Bass Angling in Ireland and Gives a Summary Summary a Gives and Ireland in Angling Bass to Introduction Basic a Provides Guide This

Home , Hook Peninsula, Mullet Peninsula, Rock fishing, Surf fishing

# CPRSavesfish

This brochure can be made available in alternate formats upon request. upon formats alternate in available made be can brochure This

and Government of Ireland copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland. Survey Ordnance © copyright. Ireland of Government and

Permit No. MP 007508. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland Ireland Survey Ordnance infringes reproduction Unauthorised 007508. MP No. Permit

The document includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi Copyright Copyright OSi under reproduced data Ireland Survey Ordnance includes document The

Photos courtesy of: IFI, Shane O’Reilly, Christin Breuker, Markus Müller & James Barry. James & Müller Markus Breuker, Christin O’Reilly, Shane IFI, of: courtesy Photos

Acknowledgements

check with the establishment or operator concerned as to the level of cover carried. cover of level the to as concerned operator or establishment the with check

While many operators would have public liability insurance it is always advisable to to advisable always is it insurance liability public have would operators many While

and involve risk. It is recommended in such cases to take out personal accident insurance. insurance. accident personal out take to cases such in recommended is It risk. involve and

for errors or omissions therein. Some sporting activities may by their nature be hazardous hazardous be nature their by may activities sporting Some therein. omissions or errors for

associated maps and web pages. Inland Fisheries Ireland cannot accept responsibility responsibility accept cannot Ireland Fisheries Inland pages. web and maps associated

as information on things to do and see while visiting the island. the visiting while see and do to things on information as

• Follow advice on warning signs, permits and notices and permits signs, warning on advice Follow •

Disclaimer trip to Ireland, providing a wealth of information on travel and accommodation as well well as accommodation and travel on information of wealth a providing Ireland, to trip

• Wear a life jacket. life a Wear •

that will help you plan your your plan you help will that www.ireland.com website tourism general a has also Ireland http://invasivespeciesireland.com/cops/water-users/anglers/

Please consider the following when going fishing: going when following the consider Please

General Tourism General Or via Invasive Species Ireland at at Ireland Species Invasive via Or

safety and that of angling partners/buddies. partners/buddies. angling of that and safety

www.fisheriesireland.ie/Research/invasive-species.html

[email protected] emailing by Update

hidden. Drowning is an ever present risk and you should exercise utmost care for your own own your for care utmost exercise should you and risk present ever an is Drowning hidden.

Full information on prevention of invasive species is available on our website at: at: website our on available is species invasive of prevention on information Full

anglers are catching and where. You can sign up to be emailed the weekly Angling Angling weekly the emailed be to up sign can You where. and catching are anglers

Angling is a water based activity with changing conditions and dangers that are sometimes sometimes are that dangers and conditions changing with activity based water a is Angling

fish. IFI also produces a weekly Angling Update which provides up-to-date reports on what what on reports up-to-date provides which Update Angling weekly a produces also IFI

Safety

would ask that all anglers inspect and clean their gear prior to travelling to Ireland to to Ireland to travelling to prior gear their clean and inspect anglers all that ask would

www.ufishireland.org/ and 2014

damaging to resident fish stocks, the aquatic habitat and the general environment. We We environment. general the and habitat aquatic the stocks, fish resident to damaging

www.leavenotraceireland.org

www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/outdoor-recreation-and-sport/angling

course to another on angling tackle, boats and protective clothing. These can be very very be can These clothing. protective and boats tackle, angling on another to course

bless hooks and practice no-weight, “in the water” catch and release. and catch water” the “in no-weight, practice and hooks bless

on either side of the border you should consult: should you border the of side either on Aquatic Invasive Species and fish pathogens are readily transferred from one water one from transferred readily are pathogens fish and Species Invasive Aquatic -

- bar single use possible where – sustainably and responsibly fish should Anglers

If you are planning on fishing in Northern Ireland or on the Foyle and Carlingford area area Carlingford and Foyle the on or Ireland Northern in fishing on planning are you If

Biosecurity

obstruction. obstruction.

www.fishinginireland.info at: providers service and fisheries individual

www.fishinginireland.info/safety.htm Vehicles should be parked in designated areas and in such a manner that they do not cause cause not do they that manner a such in and areas designated in parked be should Vehicles

Firstly, there is a dedicated angling website which has more detailed information on on information detailed more has which website angling dedicated a is there Firstly,

For a more detailed guide to safety when angling please visit: visit: please angling when safety to guide detailed more a For

Be considerate of other visitors. other of considerate Be tional resources where you can find more detailed and up-to-date angling information. information. angling up-to-date and detailed more find can you where resources tional

• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear and clothing appropriate Wear •

of some of the key angling hotspots you can visit. However, there are a number of addi of number a are there However, visit. can you hotspots angling key the of some of -

ly; Leave what you find; Minimise campfire impacts (be careful with fire); Respect wildlife; Respect fire); with careful (be impacts campfire Minimise find; you what Leave ly;

• Take a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case/bag. waterproof a in phone mobile charged fully a Take •

This guide provides a basic introduction to bass angling in Ireland and gives a summary summary a gives and Ireland in angling bass to introduction basic a provides guide This

Plan ahead and prepare; Travel and camp on durable surfaces; Dispose of waste proper waste of Dispose surfaces; durable on camp and Travel prepare; and ahead Plan -

• Fish with a partner/buddy or let someone know where you’re going you’re where know someone let or partner/buddy a with Fish •

Angling Information Angling

Please adhere to the seven principles of Leave No Trace Ireland: Ireland: Trace No Leave of principles seven the to adhere Please • Take time to observe weather, water and tide conditions while fishing while conditions tide and water weather, observe to time Take •

Leave No Trace No Leave FURTHER INFORMATION FURTHER • Check the weather forecast and tide tables before you go you before tables tide and forecast weather the Check •

where better to go to celebrate than to a genuine Irish pub where you can Estuaries/Lagoons: Bass love a strong current as they are sturdy swimmers that can hold in braid will cover most bases. There are a myriad of lures available and the angler should share your fishing stories over a pint or two… the current and intercept smaller prey as they are swept by. Estuaries/lagoons that flood have a range of different weights, colours & sizes in both soft and hard plastics. This brochure contains some basic information to help you get started on your with the tide can be particular hotspots as bass will follow prey movements in and out of the For most bait fishing, a light beachcaster of 11-14 ft able to cast somewhere in the 3-6 Irish bass fishing adventure. There is a short description of bass fishing fol- lagoon and the angler can intercept them en route. Some well-known examples of this type of oz range (beach) or 2-4 oz range (estuary) matched with a fixed spool reel or 6500 size lowed by some general angling & tourist information. The map on the flip side mark would be Bannow Bay in Wexford or the mouth of the River Inny in Waterville, but there multiplier is perfect. Using as light a rod as conditions allow will help bite detection. Pulley of this brochure highlights some of the different areas along Ireland’s coastline are many other similar marks around the Irish coast. rigged crab and worm baits work well on the surf beaches, while for estuary fishing peel- and some of the better-known bass holding areas to target. Tides: Bass tend to feed more avidly during periods of stronger tides so the key times to fish er crab is the preferred bait. tend to be the spring tide periods around a full/new moon. Tide movements also have an Fly rods for bass would generally be 9ft and AFTM 8 to 10. Shooting-head or weight for- impact on individual marks as bass will prefer certain marks at low water and other marks at ward lines in intermediate & floating will cover most bases. A line tray is recommended to There is much more detailed information on the mid and high water. Local knowledge is usually the best way to determine which marks fish stop line getting wrapped around rocks or feet by the waves. Flies are normally streamer www.fishinginireland.info website and on the well at different stages of the tide. variations such as clousers, deceivers etc. tied in a range of sizes and colours. accompanying Google map: Onshore winds: A good onshore wind can create excellent bass fishing conditions as the https://goo.gl/ty3pLf force of the wind on the waves churns up the water close to shore. This churned up water is CATCH & RELEASE highly oxygenated, which attracts bass, and it also disorients prey items leaving them vulnera- We all have a responsibility to protect and conserve our fisheries so that they can be en- ble to attack, thus providing perfect conditions for bass to feed hard. joyed by future generations. Most fisheries face multiple threats including pollution, water LOCATING IRISH BASS Day/Night: Bass can be active over the whole 24-hour cycle and the dawn/dusk period abstraction and illegal fishing, all of which have a negative impact on fish stocks. For that usually produces better than average results, particularly if it coincides with a good tide. reason, we would ask that all anglers consider practicing Catch & Release for the majority Bass are found all round Ireland’s coastline but traditionally the fishing is best For those prepared to lose some sleep, night time fishing can be very rewarding and often of fish they catch. Record any trophy fish with a quick photo and then carefully return to south of a line drawn between Dublin and Galway. However, as sea tempera- produces larger than average fish that become less wary and move inshore during darkness. the water. Remember: #CPRsavesfish tures continue to rise bass are moving further north in greater numbers and new Night time fishing is sometimes the only option when fishing beaches that are busy with marks are opening up. swimmers/bathers during the day. Bass are opportunistic predators and are constantly on the move, foraging for Indicators: There are some signs to look for that can indicate the presence of bass or the food. In fact, the biggest problem a bass angler normally faces, is finding bass as baitfish that bass feed on. Diving birds such as gannets usually mean that there is a shoal they rove around the coastline in search of their next meal. Local knowledge is key of baitfish in the area and bass will not be too far away. Splashes & boils or small bait- INTRODUCTION here, as bass will usually have preferred areas where they feed at different stages fish breaking the surface usually mean that a predator is feeding and anglers should of the tide. For this reason, we recommend that anglers fishing an unfamiliar area for the first concentrate on that area. In clearer water, bass can sometimes be observed using the When you talk about bass angling to a European bass angler, it won’t take long for Ireland time hire a guide to help them get oriented. A guide will know the main feeding times/zones power of the waves to ‘surf’ after prey items. to come up in the conversation. This is because Ireland has become renowned as a bass for different marks and will cut out a lot of the guesswork and wasted time. If you can’t avail fishing mecca which attracts avid bass anglers from all over the continent. of a guide the following pointers may help you locate bass holding areas: SEASONS & REGULATIONS What makes Ireland such a bass hotspot? One of the key reasons is that bass have been a Bass are a shallow water species, preferring to hunt and forage relatively close inshore. Bass can be fished for all year in Ireland but they are predominantly targeted in the protected species for many years in Ireland, as a ban on commercial fishing and restrictions They are rarely caught from deepwater marks and so the angler needs to avoid the deeper April to October period. However, along the south coast bass can be caught regularly on the recreational fishery have allowed bass populations to recover following years of water and concentrate on shallower areas of coastline. through the winter months, with bait fishing usually the most productive method. overfishing. Recent European regulations have seen the Irish model adopted on a wider Rocks/Reefs: Bass love to forage in the nooks, crannies and gullys that form when areas of In recent years, bass angling regulations have changed so often that it is difficult to scale with bass now considered a protected species throughout the EU. rocky coastline and shallow reefs are exposed to heavy seas. These areas are often covered give any useful guidance here. There can be restrictions on numbers and size of bass Another reason for Ireland’s status as a bass hotspot is the varied nature of its 3,000km in dense seaweed beds and so provide cover for prey items such as crabs and small fish. Bass an angler can take and there can also be closed seasons. Anglers need to check our coastline which is warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream. Facing the Atlantic on its west- will move in and out of these areas on the tide and can often be caught very close in, in a website http://fishinginireland.info/regulations.htm foot or two of water. ern and south western seaboards, Ireland’s coastline is a mix of inlets, bays, reefs, rocks , prior to fishing to make sure they are aware of regulations in place at that time. cliffs and sandy beaches. Much of this is shallow ground which provides the perfect habitat Beaches: Bass will hunt in and around sandy beaches in search of food and worms, crab & for foraging bass. sandeel are the favoured baits off many beach marks. Sandeel burrow into the sand and METHODS Of course, it’s not all about the fishing. Ireland is a beautiful country and the scenery of the emerge at night to feed so night time fishing is usually the most productive. Beaches tend to Lure fishing is the most popular method to target bass these days and a rod between Irish coastline can be breath-taking, making it a fantastic place to spend some time enjoying fish best when there is a strong surf, as the wave action scours the gravel and sand to displace 8 and 10ft casting from 10 to 40g matched with a good fixed spool reel with 15kg the natural environment. Then, after a long day fishing (and maybe even a 70+cm bass), food items.

# # CPRSavesfish CPRSavesfish

IN IRELAND IN IN IRELAND IN

BASS ANGLING BASS BASS ANGLING BASS

This brochure can be made available in alternate formats upon request. upon formats alternate in available made be can brochure This This brochure can be made available in alternate formats upon request. upon formats alternate in available made be can brochure This

and Government of Ireland copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland. Survey Ordnance © copyright. Ireland of Government and and Government of Ireland copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland. Survey Ordnance © copyright. Ireland of Government and

Permit No. MP 007508. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland Ireland Survey Ordnance infringes reproduction Unauthorised 007508. MP No. Permit Permit No. MP 007508. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland Ireland Survey Ordnance infringes reproduction Unauthorised 007508. MP No. Permit

The document includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi Copyright Copyright OSi under reproduced data Ireland Survey Ordnance includes document The The document includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi Copyright Copyright OSi under reproduced data Ireland Survey Ordnance includes document The

Photos courtesy of: IFI, Shane O’Reilly, Christin Breuker, Markus Müller & James Barry. James & Müller Markus Breuker, Christin O’Reilly, Shane IFI, of: courtesy Photos Photos courtesy of: IFI, Shane O’Reilly, Christin Breuker, Markus Müller & James Barry. James & Müller Markus Breuker, Christin O’Reilly, Shane IFI, of: courtesy Photos

© Published by Inland Fisheries Ireland 2018. P/N: IFI/2018/1-0451 - 022 - IFI/2018/1-0451 P/N: 2018. Ireland Fisheries Inland by Published © © Published by Inland Fisheries Ireland 2018. P/N: IFI/2018/1-0451 - 022 - IFI/2018/1-0451 P/N: 2018. Ireland Fisheries Inland by Published ©

Acknowledgements Acknowledgements

check with the establishment or operator concerned as to the level of cover carried. cover of level the to as concerned operator or establishment the with check check with the establishment or operator concerned as to the level of cover carried. cover of level the to as concerned operator or establishment the with check

While many operators would have public liability insurance it is always advisable to to advisable always is it insurance liability public have would operators many While While many operators would have public liability insurance it is always advisable to to advisable always is it insurance liability public have would operators many While

and involve risk. It is recommended in such cases to take out personal accident insurance. insurance. accident personal out take to cases such in recommended is It risk. involve and and involve risk. It is recommended in such cases to take out personal accident insurance. insurance. accident personal out take to cases such in recommended is It risk. involve and

for errors or omissions therein. Some sporting activities may by their nature be hazardous hazardous be nature their by may activities sporting Some therein. omissions or errors for for errors or omissions therein. Some sporting activities may by their nature be hazardous hazardous be nature their by may activities sporting Some therein. omissions or errors for

associated maps and web pages. Inland Fisheries Ireland cannot accept responsibility responsibility accept cannot Ireland Fisheries Inland pages. web and maps associated associated maps and web pages. Inland Fisheries Ireland cannot accept responsibility responsibility accept cannot Ireland Fisheries Inland pages. web and maps associated

Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy in the compilation of this publication and and publication this of compilation the in accuracy ensure to taken been has effort Every Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy in the compilation of this publication and and publication this of compilation the in accuracy ensure to taken been has effort Every • Don’t take any risks when wading or fishing from boat, shore or bank or shore boat, from fishing or wading when risks any take Don’t •

• Don’t take any risks when wading or fishing from boat, shore or bank or shore boat, from fishing or wading when risks any take Don’t •

as information on things to do and see while visiting the island. the visiting while see and do to things on information as as information on things to do and see while visiting the island. the visiting while see and do to things on information as

• Follow advice on warning signs, permits and notices and permits signs, warning on advice Follow •

Disclaimer Disclaimer trip to Ireland, providing a wealth of information on travel and accommodation as well well as accommodation and travel on information of wealth a providing Ireland, to trip trip to Ireland, providing a wealth of information on travel and accommodation as well well as accommodation and travel on information of wealth a providing Ireland, to trip

• Wear a life jacket. life a Wear •

that will help you plan your your plan you help will that www.ireland.com website tourism general a has also Ireland

that will help you plan your your plan you help will that www.ireland.com website tourism general a has also Ireland http://invasivespeciesireland.com/cops/water-users/anglers/ http://invasivespeciesireland.com/cops/water-users/anglers/

Please consider the following when going fishing: going when following the consider Please

General Tourism General General Tourism General Or via Invasive Species Ireland at at Ireland Species Invasive via Or Or via Invasive Species Ireland at at Ireland Species Invasive via Or

safety and that of angling partners/buddies. partners/buddies. angling of that and safety safety and that of angling partners/buddies. partners/buddies. angling of that and safety

www.fisheriesireland.ie/Research/invasive-species.html www.fisheriesireland.ie/Research/invasive-species.html

[email protected] emailing by Update [email protected] emailing by Update

hidden. Drowning is an ever present risk and you should exercise utmost care for your own own your for care utmost exercise should you and risk present ever an is Drowning hidden. hidden. Drowning is an ever present risk and you should exercise utmost care for your own own your for care utmost exercise should you and risk present ever an is Drowning hidden.

Full information on prevention of invasive species is available on our website at: at: website our on available is species invasive of prevention on information Full Full information on prevention of invasive species is available on our website at: at: website our on available is species invasive of prevention on information Full

anglers are catching and where. You can sign up to be emailed the weekly Angling Angling weekly the emailed be to up sign can You where. and catching are anglers anglers are catching and where. You can sign up to be emailed the weekly Angling Angling weekly the emailed be to up sign can You where. and catching are anglers

Angling is a water based activity with changing conditions and dangers that are sometimes sometimes are that dangers and conditions changing with activity based water a is Angling Angling is a water based activity with changing conditions and dangers that are sometimes sometimes are that dangers and conditions changing with activity based water a is Angling

fish. fish. IFI also produces a weekly Angling Update which provides up-to-date reports on what what on reports up-to-date provides which Update Angling weekly a produces also IFI IFI also produces a weekly Angling Update which provides up-to-date reports on what what on reports up-to-date provides which Update Angling weekly a produces also IFI

Safety Safety

would ask that all anglers inspect and clean their gear prior to travelling to Ireland to to Ireland to travelling to prior gear their clean and inspect anglers all that ask would would ask that all anglers inspect and clean their gear prior to travelling to Ireland to to Ireland to travelling to prior gear their clean and inspect anglers all that ask would

www.ufishireland.org/ and www.ufishireland.org/ and

2014 2014

damaging to resident fish stocks, the aquatic habitat and the general environment. We We environment. general the and habitat aquatic the stocks, fish resident to damaging damaging to resident fish stocks, the aquatic habitat and the general environment. We We environment. general the and habitat aquatic the stocks, fish resident to damaging

www.leavenotraceireland.org

www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/outdoor-recreation-and-sport/angling www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/outdoor-recreation-and-sport/angling

course to another on angling tackle, boats and protective clothing. These can be very very be can These clothing. protective and boats tackle, angling on another to course course to another on angling tackle, boats and protective clothing. These can be very very be can These clothing. protective and boats tackle, angling on another to course

bless hooks and practice no-weight, “in the water” catch and release. and catch water” the “in no-weight, practice and hooks bless bless hooks and practice no-weight, “in the water” catch and release. and catch water” the “in no-weight, practice and hooks bless

on either side of the border you should consult: should you border the of side either on on either side of the border you should consult: should you border the of side either on - water one from transferred readily are pathogens fish and Species Invasive Aquatic - water one from transferred readily are pathogens fish and Species Invasive Aquatic

- bar single use possible where – sustainably and responsibly fish should Anglers - bar single use possible where – sustainably and responsibly fish should Anglers

If you are planning on fishing in Northern Ireland or on the Foyle and Carlingford area area Carlingford and Foyle the on or Ireland Northern in fishing on planning are you If If you are planning on fishing in Northern Ireland or on the Foyle and Carlingford area area Carlingford and Foyle the on or Ireland Northern in fishing on planning are you If

Biosecurity Biosecurity

obstruction. obstruction.

www.fishinginireland.info at: providers service and fisheries individual www.fishinginireland.info at: providers service and fisheries individual

www.fishinginireland.info/safety.htm www.fishinginireland.info/safety.htm Vehicles should be parked in designated areas and in such a manner that they do not cause cause not do they that manner a such in and areas designated in parked be should Vehicles

Vehicles should be parked in designated areas and in such a manner that they do not cause cause not do they that manner a such in and areas designated in parked be should Vehicles

Firstly, there is a dedicated angling website which has more detailed information on on information detailed more has which website angling dedicated a is there Firstly, Firstly, there is a dedicated angling website which has more detailed information on on information detailed more has which website angling dedicated a is there Firstly,

For a more detailed guide to safety when angling please visit: visit: please angling when safety to guide detailed more a For For a more detailed guide to safety when angling please visit: visit: please angling when safety to guide detailed more a For

Be considerate of other visitors. other of considerate Be Be considerate of other visitors. other of considerate Be tional resources where you can find more detailed and up-to-date angling information. information. angling up-to-date and detailed more find can you where resources tional tional resources where you can find more detailed and up-to-date angling information. information. angling up-to-date and detailed more find can you where resources tional

• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear and clothing appropriate Wear • • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear and clothing appropriate Wear •

- addi of number a are there However, visit. can you hotspots angling key the of some of - addi of number a are there However, visit. can you hotspots angling key the of some of

ly; Leave what you find; Minimise campfire impacts (be careful with fire); Respect wildlife; Respect fire); with careful (be impacts campfire Minimise find; you what Leave ly; ly; Leave what you find; Minimise campfire impacts (be careful with fire); Respect wildlife; Respect fire); with careful (be impacts campfire Minimise find; you what Leave ly;

• Take a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case/bag. waterproof a in phone mobile charged fully a Take • • Take a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case/bag. waterproof a in phone mobile charged fully a Take •

This guide provides a basic introduction to bass angling in Ireland and gives a summary summary a gives and Ireland in angling bass to introduction basic a provides guide This This guide provides a basic introduction to bass angling in Ireland and gives a summary summary a gives and Ireland in angling bass to introduction basic a provides guide This

- proper waste of Dispose surfaces; durable on camp and Travel prepare; and ahead Plan - proper waste of Dispose surfaces; durable on camp and Travel prepare; and ahead Plan

• Fish with a partner/buddy or let someone know where you’re going you’re where know someone let or partner/buddy a with Fish •

Angling Information Angling Angling Information Angling

Please adhere to the seven principles of Leave No Trace Ireland: Ireland: Trace No Leave of principles seven the to adhere Please Please adhere to the seven principles of Leave No Trace Ireland: Ireland: Trace No Leave of principles seven the to adhere Please • Take time to observe weather, water and tide conditions while fishing while conditions tide and water weather, observe to time Take • • Take time to observe weather, water and tide conditions while fishing while conditions tide and water weather, observe to time Take •

Leave No Trace No Leave Leave No Trace No Leave FURTHER INFORMATION FURTHER FURTHER INFORMATION FURTHER • Check the weather forecast and tide tables before you go you before tables tide and forecast weather the Check • • Check the weather forecast and tide tables before you go you before tables tide and forecast weather the Check •

wherewhere better better to to go go to to celebrate celebrate than than to to a agenuine genuine Irish Irish pub pub where where you you can can Estuaries/Lagoons:Estuaries/Lagoons: Bass Bass love love a strong a strong current current as they as theyare sturdyare sturdy swimmers swimmers that can that hold can in hold in braid willbraid cover will mostcover bases. most Therebases. are There a myriad are a myriadof lures ofavailable lures available and the anglerand the should angler should shareshare your your fishing fishing stories stories over over a apint pint or or two… two… the thecurrent current and and intercept intercept smaller smaller prey prey as they as theyare sweptare swept by. Estuaries/lagoons by. Estuaries/lagoons that flood that flood have ahave range a rangeof different of different weights, weights, colours colours& sizes &in bothsizes softin both and soft hard and plastics. hard plastics. ThisThis brochure brochure contains contains some some basic basic information information to tohelp help you you get get started started on onyour your withwith the thetide tide can canbe particularbe particular hotspots hotspots as bass as basswill followwill follow prey preymovements movements in and in out and of out the of the For mostFor bait most fishing, bait fishing, a light abeachcaster light beachcaster of 11-14 of ft11-14 able toft castable somewhere to cast somewhere in the 3-6 in the 3-6 IrishIrish bassbass fishing fishing adventure. adventure. There There is isa ashort short description description of ofbass bass fishing fishing fol -fol- lagoonlagoon and and the theangler angler can canintercept intercept them them en route. en route. Some Some well-known well-known examples examples of this of type this oftype of oz rangeoz range(beach) (beach) or 2-4 oroz 2-4range oz (estuary)range (estuary) matched matched with a fixed with spoola fixed reel spool or 6500 reel orsize 6500 size lowedlowed by by some some general general angling angling & & tourist tourist information. information. The The map map on onthe the flip flip side side markmark would would be Bannowbe Bannow Bay Bayin Wexford in Wexford or the or mouth the mouth of the of River the RiverInny inInny Waterville, in Waterville, but there but there multipliermultiplier is perfect. is perfect. Using as Using light as a rodlight as a conditionsrod as conditions allow will allow help will bite help detection. bite detection. Pulley Pulley ofof this this brochure brochure highlights highlights some some of of the the different different areas areas along along Ireland’s Ireland’s coastline coastline areare many many other other similar similar marks marks around around the Irishthe Irishcoast. coast. riggedrigged crab and crab worm and baitsworm work baits well work on wellthe surf on thebeaches, surf beaches, while for while estuary for fishingestuary peel- fishing peel- andand some some of of the the better-known better-known bass bass holding holding areas areas to totarget. target. Tides:Tides: Bass Bass tend tend to feed to feed more more avidly avidly during during periods periods of stronger of stronger tides tidesso the so key the times key timesto fish to fish er craber is crab the preferred is the preferred bait. bait. tendtend to be to thebe thespring spring tide tide periods periods around around a full/new a full/new moon. moon. Tide movementsTide movements also have also anhave an Fly rodsFly for rods bass for would bass generallywould generally be 9ft andbe 9ft AFTM and 8 AFTM to 10. 8 Shooting-head to 10. Shooting-head or weight or for- weight for- impactimpact on individualon individual marks marks as bass as bass will preferwill prefer certain certain marks marks at low at water low water and other and othermarks marks at at ward linesward in lines intermediate in intermediate & floating & floating will cover will most cover bases. most A bases. line tray A line is recommended tray is recommended to to ThereThere is ismuch much more more detailed detailed information information on onthe the midmid and and high high water. water. Local Local knowledge knowledge is usually is usually the best the bestway toway determine to determine which which marks marks fish fish stop linestop getting line getting wrapped wrapped around aroundrocks or rocks feet byor feetthe waves. by the Flieswaves. are Flies normally are normally streamer streamer www.fishinginireland.infowww.fishinginireland.info website website and and on onthe the wellwell at differentat different stages stages of the of tide.the tide. variationsvariations such as such clousers, as clousers, deceivers deceivers etc. tied etc. in atied range in a of range sizes ofand sizes colours. and colours. accompanyingaccompanying Google Google map: map: OnshoreOnshore winds: winds: A good A good onshore onshore wind wind can createcan create excellent excellent bass bassfishing fishing conditions conditions as the as the https://goo.gl/ty3pLfhttps://goo.gl/ty3pLf forceforce of theof thewind wind on theon wavesthe waves churns churns up the up water the water close close to shore. to shore. This churned This churned up water up water is is CATCHCATCH & RELEASE & RELEASE highlyhighly oxygenated, oxygenated, which which attracts attracts bass, bass, and andit also it alsodisorients disorients prey preyitems itemsleaving leaving them vulnera-them vulnera- We allWe have all a have responsibility a responsibility to protect to protectand conserve and conserve our fisheries our fisheries so that they so that can theybe en- can be en- ble bleto attack,to attack, thus thus providing providing perfect perfect conditions conditions for bass for bassto feed to feedhard. hard. joyed joyedby future by generations.future generations. Most fisheries Most fisheries face multiple face multiple threats includingthreats including pollution, pollution, water water LOCATINGLOCATING IRISH IRISH BASS BASS Day/Night:Day/Night: Bass Bass can canbe activebe active over over the wholethe whole 24-hour 24-hour cycle cycle and theand dawn/dusk the dawn/dusk period period abstractionabstraction and illegal and illegalfishing, fishing,all of which all of have which a negativehave a negative impact on impact fish stocks. on fish For stocks. that For that usuallyusually produces produces better better than than average average results, results, particularly particularly if it coincides if it coincides with awith good a goodtide. tide. reason,reason, we would we askwould that ask all that anglers all anglers consider consider practicing practicing Catch & Catch Release & Releasefor the majority for the majority BassBass areare found found all all round round Ireland’s Ireland’s coastline coastline but but traditionally traditionally the the fishing fishing is bestis best For Forthose those prepared prepared to lose to losesome some sleep, sleep, night night time timefishing fishing can be can very be rewardingvery rewarding and often and often of fish ofthey fish catch. they Recordcatch. Record any trophy any fishtrophy with fish a quick with aphoto quick and photo then and carefully then carefully return to return to southsouth ofof a a line line drawn drawn between between Dublin Dublin and and Galway. Galway. However, However, as assea sea tempera- tempera- producesproduces larger larger than than average average fish thatfish thatbecome become less waryless wary and moveand move inshore inshore during during darkness. darkness. the water.the water.Remember: Remember: #CPRsavesfish #CPRsavesfish turestures continuecontinue to to rise rise bass bass are are moving moving further further north north in ingreater greater numbers numbers and and new new NightNight time time fishing fishing is sometimes is sometimes the onlythe onlyoption option when when fishing fishing beaches beaches that are that busy are withbusy with marksmarks areare opening opening up. up. swimmers/bathersswimmers/bathers during during the day.the day. BassBass areare opportunistic opportunistic predators predators and and are are constantly constantly on on the the move, move, foraging foraging for for Indicators:Indicators: There There are aresome some signs signs to look to lookfor that for canthat indicatecan indicate the presence the presence of bass of orbass the or the food.food. InIn fact,fact, the the biggest biggest problem problem a abass bass angler angler normally normally faces, faces, is findingis finding bass bass as as baitfishbaitfish that that bass bass feed feed on. Divingon. Diving birds birds such suchas gannets as gannets usually usually mean mean that there that thereis a shoal is a shoal theythey roverove around around the the coastline coastline in in search search of of their their next next meal. meal. Local Local knowledge knowledge is keyis key of baitfishof baitfish in the in thearea area and andbass bass will notwill benot too be fartoo away. far away. Splashes Splashes & boils & orboils small or smallbait- bait- INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION here,here, asas bassbass will will usually usually have have preferred preferred areas areas where where they they feed feed at atdifferent different stages stages fishfish breaking breaking the thesurface surface usually usually mean mean that thata predator a predator is feeding is feeding and anglersand anglers should should of the tide.tide. ForFor thisthis reason,reason, we we recommend recommend that that anglers anglers fishing fishing an an unfamiliar unfamiliar area area for for the the first first concentrateconcentrate on thaton that area. area. In clearer In clearer water, water, bass basscan sometimescan sometimes be observed be observed using usingthe the WhenWhen you you talk talk about about bass bass angling angling to to a aEuropean European bass bass angler, angler, it it won’t won’t take take longlong forfor IrelandIreland time hirehire aa guideguide toto help help them them get get oriented. oriented. A A guide guide will will know know the the main main feeding feeding times/zones times/zones powerpower of theof thewaves waves to ‘surf’ to ‘surf’ after after prey prey items. items. to tocome come up upin inthe the conversation. conversation. This This is isbecause because Ireland Ireland has has become become renownedrenowned asas aa bassbass for differentdifferent marksmarks andand will will cut cut out out a a lot lot of of the the guesswork guesswork and and wasted wasted time. time. If youIf you can’t can’t avail avail fishingfishing mecca mecca which which attracts attracts avid avid bass bass anglers anglers from from all all over over the the continent. continent. of a guideguide thethe followingfollowing pointers pointers may may help help you you locate locate bass bass holding holding areas: areas: SEASONSSEASONS & REGULATIONS & REGULATIONS WhatWhat makes makes Ireland Ireland such such a abass bass hotspot? hotspot? One One of of the the key key reasons reasons is is that that bassbass havehave beenbeen a Bass areare aa shallowshallow water water species, species, preferring preferring to to hunt hunt and and forage forage relatively relatively close close inshore. inshore. BassBass can can be fishedbe fished for allfor year all year in Ireland in Ireland but theybut theyare predominantlyare predominantly targeted targeted in the in the protectedprotected species species for for many many years years in inIreland, Ireland, as as a aban ban on on commercial commercial fishing fishing andand restrictionsrestrictions They areare rarelyrarely caughtcaught from from deepwater deepwater marks marks and and so so the the angler angler needs needs to toavoid avoid the the deeper deeper AprilApril to October to October period. period. However, However, along along the south the south coast coast bass basscan be can caught be caught regularly regularly on onthe the recreational recreational fishery fishery have have allowed allowed bass bass populations populations to to recover recover followingfollowing yearsyears of water andand concentrateconcentrate on on shallower shallower areas areas of of coastline. coastline. throughthrough the thewinter winter months, months, with withbait baitfishing fishing usually usually the most the mostproductive productive method. method. overfishing.overfishing. Recent Recent European European regulations regulations have have seen seen the the Irish Irish modelmodel adoptedadopted onon aa widerwider Rocks/Reefs: BassBass lovelove to to forage forage in in the the nooks, nooks, crannies crannies and and gullys gullys that that form form when when areas areas of of In recentIn recent years, years, bass bass angling angling regulations regulations have have changed changed so often so often that itthat is difficult it is difficult to to scalescale with with bass bass now now considered considered a aprotected protected species species throughout throughout the the EU. EU. rocky coastlinecoastline andand shallow shallow reefs reefs are are exposed exposed to to heavy heavy seas. seas. These These areas areas are are often often covered covered givegive any any useful useful guidance guidance here. here. There There can becan restrictions be restrictions on numbers on numbers and size and of size bass of bass AnotherAnother reason reason for for Ireland’s Ireland’s status status as as a abass bass hotspot hotspot is is the the varied varied naturenature ofof itsits 3,000km3,000km in densedense seaweedseaweed bedsbeds and and so so provide provide cover cover for for prey prey items items such such as as crabs crabs and and small small fish. fish. Bass Bass an angleran angler can cantake take and and there there can canalso alsobe closed be closed seasons. seasons. Anglers Anglers need needto check to check our our coastlinecoastline which which is warmedis warmed by by the the waters waters of of the the Gulf Gulf Stream. Stream. Facing Facing the the Atlantic Atlantic onon itsits westwest- will move inin andand outout of of these these areas areas on on the the tide tide and and can can often often be be caught caught very very close close in, in,in ain a websitewebsite http://fishinginireland.info/regulations.htm http://fishinginireland.info/regulations.htm foot oror twotwo ofof water.water. ernern and and south south western western seaboards, seaboards, Ireland’s Ireland’s coastline coastline is is a a mix mix of of inlets, inlets, bays,bays, reefs,reefs, rocksrocks , priorprior to fishing to fishing to make to make sure sure they they are awareare aware of regulations of regulations in place in place at that at time. that time. cliffscliffs and and sandy sandy beaches. beaches. Much Much of of this this is isshallow shallow ground ground which which provides provides the the perfectperfect habitathabitat Beaches: BassBass willwill hunthunt in in and and around around sandy sandy beaches beaches in insearch search of of food food and and worms, worms, crab crab & & forfor foraging foraging bass. bass. sandeel areare thethe favouredfavoured baits baits off off many many beach beach marks. marks. Sandeel Sandeel burrow burrow into into the the sand sand and and METHODSMETHODS OfOf course, course, it’s it’s not not all all about about the the fishing. fishing. Ireland Ireland is isa a beautiful beautiful country country and and the the sceneryscenery ofof the emerge atat nightnight toto feedfeed so so night night time time fishing fishing is isusually usually the the most most productive. productive. Beaches Beaches tend tend to to LureLure fishing fishing is the is themost most popular popular method method to target to target bass bassthese these days daysand aand rod a between rod between IrishIrish coastline coastline can can be be breath-taking, breath-taking, making making it ita afantastic fantastic place place to to spend spend some some timetime enjoyingenjoying fish bestbest whenwhen therethere is is a a strong strong surf, surf, as as the the wave wave action action scours scours the the gravel gravel and and sand sand to displaceto displace 8 and8 and 10ft 10ft casting casting from from 10 to10 40g to 40g matched matched with witha good a good fixed fixed spool spool reel with reel 15kg with 15kg thethe natural natural environment. environment. Then, Then, after after a along long day day fishing fishing (and (and maybe maybe eveneven aa 70+cm70+cm bass),bass), food items.items.

# # CPRSavesfish CPRSavesfish

IN IRELAND IN IN IRELAND IN

BASS ANGLING BASS BASS ANGLING BASS

This brochure can be made available in alternate formats upon request. request. upon upon formats formats alternate in alternate in available available made be made be can can brochure brochure This This

and Government of Ireland copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland. Ireland. Survey Survey Ordnance © Ordnance © copyright. copyright. Ireland of Ireland of Government Government and and

Permit No. MP 007508. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland Ireland Ireland Survey Survey Ordnance Ordnance infringes infringes reproduction reproduction Unauthorised Unauthorised 007508. 007508. MP MP No. No. Permit Permit

The document includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi Copyright Copyright OSi Copyright OSi under under reproduced reproduced data data Ireland Ireland Survey Survey Ordnance Ordnance includes includes document document The The

Photos courtesy of: IFI, Shane O’Reilly, Christin Breuker, Markus Müller & James Barry. Barry. James & James & Müller Müller Markus Markus Breuker, Breuker, Christin Christin O’Reilly, O’Reilly, Shane IFI, Shane of: IFI, of: courtesy courtesy Photos Photos

© Published by Inland Fisheries Ireland 2018. P/N: IFI/2018/1-0451 - 022 - 022 - IFI/2018/1-0451 IFI/2018/1-0451 P/N: P/N: 2018. 2018. Ireland Ireland Fisheries Fisheries Inland by Inland by Published © Published ©

Acknowledgements Acknowledgements

as information on things to do and see while visiting the island. island. the the visiting visiting while while see see and and do do to to things things on on information information as as

• Follow advice on warning signs, permits and notices and permits signs, warning on advice Follow • • Follow advice on warning signs, permits and notices and permits signs, warning on advice Follow •

Disclaimer Disclaimer trip to Ireland, providing a wealth of information on travel and accommodation as well well well as as accommodation accommodation and and travel travel on on information information of of wealth wealth a a providing providing Ireland, Ireland, to to trip trip

• Wear a life jacket. life a Wear • • Wear a life jacket. life a Wear •

that will help you plan your your your plan plan you you help help will will that that www.ireland.com www.ireland.com website website tourism tourism general a general a has has also also Ireland Ireland http://invasivespeciesireland.com/cops/water-users/anglers/ http://invasivespeciesireland.com/cops/water-users/anglers/

Please consider the following when going fishing: going when following the consider Please Please consider the following when going fishing: going when following the consider Please

General Tourism General General Tourism General Or via Invasive Species Ireland at at at Ireland Ireland Species Species Invasive Invasive via via Or Or

safety and that of angling partners/buddies. partners/buddies. angling of that and safety safety and that of angling partners/buddies. partners/buddies. angling of that and safety

www.fisheriesireland.ie/Research/invasive-species.html www.fisheriesireland.ie/Research/invasive-species.html

[email protected] emailing by Update [email protected] emailing by Update

Full information on prevention of invasive species is available on our website at: at: at: website our website on our on available is available is species species invasive of invasive of prevention on prevention on information information Full Full

Safety Safety

would ask that all anglers inspect and clean their gear prior to travelling to Ireland to to to Ireland to Ireland to travelling to travelling to prior prior gear gear their their clean clean and and inspect inspect anglers all anglers all that that ask ask would would

www.ufishireland.org/ and www.ufishireland.org/ and

2014 2014

damaging to resident fish stocks, the aquatic habitat and the general environment. We We We environment. environment. general the general and the and habitat habitat aquatic the aquatic the stocks, stocks, fish fish resident to resident to damaging damaging

www.leavenotraceireland.org www.leavenotraceireland.org

www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/outdoor-recreation-and-sport/angling www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/outdoor-recreation-and-sport/angling course to another on angling tackle, boats and protective clothing. These can be very very be very can be can These These clothing. clothing. protective protective and and boats boats tackle, tackle, angling on angling on another to another to course course

bless hooks and practice no-weight, “in the water” catch and release. release. and and catch catch water” water” the the “in “in no-weight, no-weight, practice practice and and hooks hooks bless bless

on either side of the border you should consult: should you border the of side either on on either side of the border you should consult: should you border the of side either on - - water one water one from from transferred transferred readily are readily are pathogens pathogens fish fish and and Species Species Invasive Invasive Aquatic Aquatic

- - bar bar single single use use possible possible where – where – sustainably sustainably and and responsibly responsibly fish fish should should Anglers Anglers

Biosecurity Biosecurity

obstruction. obstruction. obstruction.

www.fishinginireland.info at: providers service and fisheries individual www.fishinginireland.info at: providers service and fisheries individual

www.fishinginireland.info/safety.htm www.fishinginireland.info/safety.htm Vehicles should be parked in designated areas and in such a manner that they do not cause cause cause not not do do they they that that manner manner a a such such in in and and areas areas designated designated in in parked parked be be should should Vehicles Vehicles

For a more detailed guide to safety when angling please visit: visit: visit: please please angling angling when when safety to safety to guide guide detailed detailed more a more a For For

Be considerate of other visitors. visitors. other other of of considerate considerate Be Be tional resources where you can find more detailed and up-to-date angling information. information. angling up-to-date and detailed more find can you where resources tional tional resources where you can find more detailed and up-to-date angling information. information. angling up-to-date and detailed more find can you where resources tional

• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear footwear and and clothing clothing appropriate appropriate Wear Wear • •

- addi of number a are there However, visit. can you hotspots angling key the of some of - addi of number a are there However, visit. can you hotspots angling key the of some of

ly; Leave what you find; Minimise campfire impacts (be careful with fire); Respect wildlife; wildlife; Respect Respect fire); fire); with with careful careful (be (be impacts impacts campfire campfire Minimise Minimise find; find; you you what what Leave Leave ly; ly;

• Take a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case/bag. case/bag. waterproof a waterproof in a in phone phone mobile mobile charged charged fully a fully a Take Take • •

- - proper proper waste waste of of Dispose Dispose surfaces; surfaces; durable durable on on camp camp and and Travel Travel prepare; prepare; and and ahead ahead Plan Plan

• Fish with a partner/buddy or let someone know where you’re going going you’re you’re where where know know someone let someone or let or partner/buddy a partner/buddy a with with Fish Fish • •

Angling Information Angling Angling Information Angling

Please adhere to the seven principles of Leave No Trace Ireland: Ireland: Ireland: Trace Trace No No Leave Leave of of principles principles seven seven the the to to adhere adhere Please Please • Take time to observe weather, water and tide conditions while fishing fishing while while conditions conditions tide tide and and water water weather, weather, observe to observe to time time Take Take • •

Leave No Trace No Leave Leave No Trace No Leave FURTHER INFORMATION FURTHER FURTHER INFORMATION FURTHER • Check the weather forecast and tide tables before you go you go you before before tables tables tide tide and and forecast forecast weather weather the the Check Check • •

wherewhere better better to go to to go celebrate to celebrate than thanto a togenuine a genuine Irish Irish pub pub where where you you can can Estuaries/Lagoons:Estuaries/Lagoons: Bass Bass love love a astrong strong current current as as they they are are sturdy sturdy swimmers swimmers thatthat cancan holdhold inin braid willwill covercover mostmost bases. bases. There There are are a a myriad myriad of of lures lures available available and and the the angler angler should should shareshare your fishingyour fishing stories stories over overa pint a pintor two… or two… thethe current current and and intercept intercept smaller smaller prey prey as as they they are are swept swept by. by. Estuaries/lagoons Estuaries/lagoons thatthat floodflood have aa rangerange ofof differentdifferent weights, weights, colours colours & & sizes sizes in in both both soft soft and and hard hard plastics. plastics. This brochureThis brochure contains contains some some basic basic information information to help to help you youget getstarted started on youron your withwith the the tide tide can can be be particular particular hotspots hotspots as as bass bass will will follow follow prey prey movements movements inin andand outout ofof thethe For most baitbait fishing,fishing, a a light light beachcaster beachcaster of of 11-14 11-14 ft ftable able to to cast cast somewhere somewhere in thein the 3-6 3-6 Irish bassIrish bassfishing fishing adventure. adventure. There There is a isshort a short description description of bassof bass fishing fishing fol -fol- lagoonlagoon and and the the angler angler can can intercept intercept them them en en route. route. Some Some well-known well-known examples examples ofof thisthis typetype ofof oz range (beach)(beach) oror 2-4 2-4 oz oz range range (estuary) (estuary) matched matched with with a afixed fixed spool spool reel reel or or6500 6500 size size lowedlowed by some by somegeneral general angling angling & tourist & tourist information. information. The Themap map on theon theflip flipside side markmark would would be be Bannow Bannow Bay Bay in inWexford Wexford or or the the mouth mouth of of the the River River Inny Inny in in Waterville, Waterville, butbut therethere multiplier isis perfect.perfect. Using Using as as light light a a rod rod as as conditions conditions allow allow will will help help bite bite detection. detection. Pulley Pulley of thisof brochure this brochure highlights highlights some some of the of different the different areas areas along along Ireland’s Ireland’s coastline coastline areare many many other other similar similar marks marks around around the the Irish Irish coast. coast. rigged crabcrab andand wormworm baits baits work work well well on on the the surf surf beaches, beaches, while while for for estuary estuary fishing fishing peel- peel- and someand someof the of better-known the better-known bass bassholding holding areas areas to target. to target. Tides:Tides: Bass Bass tend tend to tofeed feed more more avidly avidly during during periods periods of of stronger stronger tides tides so so the the keykey timestimes toto fishfish er crab isis thethe preferredpreferred bait. bait. tendtend to beto bethe the spring spring tide tide periods periods around around a afull/new full/new moon. moon. Tide Tide movements movements alsoalso havehave anan Fly rods forfor bassbass wouldwould generally generally be be 9ft 9ft and and AFTM AFTM 8 8to to 10. 10. Shooting-head Shooting-head or orweight weight forfor- impactimpact on onindividual individual marks marks as as bass bass will will prefer prefer certain certain marks marks at at low low water water and and otherother marksmarks atat ward lineslines inin intermediateintermediate & & floating floating will will cover cover most most bases. bases. A Aline line tray tray is recommendedis recommended to to ThereThere is much is much more more detailed detailed information information on theon the midmid and and high high water. water. Local Local knowledge knowledge is isusually usually the the best best way way to to determine determine which which marksmarks fishfish stop lineline gettinggetting wrappedwrapped around around rocks rocks or or feet feet by by the the waves. waves. Flies Flies are are normally normally streamer streamer www.fishinginireland.infowww.fishinginireland.info website website and and on theon the wellwell at atdifferent different stages stages of ofthe the tide. tide. variations suchsuch asas clousers,clousers, deceivers deceivers etc. etc. tied tied in in a arange range of of sizes sizes and and colours. colours. accompanyingaccompanying Google Google map: map: OnshoreOnshore winds: winds: A goodA good onshore onshore wind wind can can create create excellent excellent bass bass fishing fishing conditions conditions asas thethe https://goo.gl/ty3pLfhttps://goo.gl/ty3pLf forceforce of ofthe the wind wind on onthe the waves waves churns churns up up the the water water close close to to shore. shore. This This churned churned upup waterwater isis CATCH && RELEASERELEASE highlyhighly oxygenated, oxygenated, which which attracts attracts bass, bass, and and it italso also disorients disorients prey prey items items leaving leaving themthem vulnera-vulnera- We all havehave aa responsibilityresponsibility to to protect protect and and conserve conserve our our fisheries fisheries so sothat that they they can can be be en- en- bleble to attack,to attack, thus thus providing providing perfect perfect conditions conditions for for bass bass to to feed feed hard. hard. joyed byby futurefuture generations.generations. Most Most fisheries fisheries face face multiple multiple threats threats including including pollution, pollution, water water LOCATINGLOCATING IRISH IRISH BASS BASS Day/Night:Day/Night: Bass Bass can can be be active active over over the the whole whole 24-hour 24-hour cycle cycle and and the the dawn/dusk dawn/dusk periodperiod abstraction andand illegalillegal fishing, fishing, all all of of which which have have a anegative negative impact impact on on fish fish stocks. stocks. For For that that usuallyusually produces produces better better than than average average results, results, particularly particularly if if it it coincides coincides with with aa goodgood tide.tide. reason, wewe wouldwould askask that that all all anglers anglers consider consider practicing practicing Catch Catch & &Release Release for for the the majority majority Bass areBass found are found all round all round Ireland’s Ireland’s coastline coastline but traditionallybut traditionally the thefishing fishing is best is best ForFor those those prepared prepared to tolose lose some some sleep, sleep, night night time time fishing fishing can can be be very very rewarding rewarding andand oftenoften of fish theythey catch.catch. RecordRecord any any trophy trophy fish fish with with a aquick quick photo photo and and then then carefully carefully return return to to south southof a lineof a drawn line drawn between between Dublin Dublin and andGalway. Galway. However, However, as sea as seatempera- tempera- producesproduces larger larger than than average average fish fish that that become become less less wary wary and and move move inshore inshore duringduring darkness.darkness. the water.water. Remember:Remember: #CPRsavesfish #CPRsavesfish tures continuetures continue to rise to bass rise bassare movingare moving further further north north in greater in greater numbers numbers and and new new NightNight time time fishing fishing is sometimesis sometimes the the only only option option when when fishing fishing beaches beaches that that are are busybusy withwith marksmarks are opening are opening up. up. swimmers/bathersswimmers/bathers during during the the day. day. Bass areBass opportunistic are opportunistic predators predators and andare constantlyare constantly on the on move,the move, foraging foraging for for Indicators:Indicators: There There are are some some signs signs to to look look for for that that can can indicate indicate the the presence presence ofof bassbass oror thethe food. food.In fact, In thefact, biggest the biggest problem problem a bass a bassangler angler normally normally faces, faces, is finding is finding bass bass as as baitfishbaitfish that that bass bass feed feed on. on. Diving Diving birds birds such such as as gannets gannets usually usually mean mean that that there there isis aa shoalshoal they rovethey aroundrove around the coastline the coastline in search in search of their of their next next meal. meal. Local Local knowledge knowledge is key is key of baitfishof baitfish in thein the area area and and bass bass will will not not be be too too far far away. away. Splashes Splashes & & boils boils or or smallsmall bait-bait- INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION here, here,as bass as willbass usually will usually have havepreferred preferred areas areas where where they they feed feed at different at different stages stages fishfish breaking breaking the the surface surface usually usually mean mean that that a apredator predator is is feeding feeding and and anglers anglers shouldshould of theof tide. the Fortide. this For reason, this reason, we recommend we recommend that anglersthat anglers fishing fishing an unfamiliar an unfamiliar area area for forthe thefirst first concentrateconcentrate on onthat that area. area. In Inclearer clearer water, water, bass bass can can sometimes sometimes be be observed observed usingusing thethe When youWhen talk aboutyou talk bass about angling bass anglingto a European to a European bass angler, bass angler,it won’t it take won’t long take for long Ireland for Ireland time hiretime a hire guide a guide to help to themhelp themget oriented. get oriented. A guide A guide will knowwill know the mainthe main feeding feeding times/zones times/zones powerpower of ofthe the waves waves to to‘surf’ ‘surf’ after after prey prey items. items. to come toup comein the up conversation. in the conversation. This is because This is because Ireland Irelandhas become has become renowned renowned as a bassas a bass for differentfor different marks marks and will and cut will out cut a out lot aof lot the of guesswork the guesswork and andwasted wasted time. time. If you If youcan’t can’t avail avail fishing meccafishing which mecca attracts which avidattracts bass avid anglers bass anglersfrom all from over all the over continent. the continent. of a guideof a guidethe following the following pointers pointers may mayhelp helpyou locateyou locate bass bass holding holding areas: areas: SEASONSSEASONS & REGULATIONS & REGULATIONS What makesWhat Ireland makes suchIreland a bass such hotspot? a bass hotspot? One of Onethe key of thereasons key reasons is that bassis that have bass been have abeen a Bass areBass a areshallow a shallow water water species, species, preferring preferring to hunt to huntand andforage forage relatively relatively close close inshore. inshore. BassBass can can be be fished fished for for all all year year in inIreland Ireland but but they they are are predominantly predominantly targeted targeted inin thethe protectedprotected species for species many for years many in yearsIreland, in Ireland,as a ban as on a bancommercial on commercial fishing fishingand restrictions and restrictions They areThey rarely are rarely caught caught from fromdeepwater deepwater marks marks and andso the so anglerthe angler needs needs to avoid to avoid the thedeeper deeper AprilApril to Octoberto October period. period. However, However, along along the the south south coast coast bass bass can can be be caught caught regularlyregularly on the recreationalon the recreational fishery havefishery allowed have allowed bass populations bass populations to recover to recover following following years yearsof of water waterand concentrate and concentrate on shallower on shallower areas areas of coastline. of coastline. throughthrough the the winter winter months, months, with with bait bait fishing fishing usually usually the the most most productive productive method. method. overfishing.overfishing. Recent European Recent European regulations regulations have seen have the seen Irish the model Irish modeladopted adopted on a wideron a wider Rocks/Reefs:Rocks/Reefs: Bass loveBass tolove forage to forage in the in nooks, the nooks, crannies crannies and andgullys gullys that thatform form when when areas areas of of In recentIn recent years, years, bass bass angling angling regulations regulations have have changed changed so so often often that that it it is is difficult difficult toto scale withscale bass with now bass considered now considered a protected a protected species speciesthroughout throughout the EU. the EU. rocky rockycoastline coastline and shallow and shallow reefs reefsare exposed are exposed to heavy to heavy seas. seas. These These areas areas are areoften often covered covered givegive any any useful useful guidance guidance here. here. There There can can be be restrictions restrictions on on numbers numbers and and size size ofof bassbass Another reasonAnother for reason Ireland’s for Ireland’s status as status a bass as hotspota bass hotspotis the varied is the variednature natureof its 3,000kmof its 3,000km in densein dense seaweed seaweed beds bedsand soand provide so provide cover cover for prey for prey items items such such as crabs as crabs and and small small fish. fish. Bass Bass an anangler angler can can take take and and there there can can also also be be closed closed seasons. seasons. Anglers Anglers need need to to check check ourour coastline coastlinewhich is warmedwhich is warmedby the waters by the ofwaters the Gulf of the Stream. Gulf Stream. Facing Facingthe Atlantic the Atlantic on its west on its- west- will movewill movein and in out and of out these of theseareas areas on the on tide the andtide andcan oftencan often be caught be caught very very close close in, inin, a in a websitewebsite http://fishinginireland.info/regulations.htm http://fishinginireland.info/regulations.htm foot orfoot two or of two water. of water. ern and southern and western south westernseaboards, seaboards, Ireland’s Ireland’s coastline coastline is a mix is ofa mixinlets, of bays,inlets, reefs,bays, rocksreefs, ,rocks , priorprior to fishingto fishing to tomake make sure sure they they are are aware aware of of regulations regulations in in place place at at that that time.time. cliffs andcliffs sandy and beaches. sandy beaches. Much of Much this is of shallow this is shallowground groundwhich provides which provides the perfect the perfect habitat habitat Beaches:Beaches: Bass willBass hunt will inhunt and in aroundand around sandy sandy beaches beaches in search in search of food of food and and worms, worms, crab crab & & for foragingfor foragingbass. bass. sandeelsandeel are the are favoured the favoured baits baitsoff many off many beach beach marks. marks. Sandeel Sandeel burrow burrow into intothe thesand sand and and METHODSMETHODS Of course,Of it’s course, not all it’s about not all the about fishing. the Irelandfishing. Irelandis a beautiful is a beautiful country country and the and scenery the scenery of the of the emergeemerge at night at tonight feed to feedso night so nighttime fishingtime fishing is usually is usually the mostthe most productive. productive. Beaches Beaches tend tend to to LureLure fishing fishing is theis the most most popular popular method method to to target target bass bass these these days days and and a a rod rod betweenbetween Irish coastlineIrish coastlinecan be breath-taking, can be breath-taking, making makingit a fantastic it a fantastic place to place spend to somespend time some enjoying time enjoying fish bestfish when best whenthere thereis a strong is a strong surf, assurf, the as wave the wave action action scours scours the gravelthe gravel and and sand sand to displace to displace 8 and8 and 10ft 10ft casting casting from from 10 10 to to40g 40g matched matched with with a agood good fixed fixed spool spool reel reel with with 15kg15kg the naturalthe environment. natural environment. Then, after Then, a afterlong daya long fishing day (andfishing maybe (and maybeeven a even 70+cm a 70+cm bass), bass), food items.food items.

# # CPRSavesfish CPRSavesfish

IN IRELAND IN IRELAND IN

BASS ANGLING BASS BASS ANGLING BASS

and Government of Ireland copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland. Ireland. Survey Survey Ordnance © Ordnance © copyright. copyright. Ireland of Ireland of Government Government and and

Acknowledgements Acknowledgements

Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy in the compilation of this publication and and publication this of compilation the in accuracy ensure to taken been has effort Every Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy in the compilation of this publication and and publication this of compilation the in accuracy ensure to taken been has effort Every • Don’t take any risks when wading or fishing from boat, shore or bank bank or or shore shore boat, boat, from from fishing fishing or or wading wading when when risks risks any any take take Don’t Don’t • •

as information on things to do and see while visiting the island. island. the the visiting visiting while while see see and and do do to to things things on on information information as as

• Follow advice on warning signs, permits and notices notices and and permits permits signs, signs, warning warning on on advice advice Follow Follow • •

• Wear a life jacket. jacket. life life a a Wear Wear • •

Please consider the following when going fishing: fishing: going going when when following following the the consider consider Please Please

General Tourism General General Tourism General Or via Invasive Species Ireland at at at Ireland Ireland Species Species Invasive Invasive via via Or Or

safety and that of angling partners/buddies. partners/buddies. partners/buddies. angling angling of of that that and and safety safety

www.fisheriesireland.ie/Research/invasive-species.html www.fisheriesireland.ie/Research/invasive-species.html

[email protected] [email protected] emailing emailing by by Update Update

hidden. Drowning is an ever present risk and you should exercise utmost care for your own own own your your for for care care utmost utmost exercise exercise should should you you and and risk risk present present ever ever an an is is Drowning Drowning hidden. hidden.

anglers are catching and where. You can sign up to be emailed the weekly Angling Angling Angling weekly weekly the the emailed emailed be be to to up up sign sign can can You You where. where. and and catching catching are are anglers anglers

Angling is a water based activity with changing conditions and dangers that are sometimes sometimes sometimes are are that that dangers dangers and and conditions conditions changing changing with with activity activity based based water water a a is is Angling Angling

fish. fish. IFI also produces a weekly Angling Update which provides up-to-date reports on what what what on on reports reports up-to-date up-to-date provides provides which which Update Update Angling Angling weekly a weekly a produces produces also also IFI IFI

Safety Safety would ask that all anglers inspect and clean their gear prior to travelling to Ireland to to to Ireland to Ireland to travelling to travelling to prior prior gear gear their their clean clean and and inspect inspect anglers all anglers all that that ask ask would would

www.ufishireland.org/ www.ufishireland.org/ and and

2014 2014

www.leavenotraceireland.org www.leavenotraceireland.org

on either side of the border you should consult: consult: should should you you border border the the of of side side either either on on Aquatic Invasive Species and fish pathogens are readily transferred from one water one water one from from transferred transferred readily are readily are pathogens pathogens fish fish and and Species Species Invasive Invasive Aquatic Aquatic - -

- - bar bar single single use use possible possible where – where – sustainably sustainably and and responsibly responsibly fish fish should should Anglers Anglers

If you are planning on fishing in Northern Ireland or on the Foyle and Carlingford area area area Carlingford Carlingford and and Foyle Foyle the the on on or or Ireland Ireland Northern Northern in in fishing fishing on on planning planning are are you If you If

Biosecurity Biosecurity

obstruction. obstruction. obstruction.

www.fishinginireland.info www.fishinginireland.info at: at: providers providers service service and and fisheries fisheries individual individual

www.fishinginireland.info/safety.htm www.fishinginireland.info/safety.htm Vehicles should be parked in designated areas and in such a manner that they do not cause cause cause not not do do they they that that manner manner a a such such in in and and areas areas designated designated in in parked parked be be should should Vehicles Vehicles

Firstly, there is a dedicated angling website which has more detailed information on on on information information detailed detailed more more has has which which website website angling angling dedicated dedicated a a is is there there Firstly, Firstly,

For a more detailed guide to safety when angling please visit: visit: visit: please please angling angling when when safety to safety to guide guide detailed detailed more a more a For For

Be considerate of other visitors. visitors. other other of of considerate considerate Be Be tional resources where you can find more detailed and up-to-date angling information. information. information. angling angling up-to-date up-to-date and and detailed detailed more more find find can can you you where where resources resources tional tional

• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear footwear and and clothing clothing appropriate appropriate Wear Wear • •

of some of the key angling hotspots you can visit. However, there are a number of addi addi of of number number a a are are there there However, However, visit. visit. can can you you hotspots hotspots angling angling key key the the of of some some of of - -

• Take a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case/bag. case/bag. waterproof a waterproof in a in phone phone mobile mobile charged charged fully a fully a Take Take • •

This guide provides a basic introduction to bass angling in Ireland and gives a summary summary summary a a gives gives and and Ireland Ireland in in angling angling bass bass to to introduction introduction basic a basic a provides provides guide guide This This

Plan ahead and prepare; Travel and camp on durable surfaces; Dispose of waste proper proper waste waste of of Dispose Dispose surfaces; surfaces; durable durable on on camp camp and and Travel Travel prepare; prepare; and and ahead ahead Plan Plan - -

Angling Information Information Angling Angling

Leave No Trace Trace No No Leave Leave FURTHER INFORMATION INFORMATION FURTHER FURTHER • Check the weather forecast and tide tables before you go you go you before before tables tables tide tide and and forecast forecast weather weather the the Check Check • •

www.ufishireland.org Agency: Loughs

and-services/outdoor-recreation-and-sport/angling

www.nidirect.gov.uk/information- www.nidirect.gov.uk/information- DAERA:

@AnglingUpdate #

KERRY CPRSavesfish

CORK

vant website for information before fishing: before information for website vant WATERFORD

www.facebook.com/inlandfisheriesireland - rele the check should waters controlled DAERA or Agency

trolled waters in Ireland. Anglers wishing to fish in Loughs Loughs in fish to wishing Anglers Ireland. in waters trolled Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: and Facebook on us Follow

WEXFORD

LIMERICK

- con IFI in fishing on information provides only brochure This

KILKENNY

CARLOW TIPPERARY

IN IRELAND IN map. adjacent the on marked are areas These Ireland.

CLARE

[email protected]

tems that span the border between Northern Ireland and and Ireland Northern between border the span that tems WICKLOW LAOIS

KILDARE

or send an email to: to: email an send or

- sys Carlingford and Foyle the on fishing the controls which

OFFALY

log onto: log

of the fishing in Northern Ireland, and the Loughs Agency, Agency, Loughs the and Ireland, Northern in fishing the of

www.fishinginireland.info DUBLIN GALWAY

WESTMEATH

For up to date information on fishing in Ireland Ireland in fishing on information date to up For

Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) which controls most most controls which (DAERA) Affairs Rural and Environment

LONGFORD

MEATH

The Republic of Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Agriculture, of Department the Ireland, of Republic The

Ireland (IFI) which controls the majority of the fishing in in fishing the of majority the controls which (IFI) Ireland

LOUTH MAYO ROSCOMMON

CAVAN ANGLING BASS

control fishing on the island of Ireland: Inland Fisheries Fisheries Inland Ireland: of island the on fishing control

SLIGO

As a result of this, there are three separate agencies that that agencies separate three are there this, of result a As

LEITRIM

ARMAGH

MONAGHAN

DOWN Ireland) and Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. UK. the of part is which Ireland, Northern and Ireland)

FERMANAGH

Border

The Republic of Ireland (also known as Eire or Southern Southern or Eire as known (also Ireland of Republic The

TYRONE

E IFI

The island of Ireland consists of two separate countries: countries: separate two of consists Ireland of island The

DAERA

DONEGAL

ANTRIM

Loughs Agency Loughs NORTHERN IRELAND NORTHERN DERRY

IRELAND/

This brochure can be made available in alternate formats upon request. upon formats alternate in available made be can brochure This

the surf beaches of north Donegal. Donegal. north of beaches surf the

have been turning up here in better numbers, all the way to to way the all numbers, better in here up turning been have

and Government of Ireland copyright. © Ordnance Survey Ireland. Survey Ordnance © copyright. Ireland of Government and

long regarded as a bass wilderness, but in recent years they they years recent in but wilderness, bass a as regarded long

the Mullet peninsula producing the odd bass. Donegal was was Donegal bass. odd the producing peninsula Mullet the B

beaches of Mayo including Whitestrand, Carrowniskey and and Carrowniskey Whitestrand, including Mayo of beaches

Permit No. MP 007508. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Ordnance Survey Ireland Ireland Survey Ordnance infringes reproduction Unauthorised 007508. MP No. Permit

Further north, bass are an occasional capture, with the surf surf the with capture, occasional an are bass north, Further

presence of sprat and mackerel close to shore. to close mackerel and sprat of presence

generally the best season as it usually coincides with the the with coincides usually it as season best the generally

The document includes Ordnance Survey Ireland data reproduced under OSi Copyright Copyright OSi under reproduced data Ireland Survey Ordnance includes document The

weed Point and Barna Beach can be productive. Autumn is is Autumn productive. be can Beach Barna and Point weed

- Sea at marks shore, northern the on while shore southern H

around Ballyvaughan and the channel at Newquay on the the on Newquay at channel the and Ballyvaughan around

bass in this area should concentrate on the shallow ground ground shallow the on concentrate should area this in bass Photos courtesy of: IFI, Shane O’Reilly, Christin Breuker, Markus Müller & James Barry. James & Müller Markus Breuker, Christin O’Reilly, Shane IFI, of: courtesy Photos

anglers they are not considered plentiful. Anglers seeking seeking Anglers plentiful. considered not are they anglers

and while bass are targeted successfully by some local local some by successfully targeted are bass while and I

tremity for productive bass fishing on the western seaboard seaboard western the on fishing bass productive for tremity

Trawee and Fanore. and Trawee

will be present. Such areas exist at beaches around Doolin, Doolin, around beaches at exist areas Such present. be will

fishing but when you can find areas of shallower water bass bass water shallower of areas find can you when but fishing

Acknowledgements

Point. Northern Clare is usually known for its deepwater deepwater its for known usually is Clare Northern Point.

(where the Irish record bass was caught) and at Spanish Spanish at and caught) was bass record Irish the (where

the peninsula bass are found at Kilkee, Doughmore Strand Strand Doughmore Kilkee, at found are bass peninsula the

side and at Querrin will produce bass. On the other side of of side other the On bass. produce will Querrin at and side

fishing at the mouth of Poulnasherry Bay from the western western the from Bay Poulnasherry of mouth the at fishing check with the establishment or operator concerned as to the level of cover carried. cover of level the to as concerned operator or establishment the with check

bit of work. On the northern side of the Shannon Estuary, Estuary, Shannon the of side northern the On work. of bit

decent numbers for anglers that are prepared to put in a a in put to prepared are that anglers for numbers decent

overlooked when it comes to bass but they are present in in present are they but bass to comes it when overlooked While many operators would have public liability insurance it is always advisable to to advisable always is it insurance liability public have would operators many While

, famous for the Cliffs of Moher, is often often is Moher, of Cliffs the for famous , Clare County (J)

sults as can fishing Ballybunnion beach. Ballybunnion fishing can as sults

- re produce can Strand Ballyheigue from fishing surf and and involve risk. It is recommended in such cases to take out personal accident insurance. insurance. accident personal out take to cases such in recommended is It risk. involve and

Further north, lure fishing from the outcrop at Black Rock Rock Black at outcrop the from fishing lure north, Further

the tide pushes in and out of the various channel systems. systems. channel various the of out and in pushes tide the

marks around Fenit, Barrow Harbour and Carrahane as as Carrahane and Harbour Barrow Fenit, around marks for errors or omissions therein. Some sporting activities may by their nature be hazardous hazardous be nature their by may activities sporting Some therein. omissions or errors for

, bass are caught from a number of of number a from caught are bass , Tralee of North (I)

marks. marks.

ious marks) and Castlegregory stream are all known bass bass known all are stream Castlegregory and marks) ious associated maps and web pages. Inland Fisheries Ireland cannot accept responsibility responsibility accept cannot Ireland Fisheries Inland pages. web and maps associated

- (var Bay Brandon Ballinrannig, and shore southern the on

surf fishing for bass. Further along the peninsula, Trabeg Trabeg peninsula, the along Further bass. for fishing surf

the two spits of Rossbeigh and Inch can provide excellent excellent provide can Inch and Rossbeigh of spits two the

Every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy in the compilation of this publication and and publication this of compilation the in accuracy ensure to taken been has effort Every

• Don’t take any risks when wading or fishing from boat, shore or bank or shore boat, from fishing or wading when risks any take Don’t • Opposing each other across the expanse of Dingle Bay, Bay, Dingle of expanse the across other each Opposing

as information on things to do and see while visiting the island. the visiting while see and do to things on information as

Waterville.

beaches around the town of Caherciveen to the north of of north the to Caherciveen of town the around beaches

• Follow advice on warning signs, permits and notices and permits signs, warning on advice Follow • Disclaimer

with the tide. Bass are also found in the bays, coves and and coves bays, the in found also are Bass tide. the with

trip to Ireland, providing a wealth of information on travel and accommodation as well well as accommodation and travel on information of wealth a providing Ireland, to trip

smaller species as they move in and out of the estuary estuary the of out and in move they as species smaller

centre of the bay. Bass will congregate here to ambush ambush to here congregate will Bass bay. the of centre

• Wear a life jacket. life a Wear •

rock with the best known being the Inny mouth right in the the in right mouth Inny the being known best the with rock

that will help you plan your your plan you help will that www.ireland.com website tourism general a has also Ireland

Bay hosts a range of bass marks from both beach and and beach both from marks bass of range a hosts Bay

http://invasivespeciesireland.com/cops/water-users/anglers/

months. At the tip of the Iveragh peninsula, Waterville Waterville peninsula, Iveragh the of tip the At months.

and they are regularly taken right throughout the winter winter the throughout right taken regularly are they and

Please consider the following when going fishing: going when following the consider Please

regarded as a year-round species in this part of Ireland Ireland of part this in species year-round a as regarded

General Tourism General Or via Invasive Species Ireland at at Ireland Species Invasive via Or

the best-known bass angling marks in Ireland. Bass are are Bass Ireland. in marks angling bass best-known the

thrive in and it is no surprise that they contain some of of some contain they that surprise no is it and in thrive

provide a return to the shallow water habitat that bass bass that habitat water shallow the to return a provide

safety and that of angling partners/buddies. partners/buddies. angling of that and safety

www.fisheriesireland.ie/Research/invasive-species.html

peninsulas in Kerry Kerry in peninsulas Dingle and Iveragh the Both (H) (G)

[email protected] emailing by Update produce the best results. best the produce

fishing from the beaches close to estuaries will probably probably will estuaries to close beaches the from fishing

hidden. Drowning is an ever present risk and you should exercise utmost care for your own own your for care utmost exercise should you and risk present ever an is Drowning hidden.

Full information on prevention of invasive species is available on our website at: at: website our on available is species invasive of prevention on information Full

normally known as a bass hotspot. If fishing for bass, bait bait bass, for fishing If hotspot. bass a as known normally

er water species such as pollock and wrasse and is not not is and wrasse and pollock as such species water er anglers are catching and where. You can sign up to be emailed the weekly Angling Angling weekly the emailed be to up sign can You where. and catching are anglers

- deep to suited better is coast the of part this locations,

Angling is a water based activity with changing conditions and dangers that are sometimes sometimes are that dangers and conditions changing with activity based water a is Angling

as Kenmare in Kerry. While bass will be present in many many in present be will bass While Kerry. in Kenmare as

fish.

es all the way around the south west tip of Ireland as far far as Ireland of tip west south the around way the all es

IFI also produces a weekly Angling Update which provides up-to-date reports on what what on reports up-to-date provides which Update Angling weekly a produces also IFI

- stretch coastline water deeper of type This prefer. bass

more cliffs and deep water than the shallow ground that that ground shallow the than water deep and cliffs more

Safety

would ask that all anglers inspect and clean their gear prior to travelling to Ireland to to Ireland to travelling to prior gear their clean and inspect anglers all that ask would West of Clonakilty the coastline becomes steeper, with with steeper, becomes coastline the Clonakilty of West

www.ufishireland.org/ and

from boat or shore. or boat from

2014

guides working both areas that can also provide fishing fishing provide also can that areas both working guides

damaging to resident fish stocks, the aquatic habitat and the general environment. We We environment. general the and habitat aquatic the stocks, fish resident to damaging greater scope for exploring the area while there are are there while area the exploring for scope greater

www.leavenotraceireland.org

boats available for hire in Courtmachsherry allowing allowing Courtmachsherry in hire for available boats

www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/outdoor-recreation-and-sport/angling

marks and small bays in the vicinity. There are self-drive self-drive are There vicinity. the in bays small and marks

course to another on angling tackle, boats and protective clothing. These can be very very be can These clothing. protective and boats tackle, angling on another to course

and Clonakilty, fishing in the estuaries and from the rock rock the from and estuaries the in fishing Clonakilty, and

fishing spots on this coastline are at Courtmacsherry Courtmacsherry at are coastline this on spots fishing

bless hooks and practice no-weight, “in the water” catch and release. and catch water” the “in no-weight, practice and hooks bless

https://goo.gl/ty3pLf punctuated by rocky headlands and bays. The key bass bass key The bays. and headlands rocky by punctuated

on either side of the border you should consult: should you border the of side either on

Aquatic Invasive Species and fish pathogens are readily transferred from one water one from transferred readily are pathogens fish and Species Invasive Aquatic -

QR code or use the following web link: link: web following the use or code QR

indented. Smaller beaches are the norm and these are are these and norm the are beaches Smaller indented.

For a Google map, scan the the scan map, Google a For has more of an effect and the coastline becomes more more becomes coastline the and effect an of more has

- bar single use possible where – sustainably and responsibly fish should Anglers

, the force of the Atlantic Ocean Ocean Atlantic the of force the , Cork West into Once (F)

If you are planning on fishing in Northern Ireland or on the Foyle and Carlingford area area Carlingford and Foyle the on or Ireland Northern in fishing on planning are you If

let others do the driving. driving. the do others let Biosecurity

guides also provide boat fishing for those that prefer to to prefer that those for fishing boat provide also guides

available to hire locally or, alternately, a number of of number a alternately, or, locally hire to available obstruction. obstruction.

www.fishinginireland.info at: providers service and fisheries individual most popular methods. There are self-drive small boats boats small self-drive are There methods. popular most

which can congregate here in good numbers, are one of the primary target species. The bass fishing in the harbour is mainly by boat and lure or fly fishing are the the are fishing fly or lure and boat by mainly is harbour the in fishing bass The species. target primary the of one are numbers, good in here congregate can which

www.fishinginireland.info/safety.htm tered environment for numerous fish species. The harbour, which is fishable in all but the strongest of winds, is the centre of a busy recreational angling scene and bass, bass, and scene angling recreational busy a of centre the is winds, of strongest the but all in fishable is which harbour, The species. fish numerous for environment tered Vehicles should be parked in designated areas and in such a manner that they do not cause cause not do they that manner a such in and areas designated in parked be should Vehicles

West of Ballycotton and the most prominent feature on Ireland’s south coast, Cork Harbour Harbour Cork coast, south Ireland’s on feature prominent most the and Ballycotton of West - shel a provides and world the in harbours natural largest the of one is Firstly, there is a dedicated angling website which has more detailed information on on information detailed more has which website angling dedicated a is there Firstly, (E)

reef at Ballinwilling or any number of other outcrops in between. in outcrops other of number any or Ballinwilling at reef

For a more detailed guide to safety when angling please visit: visit: please angling when safety to guide detailed more a For

large bass, especially when bait fishing at night if the surf Is running. There is no shortage of rock fishing either at known marks such as the Black Rocks near Ardmore, the the Ardmore, near Rocks Black the as such marks known at either fishing rock of shortage no is There running. Is surf the if night at fishing bait when especially bass, large

Be considerate of other visitors. other of considerate Be

tional resources where you can find more detailed and up-to-date angling information. information. angling up-to-date and detailed more find can you where resources tional Youghal. These beaches such as Ardmore, Garyvoe and Whiting Bay are known for throwing up record fish across a range of species and are also capable of producing producing of capable also are and species of range a across fish record up throwing for known are Bay Whiting and Garyvoe Ardmore, as such beaches These Youghal.

the ground becomes a little less rocky and a number of longer beaches feature, as does the estuary of the River Blackwater at at Blackwater River the of estuary the does as feature, beaches longer of number a and rocky less little a becomes ground the Ballycotton to west Dungarvan From (D)

• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear and clothing appropriate Wear •

all along the east side of the spit which provide shelter and hunting grounds for bass and which can be fished by careful wading or, more easily, from a small boat. small a from easily, more or, wading careful by fished be can which and bass for grounds hunting and shelter provide which spit the of side east the along all

of some of the key angling hotspots you can visit. However, there are a number of addi of number a are there However, visit. can you hotspots angling key the of some of -

conditions. Just west of the Copper Coast lies the busy town of Dungarvan where the east facing Dungarvan Bay is lanced by the 3km long Cunnigar Spit. There are oyster beds beds oyster are There Spit. Cunnigar long 3km the by lanced is Bay Dungarvan facing east the where Dungarvan of town busy the lies Coast Copper the of west Just conditions.

ly; Leave what you find; Minimise campfire impacts (be careful with fire); Respect wildlife; Respect fire); with careful (be impacts campfire Minimise find; you what Leave ly;

area should consider fishing reefs on a dropping tide to become acquainted with the lie of the land and care should be taken at all times to be observant of changing tides and and tides changing of observant be to times all at taken be should care and land the of lie the with acquainted become to tide dropping a on reefs fishing consider should area

• Take a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case/bag. waterproof a in phone mobile charged fully a Take • the adventurous, exploring angler. But a word of warning, incoming tides can push right up to the often-steep cliffs and may trap unwary anglers. Anglers unfamiliar with an an with unfamiliar Anglers anglers. unwary trap may and cliffs often-steep the to up right push can tides incoming warning, of word a But angler. exploring adventurous, the

This guide provides a basic introduction to bass angling in Ireland and gives a summary summary a gives and Ireland in angling bass to introduction basic a provides guide This and while marks at Kilfarrasey, Annestown and Bunmahon are well known, there are plenty of equally good marks without a name to denote them. It is an area that will reward reward will that area an is It them. denote to name a without marks good equally of plenty are there known, well are Bunmahon and Annestown Kilfarrasey, at marks while and

Plan ahead and prepare; Travel and camp on durable surfaces; Dispose of waste proper waste of Dispose surfaces; durable on camp and Travel prepare; and ahead Plan - noted bass anglers such as Henry Gilbey who have travelled here year on year to sample the top fishing in a wild and wonderful setting. Anglers are really spoilt for choice here here choice for spoilt really are Anglers setting. wonderful and wild a in fishing top the sample to year on year here travelled have who Gilbey Henry as such anglers bass noted

• Fish with a partner/buddy or let someone know where you’re going you’re where know someone let or partner/buddy a with Fish •

westwards from Tramore towards Dungarvan is a complex network of shallow water, rocks, reefs, gullys, coves and storm beaches. It has been made famous through the writing of of writing the through famous made been has It beaches. storm and coves gullys, reefs, rocks, water, shallow of network complex a is Dungarvan towards Tramore from westwards

, you enter one of the most noted bass fishing coastlines in all of Europe. The Copper Coast which extends extends which Coast Copper The Europe. of all in coastlines fishing bass noted most the of one enter you , Dungarvan as far as Tramore from Estuary, Waterford the Across (C)

Angling Information Angling

Please adhere to the seven principles of Leave No Trace Ireland: Ireland: Trace No Leave of principles seven the to adhere Please This is perfect habitat for bass and they can be taken all along this stretch with some noted hotspots at Cullenstown, Bannow Bay and on both sides of The Hook Peninsula. Peninsula. Hook The of sides both on and Bay Bannow Cullenstown, at hotspots noted some with stretch this along all taken be can they and bass for habitat perfect is This

• Take time to observe weather, water and tide conditions while fishing while conditions tide and water weather, observe to time Take •

Moving westwards, between Carnsore Point and the Waterford Estuary Estuary Waterford the and Point Carnsore between westwards, Moving , the coastline becomes more broken as the beaches become smaller and rocky ground starts to dominate. dominate. to starts ground rocky and smaller become beaches the as broken more becomes coastline the , (B)

clarity along much of the east coast can be an issue for lure and fly anglers, particularly after a period of easterly winds. easterly of period a after particularly anglers, fly and lure for issue an be can coast east the of much along clarity

the coastline, from Rosslare Harbour to Carnsore Point, bass become more plentiful and there are some noted marks along this stretch which fish well to both bait and lure. The water water The lure. and bait both to well fish which stretch this along marks noted some are there and plentiful more become bass Point, Carnsore to Harbour Rosslare from coastline, the

Leave No Trace No Leave FURTHER INFORMATION FURTHER • Check the weather forecast and tide tables before you go you before tables tide and forecast weather the Check •

from the rocky marks in south Wicklow & north Wexford while the long stretches of beach in south Wexford are better suited to bait fishing at night. Towards the very southern end of of end southern very the Towards night. at fishing bait to suited better are Wexford south in beach of stretches long the while Wexford north & Wicklow south in marks rocky the from

conditions. North of Dublin, Carlingford Lough, Port Beach and the Boyne Estuary are known marks that regularly produce bass for lure anglers. South of Dublin, lure/fly anglers can fish fish can anglers lure/fly Dublin, of South anglers. lure for bass produce regularly that marks known are Estuary Boyne the and Beach Port Lough, Carlingford Dublin, of North conditions.

at night from the beaches has been the most successful method. In recent years, lure/fly fishing the rocky stretches has become more popular and has produced bass given the right right the given bass produced has and popular more become has stretches rocky the fishing lure/fly years, recent In method. successful most the been has beaches the from night at

coast but are not as plentiful as on the south/south west coast. The coastline is characterised by long stretches of beach interspersed with small rocky outcrops. Traditionally, bait fishing fishing bait Traditionally, outcrops. rocky small with interspersed beach of stretches long by characterised is coastline The coast. west south/south the on as plentiful as not are but coast

faces the Irish Sea, and experiences smaller tides and usually colder water temperatures than the south and west coasts. Bass are present all along the east east the along all present are Bass coasts. west and south the than temperatures water colder usually and tides smaller experiences and Sea, Irish the faces Ireland of coast east The (A) Regions and Hotspots and Regions