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Fishing in Dunkineely

What can I fish there ?

Join our 85 fishermen in Dunkineely in County Donegal. The fishing forecast is currently 5. The most caught fishes here are the pallid sturgeon, the silk snapper, the ladyfish and the blacknose shark . Come try the most famous fishing techniques like the roubaix fishing, plug fishing on the shore for sea bream, where to fish for mullet ? or fly fishing for trout.

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Most caught fish species in Dunkineely Top species caught by Club members

Top species caught by Club members

N°1 | Black Bream Fish

The Black breamfish, also known as Acanthopagrus butcheri, is a Sparidae. In general, its average size is 15 to 35 cm and its weight is 500 g to 2.5 kg. However, some individuals can reach up to 60 cm and 4 kg. The black bream has a lifespan of 27 years. Its spawning period is between August and January. It can have up to 300,000 spawn each season. It is not hard to catch and offer a little resistance. The Black bream has a high body and relatively compressed laterally, with symmetrically curved dorsal and ventral fins. The mouth is of moderate size compared to the body and has six incisors in the front of the lower and upper jaws. The body is covered with large scales that can be cycloid or slightly ctenoid. The head is essentially flake-free, except for the lids. A flake sheath covers the soft ray bases of the dorsal, anal and caudal fins. The Black Bream is silvery, from golden brown or bronze to grey-green on the back as well as on the sides with sometimes greenish reflections, depending on its habitat. The belly is white. The fins are all dark, with black borders. The caudal fin is often dark olive-brown.

Fishing period : All year

Minimum size : 25 cm

Difficulty :

N°2 | Bleak Fish

The Bleak fish is a Cyprinidae. In general, its average size is 10 to 15 cm and its weight is 15 to 50 g. However, some individuals can reach up to 60 g for a size of 25 cm. The bleak has a lifespan of 6-7 years. The spawning period is between April and August. It can lay up to 7000 spawns. You can fish bleak from June to September. This fish swims quite fast and offers a little resistance during the catch. The bleak is a fish with an elongated body that is very compressed laterally, allowing it to have a high velocity. The upper jaw is shorter than the lower jaw. The mouth of the bleak is oriented upwards (above), a typical character of fish that seek their food on the surface. The caudal fin is strongly indented and the caudal peduncle is thin. The dorsal fin is inserted behind the pelvic fins and has a shorter base than the dorsal fin. Its name refers to the bright white color of its scales, which gives the bleak a metallic sheen. Its back is darker greenish-blue, its sides are silvery white and its fins are pale grey. During the breeding season, nuptial tubers appear on the backs and sides of males and their fins become orange.

Fishing period : June to September

Minimum size : 10 cm

Difficulty :

N°3 | Dolphinfish or Mahi-mahi

Dorade coryphĂšne, dorado, dolphin, lampuga, rakingo, calitos, ti-rone, maverikos, mahi-mahi... There are so many ways to call the dolphinfish (coryphaena hippurus). This species is well known for its flesh and is found in tropical and subtropical oceans, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Fishing period : June to September

Minimum size : 20 inches

Difficulty :

N°4 | Swordfish

Swordfish (xiphias gladius) is a highly migratory pelagic fish considered as one of the fastest sea animals. It tends to be large and its weight often exceeds 100 kg. It can be distinguished thanks to its long bill and its iridescent blue body. Most of sport fishermen feel really proud to catch swordfishes on their lines.

Fishing period : June to October

Minimum size : 47 inches

Difficulty :

N°5 | The African Pompano

The African Pompano belongs to the Carangidae family. The maximum size can reach up to 1.50 m, but the average size is one meter. It breeds in spring and autumn. It can be fished during the hot seasons. Like many carangidae, it is a deep and laterally compressed fish, which have the deepest point of the body between the origin of the dorsal and anal fins and the head and tail tapering on either side. The dorsal and ventral profiles are also convex, the main characteristic of the adult being its more curved head compared to the more angular head profile of African Pompano. The species has 4 to 7 spines visible in the first dorsal fin, followed by a single spine and 18 to 20 soft rays in the second dorsal fin. The anal fin has two spines followed by 15 or 16 soft rays, while the pectoral fin is long and curved. The skin of the fish appears flake-free, but has tiny, embedded scales scattered over the body. The lateral line has a strong and moderately long dorsal arch, with a posterior section of 12 to 30 scales. Juvenile with filamentous rays at the anal and dorsal fins. Juveniles are characterized by their "spinning" appearance, characterized by filaments dragging anal and dorsal fins that retract with age. During maturation, the species also becomes more elongated and more similar to other types of jacks. The body is a silvery blue metallic to blue-green above, being the darkest on the head and upper shoulders, while the underside is more silvery. Juveniles have 5 chevron-sha

Fishing period : hot season

Minimum size : 60 cm

Difficulty :

N°6 | The Alligator Gar

The Alligator Gar belongs to the Lepisosteidae family. In its adult form, it can measure up to three meters long and weigh up to 140 kilograms. It breeds in spring. It can be fished all year round. Alligator gar are elongated fish with a long, narrow snout. Their scales form a kind of armor, protecting them from other predators, the scales are similar in hardness to our nails, hard as keratin. They are also sharp, never brush a sharp-edged club fish. These fish have the swim bladder modified into a gas bladder, it allows them to breathe at the surface.

Fishing period : All year

Minimum size : no restriction

Difficulty :

N°7 | The Almaco Jack

The Almaco Jack belongs to the Carangidae family. Its adult size varies from 80 cm to 120 cm. They reproduce in spring. It can be fished all year round. It has two dorsal fins, the longer of the two is about twice as long as the longer of the dorsal spines. It has a pale blue-green color, with a lavender glow. The Almaco Jack has a short upper jaw, with a yellowish streak from the jaw to the first dorsal fin, but its color becomes less recognizable as the fish ages. Younger almaco jacks usually have six black bars on the sides. The mouth is protractile and allows it to swallow its entire prey.

Fishing period : All year

Minimum size : no restriction

Difficulty :

N°8 | The American Eel

The American Eel belongs to the Anguillidae family. The size of the adult female can reach 1 m in length, while that of the male does not exceed 40 cm. Spawning takes place in mid-winter. Females lay 3 to 22 million eggs. He can live to be 50 years old. It can be fished from April to September. The American eel is a species of fish with a snake-like body all in length with fins that extend over its back, around its tail and along its inner surface. It has thick lips and a slightly longer lower jaw than her upper jaw, which gives her the appearance of having an overbite. The color of young eels varies from yellow-green or brown. Adult eels are grey with white or cream bellies.

Fishing period : April to September

Minimum size : 50 cm

Difficulty :

N°9 | The American Shad

The American Shad belongs to the Clupeidae family. With an average of 38 cm, adult specimens can measure up to 76 cm and weigh between 0.9 and 1.4 kg. It can live up to 13 years old. Egg laying takes place in May, June or July. On average, the female lays 140,000 eggs, but can reach 600,000 eggs. It is fished in the spring. The American shad is characterized by its slender, high and very flattened body. The species has a very forked caudal fin and a low, elongated anal fin. It has no lateral line or adipose fin. Its color is silvery with a blue or blue-green sheen on the back and bright silver flanks. When entering fresh water for reproduction, the pigmentation may become darker, taking on a tan or copper hue, turning red for the head and belly parts. A black spot is visible near the top edge of the lid, sometimes followed by smaller spots. Its lower jaw fits into a notch in its upper jaw. It can also be recognized by its large scales that are easily detached. The ventral surface of the American shad is thin with saw tooth scales. With regard to internal characteristics, it has teeth in the premaxillary and lower jaw, a silver peritoneum and, between 53 and 59 vertebrae.

Fishing period : spring

Minimum size : 30 cm

Difficulty :

N°10 | The Apache trout

The Apache trout belongs to the Salmonidae family. The Apache trout is 15 to 61 cm long and weighs 0.2 to 2.7 kg. It rarely exceeds 25 cm but can reach up to 40 cm in its natural headwaters. It breeds from May to June. Fishing for Apache trout is prohibited all year round. Apache trout are yellowish gold in color with a golden belly and have medium sized dark spots, uniformly spaced, which can extend below the lateral line and over the dorsal fins and tail. The top of the head and back are dark olive in color, and it appears to have a black stripe/mask through each of its eyes, thanks to two small black dots on each side of the pupil. There may be a throat mark under the lower jaw, ranging from yellow to gold.

Fishing period :

Minimum size :

Difficulty :

N°11 | The Arctic Grayling

The Arctic Grayling belongs to the Salmonidae Family. The Arctic shade can reach a length of about 24 cm long and weighs about 3 kg. He can live to be 18 years old. It breeds in the spring and lays thousands of eggs. It can be fished all year round. Coloring may vary depending on the location. The dorsal fin is usually bordered red and dotted with large iridescent red, turquoise, purple or purple spots and marks. Back marks are more evident on the large shadows. The back of the Arctic shadow is generally dark. The sides can be in black, silver, gold, or blue. Gold markings sometimes form a border between the hips and the belly, while pelvic fins can be orange, red or pink. The sides and head can be freckles with black spots. The eye of the iris is often the color of gold.

Fishing period : All year

Minimum size : 15 cm

Difficulty :

N°12 | The Atlantic Sharpnose Shark

The Atlantic Sharpnose Shark belongs to the Carcharhinidae family. The average size of the Atlantic Sharpnose Shark is 90 to 99 cm. Their maximum size is 120 cm. In captivity it can live up to 4 years. The young are usually born in June. The Atlantic Sharpnose Shark can be fished all year round. The Atlantic Sharpnose Shark has a long snout and labial furrows that surround its mouth. The triangular teeth with smooth edges are identical on the upper and lower jaws. The livery of the Atlantic Sharpnose Shark can be brown, olive grey or blue grey, turning white on its belly. Adults may have some white spots, and in smaller individuals the edges of the dorsal fins and caudal fin are often black.

Fishing period : All year

Minimum size : no restriction

Difficulty :

N°1 | Black Bream Fish

The Black breamfish, also known as Acanthopagrus butcheri, is a Sparidae. In general, its average size is 15 to 35 cm and its weight is 500 g to 2.5 kg. However, some individuals can reach up to 60 cm and 4 kg. The black bream has a lifespan of 27 years. Its spawning period is between August and January. It can have up to 300,000 spawn each season. It is not hard to catch and offer a little resistance. The Black bream has a high body and relatively compressed laterally, with symmetrically curved dorsal and ventral fins. The mouth is of moderate size compared to the body and has six incisors in the front of the lower and upper jaws. The body is covered with large scales that can be cycloid or slightly ctenoid. The head is essentially flake-free, except for the lids. A flake sheath covers the soft ray bases of the dorsal, anal and caudal fins. The Black Bream is silvery, from golden brown or bronze to grey-green on the back as well as on the sides with sometimes greenish reflections, depending on its habitat. The belly is white. The fins are all dark, with black borders. The caudal fin is often dark olive-brown.

Fishing period : All year

Minimum size : 25 cm

Difficulty :

N°2 | Bleak Fish

The Bleak fish is a Cyprinidae. In general, its average size is 10 to 15 cm and its weight is 15 to 50 g. However, some individuals can reach up to 60 g for a size of 25 cm. The bleak has a lifespan of 6-7 years. The spawning period is between April and August. It can lay up to 7000 spawns. You can fish bleak from June to September. This fish swims quite fast and offers a little resistance during the catch. The bleak is a fish with an elongated body that is very compressed laterally, allowing it to have a high velocity. The upper jaw is shorter than the lower jaw. The mouth of the bleak is oriented upwards (above), a typical character of fish that seek their food on the surface. The caudal fin is strongly indented and the caudal peduncle is thin. The dorsal fin is inserted behind the pelvic fins and has a shorter base than the dorsal fin. Its name refers to the bright white color of its scales, which gives the bleak a metallic sheen. Its back is darker greenish-blue, its sides are silvery white and its fins are pale grey. During the breeding season, nuptial tubers appear on the backs and sides of males and their fins become orange.

Fishing period : June to September

Minimum size : 10 cm

Difficulty :

N°3 | Dolphinfish or Mahi-mahi

Dorade coryphĂšne, dorado, dolphin, lampuga, rakingo, calitos, ti-rone, maverikos, mahi-mahi... There are so many ways to call the dolphinfish (coryphaena hippurus). This species is well known for its flesh and is found in tropical and subtropical oceans, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Fishing period : June to September

Minimum size : 20 inches

Difficulty :

N°4 | Swordfish

Swordfish (xiphias gladius) is a highly migratory pelagic fish considered as one of the fastest sea animals. It tends to be large and its weight often exceeds 100 kg. It can be distinguished thanks to its long bill and its iridescent blue body. Most of sport fishermen feel really proud to catch swordfishes on their lines.

Fishing period : June to October

Minimum size : 47 inches

Difficulty :

N°5 | The African Pompano

The African Pompano belongs to the Carangidae family. The maximum size can reach up to 1.50 m, but the average size is one meter. It breeds in spring and autumn. It can be fished during the hot seasons. Like many carangidae, it is a deep and laterally compressed fish, which have the deepest point of the body between the origin of the dorsal and anal fins and the head and tail tapering on either side. The dorsal and ventral profiles are also convex, the main characteristic of the adult being its more curved head compared to the more angular head profile of African Pompano. The species has 4 to 7 spines visible in the first dorsal fin, followed by a single spine and 18 to 20 soft rays in the second dorsal fin. The anal fin has two spines followed by 15 or 16 soft rays, while the pectoral fin is long and curved. The skin of the fish appears flake-free, but has tiny, embedded scales scattered over the body. The lateral line has a strong and moderately long dorsal arch, with a posterior section of 12 to 30 scales. Juvenile with filamentous rays at the anal and dorsal fins. Juveniles are characterized by their "spinning" appearance, characterized by filaments dragging anal and dorsal fins that retract with age. During maturation, the species also becomes more elongated and more similar to other types of jacks. The body is a silvery blue metallic to blue-green above, being the darkest on the head and upper shoulders, while the underside is more silvery. Juveniles have 5 chevron-sha

Fishing period : hot season

Minimum size : 60 cm

Difficulty :

N°6 | The Alligator Gar

The Alligator Gar belongs to the Lepisosteidae family. In its adult form, it can measure up to three meters long and weigh up to 140 kilograms. It breeds in spring. It can be fished all year round. Alligator gar are elongated fish with a long, narrow snout. Their scales form a kind of armor, protecting them from other predators, the scales are similar in hardness to our nails, hard as keratin. They are also sharp, never brush a sharp-edged club fish. These fish have the swim bladder modified into a gas bladder, it allows them to breathe at the surface.

Fishing period : All year

Minimum size : no restriction

Difficulty :

N°7 | The Almaco Jack

The Almaco Jack belongs to the Carangidae family. Its adult size varies from 80 cm to 120 cm. They reproduce in spring. It can be fished all year round. It has two dorsal fins, the longer of the two is about twice as long as the longer of the dorsal spines. It has a pale blue-green color, with a lavender glow. The Almaco Jack has a short upper jaw, with a yellowish streak from the jaw to the first dorsal fin, but its color becomes less recognizable as the fish ages. Younger almaco jacks usually have six black bars on the sides. The mouth is protractile and allows it to swallow its entire prey.

Fishing period : All year

Minimum size : no restriction

Difficulty :

N°8 | The American Eel

The American Eel belongs to the Anguillidae family. The size of the adult female can reach 1 m in length, while that of the male does not exceed 40 cm. Spawning takes place in mid-winter. Females lay 3 to 22 million eggs. He can live to be 50 years old. It can be fished from April to September. The American eel is a species of fish with a snake-like body all in length with fins that extend over its back, around its tail and along its inner surface. It has thick lips and a slightly longer lower jaw than her upper jaw, which gives her the appearance of having an overbite. The color of young eels varies from yellow-green or brown. Adult eels are grey with white or cream bellies.

Fishing period : April to September

Minimum size : 50 cm

Difficulty :

N°9 | The American Shad

The American Shad belongs to the Clupeidae family. With an average of 38 cm, adult specimens can measure up to 76 cm and weigh between 0.9 and 1.4 kg. It can live up to 13 years old. Egg laying takes place in May, June or July. On average, the female lays 140,000 eggs, but can reach 600,000 eggs. It is fished in the spring. The American shad is characterized by its slender, high and very flattened body. The species has a very forked caudal fin and a low, elongated anal fin. It has no lateral line or adipose fin. Its color is silvery with a blue or blue-green sheen on the back and bright silver flanks. When entering fresh water for reproduction, the pigmentation may become darker, taking on a tan or copper hue, turning red for the head and belly parts. A black spot is visible near the top edge of the lid, sometimes followed by smaller spots. Its lower jaw fits into a notch in its upper jaw. It can also be recognized by its large scales that are easily detached. The ventral surface of the American shad is thin with saw tooth scales. With regard to internal characteristics, it has teeth in the premaxillary and lower jaw, a silver peritoneum and, between 53 and 59 vertebrae.

Fishing period : spring

Minimum size : 30 cm

Difficulty :

N°10 | The Apache trout

The Apache trout belongs to the Salmonidae family. The Apache trout is 15 to 61 cm long and weighs 0.2 to 2.7 kg. It rarely exceeds 25 cm but can reach up to 40 cm in its natural headwaters. It breeds from May to June. Fishing for Apache trout is prohibited all year round. Apache trout are yellowish gold in color with a golden belly and have medium sized dark spots, uniformly spaced, which can extend below the lateral line and over the dorsal fins and tail. The top of the head and back are dark olive in color, and it appears to have a black stripe/mask through each of its eyes, thanks to two small black dots on each side of the pupil. There may be a throat mark under the lower jaw, ranging from yellow to gold.

Fishing period :

Minimum size :

Difficulty :

N°11 | The Arctic Grayling

The Arctic Grayling belongs to the Salmonidae Family. The Arctic shade can reach a length of about 24 cm long and weighs about 3 kg. He can live to be 18 years old. It breeds in the spring and lays thousands of eggs. It can be fished all year round. Coloring may vary depending on the location. The dorsal fin is usually bordered red and dotted with large iridescent red, turquoise, purple or purple spots and marks. Back marks are more evident on the large shadows. The back of the Arctic shadow is generally dark. The sides can be in black, silver, gold, or blue. Gold markings sometimes form a border between the hips and the belly, while pelvic fins can be orange, red or pink. The sides and head can be freckles with black spots. The eye of the iris is often the color of gold.

Fishing period : All year

Minimum size : 15 cm

Difficulty :

N°12 | The Atlantic Sharpnose Shark

The Atlantic Sharpnose Shark belongs to the Carcharhinidae family. The average size of the Atlantic Sharpnose Shark is 90 to 99 cm. Their maximum size is 120 cm. In captivity it can live up to 4 years. The young are usually born in June. The Atlantic Sharpnose Shark can be fished all year round. The Atlantic Sharpnose Shark has a long snout and labial furrows that surround its mouth. The triangular teeth with smooth edges are identical on the upper and lower jaws. The livery of the Atlantic Sharpnose Shark can be brown, olive grey or blue grey, turning white on its belly. Adults may have some white spots, and in smaller individuals the edges of the dorsal fins and caudal fin are often black.

Fishing period : All year

Minimum size : no restriction

Difficulty :

Dunkineely - Fishing techniques Top fishing techniques

Top fishing techniques

N°1 | Roubaix fishing

Roubaix fishing, which originated in the city of Roubaix, is a technique inspired by fishing with the blow that knows many enthusiasts in France as in many other countries. Fishermen use it to fish for large fish such as carp, bream, tench, carassin, mullet... Even if beginners can encounter some difficulties in learning this type of fishing, fishing with a “roubaisienne” becomes a real pleasure once you have assimilated and mastered the basics. Techniques, equipment, type of water, here is everything you need to know to start Roubaix fishing.

N°2 | Plug fishing on the shore for sea bream

This technique, whether practiced from the shore, by boat or kayak, consists of fishing with a fairly simple assembly consisting of a plug, a leaded wire with one or more hooks.

N°3 | Where to fish for mullet ?

To know where to fish for mullet and what techniques are adapted to each morphology of the fishing site, consult this article. The mullet is a very suspicious fish but incredibly fun to catch. Discover or rediscover the techniques used to fish for mullet.

N°4 | Fly fishing for trout

Trout is one of the most popular fish species among fishermen. To catch it, the most effective technique is fly fishing. In order not to come back empty-handed, it is important to know the right things to do. Here are some tips for successful trout fly fishing.

N°5 | Plug fishing for roach

Bottling, also known as plug fishing, is one of the most common techniques used to catch different types of fish, including roach. However, to avoid being left empty-handed, it is important to choose the right float, to make a good line setting... In short, you must master this fishing method.

N°6 | Surfcasting

What is surfcasting? Surfcasting is an English term that literally means "to throw in the wave". This technique, practiced from the edge, consists in sending your bait hook (i.e. weighted with bait) behind the waves. Ideally, it is a matter of launching your line further than the third wave (behind the rollers, about a hundred meters away) to reach the areas where the most beautiful catches are found. Some experienced fishermen manage to propel their lead to more than 160 m offshore, however, fishing from 20 m from the shore can already give good results! If this technique is particularly recreational fishing, it is nevertheless complex: it requires specific equipment, a good knowledge of the tides, a certain fingering and finally power to make beautiful throws.

N°1 | Roubaix fishing

Roubaix fishing, which originated in the city of Roubaix, is a technique inspired by fishing with the blow that knows many enthusiasts in France as in many other countries. Fishermen use it to fish for large fish such as carp, bream, tench, carassin, mullet... Even if beginners can encounter some difficulties in learning this type of fishing, fishing with a “roubaisienne” becomes a real pleasure once you have assimilated and mastered the basics. Techniques, equipment, type of water, here is everything you need to know to start Roubaix fishing.

N°2 | Plug fishing on the shore for sea bream

This technique, whether practiced from the shore, by boat or kayak, consists of fishing with a fairly simple assembly consisting of a plug, a leaded wire with one or more hooks.

N°3 | Where to fish for mullet ?

To know where to fish for mullet and what techniques are adapted to each morphology of the fishing site, consult this article. The mullet is a very suspicious fish but incredibly fun to catch. Discover or rediscover the techniques used to fish for mullet.

N°4 | Fly fishing for trout

Trout is one of the most popular fish species among fishermen. To catch it, the most effective technique is fly fishing. In order not to come back empty-handed, it is important to know the right things to do. Here are some tips for successful trout fly fishing.

N°5 | Plug fishing for roach

Bottling, also known as plug fishing, is one of the most common techniques used to catch different types of fish, including roach. However, to avoid being left empty-handed, it is important to choose the right float, to make a good line setting... In short, you must master this fishing method.

N°6 | Surfcasting

What is surfcasting? Surfcasting is an English term that literally means "to throw in the wave". This technique, practiced from the edge, consists in sending your bait hook (i.e. weighted with bait) behind the waves. Ideally, it is a matter of launching your line further than the third wave (behind the rollers, about a hundred meters away) to reach the areas where the most beautiful catches are found. Some experienced fishermen manage to propel their lead to more than 160 m offshore, however, fishing from 20 m from the shore can already give good results! If this technique is particularly recreational fishing, it is nevertheless complex: it requires specific equipment, a good knowledge of the tides, a certain fingering and finally power to make beautiful throws.

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