Home Tips for the Coarse Angler

    Tips for the Coarse Angler

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    bream
    Phil Gimbert showing prebaiting pays

     

    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.

    Photo: A fine Irish bream.

    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.

    Logo: Irish Water SafetyIrish Water Safety

    Angling associations

    National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland, NCFFI

    The National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland is the management body for coarse and predator anglers in the North and south of Ireland whether as a member club of individual angler.  The federation is responsible for a wide range of angling matters relating to coarse fishing in Ireland with particular focus on introducing the young and old alike to coarse angling, improving facilities, coaching & development, and protecting our fish stocks; involving everyone regardless of background, gender, religion, age or angling ability. As the nominated coarse angling association by the International Angling Confederation CIPS and the Fresh Water Sport Fishing Federation FIPS-ed the NCFFI manage International and European junior and senior teams who represent Ireland overseas and in turn host world championships in Ireland.

    Website: www.ncffi.ie
    Twitter: @ncffi
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/coarseangling
    Contact: pro@ncffi