Westport is world famous for its international sea angling festival, the first in Ireland and one of the longest running events of its kind in Europe. The event takes place every year in late June. The town has also been the scene of many other major sea angling events, culminating in the CIPS World Boat Angling Championships in 1991.
Clew Bay offers fishing in virtually any weather conditions among the 365 islands.
In recent years, the most exciting fishing has been found in the deeper water around Clare Island. This fishing has been opened up due to the arrival of fast purpose-built sea angling charter boats, of which several now operate successfully.
Up to 35 species have been recorded while boat fishing. Tope, monkfish, skate, ray, blue shark, cod, ling, pollack, turbot, ling and conger are just some of the fish which can be expected.
Boats are generally available from April, with the fishing season lasting through to the end of September. In calm conditions, boats have ventured forth as late as December with good results. Shore angling has increased in popularity in recent years. Fishing to date has generally been confined to the summer months of June, July and August.
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