Overview Of Angling In The South West
Ireland is many things to many people. To some it is a land of ancient customs and myths to others an arena where Celtic gods waged war on the seas and rivers of a fabled land. To all though it is a country famous for its scenery, tranquillity, hospitality and charm.
Angling in Cork and Kerry is a very special experience. It is an area of spectacular beauty with over 1000 kilometres of coastline ranging from rugged inlets to sweeping bays, over a hundred fishable Loughs and miles upon miles of superb salmon, sea trout and brown trout rivers. The environment is fresh, clean and virtually unspoiled and the gentle warmth of the Gulf Stream ensures a comfortable climate for year round angling.
The south west is rich in game, coarse and sea angling and many of its fisheries are world famous such as Lough Currane in Waterville County Kerry, regarded by many as one of the truly great sea trout fisheries or Inniscarra Lake the regions premier coarse angling fishery. Wild brown trout abound, they may not be the biggest in the country but our fisheries hold some of the most prolific stocks in Europe.
The region is steeped in mystical folklore and several of our rivers tell a strange tale. For instance on the Kerry Blackwater many an angler on a dark evening has heard the cry of the Blackwater wild 'banshee' as she laments the loss of her loved one. There is also the story of the 'Mullinhassig mermaid' on the river Lee who it is said releases all hooked fish before they can be landed. Indeed the river Lee itself is said to have been formed by the tail of 'Luiwee', a mythical sea dragon, as he returned to the sea after being banished to the ocean depths by Saint Finbar.
Sea angling in the region is excellent and with over 1000 km coastline and 33 species of sea fish the sea angler will find the southwest a place to relish and remember.
Inniscarra Lake in County Cork is the centre for coarse angling and it is not unusual for an angler to catch over 100 lb. of bream in a day. We also have good pike fishing and if you would like to try something different we recommend fly fishing for the big pike on Inchigeelagh Lake near Macroom.
We would be happy to supply you with more information and you can contact us at the South Western Regional Fisheries Board, 1 Nevilles Terrace, Masseytown, Macroom, County Cork. Telephone 00353 26 41221, fax 00353 26 41223 or email us at swrfb@swrfb.ie.