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Anglerfish, Lophius piscatorius

Black bellied Anglerfish, Lophius budegassa

Introduction: The Angler Fish really is an ugly brute, a bottom feeder and ambush predator with its own rod and bait!  There are in fact two species resident in Irish waters, which only adds to the confusion with the Angel Shark or Monkfish! The Black Bellied Anglerfish (Lophius budegassa) is the smaller of the species, rarely reaching over 1 m in length.  Its larger cousin, the more common Anglerfish can reach > 100 lbs (50 kgs) but no-one sets out to catch an Anglerfish - unless you are one truly dedicated specimen hunter!  Typically they are encountered when bottom fishing for other species over mud and sand patches between rough ground.

Boat tactics: A 30 lbs rod and reel is a must for taking on an Anglerfish, and the drop down to 20 lbs really isn't recommended as these are big fish caught in deep water.  They seem to prefer northern lattitudes and colder water.  A wire trace is essential and the normal bottom bait is half a fresh mackerel / flapper set onto a forged 6/0 to 10/0 hook.  Since these are ambush predators you have to practically drop the bait on their nose, so any drifting technique with a long trace and fluttering bait is likely to be your best bet.

Shore tactics: One supposes it is possible to catch these from the shore, but undoubtedly it will be by accident when fishing for Common Skate, or possibly Conger and Bull Huss.  Deep water and rough ground are definitely helpful however a muddy or sandy bottom is also a distinct advantage in targetting these monsters!  

"I accidentally caught one of these off Dun Laoghaire Pier (many years ago). I didn't know what it was, it was so ugly i thought it was a poisonus fish, so not thinking, i stood on it and took the hook out of its mouth then kicked it back into the water."  Thanks Ken G., and we have checked with him, and yes, it was an anglerfish!