We have always hired Mary Gavin-Hughes as our Charter Skipper. She keeps her boat at Roy Pier near Newport in the Spring and Autumn, but in the Summer it moves to Corraun Pier, to be more accessible to the Ocean.  

Mary's website is www.clewbayangling.com

The prime quarry in the Bay is the Common Skate, this is one of the few areas where this giant fish comes close inshore and is regularly caught, by those who know where they are and how to catch them.  When fishing on a Charter boat, tactics and tackle are easy, just do what the Skipper says.  

They want you to catch fish.....and come back again.

You can also hire all fishing tackle required from them, for a small charge. Don't forget to mention this when you hire a boat. 

Other larger species abound, we have had Bull Huss to 15 lbs and Tope up to 54lbs.  There are numerous Dogfish to a good size, together with Thornback Ray, Coalfish, Mackerel, Pouting and Pollack on the rougher grounds.

The 365 islands in the Bay ensure that no boat trip gets cancelled because of the wind. Its always possible to find a convenient island to hide behind in a "blow".

This does make the Bay a safe area for small boats, although the purchase of local charts is essential.  There are quite a few public slipways where its possible to launch a boat, Westport, Newport, Roy Pier, Mulranny and Corraun Pier are known to me, but I am sure there are others. [see below]

Most of the coastline between Newport and Mulranny dries out at low tides and its not until you turn left as you leave Mulranny and take the back road along the cliffs to Corraun Pier,( and eventually Achill Island), that you get the chance of some excellent beach fishing.

Any of the flat rocky areas you see to your left are worth giving a try, especially by the "Spanish Steps", this is a memorial, at the side of the road, to the Spanish Armada that was sunk here.  Cast into the light coloured areas (sand) with small strips of mackerel or squid and you will find Dogfish, Thornback Ray, Ballan Wrasse and other surprises.  Spin a small lure or redgill over the dark areas (kelp) and you will encounter Pollack, Coalfish, Pouting and small Ling.

If you like beach fishing there are many sandy coves on Achill Island that are very productive, notably Keem Bay (its even signposted).  This is a beautiful sandy beach with toilet and ice cream facilities, ideal for sunbathing and catching Turbot, Brill, Dabs, Blonde Ray and numerous other species.

Bait of choice is thin mackerel strips, or ragworm if you can get it.  When fishing any area for the Flatfish and Ray species (even from a boat), its worth adding a few coloured beads, rattlers or a flounder spoon.  Due to the clear water, these can be a deadly tactic.

The Charter Boats also leave Clew Bay and fish around Clare Island and along the coast of Achill Island.  Here you will find all the species already mentioned, except the Common Skate.  But, don't be disappointed, you can now add Blue Shark, Conger Eel, Cuckoo Wrasse, Red Gurnard, Cod plus the Pollack and Ling get bigger.

The wildlife in and around the Bay is phenomenal, Porpoises, Seals, Sunfish, Basking Sharks, I have seen them all.  

Don't be put off by the occasional rain shower, the sunsets are worth it.

If you are lucky enough to visit, I hope I have helped you and...........please leave it as you would like to find it.