
Blue Water Charter Fishing
Connemara’s Top Deep Sea Adventure 🚤🎣
Operated by veteran skipper John Brittain since 1991, Blue Water Charter Fishing offers an elite angling experience from the rugged coast of Cleggan. Aboard the Bluewater, a 42-foot specialised twin-engine vessel overhauled in 2021, guests are treated to some of the finest fishing grounds in Europe.

The service is renowned for its versatility, catering equally to serious specimen hunters and families looking for a memorable day on the Atlantic. Beyond the catch, John’s deep interest in marine biology means trips often double as wildlife safaris, with frequent sightings of pelagic birds, dolphins, and whales in the sheltered waters surrounding Inishbofin and Inishturk islands.
Specialized Angling & Boat Charters
Blue Water Charter Fishing provides tailored trips that utilize advanced equipment and local knowledge to target prestigious Atlantic species.
| Trip Type | Peak Season | Featured Species |
|---|---|---|
| Reef Fishing | April – October | Cod, Pollock, Ling, Haddock, and Whiting. |
| Shark Fishing | July – September | Blue Shark and Porbeagle (Specimen hunting). |
| Tuna Charters | August – October | Authorized Bluefin Tuna boat for tagging and research. |
| Island Trips | Year-Round | Custom wildlife tours and landings on Inishbofin. |
Pro Tip: Full-day trips typically depart Cleggan Pier at 09:30. If you are staying in Clifden, it is only a 15-minute drive to the pier. Don’t forget to visit Oliver’s Bar at the pier after your trip—it’s the local tradition for sharing “big fish” stories over a coffee or pint!
Contact & Location Information
Email: [email protected]
Logistics: Free parking is available at Cleggan pier. The Bluewater is easily identifiable as the only green charter boat in the harbour.
FAQs about Blue Water Charter Fishing
Can beginners and children go charter fishing?
Absolutely. John Brittain provides expert guidance for all skill levels. Beginners frequently make respectable catches, and the boat is equipped with all necessary safety gear and facilities to ensure children have a comfortable and exciting introduction to sea angling.
Does Blue Water Charter Fishing offer equipment hire on board?
Yes. Blue Water Charter Fishing has a full range of high-quality tackle available for hire. You can opt for bare rod hire or a full package including rods and multiple sets of tackle, so you don’t need to own any gear to enjoy a professional fishing session.
Does Blue Water Charter Fishing participate in conservation programs?
Yes. Blue Water Charter Fishing is an authorised boat for the Bluefin Tuna CHART program. They operate on a scientific “catch, tag, and release” basis for these giants, contributing vital data to the protection and study of tuna populations in Irish waters.

Discover Blue Water Charter Fishing
Blue Water is one of Ireland’s top deep sea angling boats, skippered by the owner, John Brittain and offering full packages of accommodation, reef, shark or tuna fishing. With shark and tuna angling round Clifden amongst the finest in Europe, good catches and lasting memories are ensured. Whether hunting specimen Blues, giant Tuna or simply boating as many different species as possible, Bluewater will get you to the fishing grounds at top speed and even the Tuna shoals may be reached comparatively quickly. At the moment Bluewater is departing from Cleggan, which suits fisherman better, since embarkation is from a jetty and the grounds are thus even closer. Whatever your level of experience, we can cater for it. Beginners make respectable catches and experts can, and have, landed record-breakers.
Individuals and groups welcome.