Spurdog Fishing in Ireland

Description

Spurdog are a year-round target, though you will find the most consistent action from June through September in counties like Clare, Galway, and Wicklow. Boat fishing remains the go-to method, particularly around hotspots like Wicklow and Carrigaholt. Using fresh frozen fillets or a mix of fish baits and worms usually does the trick. You can expect a typical fish to pull the scales to 14.5 lb (6.58 kg), while the best examples can hit nearly 20 lb (8.85 kg). These are a protected species, and anglers must comply with current catch-and-release regulations to support their conservation. Always handle them carefully due to their sharp dorsal spines. Pro tip: A simple fish fillet or squid bait drifted near the seabed is highly effective for locating shoals of spurdog.

Identification

Slender shark. Venomous dorsal spines. Grey above, white below. No anal fin.

Based on 143 historical Spurdog observations from published Irish angling reports. Most frequently reported in Jun.

About this data: compiled from historical published catch reports (2019–2026). Reporting frequency reflects angling activity and does not necessarily equal fish abundance.