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Irish Boat Fishing

The best time for reef and wreck fishing is in May with the middle of the month probably being the time. The Shark and Tuna fishing does not come into its own until later in the year July through to September for Blue Shark and September through to November for Bluefin Tuna . However, the deep-sea fishing is absolutely superb.

Species :
Variety is one of the hallmarks of fishing in southwest Ireland . Baltimore boats have boated more than 40 species in recent years, including familiar fish like cod, pollack, conger, ling, haddock, wrasse and blue shark; exotic species like stone basse, triggerfish and skipper; unusual ones like blue whiting, greater forkbeard and long-nosed skate.

General fishing :
Centres on areas of reef and pinnacles like the Stags , Fastnet Rock and Mizen Head. Fishing like this is just a memory in many other places. Drifting produces hectic sport, with pollack, cod, ling, etc, while at anchor more species come into the picture, including conger, bull huss and common skate, which have been caught to over 200 lbs (90 kg) off Baltimore (a 120-pounder is about average). The smoother ground around the reefs yields ray, turbot and other flatfish.

Shark fishing :
Sharks and skate are weighed on board, tagged and released. The tagging program, operated by the Central Fisheries Board, is contributing valuable understanding of these species. Tags have been returned from as far away as Barbados !

Best Times :
The Blue Shark is one of Irelands biggest and most exciting summer visitors. They can be expected from mid June through to the end of September but they are sensitive to the water temperature so the length of time they are there varies according to the weather during the year. If you want to be sure of being in Ireland during the most likely time it is normally from mid July to end of September.

Wreck fishing :
Is mainly about big coalfish, pollack, conger, ling and cod. However, other species, even common skate, turn up at times. Fishing may be on the drift or at anchor, according to conditions. Baltimore wrecks include the largest in Ireland (the 160,000 ton Kowloon Bridge ), as well as dozens of wartime wrecks, starting just 2 miles from port. The offshore wrecks, in particular have been the scenes of some spectacular catches in recent years.

The Fishing Boat:

Type Offshore 105. Length 35 ft (10.5 m). Engine Iveco 400 hp turbo. Maximum speed 24 knots. Electronics dual frequency colour sounder, GPS navigator and plotter, radar, VHF radio. Facilities flush toilet, galley, indoor seating, fish-hold, tackle storage.

Safety 16-man life-raft, life jackets, lifebuoys, fire extinguishers, EPIRB, flares, etc.

Baltimore - 60 miles from Cork and not far from the lovely fishing port of Kinsale is the ideal centre for your fishing holiday, with clean pristine beaches that may not have been fished before. The rocky outcrops around the area are home to some very large Ballan Wrasse and superb Coalfish

At Baltimore there is a fine hotel with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, sauna, and for those wanting to keep their weight in trim, a health and leisure centre is available for guest use. The Hotel also boasts a fine award-winning restaurant. The venue is accessible by Flights from the UK and abroad and a mini bus is available for pick up and set downs to the International airports of Cork and Knock or a people carrier may be rented for the duration of the stay.

Or if you prefer Bed and Breakfast accommodation at superb guest houses is also available. Each room is appointed with en-suite bathrooms and TV and a traditional Irish breakfast that will set you up for the day. Hospitality is at the forefront of Irish culture and the local bars and restaurants are testament to this.

Fishing gear may be provided at a small additional cost or you may bring your own, but beware if flying to Cork or Knock, the size limit is 72" including the length of your rod carrier.

Target Species	Comments	Best Results	Avg.Weight
Blue Sharks		July - Sept	50-150lbs
Bluefin Tuna		Sept - Nov	450lbs
Common Skate		May - Sep	90-150lbs
Turbot		June - September	3 - 8lbs
Ling		All Year	15-25lbs
Pollack		All Year	6-12lbs
Wrasse		All Year	3-5lbs
Bass		March - October	5-12lbs
Coalfish		All Year	4-10lbs
Bull Huss		May - October	8-10lbs
Mackerel	-	May - October	1-1.5 lb plus
Cuckoo Wrasse	-	June - October	.5lb - 2lbs
Excellent Fighter	Good Fighter	Average Fighter	- Worth hooking