A second generation Skelligs’ boat skipper, John O'Shea has the local islands in his blood and he departs daily for the Skelligs from Derrynane Harbour, a smuggling port used by the O’Connell clan of the famous Daniel ‘The Liberator’ O’Connell.
John O’Shea offers a range of sea fishing trips tailored to suit the novice and avid angler alike. Hundreds of visitors have caught their first fish on his boat the ‘L’Oursin’, (French for sea urchin) and his experience in these waters is second to none. John’s father was a Skelligs’ boat skipper and his grandfather was the last man born on the now uninhabited Scariff Island so local sea fishing knowledge runs deep in his blood. Skellig Tours fishing trips cater for groups and individuals and are fully licensed and Irish Tourist Board approved. They depart from Derrynane Harbour near Catherdaniel, County Kerry.
The fishing trips can last from 2 to 12 hours and include: reef and drift fishing for pollock, mackerel, cod, wrasse, conger, ling and colefish. Deep sea angling for flatfish, conger, skate, ling, dogfish, ray and spurdog. Shark Fishing for blue, portbeagle and tope.
John operates the Catch and Release Programme. He also supports the Recycle Fish – Live Not Dead Programme. This ensures that fish not being eaten by the guests, either on board or on shore, are released to fight another day. All gear is supplied.