- Specimens recorded
- 231 (2000–2025)
- Years on record
- 2000–2024
- Top venue by specimens
- Courtmacsherry
- Current specimen threshold
- 11.34kg (25lb 0oz)
- Irish record
- 24.95kg (55lb 0oz)
Ling in Ireland
Ling (Molva molva) is a large, elongated member of the cod family found on deep reef ground and wrecks around the Irish coast — one of the biggest bottom-dwelling fish a boat angler is likely to encounter inshore. Distinguished by its long body, small scales, and a single barbel on the chin, ling is a serious target for wreck and deep-reef specialists.
Ling favour genuinely deep water and structure compared to related species like cod or pollock, making them predominantly a boat species rather than one accessible from shore marks.
The species puts up a heavy, dogged fight typical of large bottom-dwelling predators, and a big ling is among the more physically demanding fish to bring up from deep wreck ground.
When Ling Fish in Ireland
ISFC specimens peak in July, August, and September — the established summer wreck-fishing season, when boat trips to deep offshore ground are most viable and productive.
Based on ISFC specimen records — reflects where anglers fish and submit claims, not necessarily where the species is most abundant.
Where Ling Fish Best
Venue rankings below come from ratified specimen submissions, not scientific stock surveys — popular, well-fished venues will always show more specimens than remote or lightly-fished ones holding the same fish.
Courtmacsherry leads the specimen record by a wide margin, with Baltimore, Cork Harbour, Kinsale, and Castletownbere also contributing — deep-water wreck and reef marks off the south and southwest coast.
See every fishing.ie venue for ling — ISFC-ranked or not — in the full directory below.
Size and Specimens
Ling can reach serious size, and the gap between the current specimen threshold and the Irish record reflects just how large the biggest individuals caught on Irish wrecks can grow.
Based on ISFC specimen and threshold records — reflects where anglers fish and submit claims, not necessarily where the species is most abundant.
How to Catch Ling
Bottom-fished bait — squid, mackerel, or other oily fish — fished hard on deep wreck or reef structure is the standard method, often combined with a large pirk or jig.
Ling tend to hold very close to structure on the bottom, so precise boat positioning over a wreck matters as much as bait choice.
Given the depths typically involved, heavier tackle and a steady, sustained retrieve are needed to keep a hooked ling clear of the wreck.
Ling are most productively targeted on genuinely deep-water charter trips rather than inshore or shore marks.
Rules and Conservation
Ling has an EU-wide Minimum Conservation Reference Size of 63cm — any fish under that length must be released.
No state licence is required for sea angling from shore or boat in the Republic of Ireland.
No licence is required for sea angling in Northern Ireland — DAERA rod licences apply to freshwater and game/coarse fishing, not sea fishing.
Ling Venues in Ireland
14 more waters with ISFC specimens (not yet on fishing.ie)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a specimen ling in Ireland?
The current ISFC threshold is 11.34kg (25lb) — a serious, powerful fish given how large ling can grow on deep wreck ground.
Best time of year for ling?
Summer, particularly July through September, based on the ISFC specimen record.
Can I catch ling from shore?
Rarely — ling favour genuinely deep water and structure, making them predominantly a boat and charter species in Ireland.
Do I need a licence for ling fishing?
No — sea angling from shore or boat doesn't require a licence in Ireland.