Isle of Man - Giving you Freedom to Flourish

Fisheries

This section provides information about fishing in the Isle of Man, whether fishing commercially in the sea, fishing for recreation from the piers and shore or in the Island's rivers and reservoirs. There is also information about the River Management Project.

Commercial Fishing:

The main fisheries found in the Territorial Sea are for Scallop, Queen Scallop, Crab, Lobster and Whelk. In order to exploit these fisheries commercially from a registered fishing vessel, there are several licensing requirements.

Application forms for the various Isle of Man fishing licences can be downloaded below.

Recreational Fishing:

Freshwater angling:

The Inland Fisheries Regulations 2011 came into operation on 10 March 2012. Anglers are encourged to make sure they are fully aware of these Regulations in advance of the 2013 angling season and a Code of Conduct is available as a guide.

Please fish responsibly!

All freshwater anglers MUST be in possession of a valid licence issued by the Department before going fishing, whether it be fishing in a river, reservoir or a stillwater (publicly owned or private).

A valid licence entitles the angler to fish with a rod and line for certain fish species. Please remember that fishing access to rivers and stillwaters is at the courtesy of the landowner whose permission should always be sought in advance.

For more information on freshwater angling opportunities in the Isle of Man please use the link on the left above to go to the Inland Fisheries section of our website.

Saltwater angling:

There are many locations where saltwater angling can be enjoyed around the Island. Good pier fishing can be had at Douglas, Ramsey, Peel and Port St. Mary. Shore fishing from the rocks and beaches is also popular, with tope and bass fishing from the beaches on the North West coast providing exceptional sport. Boat angling is popular and there are a number of charter vessels around the Island. Although no licence is required for saltwater angling, please remember to observe the various minimum landing sizes. It is an offence to retain any salmon or sea-trout caught in the sea.

Potting:

You may fish (for recreation) for crab and lobster with up to 5 pots from either a pleasure craft or from the shore. A licence is required and an application form is available below. Once again minimum landing sizes apply. A catch limit exists of one lobster and up to five crabs per day.

An application form for Hobby Potting can be downloaded below.

Hobby Potting Catch Return Form

Minimum Landing Sizes

Sand Eels:

In 2005, the Department introduced byelaws to prohibit all netting activity in a restricted zone consisting of the beaches from the north end of Peel Bay, round the Point of Ayre, to the northern side of Ramsey Harbour. Netting is not permitted from the beach and to 750 metres seawards. The byelaws are in place for the protection of salmon and sea trout which gather round the coastline before entering Manx rivers to spawn. However, the byelaws do make provision for anglers to net for sand eels as bait at certain times of the year and in specific locations within the restricted zone. Click here for more detailed information. A licence is required and an application form is available below.

Sand Eel Netting Licence application form

A co-ordinated approach to sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) has responsibility for managing fisheries and also for marine species and habitat protection within Manx Territorial Waters. Close integration of marine protection and fisheries management has the potential to support the development of environmentally and economically sustainable fisheries, whilst maintaining marine biodiversity and its associated value to society. The Department is working towards the sustainable management of Manx coastal waters and the protection of marine species and habitats.

Please see our FAQ's section for the answers to the most frequently asked questions or visit the relevant section of this website for more detailed information.

Downloadable Documents