Wreck Fishing
Useful information
Wreck fishing in deep water marks can be very productive. There are many charted wrecks off the Irish coast, some lying in water over 50 fathoms deep. Many more wait to be discovered and the angler who is in a boat fishing such a wreck for the first time can experience unforgettable sport. It may take an hour to reach these marks, but the time is worth it because of the size of the conger, ling, pollack and coalfish which are boated from them. Other species such as turbot and megrim can also be caught. Anglers who specialise in this fishing use rods in the 20/30lb class and reel lines of 30lbs test, and such gear may be hired from charter skippers. A list of all registered and insured deep sea fishing, angling charter boats in Ireland is kept here.
Deep Sea Angling
Irish deep-sea fishing is associated with charter boats and is a very sociable form of angling. Traditionally, these craft headed to deep water marks from centres which became famous and still provide superb fishing Westport, Fenit and Kinsale. Nowadays, charter boats can be hired from a greater number of centres and they fish for such species as blue shark off the south and west coast, for big conger, ling and cod from sunken wrecks, and for tope and flatfish over sandy ground. Charter boat fishing is lively and interesting even before a line is cast; the skipper will assemble a group of anglers who may or may not know each other at the beginning of the day, but who will surely be well acquainted by the end of it, especially if they have had sport with a big shark or skate. Usually tackle may be hired, so all the angler needs is a good set of waterproofs and a sense of adventure. The skippers have well equipped speedy craft and modern navigational aids but for most, who have come from several generations of fishermen, their knowledge of the sea is as instinctive as breathing. A lot of local lore is passed on during the day and even more in the evening when the boat is tied up and the catch distributed and the scene shifts to a waterfront pub.
Directory of registered and insured deep sea fishing, angling charter boats in Ireland.