Sea Angling
The wild, unspoiled Western Region of Ireland extends from Pigeon Point near Westport, Co. Mayo, to Hags Head in Co. Clare.
An area of exceptional beauty, Ireland western coastline is populated with as many islands as people. The diverse nature of the coastline provides the perfect habitat for a wide range of marine species. The warming influence of the North Atlantic Drift encourages fish of the southern climes to migrate along the coast in summer including a large number of blue shark.
The Western Regional Fisheries has published a "Sea Angling Guide" to the Western Region. This guide can be ordered directed from The Fisheries Board or can be purchased at many tackle shops in the region (price 2.50 euros, plus post & package). Alternatively a text only version of the guide can be accessed by clicking here.
Deep sea angling centres are locates along the coast. Skate over 100 lbs are caught in Clew Bay. Reef fishing gives up pollock, ling, cod, coalfish gurnard, white turbot, megrim, dabs, ray, and dogfish are caught in specific areas.
Mackerel are abundant throughout the summer. Tope are caught in a number of areas but Clew Bay and Galway Bay are noted for this species.
Shore and beach fishing along the western coast give up a wide range of marine fish including ray, plaice, dogfish, flounder, turbot, bull huss, mackerel, conger, wrasse, coalfish, mullet, and the occasional bass.
A fleet of purpose built licensed and approved sea angling boats are located at harbours along the coast. Anglers when commencing their charter trip should ask to see the relevant documentation from the 'Department of Marine and Natural Resources' which should be prominently displayed.
These boats are operated by experienced skippers and can cater for up to 12 anglers. Angling equipment can usually be hired on board. Most boats are up to 15 meters long and come well equipped with modern fish finding equipment.
In several places around the coast there are sea angling poster charts listing the different species of fish found in the areas numbered on the charts. The shore angling "hot spots" are also shown on the charts.
