last year the first sighting was on 19 August.

No sightings have been reported anywhere else in Ireland although there was a report of a Bluefin Tuna on the south coast of England.

Water Temp. update
Posted 28/7/2002 16:56

Included last years……

DATE 2001 2002

Jan 47

April 45.5 47.5

May 50.5 – 53 50.5 – 52

June 53.5 – 56 52.25 – 54

July 56.5 – 58 54 – 56.5

Water temperature may not affect Bluefin Tuna – Bluefin have been caught off Boston in Temperatures as low as 48 degrees.

Season getting close
Posted 15/7/2002 18:47

Mid July and it will not be long now. Nothing to report yet but watch this space – any snippet of info will be displayed asap

2001 – Results at a glance
Posted 2/12/2001 7:31

Downings
4 Hook ups from end Aug to mid Oct
1 “landed”
All on live mackerel

Killybegs
21 hook ups from end Aug to end Oct
11 “landed”
6 on live/dead mackerel
13 on plastic squid bars
2 on bonito lures

Galway
2 hook ups
0 “landed”
mid & end Oct on plastic squid

Most fish were 300 – 400 pounds
Largest 970 pounds
Effort out of Killybegs was probably about 180 to 200 “normal” boat days
Effort out of Downings was about 50 days

Supertrawler landings were well down on previous years. It is thought that the main trawlers landed 5 fish each this year compared to 25 in other years.

Fish landed were feeding on:
Sauries(halfbeaks/ballyhoo)
Mackerel
Herring
Sprats
Pilchards
Anchovies
Launce

Sightings were from mid August to mid November.

Bluefin still here 17/18 Nov
Posted 22/11/2001 13:28

A large number of Tuna were feeding 10 miles north of Downings on Saturday afternoon 17 November and Sunday morning 18th. A separate group were working near Malin Head at the same time. One Downings boat, Maria Patria, had a Tuna surface between 2 livebaits but didn’t have a hook up.
Water temperature is now 52.5 degrees

Sightings/weather/temp
Posted 5/11/2001 15:38

Tuna were spotted off Downings on Tuesday 30th October.
Poor weather has kept most of the Charter fleet in harbour.
Water temp last week was 54.7 degrees

Supertrawler landings
Posted 26/10/2001 13:53

I have no exact figures, but Trawler landings of Bluefin this year are exceptionally down on the previous few years.
1 – 2 pairs have been working off north Donegal, while around 6 pairs were working off south Donegal

Sightings
Posted 26/10/2001 13:51

Large numbers of Tuna were spotted on Sunday 21 October off west Donegal.
Also a very large shoal of Tuna was spotted off Achill Island on 25 October

Hook up then no sightings
Posted 22/10/2001 15:2

South Donegal had another hookup and a line breakage on 20th October.

No sightings anywhere on 21st & 22nd October

1000 Tuna 5 Miles off Downings
Posted

Today, 20th October a mass of Tuna were working on bait between the Limeburner and 2 miles west.
I personally was seeing Tuna busting the surface on the North, South, East & West sides of me – many of the groups having simultaneous busts of 12 or more Bluefins.
This mayhem was from 17:00 to 19:00 when it got dark.
I was trolling Bonito lures constantly through them, but no hits!

972 POUNDER
Posted 5/10/2001 17:49

A 972 pound Bluefin was caught today at Glenhead in south Donegal by Michael Callaghan. Michael also landed 2 Tuna yesterday in the 300 pound range.
Congratulations go to Michael on his magnificent achievement.

Time moving on
Posted 3/10/2001 16:26

Bad weather has forced all the boats chasing Tuna into harbour, both here in Downings and south Donegal in Killybegs.

Weather this coming weekend is forecasted to be very bad and hopefully the Rosguill will be out from Monday 8 October after the elusive giants.

3 HOOK UPS
Posted 28/9/2001 18:47

The Rosguill had 3 hook ups today (Friday 28th September) on Bluefin Tuna.

Anchored on the Limeburner mark – about 200 metres from where the 344 pound Tuna was caught last year with 4 live baits out. At around 2 pm a huge shoal of Tuna balled up around 300 metres from the Rosguill and simply passed through the baits. We had 2 similtaneous hook ups and of course the 2 lines tangled and both fish were lost.

About 1 hour later, back on the ball, another shoal came through and we had a hook up on the highest bait. Unfortunately, after a fight of 20 – 30 minutes the Tuna spat the hook about 15 metres from the boat.

The angler Garnett Coulter from Northern Ireland said that he could see the writing on the wall in 12 foot high letters ” We are going to get a strike”
when he saw the ball of Tuna moving towards us.

Tuna back
Posted 25/9/2001 4:10

Tuna have been showing up off Rathlin O Beirne island in south Donegal from 17 August until 22 August. 7 boats chasing them and only 1 hook up.

Off the Downings coast there were shoals of Tuna on 23 & 24 August – farther out than previous.
There seems to be no movement inshore.

One of the supertrawlers working off Downings landed 5 Tuna on 24 August.

More spottings after the lull
Posted 11/9/2001 15:40

Dozens of Bluefin Tuna were spotted today 11 September, East of Downings after a period when there were no Tuna seen. South Donegal around Killybegs also suffered the same lull of activity.

The Rosguill has been booked for ordinary fishing and with inclement weather added the opportunities to try for a Bluefin have been limited.

However, the Rosguill has 3 days Tuna fishing this weekend & hopefully will connect.

All quiet!
Posted 3/9/2001 17:42

After hundreds of Tuna being spotted from 23 August until 31 August in both north & south Donegal they seem to have “gone to ground” – not much sign of Tuna on the surface or of Gulls working. Hopefully the next day or 2 will show them.

The supertrawlers have started working and there was a report of 1 Tuna being caught off Co Mayo but nothing off Donegal.

Tuna hooked and landed
Posted 29/8/2001 18:21

2 Bluefin Tuna weighing 320 & 350 pounds were landed in Donegal bay on 27 August 2001

Another 3 Tuna were hooked the following day, 28th – 1 lost, the other 2 released at side of boat.

Meanwhile there are numerous sightings of Tuna off Downings. The Cepheus had a close miss today when a Bluefin missed their daisy chain.

The Rosguill has been normal fishing this week and won’t be Tuna fishing until the weekend.
No other boats are fishing for Tuna out of Downings.

Tuna everywhere
Posted 28/8/2001 3:27

The grounds off Downings are packed with Bluefin Tuna.
There are numerous sightings of Gannets working and Bluefin circling.

I personally have witnessed about 10 pods of Tuna over this past week.

How to get a bait into the frenzied pod without spooking them?

300+ Tuna landed
Posted 28/8/2001 3:24

A Tuna of 300 – 400 pounds was landed in Donegal Bay on Sunday 26 August.

500 pound Bluefin lost at boat
Posted 24/8/2001 16:53

Today(24 August) the Rosguill was working along with the “Cepheus” off Downings and witnessed around 30 Bluefins working and jumping around bait fish.
The Cepheus hooked up and lost a 500 pound fish at the side of the boat.

The Tuna was gut hooked and when the wireman put on the pressure the Tuna bit through the 300 pound leader.

100 Bluefins spotted
Posted 23/8/2001 15:19

Around 100 Bluefin Tuna were spotted today (23 August 2001) in the waters off Downings by the “Cepheus” – a sports fishing boat brought from the Canaries to catch Tuna.
The Rosguill is Tuna fishing the next 2 days and then ordinary bottom fishing for 1 week….

Tuna Sightings
Posted 21/8/2001 8:50

Single Tuna have been seen in the Donegal bay area since 10th August and the first Bluefin Tuna spotted off Downings was 19th August.

One skipper in the Donegal Bay area has put in over 20 days with no result. the Rosguill has put in 12 days to date, mostly at end July.

It appears that the Tuna are later this year than the past 2 years.

The large Trawlers are starting Scad fishing on 25 August and the Rod & line Charters are now going up 1 notch – catches are imminent.

Water Temperature
Posted 21/8/2001 8:4

Mid August and water temperature is now 59 and a half degrees

Albacore caught in Donegal
Posted 2/8/2001 17:46

2 small Tuna (presumed Albacore) were caught in a Salmon net in Lough Swilly on 28 July.
They were sold to a local restaurant and I have no positive identification. They were both around 4/5 pounds

No sign yet
Posted 2/8/2001 17:43

The Rosguill spent 5 days last week (end July) and had no sign of a Tuna.

Another charter boat fishing in south Donegal was also out for a few days and saw nothing either.
The water temperature has been slow to rise due to aseries of unseasonal northerly winds. However, this year, we are learning.

There have been a few Scad caught but no great numbers.

WATCH THIS SPACE

On their way
Posted 22/7/2001 6:1

An Irish longliner caught 4 Bluefin Tuna during the second week of July, 100 miles west of Galway.

Kitted up!
Posted 22/7/2001 5:59

The Rosguill is now fully kitted up for Bluefins.
Lees Classic 130 LB large fighting chair, 4 x 130 LB sets, outriggers, downrigger, squid bars, lures & all the bits are ready.
We are ready for the Tuna – are they ready for us?

Season almost here
Posted 9/7/2001 4:14

Water temperature is now at 57 degrees Fahenheit – last October 14th when the Bluefin was caught the temp was 55 degrees. Arrival appears imminent!!!

Massive Bluefins possible
Posted 29/6/2001 19:5

Spoke to a fish buyer from Donegal today and he told me that he shipped a Tuna last September which was landed by a supertrawler in Donegal and which weighted – dressed – 490 kilos.
This fish @ 1078 pounds dressed would have tipped the scales around 1437 pounds whole!!!

Fighting Chair
Posted 4/6/2001 19:11

Greg Beacher’s (author of “Fish the Chair if you Dare”) fighting chair is on it’s way from the States.
Greg died a few years ago from cancer and I’m sure he would approve of the new home for his favourite piece of equipment1

Equipment almost ready
Posted 29/4/2001 18:45

Outriggers have now been fitted to the “Rosguill” and a fighting chair has been sourced in the States. All the other gear is on board – and ready for action!