Obtain your license before you leave for the Emerald Isle and you will save yourself some valuable fishing time. Salmon and sea trout require a license. If you are planning to restrict your fishing vacation to a specific area, you may need only a District License for salmon and sea trout. A National License is available for those who want to explore a wider area of fishing opportunities. A license is not required for trout, pike or course fish.
Pack your fishing gear if you have a favorite rod and spinner. However, there is no shortage of tackle shops in Ireland, so you will want to consider purchasing your equipment there. No one knows Ireland’s waterways better than the locals, so a stop at a tackle shop will be the best way find out which baits and lures will work best in the area you are planning to fish.
Hiring one of the many Irish fishing guides will maximize your fishing experience. Fishing Guides in Ireland hold either an Advanced Marine and Countryside Guides Certificate or a National Angling Guide Certificate, so you can be certain that they will be knowledgeable of the rules and regulations governing fishing in Ireland.
Finding your way around the rural areas of Ireland is an adventure in itself. If you are the explorer type and want to set out on your own, be sure to obtain an Ordinance Survey Map for the area in which you plan to fish. The OSM is a detailed map that will help you navigate the small roads that are common in rural Ireland.
Fishing festivals and competitions can add some excitement to your angling vacation. There are many from which to choose, including the Lough Ree International Pike Festival in April and the Belturbet Summer Festival in July. Along with fishing, you will have the opportunity to meet fellow anglers from all over Ireland and Europe.
