Species profile
Silver eel fishing in Ireland
European eel angling is closed year-round under Bye-Law C.S. 335, 2024. Conger is a different species and is not covered.
Quick answer
European eel angling is closed year-round under Bye-Law C.S. 335, 2024. Conger is a different species and is not covered.
In season
Typical size
Conservation
Autumn silver-phase fish at harbour and river mouths
Season on the coast
Peak and catchable months on the Wicklow shore.
Season varies, see notes below.
Where they live
Harbour channels and river mouths where silver-phase European eels historically ran. Listed only so Closed is visible beside conger, which remains legal.
What to use
How to fish them
Do not fish for eel. Bye-Law C.S. 335, 2024 prohibits fishing for, taking, or possessing eel in any fishery district. Return accidental bycatch immediately.
Optional detail
Kit, marks and more
Bait sourcing, starter gear, Wicklow and Dublin marks, related guides. Expand when you need the shopping list or mark directory.
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Suggested gear
Starter searches matched to tactics above
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12ft beachcaster rod
Handles the lead and the distance a Wicklow beach usually asks for.
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Size 40 fixed spool reel
Line capacity for beach range without being heavy to hold.
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Three-hook flapper rigs
Three baits down at once, which is how you find a feeding shoal.
Wicklow marks
Dargle-mouth working harbour. LRF-style mixed-species pier; codling, dab, flounder and plaice with summer bass and mullet.
Kilcoole shingle-belt outflow under the rail bridge. Under-targeted specimen mullet; flounder, sea trout and bass at the same channel.
Related guides and tools
Marks, tactics, bait, gear, and the daily plan for this species
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Winter flounder on Irish beaches, October to March. Estuary mouths, short casts, ragworm ledger rigs and the flood tides that put flatfish at your feet.
Irish Shore Fishing editorial
Written and checked on the Wicklow coast.
Closed year-round. Do not target silver eel
Angling for this species is closed under Irish law. Use the daily plan for legal Wicklow shore targets instead.