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Irish Angling Update 🎣 05 December 2025

By
IFI staff
-

T

he past week in Ireland brought a mix of blustery winds, passing showers, and brief calmer spells, giving coarse and pike anglers plenty of changing conditions to work with. Cooler temperatures and shifting pressure made freshwater fishing a bit unpredictable, though pike showed decent activity during short pressure lifts. Sea anglers were also impacted by the unsettled weather, with shore fishing often hindered by strong tides and weedy conditions.

Starting with pike fishing, Guided Predator Angling, based in Enniskillen, reported good results over the past few days, with several clients landing quality fish despite challenging conditions. Meanwhile, Bodo Funke of Angling Services Ireland sent an update on the late-autumn pike fishing in the Boyle area, where longtime client Michael from Germany enjoyed an excellent three-day trip, catching several good pike – including a fine Esox lucius measuring 107 cm, which earns our Catch of the Week.

Fine 107cm autumn pike for Michael

Elsewhere in pike fishing, the Dromod/Rooskey Pike Angling Club will host its Darragh Healy Cup Open Boat Competition this weekend, while IFPAC has announced the return of its Boat Competition next February, building on the success of last year’s event.

Over to coarse angling, where several competitions took place over the past week – often in cold, testing conditions. Munster Coarse Anglers braved biting winds and flooded fields to fish the fourth round of their winter series on the Lower Shannon. Enfield Coarse Anglers also endured a tough day during the fifth and final round of the Royal Enfield Winter League, held last Sunday in freezing conditions along the Royal Canal. Cavan CAC faced similarly challenging weather during their fourth league match of 2025/26 on a Leitrim lake last weekend. So all in all, it was a demanding week for coarse anglers across the board.

Roach on the float
Roach on the float

In his latest River Whispers piece, Dan O’Neill of Trout Fishing Ireland also touches on coarse angling. With rivers now in flood and visibility low, Dan has turned to canal fishing, focusing on quiet margin tactics, light floats, and natural baits such as worms. This week, however, he guided Russ, an experienced saltwater fly angler from the US, at Southern County Fishing Resort, where they enjoyed excellent rainbow trout sport using sink-tip lines.

It was also a rather quiet week on the sea angling front, and as a result we received only a handful of reports from competitions fished around the coast. Up north, Killybegs Mariners held outing number nine of their popular winter league at Mullaghmore Beach in generally calm conditions. Further along the Antrim Coast, the Ulster Krakens Open Competition took place at Waterfoot, where some decent flatfish were landed despite tricky conditions. On the east coast, the final day of the 2025 Leinster League was fished at Kilcoole. Although the day began in bright, calm weather, the fishing proved slow, affected by strong tides and weed. Finally, Ardmore AC hosted their first-ever John Cronin Memorial Competition on Ballyquinn Beach, Co. Waterford. Despite a quiet start, anglers caught some fine ray, bullhuss, and whiting, making for an enjoyable event overall.

Nice east coast flounder

Finally, we would like to draw your attention to a brand-new book on sea trout by retired fishery scientist and angler Dr. Paddy Gargan. At 368 pages, The Connemara Sea-Trout Fisheries offers a comprehensive and engaging history of these iconic fisheries, richly illustrated with atmospheric photographs, detailed maps, and informative diagrams.

Other news

Salmon Regulations 2026

The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has opened a public consultation on the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2025 and Conservation Measures for 2026. Details of the proposed regulations and information on how to make a submission are available here: Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Regs and Conservation Measures for the 2026 Season announced. The closing date for submissions is 5.30pm on 20 December 2025.

 

And now the weather

The coming days will be changeable, with a mix of rain, showers, and occasional dry spells. Temperatures will turn milder, ranging from 5–13 °C. Friday night and Saturday will see scattered showers, easing into sunnier spells by Saturday afternoon, though winds will be fresh to strong at times. Rain spreads again Saturday night into Sunday, clearing northeastwards by midday for a drier, sunnier afternoon. Monday starts mostly dry with some sun before cloud and rain move in later. Overall, unsettled conditions with blustery winds and further rain are expected through the week.

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]. 

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      Christmas Gift Ideas – New Book on Connemara Sea Trout

      By
      Kevin Crowley
      -

      Every year around this time we share a few Christmas gift ideas – for those looking for a little stocking filler for the angler in their life. Well if the angler in your life enjoys flyfishing for salmon, sea trout or brown trout, they might love this brand new book by retired fishery scientist and angler Dr. Paddy Gargan. ‘The Connemara Sea Trout Fisheries‘ was launched this week at Lough Inagh Lodge, and has been warmly received.

      At 368 pages, this is a work of enormous hard work and meticulous research. A comprehensive and entertaining history of the Connemara sea-trout fisheries, beautifully illustrated with atmospheric photographs, detailed maps and diagrams. In Part One there are instructive introductions to the fisheries where sea-trout can be found to this day and in-depth histories of the loughs, rivers and characters that make up those renowned fisheries. Part Two of the book describes recommended flies for sea-trout in the Connemara fisheries, and insights into which flies fish best on individual waters and in various weather conditions; an introduction to the biology of sea-trout, and the impact of sea-lice from commercial fish farming; and a list of the largest sea-trout caught in Connemara.

      I received a signed copy from the author and having had a quick flick through, I can say it is a wonderfully illustrated book, with beautiful photos by Jaques Piraprez (and many others) and wonderful maps by Padraig Costello and Bryan Kennedy, as well as expertly-tied flies by Declan Tuffy and photographed by Peter Gathercole. I cannot wait to get a couple of hours away from the kids and sit down to enjoy it more thoroughly.

      Where To Buy

      The Connemara Sea Trout Fisheries is published by Coch-y-Bonddu Books, and available from their website here, or on Amazon here. The first print run is just 500 copies, so get yours now before they’re gone! I believe there may also be a few copies available from Freeneys tackle shop in Shop Street, Galway. (Freeneys is also one of Galway’s best pubs with a large whiskey selection, and I can’t think of anywhere better to sit and enjoy a read of this great book with a nice dram).

      Killybegs Mariners winter league action at Mullaghmore

      By
      IFI staff
      -
      Mullaghmore beach
      Mullaghmore beach

      Killybegs Mariners report from their latest winter league outing fished at Mullaghmore…

      Mariners league outing number 9 took place under calm conditions on Mullaghmore with a sharp cold breeze to start the night that faded away into more pleasurable weather as the night went on.

      Plenty of fish from the off as the rod tip was nodding almost as soon as baits hit the water, but the problem was most were under our 20cm minimum size limit so that anglers use bigger baits and hooks to stop the targeting of small fish and deep hooking. Plenty of small whiting for everyone and dabs, trout and coleys for the lucky few boosting their species count.

      The end pegs further over had most of the counting size fish with flounders to 28cm for Chris but the winning longest flattie prize was won by Daragh McGuinness with a 21cm flounder. In 2nd overall with 3 counting flounder, dab, coley and whiting and 179 pts was Pat Cunningham. And in 1st place with 4 counting flounder along with dab, coley and whiting for 197pts well done Chris Whyte who leads the league overall with 3 left to fish. Well done to all the winners and everyone out taking part.

      The next Mariners league outing (number 10 of 12) will take place this Saturday December 6th as a daylight outing on Silver Strand

      Guided Predator Angling delivers big pike in tough conditions

      By
      IFI staff
      -

      Guided Predator Angling, based in Enniskillen, reported some strong results over the past few days, with several clients landing quality pike despite challenging conditions. On one particularly tough session, there were only three runs—yet all three produced fish. The highlight came in the final 30 minutes, when the best pike of the outing finally took the bait and lifted spirits all around.

      The team noted that the wildly changing weather hasn’t made things easy, with a mix of snow, rain, frost, brief warm spells, and more rain and frost cycling through. A bit of settled winter weather would go a long way, but even in these unsettled conditions, the fishing continues to deliver.

      Go Fishing

      Location: Enniskillen, NI
      Phone: +44 7756 222271
      Email: [email protected]

       

      Big November pike for Michael with Angling Services Ireland

      By
      IFI staff
      -
      Fine 107cm autumn pike for Michael

      Bodo Funke of Angling Services Ireland reports…

      Michael from Germany, one of our most frequent and loyal guests, returned for a quick November trip. Despite generally challenging late-autumn conditions, the fishing did not disappoint. His impressive 107 cm pike came late in the day, but it certainly made the session and put a perfect finishing touch on the outing. The fish smashed his Westin Swim lure, which proved to be a solid choice throughout the trip. Over the course of his three days with us, Michael landed several more quality pike, making it another memorable visit.

      Go Fishing

      Bodo Funke, Angling Services, Ireland

      Pike, Game and Coarse fishing Guide

      Notes: Angling Services Ireland are based in Boyle, Co. Roscommon, in the North-West of Ireland, an area with many superb angling opportunities.

      The Proprietor Bodo Funke holds the Marine and Countryside Guiding Certificate (achieved with distinction) and his expertise and local knowledge will be to your avail when you go on a guided angling trip or angling holiday with Angling Services Ireland. Pike fishing, Fly-fishing for Pike, Game fishing for wild Brown Trout, Float- tubing, Coarse fishing. Salmon fishing and Sea-angling can be organised.

      Address: Angling Services Ireland, 3 Canal View, Deerpark, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
      Telephone/Fax::+353 71 9663580 or +353 86 6011878

      Email: [email protected]

      Website: www.anglingservicesireland.com

       

       

      Coarse fishing tough on Leitrim lakes

      By
      Paul O'Reilly
      -

      Cavan CAC held their fourth league match of 25/26 on a Leitrim lake last weekend. Ten anglers fished, but weights were not great due to horrendous weather – but at least there were no blanks! Anthony Sparrow landed the golden peg, but unfortunately for him, he tied for 1st with Colin Moffitt. That’s the last match for 2025 for the Cavan club; they will resume in February, although there might be a Christmas match before the end of the year if there are enough willing participants.

      • 1st Anthony Sparrow/Colin Moffitt
      • Section A Gary Rogers
      • Section B Lee Symonds
      Also in Leitrim were the CM Lakelands Club, who held an open feeder match on Houghtons shore, Lough Garadice, on Sunday. Fourteen anglers fished in cold conditions, and only a decent haul of skimmers got into the top 4. Mariusz Kilian won the match from peg 60, catching some nice skimmers and hybrids at distance to weigh 5.800 kg. 2nd overall was Nytro Angler Richard Pratt, who had a mixed bag of skimmers and roach fishing at distance to weigh 4.600 kg from peg 47. 3rd overall was Andy Butterfield, who caught some nice-sized skimmers to weigh 4.150 kg from peg 53. Irish Feeder boss Brenton Sweeney made up the top 4 with a weight of 3.900 kg of skimmers, roach and perch to get in the main frame.

      SECTION WINNERS

      • 46 to 55 Damien Folytn 2.925kg
      • 56 to 65 Kevin Norcliffe 2.775kg

      Coarse angling around Leitrim

       

      Dromod/Rooskey Pike Angling Club Open Boat Comp this Weekend

      By
      Shane O'Reilly
      -

      The Dromod/Rooskey Pike Angling Club will be hosting their Darragh Healy Cup Open Boat Competition this weekend. Details of the competition are given below:

      IFPAC announces date & venue for 2026 Boat Competition

      By
      Shane O'Reilly
      -

      IFPAC has announced the return of its Boat Competition this February, building on the success of last year’s event. The upcoming competition is expected to be even stronger, featuring improved organisation, an excellent venue and the same enjoyable atmosphere that made the previous outing so popular. Anglers of all experience levels are invited to take part, test their skills and enjoy a friendly, competitive day on the water with pike anglers from across the country.

      Full event details — including date, venue and entry information — are provided on the official poster. Participants will meet afterwards in Murtagh’s Pub in Aughnacliffe.

      Eric Gasparro wins Leinster League at Kilcoole

      By
      Shane O'Reilly
      -

      Report below is summarised from the South Shore SAC Facebook Page:

      The final day of the 2025 Leinster League, fished at Kilcoole, opened in bright, calm conditions, with several anglers—Wayne Hamilton, Paul Tyndall, Anto Scanlon, Eric Gasparro and Ciaran Fogarty—still in contention. The junior title race between Phillip Kennedy Ryan and Luke Kinsella was also extremely close. Spirits were high among the 40 competitors at check-in, where Ciaran Fogarty drew the coveted Peg 40.

      Fishing began at 1 p.m., but despite the clear sea, anglers faced a strong tide run and heavy grassy weed. Early catches included flats for Ryan Blair and Eric Gasparro, while in Zone B, Ciaran was rumoured to be finding valuable dogfish. Weed caused major issues, even dragging one of Eamonn Bermingham’s rods into the surf—requiring a successful but soaking retrieval.

      Fishing remained slow overall. In Zone A, Ryan Blair’s late surge, including a dogfish, secured him the zone win with six fish, followed by Eric Gasparro and James Ryan. In Zone B, Ciaran Fogarty dominated with 11 fish, including several dogs and a standout 35 cm flounder, giving him both the zone and overall win. Alan Mulcahy also had 11 fish for second, with Eamonn taking third.

      Junior angler Phillip Kennedy Ryan produced a superb eight-fish performance that would have won an adult zone. Luke and Sean Kinsella also fished strongly. Pool winners included James Ryan (36 cm bass), Stephen Byrne (33 cm flounder), Alan Mulcahy (42 cm coalie) and Ciaran (35 cm flounder).

      Once tallied, Eric Gasparro was crowned the 2025 Leinster League champion after an impressively consistent season. Phillip Kennedy Ryan claimed the Junior League title by a narrow margin ahead of Luke Kinsella.

      The Leinster Shore and Southshore SAC Committees thanked all anglers for their support throughout the year, noting over 100 participants across events. Dates for the 2026 Leinster League will be announced soon, with more sponsored events and increased prize money planned.

      Sam Stirling wins Ulster Krakens Open Competition at Waterfoot

      By
      Shane O'Reilly
      -

      Report below summarised from the Ulster Krakens Facebook Page:

      On Saturday, 29 November, the Ulster Krakens Open Competition returned to Waterfoot. Reports from the previous two weeks had been poor, with storms leaving the beach heavily covered in weed. Committee members monitored conditions closely, and a local angler provided updates throughout the week. After inspecting the venue early on the day, the committee confirmed that although part of the beach remained full of weed, the opposite end offered clear and fishable water.

      The peg draw began at 1 p.m. in the Mariners Bar, where anglers gathered for some banter before heading to their positions. Fishing commenced at 3 p.m., and early action was slow, with few flatfish being landed. As darkness fell, attention shifted to round fish, and seven bass were caught across the beach. Junior angler Layton Finlay landed the biggest at 37 cm, while Paddy O’Boyle earned the title of “bass bandit” with four bass.

      Sam Nicholl remained on the end peg after peg 1 went unused, and Sammy on the opposite end peg delivered a strong performance, including a 39 cm coalie. On peg 17, Raymond McCann landed a notable 35 cm flounder. With little information circulating among competitors, results remained uncertain until lines were lifted at 8 p.m. and scorecards were tallied back at the Mariners Bar.

      The organisers expressed their thanks to all participants and to Josie McLaughlin of Causeway Bait and Tackle for generously sponsoring prizes.

      Overall Results
      • 1st – Sam Stirling: 29 fish, 714 points
      • 2nd – Ally Nicholl: 28 fish, 657 points
      • 3rd – Craig Henderson: 27 fish, 630 points

      Junior Section
      • 1st Overall: Layton Finlay – 5 fish

      Prize Winners
      • Longest Round: Sam Sterling – 39 cm coalie
      • Longest Flat: Raymond “Fish Whisperer” McCann – 35 cm flounder

      Species caught included flounder, turbot, dab, coalie, rockling, pollock, codling, whiting, bass, and dogfish.

      The organisers offered congratulations to Sam Stirling on a well-deserved win and expressed hope to welcome everyone back next year.

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