Species
There are a wide variey of species to target from Manx shores. Each angler has their own favourites, and I am no exception. However, I especially enjoy the challenge of catching as many sizeable species as I can during the year.
The calendar page gives some indication of the likely species that can be caught throughout the year, and pictures of most of the regularly available species can be found in the gallery.
A few common species are noteable by their absence from Manx shores (although some do turn up in boats). Rays of any variety are caught so rarely as to be considered absent, while smoothhounds, garfish and the bream family are virtually unheard of, with only the odd capture turning up from time to time. Of course, our seas are changing, so who knows what may turn up in the future...
Perhaps the most notable species to be regularly caught from Manx shores is the tope. Anglers from many parts of the British Isles travel to the Island in search of a shore caught tope - the fish of a lifetime for many.
Minimum size limits
Manxshorefishing.com supports and encourages catch and release, but if you do decide to retain any fish then you must adhere to the minimum size limits as defined in legislation.
Selected minimum size limits:
- Ballan: 34cm
- Bass: 43cm
- Callig: 30cm
- Coalfish: 35cm
- Cod: 35cm
- Mackerel: 20cm
- Plaice: 27cm
- Whiting: 27cm
Record Fish
It could be argued that the concept of record fish is now somewhat outdated due to the increasing numbers of anglers voluntarily adopting a catch and release policy.
However, official record lists are still maintained, and the following documents contain information about the record fish caught from Manx waters, along with instructions on how to claim a record if you are lucky enough to catch one and are determined enough to claim the record.
Please note that Adobe Acrobat is required to view these documents.
