SEA-ANGLING-IRELAND.ORG

everything you need to know, all on one site...

Charter Boats      Tackle Shops

Ghilllies    Car Hire    B&Bs

Guesthouses      Hotels

Self Catering     Property Sales

Caravan & Camping Parks

Good Pubs & Restaurants

Meath has such as small coastline, a matter of a few miles, that we have included it with Louth, which has all the marks in any event, or all the known marks at least. A recent expedition to Carlingford Lough proved it to be an exceptional water for Bass fishing using salt water fly fishing techniques (SWFF). Dundalk Bay is quite shallow and very sheltered and produces excellent ray and tope fishing every season without fail.  A red spot lists a known mark with recent reports, whereas a yellow spot indicates a known or suspected mark with no recent data but obvious potential.

Introduction : Louth & Meath

Despite the population, this area of the country gets very little fishing pressure.  For some reason Dubliners will migrate south in search of fishing and few will venture north, which is a shame because there is some good fishing on their doorstep.  Most of it is similar to the fishing in North Co. Dublin and the east coast, but I have a suspicion that the mudflats and sands of Dundalk Bay, allied to the estuaries offer new marks.  There is also the big stretch of water north of the Cooley Penninsula seperately Louth from the Mountains of Mourne in Co. Down.  We know that Northern Ireland offers truly superb sea angling so...

1 - River Boyne Estuary You are not likely to catch the 'salmon of knowledge' of ancient legend, but the estuary continues to offer good fishing for the intrepid sea angler. Species & Techniques: If there is a surf you can try fishing into it for Bass and Flatfish, and all of this is on the Baltray side (not far from the Golf Course).  Bottom fishing will also find Flatfish and Dogfish.  Coalfish and Sea-Trout also reported.

2 - Termonfeckin   Running a close second to Pennycomequick for best mark name, Termonfeckin is a beach with a fresh water outflow and this is the best spot.  Species & Techniques: Bottom fishing (whether there is a surf or not) will produce Flounder, the odd Sea-Trout in times past and Dogfish.  A Bass is possible.

3 - Clogher Head   A very good mark that has produced quality fish and quantities of them, it is often a competition venue.  You can fish off the pier or rocks.  Species & Techniques: Bottom fishing here produces Flatfish (mostly Dabs), some Plaice, Conger, Mullet on the float close in, with Codling also reported in winter.

4 - Dunany Point   As with many of the marks on the east coast, this one fishes particularly well after a storm and especially so after an easterly gale (which are not that common, even in winter).  This gives access to deeper water and is located east of Annagassan - ask there for directions.  Species & Techniques: Bottom fishing and surf fishing when there is a surf (!) on an incoming tide and ideally at night, will produce Flounder, Dabs, the odd Bass, Coalfish, Codling in winter, with Sea-Trout also recorded, but don't hold your breath!

5 - Gyles Quay   This pier (you can miss the turn off from the main road to Greenore) offers tidal fishing, but only on an incoming tide.  It is extremely tidal, being almost mud-locked at low water.  Species & Techniques: Dabs, Flounder and the odd Plaice are the main species targeted with bottom fished rigs out over the sand.  Dogfish and Conger are also possible but apparently only at night.

6 - Greenore   A commercial fishing port, one of the busiest along the east coast outside of Howth, the best mark is below the lighthouse. Species & Techniques: Spinning and feathers will take Pollack and Mackerel, with the occasional Sea-Trout and Bass also reported.  Bottom fishing on the low water conditions offers Dogfish in packs, with Spurdog and Ray possible in summer.  Wrasse can be taken on float gear close in near the rocks and weedy margins, whilst autumn / winter Codling are mostly caught at night, despite the potential.