Shark Fishing in Blacksod Bay: Catch, Tag & Release Atlantic Sharks (June–Oct)

On a clear morning at Blacksod Pier on County Mayo’s exposed western edge, a small charter backs away from the slip and the Atlantic takes over. Shark Fishing is a nine‑hour, small-group charter that runs from June through October, with August and September the busiest months. The boat holds a maximum of five anglers, which keeps lines uncrowded and the deck level, and the skipper rigs a Rubby Dubby — a churn of fresh mackerel, fish oil, and bran — and sets whole fresh mackerel baits to target fast, pelagic predators: Blue sharks and Porbeagle sharks. All captures are catch-and-release, and each shark is tagged under the Irish Shark Tagging Programme to support scientific research.

The trip is both sporty and instructive. You’ll learn how to bait natural‑sea rigs, read the drift, and work handlines when a shark runs. Blacksod Bay sits at the entrance to a wide Atlantic shelf, where strong currents and deep water create feeding lanes. From the deck you’ll see low, glaciated headlands, long sand spits, and seas churned by wind. The region’s geology is visible in the dark, exposed bedrock along the shore — a reminder that you aren’t just fishing, you’re operating in a dynamic ocean system.

This is a singular way to experience County Mayo: it pairs hands‑on angling with community science. The small capacity and local knowledge make the operation a standout — skippers know where to set lines for the highest chance of a clean hook-up while minimizing stress on animals. That focus on welfare, paired with the tagging work, turns an adrenaline outing into a contribution to conservation.

Practical notes: trips depart from Blacksod Pier; expect a nine‑hour schedule, so bring layered clothing for changeable west‑coast weather and waterproof gear even on summer days. Sun protection is useful when conditions calm, and seasickness remedies are recommended if you’re prone. Photography opportunities are everywhere: dorsal fins breaking the surface, the chum slicked on the swell, and long views back toward rugged Mayo coastline.

Whether you come for the thrill of a bending rod or to join citizen science, the Shark Fishing charter is a high-energy window onto Atlantic ecology and coastal life in western Ireland. It’s not a passive trip — plan to be engaged, follow the crew’s safety briefings, and you’ll leave with a story, a tagged shark on the research ledger, and a new respect for these open‑ocean predators.

Bookings are limited; small group size means trips sell out on peak days—reserve early. Bring ID and any medications, and tell the skipper about relevant medical conditions. Photography kits should be secured with straps and waterproof cases. Expect to return to Blacksod Pier late afternoon with strong memories and data that helps protect Ireland’s sharks.