Angling
North West Ireland is blessed with one of the most varied and beautiful coastlines in Ireland which is bathed in the effects of the warm and crystal clear North Atlantic Drift Current.
The shoreline varies from golden Atlantic storm beaches, quiet estuaries and bays to deep water, kelp strewn rock marks. This all means that our waters are inhabited by numerous species of fish which afford the shore angler a broad range of opportunities.
There are also many marks for the deep sea fisherman varying from sand and shingle banks through rising rocky reefs to deep water wreck fishing. A number of speciem records including a 440kg line caught Bluefin tuna caught in Donegal Bay in October 2001 while the Inishowen Head area is excellent for tope fishing. Other species regularly caught include pollack, coalfish, wrasse, conger, spurdog, gurnard, rockling, dogfish, ray, plaice, john dory, codling and whiting.
Lough Foyle and it environs mark the boundary between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic and the Loughs Agency is a cross border body that was established in 1999 to manage and develop these waters for all forms of angling and leisure tourism.
There are a number of websites and several downloadable guides that the discerning sea angler will want to view for the best locations to catch particular species and for opportunities to access the shoreline and hire charter boats. www.donegalanglingholidays.com www.fishinginireland.info
www.irishanglingcharters.ie www.loughs-agency.org/angling
Are you an activity provider for any of the listed activities and would like to have your business details listed here? Please contact us now!
Thomas McCallion - MFV Stingray
The Boat is a 33’ Aquastar fully licensed to the Department of the Marine Standard. Rod and Tackle available on board for hire. Excellent Tope Fishing in May, June and July also Rays, Skate and Spurdog. Tope average 25 to 60lbs
Skate between 80 to 200lbs. General fishing is quite good all year with about 30 different species being caught. Pollack fishing can be outstanding using every light tackle with fish being taken sometimes on every single cast. Blue hark fishing is also available in: August – September – October. Blue Fin Tuna are also to be seen in the area.
Peter Power - Deep Sea Angline
Prospector 1, skippered by Peter Power is a purpose built state of the art 33ft charter angling vessel based in the idyllic harbour of Mullaghmore, Co Sligo. Prospector 1 offers fishing in Donegal Bay in the summer months (May-October). Peter Power Deep Sea Angling also offers day trips to Inishmurray Island, nine miles from Mullaghmore and uninhabited since 1948. Innishmurray has particular points of interest like the Ancient Monastic Site along with rich bird life. Fish Species - The waters of Donegal Bay are deep and clean and offer a huge variety of species of sport fish (34 species). Prospector 1 will either be fishing over reefs, hunting blue shark or trying to tempt the mighty giant bluefin tuna.Species include: Coalfish, cod, conger, dab, flounder, gunard (grey, red, and tub), herring, John Dory, mackerel, monkfish, mullet, pollock, pouting, ray, skate, smooth hound, tope, whiting, wrasse (ballin and cuckoo).
Lomax Boats and Angling - Celtic Dawn
Lomax Boats and Angling in Mullaghmore, Co Sligo run charter sea angling trips and visitor trips to Inishmurray Island aboard the Celtic Dawn from April to October inclusive. You can fish for mackeral, pollack, cod, ling, wrasse, coley, gurnard, coalfish, pouting, dogfish, conger eel, squid, John Dory, whiting and assorted dabs and flat fish. There is blue shark fishing from August until the end of October. Rods and tackle are available on the boat for hire and are on sale in the tackle shop in the boat yard. Conducted tours of Inishmurray Island, including bird watching can be arranged. There are also trips to the seal colony on Bomore Rocks and evening trips in Donegal Bay.
Bluefin Charters
Whether you are a seasoned big game angler in pursuit of giant bluefin tuna or shark, or one which prefers to catch the many species of smaller bottom fish, Bluefin Charters in Co Donegal can cater for your needs. On-board the M.V. Kiwi Girl, Bluefin Charters provides full instruction for the beginner and rods and tackle are available for hire. For the non-fishing person, there are sightseeing trips to view the many attractions in Donegal Bay. Bluefin Charters will be happy to cater for individuals, angling clubs, companies on corporate days, diving parties and family groups.
Sea Star Mitchell 31. Ford 120 hp 6 Clyinder
Services available include deep sea angling, reef fishing, shark fishing (August-October) and eco tourism cruises. Trips can be tailor made to suit anglers and include modest half day, full day and evening trip rates for groups, individuals, and children. Rods and tackle are available for hire on board and skipper can arrange accomodation if contacted in time.
Ewings Sea Angling & Boat Charter
Ewings Sea Angling and Boat Charters offers a variety of services from its two fully licensed and Department of Marine compliant vessels. Services available include deep sea angling, reef fishing, shark fishing (August to October), Coney Island taxis (for walkers and naturalists), Innismurray Island trips, sightseeing trips and eco-tourism cruises. Modest full day, half-day and evening trip rates for groups, individuals and children. Rods and tackle are available for hire on-board and the skipper can arrange accommodation if contacted in time. Gift vouchers available and all beginners welcome on-board . Pickups can be arranged from Sligo City pontoon, otherwise normal pickups are from the Harry Ewing Pier at Rosses Point.
KillyBegs Angling Charters
Killybegs Angling Charters operates from Killybegs, Co Donegal, Ireland’s premier fishing port service. It offers deep-sea angling, sightseeing, diving and wildlife spotting all year round - weather permitting. Killybegs Angling Charters provide full, evening or half-day angling or sightseeing trips for up to 12 people. Shorter mackerel fishing trips are available when the mackerel are in from May to September. The boat, a Lochin 40ft, cruises at 15 knots and has a large comfortable deck space. Fishing reefs yields pollack, cod, ling, coalfish, wrasse, gurnards (red, grey and tub) and conger. The All-Ireland Master Angler competition was held here and 18 species of reef fish were caught. Tope fishing (starts in May) and shark fishing is good from August onwards. These are mostly female sharks from 15kgs to approx 60kgs on their migration down the west coast of Ireland. This fishing lasts into October when the water temperature drops and it becomes too cold for them. Shark fishing and tuna fishing are available from August onwards. Fishing reefs yields pollack, cod, ling, coalfish, wrasse, gurnards (red, grey and tub) and conger. The All-Ireland Master Angler competition was held here and 18 species of reef fish were caught. Tope fishing (starts in May) and shark fishing is good from August onwards. All levels and abilities are catered for, from the experienced to the beginner, young and old, making sure that everyone has a very enjoyable and productive trip.
Rathmullan Charters
Rathmullan Charters in Co Donegal operates two boats - Enterprise 1, a charter angling boat and Swilly Explorer, an Inteceptor 42. Enterprise 1 is an Aquastar 38ft, fully licensed by Department of Marine for 12 passengers. Both vessels are equipped with latest electronics and safety equipment, toilet facilities and tea and coffee are supplied. Fishing in Lough Swilly for tope, ray, pollock, ling, cod, haddock, whiting and wreck fishing offshore. Rods, reels and tackle are supplied. Accommodation can be arranged. Rathmullan charters also offer sightseeing trips, corporate outings and evening trips for children. Disabled anglers are catered for.
RosGuill Deep Sea Angling Boat
RosGuill deep sea angling boat, based at Downings Harbour, Co Donegal is fully licensed and insured for 12 anglers with rods, reels and tackle available to hire at a daily rate. North Donegal has some of the best bottom fishing in Ireland over clean and mixed ground with plenty of fish and species. Tory Island is renowned for the quality of its reef fishing and is a great place to go in strong winds for sheltered fishing in the lee of the Island. Sheephaven and Mulroy bays offer fishing for ray, dogfish and flatfish even in a storm. The blue shark season runs from July to October with some good size shark including the skipper’s best of 124 pounds, caught in 1992. There was also a 344 pound bluefin tuna caught in October 2000 on the RosGuill’s second day fishing.
Bluefin Chartering
Bluefin Chartering, in Co Donegal, operate An Shannen Alainn, a fully insured and licensed boat for up to 12 anglers, with all the latest navigational, fish finding and safety equipment on-board. An Shannen Alainn is skippered by Michael Molloy. Michael has 20 years experience in both commercial and sea angling off the North West Coast of Ireland. His aim is to give customer satisfaction and value for money, offering a wide range of sightseeing tours around the North West coast including the magnificent cliffs at Sliabh Liag.
Nuala Star Teelin
Nuala Star Teelin in Carrick, offer sightseeing trips to Bunglas Cliffs and Sliabh Liag, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, almost 600 metres. You can get in close to the shore and appreciate these spectacular sights, or you can go swimming in the crystal clear waters of the many coves and inlets on the tour, a unique experience for all the family. Dive charter: there are many spectacular dive sites within a short distance of Teelin. The skipper, Paddy, is a qualified diver and works closely with the local P.A.D.I. dive centre, where equipment can be bought or hired. Air fills are available and tuition is provided.Sea angling: Donegal Bay has some of the best fishing grounds in Ireland where a wide variety of fish can be caught from the humble pollock to the giant blue fin tuna. They practice a strict catch and release policy to help preserve fish stocks, only a few fish are kept for the table. The skipper is a member of the North West Charter Skippers Association. Nuala Star Teelin also offers dolphin and bird watching. There is a pick up and drop off service for hill walkers at Malinbeg and pleasure cruises and trips to Inishmurray.
Sea Fishing Brian McGilloway
Boat Lochan 40, with a four hundred and twenty horse power engine, a new boat with a speed of twenty knots. This year's boat is called Meridian, skippered by Brian McGilloway.
Donegal Bay Boat Charter
Donegal Bay Boat Charter operates a new high specification charter boat based in Donegal town, Co Donegal. They offer chartered fishing trips in Donegal Bay and the Sligo and west Donegal coasts. They offer wreck, reef, and shark fishing with a particular interest in species hunting. Penn & Shimano fishing gear is available to hire. Diving trips are also available with wrecks, reefs, drop offs, fast drift dives, low energy dives with seagrass glades and kelp forest dives all on offer. On their whale watching trips, Donegal Bay Boat Charter use a hydrophone for listening to the Whalesong. While there are 24 species of whales and dolphins in our waters they normally only encounter fin and minke whales and bottlenose dolphins but any thing can turn up.You can also visit Inismurry and Rathlin O’Byrne islands and the sea-cliffs with their vast sea bird colonies, expect the unexpected!
Tor Mor Charter Boat
Tor Mór Charter Boat is based at Portnoo and Rosbeg. Licensed for 12 passengers, her deck is ideal for fishing. Donegal's waters have some of the best angling and a diversity of species is available. She provides the perfect opportunity to explore local coastal attractions. South west Donegal enjoys superb clear waters and boasts outstanding underwater geographic features. There is a wealth of reefs and wrecks locally. The stern platform is ideal for scuba diving. Microwave and fridge are available. Bring your own food and drink. Safety equipment is provided. Bring additional foul weather clothing. Toilet on board. Bookings subject to weather conditions.
Inishowen Boating
Inishowen Boating Company offer shark, bottom and wreck fishing on two purpose built, fast charter boats from Bunagee Pier, Culdaff on the Inishowen Peninsula, Co Donegal. Both boats are licenced for up to 12 passengers. Facilities on-board both boats are of the highest specification with all modern electronics and safety equipment. There are toilets on-board and hot tea and coffee is always available.
Sea Fishing Rathmullan Enterprise
Rathmullan Enterprise Group Ltd offer sea angling trips from 1st May until 31st October on Enterprise I boat, an Aquaster 38ft with John Deere 220 hp engine. Skipper is Neil Doherty Bord Failte approved. Department of the Marine licensed. Sightseeing andcorporate outings also arranged.
Tuna Charters Ireland
Tuna Charters Ireland aim to provide the very best in Sea Angling and marine tourism. Whether your interest is in cod, pollack and other demersal species, Giant Bluefin Tuna or just a quiet day fishing mackerel and enjoying the breathtaking scenery, we want you to enjoy your time with us by providing a quality of service that will make you want to come back again and again. We can offer the best in Sea Angling combined with some of the most spectacular scenery in Ireland.
An Duanai Mara Charters
An Dúanai Mara Charters offer deep sea fishing, shark angling and sightseeing trips in Donegal Bay, one of the most picturesque stretches of coastline in Ireland. Creevy Pier is lined by beautiful rugged cliffs, rocky outlets and sea inlets and offers some of the finest sea angling in Europe. Angling can be had within 10 minutes sail from Creevy Pier. Although An Dúanai Mara Charters’ main function is sea angling, they also provide sight seeing trips. There are many areas of special interest within the bay from Mullaghmore to Inishmurray Island and Rathlin O’ Beirne Island where seals can be seen basking on the rocks. There is also the ever popular Sliabh Liag. The cliffs of Sliabh Liag rise dramatically out of the ocean to a height of 601m (1972ft), and thus lay claim to the highest sea-cliffs in Europe. Depending on tides, local conditions and customer preferences, the boat is available to depart from Creevy Pier, Killybegs Harbour or Teelin Pier.
Sea Fishing John McLaughlin
John McLaughlin operates a sea angling and boat hire service from Culdaff, Co. Donegal.
Enniscrone Angling Charter
D Kennedy Angling is a family run angling charter business which operates out of Enniscrone, Co. Sligo. Trips of the M.V. Leah offer a fantastic fishing experience, from a full day's shark fishing to a short mackerel fishing trip.
Arranmore Charters
Arranmore Fast Ferries offer a daily scheduled ferry service for passenger/car and freight services from Burtonport to Arranmore Island in Co Donegal. They offer 3 boats to Arranmore and the surrounding Donegal islands. The fleet consists of Realt Na Maidne the popular passenger fast ferry which takes 5 minutes from Arranmore to Burtonport, Girl Gray which is used for angling trips and charters and M.V. Bruernish a passenger/car and freight service.
Bundoran Star Charter Boat
Bundoran Star is a charter boat service offering deep sea angling, sightseeing, whale and dolphin watch charter trips in Donegal Bay. The service is available daily, subject to weather conditions.
Inishmurray Island Trips
The M.V. Fiona Tee is based in Mullaghmore Co.Sligo. The services included general fishing and sightseeing, including trips to Inishmurray Island.
Smithy's Mini Charters
Smithy's Mini Charter service is specifically designed to cater for small groups of up to 6 anglers, ideal for small family groups wanting a short pleasure trip or a car load of friends out for a spontaneous fishing adventure.
Tirconnell Charters
Tirconnell Charters is based in Donegal. Tirconnell Charters is boat fishing at it's very best - an experience which gives you access to Angling, Sea life, Bird life, spectacular scenery and rock formations.
Bonito Charters
Bonito Charters is based in Downings Co.Donegal. There are 109 Wrecks for Pollock, Ling and Conger in Downings. Shark and blue fin tuna can also be spotted later in the season.
In addition to Lough Foyle region mentioned above the Causeway Coast and Glens region of Northern Ireland extends from Benone Strand at mouth of Lough Foyle to the Borough of Newtownabbey on Belfast Lough. This coastline presents a range of options for the angler: rugged inlets, sandy beaches, sweeping bays and river estuaries which have like Counties Donegal and Sligo yielded many specimen fish. The shore angling here is exceptional, but still largely undiscovered - as a consequence you may find yourself fishing alone on all but the most popular marks. An excellent guide to sea angling in the region has been produced by the Causeway Coast and Glens Regional Tourism Partnership and is available to download here. You can also visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/angling/
Are you an activity provider for any of the listed activities and would like to have your business details listed here? Please contact us now!
Causway Lass
Enjoy a days sea fishing onboard the 'Causeway Lass' from Portrush Harbour. The aim is to give you a safe, enjoyable fishing experience in Northern Ireland; regardless of age, experience or abilities. You can book with confidence for your friends, club or your company day out and be assured of a quality, clean, fast (24 knots powered by twin engines), fully licensed and insured boat with the best of facilities such as on deck toilet compartment, wheelchair access door, stainless steel safety rails, heated wheelhouse and full seating for all 12 passengers.
Boy Matthew
Boy Matthew is a 26ft Kingfisher, licensed for 12 passengers.The vessel works out of Portstewart. It offers fishing trips for all levels of experience. During the summer months the Boy Matthew does two trips daily.Departs 2pm and 6pm for three hours of fun angling.Fishing in Portstewart Bay for Mackeral,Ling,Pollack,Codling and Whitting.These trips are ideal for novice anglers,families and younger avid anglers. From May through to September,Boy Matthew offers 6 hour charter trips,which need to be booked in advance. These trips are for clubs,parties and groups of up to 8 people.Fishing deep water marks off the Causway Coast targeting larger fish, Ling, Pollack Spur Dog,Cod and much more.
Predator Charters Ltd
Licensed for up to 12 passengers. Angling, scenic tours along the North Antrim Coast, bird watching, seal watching, birthday parties, corporate entertainment, diving, Campbeltown runs, Islay Whiskey tours, TV filming.
Wave Dancer
Licensed for up to 12 passengers. The skipper has over 40 years experience fishing around Rathlin Island and Scottish waters.
Causway Explorer
Licensed for up to 14 passengers. The skipper has over 40 years experience fishing around Rathlin Island and Scottish Waters.
Lord Moyle
Licensed for up to 12 passengers. The Skipper has over 40 years experience and is also a deep sea diver.
Scotland offers excellent and incredibly varied sea fishing, from both shore and boat, with stunning coastal scenery to match. Scotland has various fish types but especially look out for cod and pollack, both of which provide, exciting fishing, from the shore or sea. Don’t miss the bass which are making a regular appearance around the country with double figure specimens being caught each year. For those seeking larger prey, try skate fishing where anglers on charter boats from Lochaline can go for common skate of over 200lbs. For more information on Angling in West Scotland see www.fishpal.com
Are you an activity provider for any of the listed activities and would like to have your business details listed here? Please contact us now!
Kintyre Express
Passenger ferry service between Campbeltown - Ballycastle during summer months. Boat is also available for private charter.
Gannet
General Fishing & Skate Trips. Light Lunch, Hot Drinks And Snacks Provided On Board. Plenty Of Space, Heated Wheelhouse, Electric Toilet, Seating For All. Coastal Skipper Owner Operator with over 40 years experience. Licensed for up to 10 passengers.
Rhins Ranger
36 ft Cygnus with island wheelhouse. Licensed for 12 passengers but max 10 anglers recommended. Rhin Ranger operates out of Portpatrick, fishing widely in the North Channel, from mid-April until mid-October. Local-born skipper wth years of knowledge of the North Channel.
Rachael Clare
Licensed for up to 12 passengers, Pollack, wreck and reef fishing. Toilet, hot and cold drinks. Full Electronics & Safety Equipment.
Porpoise
Licensed for up to 12 passengers. This charter is also suitable for diving trips.
Miss Claudia
Licensed for up to 12 passengers the boat was purpose built for angling. Freeward 35 foot 10.7 meter. The skipper has been fishing for 35 years and has 17 years experience of taking angling trips. He has a Coastal Skippers Certificate and a detailed knowledge of local waters.
Ailsa Craig Trips
Pleasure trips onto the Ailsa Craig or a sail around the Island.
See spectacular bird and wildlife around Ailsa Craig.
Prime location for bird enthusiasts and hill walkers.
Daily sailings from Girvan Harbour, all year round.
Fully licensed vessel that can carry 12 passengers per trip.
Many years of experience. Fishing trips available.
Storm Charters
Storm charters offer a wide variety of activities including angling, diving and seal watching.
Islay Sea Safari
With the boat based at Port Ellen on Islay the company are well situated to take advantage of the sea routes to many of the neighboring islands.
Trips or transport can be arranged to the east or west coasts of the neighboring Isle of Jura as well as to the north and the whirlpool at Corryvreckan.
Venture West
Venture West provides boat trips from various locations of the West Coast of Scotland including Isle of Staffa, Isle of Iona, Isle of Colonsay and Isle of Gigha.
Jura Passenger Ferry
The Jura Passenger Ferry - or Shannick - is a Stormforce 11, the flagship of Redbay Boats in Ireland that offers the best that ribs can offer. The deep V hull offers maximum stability and comfort with seating for 12 passengers and 2 crew.

