🎣 Northern Ireland Sea Fishing Regulations (2025)

Northern Ireland’s coastline offers excellent opportunities for shore and lure anglers. Regulations here are primarily governed by UK-wide laws with enforcement by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Below are the current recreational fishing rules that apply in Northern Irish waters.

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🗝️ Key Fishing Rules

Species	Minimum Size	Bag Limit	Season	🎣 Lure Caught?
Bass	42 cm	2 per angler/day	Catch & release Feb–Mar; retention allowed Jan & Apr–Dec	✅
Cod	35 cm	None	Open	✅
Haddock	30 cm	None	Open	❌
Hake	27 cm	None	Open	❌
Herring	20 cm	None	Open	❌
Horse Mackerel	15 cm	None	Open	✅
Ling	63 cm	None	Open	✅
Mackerel	20 cm	None	Open	✅
Plaice	27 cm	None	Open	❌
Pollack	30 cm	None	Open	✅
Saithe	35 cm	None	Open	✅
Sardine	11 cm	None	Open	❌
Sole	24 cm	None	Open	❌
Whiting	27 cm	None	Open	✅

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🐟 Protected Species

The following species are strictly protected in Northern Ireland waters and must be released immediately if caught:

• Tope (no parts may be taken)
• Angel Shark (protected under Wildlife and Countryside Act)
• White Skate (protected under Wildlife and Countryside Act)
• Allis Shad
• Twaite Shad
• Giant Goby
• Couch’s Goby
• Bluefin Tuna (prohibited to target or retain)

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📌 Local Restrictions

• There are currently no extra recreational fishing restrictions beyond UK regulations.
• However, several Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) exist in Northern Ireland waters (e.g., Carlingford Lough, Rathlin Island), where certain activities may be restricted.
• For updates, always check DAERA Sea Fishing Regulations before fishing.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

Regulations are correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publishing. They may change at any time.
Always check the latest official updates before fishing.

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🔗 Navigation

• UK IFCA Regions & Rules
• Species Identification & Size Limits
• Conservation & Ethical Lure Fishing Practices