Plaice Fishing in Ireland

Description

There is nothing quite like a day targeting plaice to appreciate the finer side of shore angling in Ireland. Counties like Antrim and Donegal, alongside marks in Wicklow and Cork, offer excellent grounds, with venues such as Donegal Bay, Limerick Rover, and Killybegs proving their worth. You will find them most active in the late season during October and November, or early in the summer in June. While they are primarily a shore-caught prize, boat anglers encounter them too. Their elusive nature makes them a great species to test your reading of the beach. Beach venues like Ballinwilling, Wicklow Beach, and Kilgorman Strand are top choices for the shore specialist. Keep your gear light and your approach subtle to entice a bite from these bottom-dwelling favourites. Tip: Use a long, flowing hooklength to present your bait naturally over sandy or muddy patches where plaice feed.

Identification

Flat body. Orange/red spots on brown upper side. Smooth skin. Bony ridge behind eyes.

Based on 35 historical Plaice observations from published Irish angling reports. Most frequently reported in Oct–Nov.

About this data: compiled from historical published catch reports (2019–2026). Reporting frequency reflects angling activity and does not necessarily equal fish abundance.

Sea Locations (3)