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Tips for the Coarse Angler
Access and Country Code
Irish waters are usually reached by passing through farmland and anglers are generally allowed this access by courtesy of local farmers on recognition of the Country Code. If in doubt please ask the farmer for permission to enter onto the land to fish the water.
Country Code
- Respect farmland and the rural environment.
- Do not interfere with livestock, crops, machinery or other property.
- Guard against all risks of fire, especially near forests and during dry spells.
- Leave all farm gates as you find them.
- Always keep children under close control and supervision.
- Avoid entering farmland containing livestock. Your presence can cause stress to the livestock & even endanger your own safety.
- Do not enter farmland if you have dogs with you, even if on a leash, unless with the permission of the landowner.
- Always use gates, stiles or other recognised access points and avoid damage to fences, hedges and walls.
- Take all litter home.
- Take special care on country roads.
- Avoid making unnecessary noise.
- Protect wildlife, plants and trees.
- Take heed of warning signs – they are there for your protection.
Climate & Weather Forecasts
Ireland has a temperate climate with rain falling throughout the year. As a rule of thumb, the further west one goes the wetter it gets. This rainfall can lead to flooding and anglers should pay close attention to local weather forecasts before heading out to fish. At all times the fishing will depend to some extent on prevailing weather, water levels, barometric pressure and temperature.
Weather Forecast Resources
Republic of Ireland
RTÉ Radio and Television, www.rte.ie
Met Eireann - The Irish
Meteorological Service www.met.ie
Met Eireann Weatherdial Service: (local
numbers, premium rates apply)
South West (Munster) 1550 123 850;
North (Ulster) 1550 123 853;
East and midlands (Leinster) 1550
123 851;
West and northwest (Connacht) 1550 123 852;
Dublin 1550 123 854.
Northern Ireland
BBC Radio & Television and UTV
television www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland and www.utvlive.com
The Met Office www.metoffice.gov.uk
Safety
Some Irish inland waters are very large and become dangerous in high winds; they may have reefs or rocky shoals, which can be hazardous even on a calm day. When intending to use a boat, anglers should notify someone about where they are fishing and what time they are due to return. Always check the weather before heading out as it can change rapidly. It is essential to be familiar with such waters and their hazards before going afloat unaided; a ghillie or guide should be hired for the first few days of the trip. A lifejacket must now be worn by every angler in the boat by law. Anglers should wear suitable protective waterproof clothing whether fishing from shore or boat. Suitable and appropriate footwear should be worn at all times. When fly fishing, the angler should wear a protective set of sunglasses as eye protection and a hat.
Irish Water Safety
Festivals
Coarse angling festivals are a major part of the coarse fishing scene in Ireland and many overseas anglers come annually to enjoy great fishing, compete for some fantastic prizes and enjoy the craic in the evenings! Some of the better known tournaments are the spring and autumn festivals on the River Shannon at Portumna, the Angling Classic on the Erne at Enniskillen, the British King of Clubs held on the Cavan Lakelands, the Dutch King of Clubs in Leitrim, the Arva, Belturbet and Cootehill Festivals in Cavan, the Monaghan Pairs, Inniscarra Festivals in Co. Cork and popular Prosperous and Edenderry Festivals on the Grand Canal in Counties Kildare and Offaly. Theses festivals usually run for around three days over the period of a week.
A full list of
festivals can be got from the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland (NCFFI):
Dave Egan,
264 Castletown, Leixlip,
Co. Kildare, Ireland.
Tel: + 353 (0)1 6242968 or + 353 (0)87 2690886 or
e-mail: daveegan@iol.ie
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