Sea angling

For sea anglers, there are a variety of shore, rock and boat fishing opportunities along Northern Ireland's coastline. The most prevalent marine fish species include wrasse, cod, whiting, plaice, flatfish, turbot, mackerel, haddock, dogfish, coalfish, pollack, flounder and conger eels.

Do I need a licence to fish at sea?

There is no requirement to have a licence for sea angling, except when fishing for salmon, sea trout or in an area that is deemed to be within the migratory path of salmon and sea trout.

When sea fishing for salmon or sea trout a game licence is required by law for each game fishing rod used by anyone over 12 years of age in the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure's (DCAL) area and for all ages in the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC area).

You can read about the difference between DCAL and FCILC fishing areas at the folliwing link.

Angling licences and permits

A DCAL game licence entitles the holder to fish for either game or coarse, but with only one rod at any one time. A separate game licence is required for a second and subsequent rod being used when sea fishing for salmon or sea trout.

Salmon tags and logbooks must be used at all time when fishing for salmon or sea trout.

DCAL licences can be purchased from an authorised distributor (generally tackle shops)