The Irish coastline, over 3000 miles long, is washed by some of the cleanest and clearest seas in Europe. It is also one of the most varied, with dramatic cliffs such as those in Donegal, Mayo and Clare; many miles of wide strands with their arresting contrast of blue sea, white surf and pale sands; and stretches of rugged rocky coastline and quiet estuaries. This variety offers unlimited opportunities to the sea angler, who can find somewhere to fish almost all the year round. Ireland's climate may give mixed summer weather of sun and rain, but because its seas, especially on the south and western margins, benefit from the warming influence of the North Atlantic Drift they can be fished from spring to late autumn for species found elsewhere only in the summer months.

For this reason unusual warm-water species often turn up in catches here, fish such as trigger fish, red mullet, red bream, sunfish and amberjack. But Ireland's shores are near the divide between cooler north Atlantic waters and the southern influence and they accommodate many cold water species also. In all, over 100 species can be caught from Ireland's seas. And this fishing is as easily accessible to the angler who seeks solitude and peace in one of the least populated countries of Europe as it is to the fisherman who wants to enjoy sport in the company of other anglers.

Irish deep-sea fishing is associated with charter boats and a very sociable form of angling. Traditionally , these craft headed to deep water marks from centres which became famous and still provide superb fishing - Westport, Fenit and Kinsale. Nowadays, charter boats can be hired from a greater number of centres and they fish for such species as blue shark off the south and west coast, for big conger, ling and cod from marked wrecks, and for tope and flatfish over sandy ground.

Wreck fishing in deep water marks can be very productive. There are many marked wrecks off the Irish coat, some lying in water over 50 fathoms deep. Many more wait to be discovered and the angler who is in a boat fishing such a wreck for the first time can experience unforgettable sport. It may take an hour to reach these marks, but the time is worth it because of the size of the conger, ling, pollock and coalfish which are boated from them. Other species such as turbot and megrim can also be caught. Anglers who specialise in this fishing use rods in the 20/30lb class and reel lines of 30lbs test, and such gear may be hired from charter skippers.

For a list of Sea Fishing Boat Operators go HERE.

Inland Fishing

Inshore fishing both fly, river and from small boats, especially during the months from May to September, is a growing trend. There is no better means of appreciating the intimate connection between the life of Irish coastal communities and the sea, than to fish from a small boat equivalent in size to the craft that almost all Irish fishermen used until recent times. Many visiting anglers bring their own purpose-built 14 - 18 foot boats to a growing number of centres where guidance on where to go, and on safety issues is available.

Irish shore angling is among the best in Europe. Almost every type of shore fishing may be done, for a very wide range of species, throughout the year.