Types of Fish

Introduction

Roach were introduced into Ireland in the late 1800’s and they are now one of the most prolific coarse fish, occurring in waters in all parts of the country and offering sport through most of the year. They are probably the most important fish to the coarse angler as they make up the bulk of the weight of many catches. Specimen weight: 907 grams (2 lb). Record Weight: 3 lbs. (1.425 Kilos) in the Lagan Canal in 2002.

Best Times To Fish

Roach may be caught all year round and can provide good sport even on a cold winter’s day. The fishing becomes more rewarding in March and from then through April to May when the best bags can be taken.

Specimen Weight

907 grams (2 lb).

Irish Record Weight

3lb Lagan Canal in 2002.

Introduction

The rudd, gold scaled and red finned, is one of the most striking native Irish fish. After a decline for some years, rudd have made a comeback on some waters particularly on some of the midland canal stretches.

Best Times To Fish

June to August with best fishing in warm calm weather.

Specimen Weight

1 kg (2 lb 4 oz).

Irish Record Weight

4lb 8oz Cooney Lake, Tulsk, Co. Roscommon in 1996.

Introduction

Bream are one of the most common coarse fish species in Ireland. They range from relatively small canal fish (although big specimens can be taken from stretches of limestone canal) to Shannon shoal fish sometimes averaging over 5 lbs. (2 Kilos) each, to the small groups of specimens in limestone loughs where individuals can sometimes exceed 10 lbs (4.5 Kilos).

Best Times To Fish

May/June and September/October.

Specimen Weight

3.4 kg (7.5 lb).

Irish Record Weight

12 lbs. 3 oz (5.28 Kilos), Bolganard Lake, Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim in 1997.

Introduction

Tench are a popular fish and are found in most of our coarse waters around the country. They are usually located in marginal areas of lakes, rivers and canals especially near dense weed beds and under lily pads.

Best Times To Fish

June to August.

Specimen Weight

2.7 kg (6 lb).

Irish Record Weight

8.15 lbs. (3.697 Kilos) at Ballyeighter Lake, Co. Clare in 1995.

Introduction

There are four types of carp in Ireland. These are the fully scaled common carp, the mirror carp, which has relatively few scales and a smooth body surface, the linear carp, with scales along the lateral line only and the leather carp which are totally scale less and also very rare. Carp have been present in a few fisheries in Ireland for many years but it is only recently that a number of specialist fisheries have been developed around the country. Lower water temperatures in Ireland mean that carp do not grow to the huge weights that continental fisheries produce. A fish over 10 lbs. (4.5 Kilos) is a good one here in Ireland.

Best Times To Fish

All year but more fish are active in warmer months from May until October.

Specimen Weight

5.4 kg (12 lb).

Irish Record Weight

14.24kg, Loughgall, Co. Armagh in 2014.

Introduction

The roach x bream hybrid grows to over five pounds. These fish are eagerly sought by anglers and are not in short supply.

Cross fertilisation between different species of fish gives rise to hybridisation. In Ireland, the main hybrids are roach x bream, and to a lesser extent, rudd x bream and rudd x roach. All these hybrid forms can develop into fertile adults producing viable eggs. The bream hybrids are well sought after angling species and are renowned for their good fighting ability when hooked. After roach, they are probably the most common fish taken in catches on most coarse waters.

The rudd x bream hybrid, while not widespread, is a special Irish fish which combines some of the beauty of the rudd with the weight of the bream; it is hard-fighting and well worth pursuing; the record weight is over seven and a half pounds.

Best Times To Fish

June to August with best fishing in warm calm weather.

Specimen Weight

1.6 kg (3.528 lbs.)

Irish Record Weight

Roach x Bream 7 lbs. (3.175 Kilos.) in the Lower River Bann in 2002; Rudd x Bream 7 lbs. 10 oz (3.459 Kilos.) at Monalty Lake in 1996.