BLACKSOD BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Tall Lines and Tags: Shark Fishing on a Blacksod Bay Charter

A 9-hour, catch-and-release shark-fishing charter out of Blacksod Pier (June–October) targeting Blue and Porbeagle sharks while contributing to scientific tagging.

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Tall Lines and Tags: Shark Fishing on a Blacksod Bay Charter.

Duration

9 Hours

Location

Blacksod

Operator

Wild West Boat Tours

Outing Highlights

THE SEASON

June to October, with a late-summer peak

Shark fishing runs from June to October, with August and September identified as the peak months for encounters.

THE SPECIES

Blue sharks and Porbeagle sharks

Trips specifically target Blue sharks and Porbeagle sharks; all fishing is catch-and-release and successful encounters are part of an active tagging programme for scientific research.

THE CHARTER

Small, fully equipped 9‑hour charters

Charters run as 9-hour outings from Blacksod and operate with a maximum of five participants on a fully equipped boat—focused, small-group shark fishing with an emphasis on fish handling and tagging.

What the day feels like

Expect a long, deliberate day on the water: from the pier you head into Blacksod Bay to set lines baited with whole fresh mackerel and to deploy the Rubby Dubby chum mix (mackerel, fish oil and bran). When a shark is hooked the charter team works to photograph, measure and tag before releasing—every trip operates as catch-and-release and contributes data to the Irish Shark Tagging Programme.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits—and who should look elsewhere.

Small-party anglersDesigned for small groups—the charter operates with a maximum of five participants—so it suits anglers who prefer focused, personal guidance.

Day-long sea anglersWith a 9-hour duration, this outing is best for people comfortable spending a full day at sea and committed to a single long fishing session.

Research-minded visitorsIdeal for travelers interested in contributing to science: every catch is handled as catch-and-release and tagging is carried out for the Irish Shark Tagging Programme.

Not suitable for large partiesBecause the operator limits trips to five people, the experience is not intended for large groups or parties.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Season

Trips operate June through October, with August and September as peak months.

What to Bring

The charter is fully equipped and uses whole fresh mackerel and a Rubby Dubby mix (mackerel, fish oil and bran) as bait; participants should confirm with the operator about any personal gear requirements ahead of the trip.

Logistics

Meet at Blacksod Pier for boarding; charters are nine hours in duration and limited to five participants.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

When is shark fishing season in Blacksod?

Shark fishing in Blacksod Bay runs from June to October, with August and September being the peak months.

Which shark species are targeted on this trip?

Trips target Blue sharks and Porbeagle sharks.

Is the fishing catch-and-release?

Yes. All fishing on the charter is catch-and-release, and tagged individuals are released as part of the Irish Shark Tagging Programme.

What bait and chum are used?

The operator uses whole fresh mackerel as bait and creates a Rubby Dubby chum mix from fresh mackerel, fish oil and bran.

How long is the trip and how many people can join?

Charters are nine hours long and are limited to a maximum of five participants.

Where do participants meet for the trip?

The meeting point is Blacksod Pier.