Coarse Angling Guide for Ireland

Kevin Lyons has over 30 years experience with angling in Ireland.

Located on the western extremity of the continental shelf the island of Ireland has some of the most lightly fished rivers and lakes in Europe. The great limestone plain of Ireland covering the whole of the midlands is characterised by big river systems and thousands of lakes. Much of Ireland’s abundant coarse fish shoals live in these waters. Indeed there are over 8,000 miles of river, lake and canal bank for the coarse angler to explore and enjoy.

There is no close season for coarse fishing in Ireland, fish feed throughout the year particularly Roach and Perch can be fished all year round. Species such as Tench, Bream and Rudd are most active in warmer weather and have a natural season extending from April to October.

The influence of the Irish climate, as well as the habits of the fish has to be taken into account when targeting particular species.

Coarse Fishing in Ireland is all year round.

For a week long holiday, anglers should limit themselves to two or three carefully selected venues. If you are fishing for Bream, Roach, Hybrids, etc., several days may be needed to allow pre-baiting sufficient time to work. On a river or lough, careful plumbing should be carried out beforehand to find features e.g. drop off, underwater obstructions where the fish will concentrate to feed. Pre-baiting requires a mix of brown crumb and ground baits laced with casters, hemp etc. It is important to have sufficient quantities of ground bait and bait for the fishing period.

Irish waters have very big shoals of fish which require a lot of ground bait to hold them in front of the angler, when success has been achieved with a shoal of Bream please do not attempt to photograph a large catch of fish spread over the ground at the end of the day. It is better to select some of the bigger fish for a photograph and quickly release the others to the water unharmed.

Boat Fishing

In some places a boat may be required to access the better fishing areas, Kevin at Melview lodge will provide a boat and engine free of charge for his guests. The angler can float fish successfully from an anchored boat close to reeds or underwater features. In most cases a boat can be used to bring fishing tackle and bait to swims inaccessible by land. Anglers are required by law to wear a lifejacket or an approved buoyancy aid while afloat.

Bait Requirements

Kevin your host at Melview Lodge can arrange a wide variety of coarse angling baits fresh for your arrival, they include maggots, casters, worms, sweet corn, brown and white crumb, and a range of continental ground baits flavours and other additives.