Irish Angling Update 🎣 27th March 2026

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March 27, 2026

March borrowed of April three days, they say. One rained, one snowed, and the other was the worst day that ever blowed…

As the rhyme suggests, the final days of March can bring all kinds of weather, and as we approach the end of the month, this week has seen wild winds, heavy downpours and even flurries of snow – with some fleeting moments of pleasant sunshine occasionally breaking through. The best of the action this week comes from saltwater, as some boats ventured back out, club anglers fished their usual competitions and one angler tackled an early-season specimen…

That angler was well-known West Cork guide David Norman, who dusted down his five-weight fly rod to trick a wary 55cm+ mullet on a bread fly – not an easy feat. David is running mullet workshops until the end of April, which are well worth signing up to, and he wins our Catch of the Week for this fine fish.

In East Cork, Jim Clohessy banished the winter blues to get a run out to the ling rocks and a few other marks. With water temperatures still down, it was just a case of dipping a toe back in the water, but there were still plenty of obliging fish and all sorts of other wildlife too, some less desirable than others. At the far end of the country, Killybegs Fishing Trips enjoyed calm seas, beautiful weather, and plenty of fish that kept anglers busy throughout their trip.

On the competition scene, the south east hosted a couple of clubs, as South Shore SAC fished Ennereilly in Wicklow, where a decisive last-cast double dog took the honours for Alby Allan. In Wexford, Menapia SAC fished at Ballyhack, a venue known for its variety of species, including flounder, dabs, and spring codling; it was a fine codling of 55 cm that took the longest fish prize.

Galway Bay SAC fished a competition at Renvyle, Connemara, for Leg 2 of their Master Angler competition. Conditions weren’t idyllic, but more had been caught on worse days, and five species were recorded on the night. The third match of the Ulster Krakens Master Angler Qualifying League took place on Saturday, 21st March, at Carnlough. With recent fixtures affected by conditions, anglers were relieved to find the venue fishable on arrival.

In coarse angling, the finale of the Ultimate Feeder League was fished on Lough Muckno, where there was a very exciting climax to the end of the league. The team event was won overall by CM Lakelands Green, while Charlie Richards took the individual honours. Fifteen senior anglers took to the Grand Canal to fish the sixth outing of the Leinster Qualifiers 2026; there was a good showing of small roach, perch, and hybrids there. At Oaklands Lake in Wexford, there was a runaway winner at the 9th round of the Ger Hennessy Winter League as Andrei Pirchio who came out on top, streets ahead of the chasing pack.

Only one pike report this week, as the Deel & Boyne Anglers Association got their 2026 season off to a flying start with the ever-popular Jack Shaw Perpetual Cup pike competition. A strong turnout of members took to the banks, with a welcome boost in participation from junior anglers, adding to the great atmosphere on the day.

Salmon fishing remains slow so far this season, and we have just one report in – from Vincent Appleby in Waterville, where ‘the Currane anglers were all quiet in all departments‘ once again as lines stayed slack.

And now the weather…

Mostly dry and clear on Friday night, but coastal showers in the west may turn wintry. Cold (0–4°C) with frost and icy patches possible. Bright with sunny spells and scattered showers on Saturday (some wintry in the northwest). Cool (7–10°C) with breezy winds. Cloud increasing from the west overnight; mostly dry at first, then rain/drizzle arriving by morning. Lows of 2–7°C. Wet and windy on Sunday with widespread rain, especially in the north and west. Some brighter spells later with temps of 10–13°C.

Don’t forget to double-check the forecast before heading off, and if you’re going to sea, check the tides.

Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.

IFI Staff
Catch, Photo, Release

If you have an angling story to share with the Irish Angling Update, please send it to [email protected].

All the angling news

Salmon Fishing Reports

All quiet in West Kerry as Currane still waits for an uptick in fortunes

Coarse Angling Reports

Pike Fishing Reports

Fine Catches at Deel & Boyne Anglers Opening Season Pike Event

Sea Angling Reports

Tim the top rod at Renvyle competition

By

IFI Staff

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March 25, 2026

Galway Bay SAC PRO Tom Keal reports on the club’s recent outing for a competition at Renvyle, Connemara for Leg 2 of their Master Angler competition.

On Saturday 21st February 8 of our anglers headed west to Renvyle, Connemara in hopes of a repeat of last years comp.

Conditions weren’t idyllic but more had been caught on worse days! A recent storm had cleared the seabed of weed which should have helped with the days fishing. Unfortunately that only caused more weed at the surface which created big problems for some of the anglers.

On average, the far end pegs had the best fishing with Danny Harty, Cian Deane, Stephen Quinn and Remigijus ZuKauskas all getting in on the action. Continuing with his recent form, Tim O’Sullivan had the fish on the feed and was untouchable for most of the comp. He was a lone wolf amongst the near end pegs.

Although the loose weed caused issues for some anglers, there was still a decent overall catch. 5 species were recorded on the night, dogs, conger, shore rockling, 3 bearded rockling and coalie.

Results

Senior

1st – Tim O’Sullivan – 22 fish (1069 points)

2nd – Cian Deane – 9 fish (450 points)

3rd – Stephen Quinn – 8 fish (400 points)

Junior

1st – Danny Harty – 7 Fish (350 points)

Tim O’Sullivan (left) receiving first prize from club chair Brian Reidy

Go Fishing

Galway Bay Sea Angling Club is a progressive club based in Galway, but fishing competitions along the west coast. New members are always welcome, and every level of experience is catered for, with social outings right up to competitions held throughout the year. If you’re looking to get into sea angling in the west, check them out here

Specimen mullet on fly for David Norman

By

Shane O'Reilly

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March 25, 2026

David Norman of Angling Adventures, West Cork, sent in this report on some of the fine mullet he has been catching:

Delighted to connect with some fine March Mullet up to and over the 55cm length specimen size on the 5wt fly rod here in beautiful West Cork, the bread fly working its magic on this occasion.

You hear the phrase “Down to the backing” a lot in fly fishing, but I’ve rarely experienced it here, especially when fishing at reasonably close range, but this fish took me well and truly into the backing. They really do have ferocious power and dogged staying resolve when in prime condition, especially when caught in well-oxygenated coastal waters…

I’m running my popular 1-2-1 Two Day Mullet Fly Workshops from now until the end of April. Drop me an email to arrange your dates – [email protected]

Contact me now to arrange your Guided Trip or Workshop – Mullet, Pollock, Bass, Wrasse, Fly or Lure, Kayak or Shore, plus Junior Coarse Fishing. [email protected]

Angling Adventures West Cork

Address Clonakilty Cork Ireland Mobile Phone: +353858492691 Email: [email protected] Website: anglingadventureswestcork.ie

More information

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Double dog on final cast wins South Shore SAC competition for Alby Allan

By

Shane O'Reilly

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March 25, 2026

This post was compiled from angling reports shared on the South Shore SAC Facebook Page:

A calm spring evening greeted members of South Shore SAC fishing the second leg of the Southshore 2026 Master Angler at Enereilly. Fourteen competitors faced a rising tide and a steady northerly run, with peg placement adding intrigue—most notably Paul Doyle landing a prime end peg.

Early catches were slow, with small whiting appearing before dogfish began to dominate. Regular 50-point dogfish kept anglers active, particularly in Zone B where a tight contest developed between several competitors. In Zone A, Chris Scanlon quickly set the pace and pulled clear of the field, reaching double figures well ahead of others.

As the match progressed, Zone A slowed slightly, but Chris held on comfortably to win the zone with 23 fish. Thomas Keogh secured second with a consistent performance, while Niall Carabini impressed with 17 fish from a difficult area.

Zone B went down to the wire, with Alby Allan landing a decisive double dog on his final cast to win both the zone and overall with 20 fish, narrowly beating Paul Doyle on 22 fish after a blank last cast. Gordy Hardman finished third.

Top pool fish included a 26cm dab (Chris Scanlon) and a 25cm whiting (Niall Carabini).

A full report and more photos can be viewed on the South Shore SAC Facebook page.

Go Fishing…

Sea Angling on the East Coast

Yuki Back takes the win in Ulster Krakens Master Angler Qualifier

By

Shane O'Reilly

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March 25, 2026

This post was compiled from angling reports shared on the Ulster Krakens Facebook page:

Match 3 of the Ulster Krakens Master Angler Qualifying League took place on Saturday, 21st March at Carnlough, just two weeks after the previous outing at Cushendun. With recent fixtures affected by conditions, anglers were relieved to find the venue fishable on arrival. Fourteen members took part, with the beach split into two zones of seven pegs.

Fishing ran from 18:00 to 23:00 under calm seas, though heavy mist later reduced visibility. Early action saw Yuki Back land a 28cm flounder in Zone A, while Ally Nicholl made a strong start in Zone B. As the match progressed, catches remained steady despite challenging conditions, with notable runs of fish from Marc Wilson, Neil Boon, and others. Yuki Back proved dominant in Zone A, pulling ahead with consistent catches, including multiple dogfish.

A total of 78 fish were landed, with species including flounder, whiting, codling, rockling, and dogfish.

Results:
Zone A: 1st Yuki Back (10 fish, 385 pts), 2nd David Rainey (7 fish, 176 pts), 3rd Bert Anderson (5 fish, 158 pts).
Zone B: 1st Ally Nicholl (9 fish, 248 pts), 2nd Marc Wilson (8 fish, 225 pts), 3rd Neil Boon (8 fish, 221 pts).

Yuki Back also secured the longest fish with a 28cm flounder.

Next up is Ballycastle in May.

A full report and more photos can be viewed on the Ulster Krakens Facebook page.

Go Fishing…

Sea Angling in Ireland

Killybegs Fishing Trips Enjoy a Great Day Back on the Water

By

IFI staff

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March 25, 2026

After a short break from the water, Killybegs Fishing Trips returned to Donegal Bay for an excellent day at sea. Calm seas, beautiful weather, and plenty of fish kept anglers busy throughout the trip. Pollack and other species were biting well, providing plenty of action for everyone on board.

With ideal conditions and lots of craic among the group, it was a memorable and highly successful day back on the water.

Go Fishing…

Fiona Tee

Address: Moneygold, Grange, Co. Sligo.
Telephone: +353 (0)87 6224348
Email: [email protected]

Web: https://www.killybegsfishingcharters.ie/

Jerry Carbery wins in Wexford at Menapia SAC competition

By

Shane O'Reilly

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March 25, 2026

This post was compiled from angling reports shared on the Menapia SAC Facebook page:

The Rope in Ballyhack was the venue for Menapia SAC’s second competition of the year, a mixed ground venue known for its variety of species, including flounder, dabs, and spring codling.

Fishing was steady over the four hours, with all anglers landing double-figure catches despite smaller overall bags than in previous years. A few treble shots proved decisive in a close contest.

At the finish, just one point separated the top two. Jerry Carbery took first place with 16 fish for 409 points, narrowly ahead of Joe Carey on 16 fish for 408 points. Joey Brady finished third with 14 fish for 378 points.

Brendan Wall claimed the longest fish with a 55cm codling. Species caught included dabs, flounder (to 37cm), codling, whiting, and rockling.

A full report and more photos can be viewed on the Menapia SAC Facebook page

Go Fishing…

Sea Angling on the East Coast

Leinster Coarse Anglers get plenty of small stuff on the Grand Canal

By

Shane O'Reilly

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March 25, 2026

This post was compiled from angling reports shared on the Leinster Coarse Fishing Federation Facebook page:

Sunday marked the sixth outing of the Leinster Coarse Fishing Federation for the Leinster Qualifiers 2026. Fifteen senior anglers took to the Grand Canal, where there was a good showing of small roach, perch, and hybrid fish.

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The seventh outing is scheduled for April 5th, with further details to be shared closer to the date.

A run out at last! Clohessy & Co back on the water in Cork

By

Paul O'Reilly

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March 25, 2026

This great report from Jim Clohessy of Topfisher.eu who finally made it out on Sunday:

Hallelujah, a run-out at last!

Yesterday’s forecast was well signposted. As it was, I was just about semi-prepared for a run. I decided to make SKUA “passable” for a trip but not deep-cleaned for the season. So a decent spray of hypochlorite inside followed by a quick wash had her in shipshape. Emmet and myself headed for Paddy’s Point. It was -1°C in Glanmire when we were leaving, but the sun was up and the temperature was rising.

We were soon on our way. Our plan? We haven’t been out in so long we decided to have a sniff around some offshore reefs to see what we could eke out on lures. We did bring a bait rod in case we saw signs of mackerel or herring.

Conditions were lovely and only forecast to improve as the day went on. We cruised at a handy 24 knots at 4,500 revs. It’s comfortable steaming, and you’d gobble up the miles to the first mark. We could see that we were going to be in for a tricky time – the water still has that milky tinge that you see in winter after prolonged rough periods. We were also looking at a 4.1m tide, and tide has a big effect on the first area we would fish. It showed as we caught very little.

There was a little bit of heat in the sunshine on what was a hazy day.

We decided to move back east and fish the ling rocks and maybe gain some clearer water and less tide. We hit fish on our first drop here. We moved further up the reef, and it was clear that the local population of seals were just delighted to see us! Basically you’d get about 10-15 mins of peace before the seals would arrive and steal your fish and probably your lure. Pain in the backside, this craic!

We moved about from area to area in super conditions. And we actually tried a few drifts with bait that yielded only dogs and poor cod. So, our catch of the day was largely pollack. Not a sniff of a cod (we don’t mention them much these days). We fished lures only on the reefs. I was on Black Minnows and Crazy Paddletails for the most part. Emmet was doing well on Biscay Minnows and M Shad copies. 60g was good enough for the most part.

Emmett with what was the typical stamp of pollack.

There was incredible life about today. An amazing array of sea life around. Whales and dolphins and birds on the hunt all over the place. We even had a chiffchaff on its way from Africa land on Emmet’s rod for a breather!

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All told it was a good ‘proving’ run. All gear worked well. The Suzuki was humming, and the new trailer was impeccable. It was a good run – for March.

You must remember, marine winter is only just about coming to an end. The water temperature is low, and looking at the forecast – we’re not clear yet!

Ger Hennessy Winter League at Oaklands

By

Paul O'Reilly

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March 25, 2026

There was a runaway winner at the 9th round of the Ger Hennessy Winter League held at Oaklands Lake on Sunday, March 22nd. It was Andrei Pirchio who came out on top, streets ahead of the chasing pack, bagging 63.800 kg from peg 26.

The junior winner was Finn McCarthy, netting 28.870 kg. Well done to him.

The final round will be held on April 5th.

Results