Fishing

It would not be called fishing if you caught fish all the time

Fishing is the most popular sport in the world, and around Louisburgh there is an abundance of areas to fish within a few minutes of the town or slightly further afield.

Whether you prefer fly fishing, coarse fishing or sea fishing Louisburgh has it all. With two rivers, one running through the town and one only a few miles away, fly fishermen will be happy to while away the hours trying to catch that special salmon or trout. Huge white sandy beaches are close to the town which is sure to please the shore fisherman with a variety of fish to catch if you’re lucky. And Lough Mask not too far away for the coarse fisherman looking for maybe a big pike! If you want to go out to sea for some deep sea fishing that can be arranged as well, all types of fishing in one place, what more could the most popular sport in the world want?

As a good friend of mine once said There is no bad weather, just bad choice of clothing which is true of fishing. The only real problem for fishing is lightning, and the odd gale force wind here and there! Apart from that you can fish pretty much any time. There are many species of fish around Clew Bay including Sea Bass, Plaice, Turbot, Mackerel, Cod, Pollock, Gurnard, Tope, Salmon and Trout to name but a few.

Rivers

The Bunowen runs through Louisburgh, and the Carrowniskey is to the south of the town approx. 5 miles. Both have many places for fishing for salmon and sea trout and the season runs between February and September. A rod licence and river licence are required to be able to fish both of these rivers and are available from the local fisheries office.

Sea and Shore Fishing

There are many places to fish from the shore or rocks around Louisburgh. From Bertra beach to Thallabawn there are 20 miles of white sand beach and rocky areas depending on your choice of fishing and species of fish you may be targeting. Dougmakeon to White Strand has some of the most spectacular surf beaches in Ireland which are ideal for Sea Bass fishing and with the beaches being as large as they are sharing with the surfers is not an issue as there is plenty of room for all.

If deep sea fishing is your thing, then there are boats going out from Westport to cater for your needs. Doug Priddy from A Shore Thing on the Quay is the man to contact who will happily arrange this for you.

Equipment

John Staunton in the town holds a small selection of fishing gear, but for a more extensive collection of gear from hooks to rods and everything inbetween  - even advice on where to fish depending on the time of year you are here – contact Doug Priddy from A Shore Thing in Westport.