Balscadden Bay, Howth Head

Sea Fishing

A rocky bay tucked just north-east of Howth village, taking in the Cat Rock and Split Rock, with easier access than the higher cliff marks. Pollack, coalfish and wrasse come to float and feathers, codling show in winter and conger feed over the rough ground at night. It is a reliable, scenic mark within a short walk of the village.

County
Dublin
Province
Leinster
Nearest Town
Howth

Access Information

Short walk from Balscadden car park, north-east of Howth village.

Permits

No permit or licence is required for general sea angling from the shore.

Regulations

National Regulations That Apply

Licence: Varies
Permit: Varies

Methods: Only rod and line permitted. Maximum 2 rods at any time. No live fish as bait. No transfer of live roach between waters. Must not kill foul-hooked fish.

Additional: You may not fish for eels and any eels caught must be returned to the water. On waters designated closed or catch and release for salmon, you may not use worms as bait and may only use single or double barbless hooks.

Source: IFI

Licence: Rarely
Permit: No

Season Notes: No open/closed season for most species (except salmon and sea trout at sea).

Bag Limit: Bag limits only for salmon, sea trout and sea bass.

Size Limit: Size limits only for salmon, sea trout and sea bass.

Methods: No trolling with gear capable of capturing bluefin tuna without special authorisation. Porbeagle shark, common skate, white skate, undulate ray, spurdog and angel shark are endangered and should be returned.

Additional: State Licence only required if fishing for sea trout or salmon at sea. Special authorisation required for bluefin tuna (catch & release only, awarded to limited charter operators).

Source: IFI

Important: Regulations change regularly. Always check with Inland Fisheries Ireland or enquire locally before fishing.
Quick Facts
  • Type Sea Fishing
  • Fishing Free
  • Species 5
  • County Dublin
Location

Lat: 53.3858, Lon: -6.0534

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