The 3,000 mile shoreline of Ireland is probably more varied that that found in any other European country. It ranges from the steep to shingle beaches in the east, though the quiet backwaters, lazy estuaries, quaint harbours of the south to the massive cliff faces and roaring storm beaches of the west and north west.

The diverse coastline and the geographical position of the island on the Continental Shelf, washed by the warming influence of the North Atlantic Drift, an offshoot of the Gulf Stream, encourages a wide range of marine life and virtually every species known to exist in European waters has been captured at one time or other on rod and line.

Boat and shore angling tackle, baits and techniques are identical to those employed throughout the rest of Europe but the chances of an angler tangling with an unusual or rare fish are much greater, so the visitor must come prepared for everything from a pouting to a porbeagle! Today a fine fleet of purpose-built fast angling boats is available at numerous well organised centres around the coast.

Much of Ireland's sea angling reputation is based on charter boat fishing results. Increasingly however, small boat fishing and shore angling are attracting a growing number of visitors. Shore match fishing is also on the increase and although in the past somewhat restricted to eastern seaboards, it is now spreading to the south and west coasts.

On the east coast fishing is available for much of the year and although the water of the Irish Sea is lower in salinity than the waters of the other coasts, a wide range of species with a high tolerance for this environment is available to both boat and shore enthusiasts. Most of the flat fish are present with plaice, dabs and flounder common. Mullet are to be found in most harbours in summer and codling are widespread in the winter months. Codling, bass, ray, dogfish, whiting, smooth hound and tope are also widely distributed.

All south coast venues offer shark angling between June and October, while general reef and ground fishing are of an extremely high quality. Wreck angling in particular is growing very quickly in popularity. Species available include cod, ling, pollack, coalfish, conger, ray, skate, turbot and dogfish from boats, while shore anglers will find bass, ray, flounder, sole, conger, wrasse and dogfish, from a wide range of coastal stations including estuaries, beaches, piers and rocks.

The clean, clear water and diverse nature of the west coast offers boat and shore anglers a wide range of venues and species. Blue shark fishing has become extremely popular in deep waters as has shallow water fishing for tope, skate, ray and monkfish. This is the area where unusual species can be expected and in recent years anglers have taken trigger fish, red mullet, red bream, sunfish and amberjack, to name but a few.

Much of the shore angling reputation of the west coast was built on the almost legendary surf fishing for bass in Co. Kerry. Even though this species has declined, there is much more on offer including superb rock fishing for wrasse, pollack, conger and beach for ray, flatfish and dogfish.

Bait is obtainable from most tackle shops but crab, lugworm, ragworm, sandeel and mussel are freely available and can be collected adjacent to most angling centres. Mackerel can be taken from both boat and shore in summer while squid is now available at the majority of fishmongers. Some of the most successful artificial lure are Haikai feathers, German spratt, redgills and flatfish spoons. Most tackle shops carry a supply of these. Whatever your sea angling interest, you can be sure that Ireland can cater for all your demands.

CONSERVATION

In Ireland, as elsewhere on this planet, conservation is necessary to ensure the variety of fish in our waters. Anglers are asked to keep this in mind while still making the most of the good sport on offer. In sea angling most cartilagenous sport fishes are tagged and returned alive by charter skippers. Boat and shore competitions organised under the aegis of the I.F.S.A. are also fish on a conservation basis.

METHOD