Inshore fishing in Ireland

You don’t have to go offshore to bring home fresh fish! In Ireland, you can fish from the shore and reel in some great catches! All you have to do is set up on a jetty, beach or large rocks and cast your line: with their prolific waters, the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea could well spoil you!

Regulations

The first piece of good news is that, unlike lake fishing, inshore sea fishing is totally free. You don’t need a fishing license: as long as you’re equipped with a proper fishing rod, you’re in business!

It should be noted that a simple right of inspection may be granted on the quantity of fish caught, but controls remain rare. You can catch as many fish as you like, but keep it reasonable:

avoid overfishing,
return undersized fish to the sea
do not resell your catch.

That’s about it! Here, inshore fishing is free, and it’s up to you to make the most of it!

What fish can you find in Ireland when fishing close to shore?

Surprisingly generous water

Seaside fishing in Ireland offers an experience like no other. Not for its species (which you’ll find all over the place in neighbouring countries), but because Irish waters are extremely rich in fish!

Because here in Ireland, the waters are of a rare quality: fish are more abundant than anywhere else! This will increase your chances of catching some great species!

Among the most common fish are sea bass, pollack, mullet, dogfish, mackerel, skate and much more! Enough to make you want to draw your fishing rod and try your luck… Who knows… there’s sure to be fish in your next meal!

Basic equipment for inshore fishing in Ireland

There’s no need to pack too much for inshore fishing in Ireland. However, you’ll need a minimum of equipment to increase your chances of catching it.

Rods and reels: Choose rods and reels suited to the type of fishing you intend to do. Fly rods or spinning rods are popular for shore fishing.
Lures, Flies and Baits: Make sure you have a wide range of lures, flies and baits adapted to local species. Weather conditions in Ireland can be changeable, so have different options at hand.
Bucket or cooler: It’s essential to bring along a receptacle for your future fish. A bucket can do the trick, but a cooler is even better for keeping your catch cool.
Knife: A good fisherman is nothing without a good knife! Practical, it can be used to cut the line of your fishing rod if it becomes tangled, to free a fish from your hook, or to mark your catch if you wish.
Appropriate clothing: Weather conditions can vary, so bring appropriate clothing. A raincoat, heavy Irish sweater and boots are often recommended. Don’t forget to dress accordingly to enjoy the moment!

The necessary equipment can be rented from local tackle stores. The prizes are great, and you’ll leave with lots of advice on how to use your fishing rods and where best to try your luck!

Where to go shore fishing in Ireland?

Beaches, jetties… take your pick!

As an island, Ireland is ideal for fishing close to shore! In fact, there are as many spots as there are anglers!

Inshore fishing is generally practiced along Irish beaches… But be careful! Every beach has its own species of fish! So choose your fishing spot carefully. Don’t hesitate to ask the locals for advice: they’ll be able to tell you whether the beach in question is more frequented by sea bass than mackerel, for example!

However, if you don’t have a boat, here’s an overview of Ireland’s best fishing spots:

Dingle Peninsula: Located in the far south-west of Ireland, the Dingle Peninsula offers spectacular scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way. You’ll find a wide variety of species, including sea bass, blue shark and several types of ray.
Galway Bay: Galway Bay offers a vast playground for Atlantic fishing enthusiasts.
Benone beach: In County Londonderry, Benone beach is renowned for its abundance of flounder. It’s an excellent place for inshore fishing.
Portaferry: In County Down, Portaferry is ideal for fishing for dogfish, mackerel and pollack.

Note that there are many other places, in addition to those mentioned: fishermen all have their secret spots, and often all you have to do is wander around and choose the place that appeals to you most!

Above all, take your time and enjoy the surroundings: fishing is more than just casting a line. It’s all about soaking up the charm of the Irish countryside, breathing in the sea air and enjoying the lush green landscapes that plunge into the sea. It’s a unique experience!

To sum up, Ireland is full of wonderful seaside fishing spots. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, these destinations have something for everyone.