Red Gurnard
Red gurnard are a boat angler's summer bonus along Ireland's western and northern coasts. Vivid, armoured, and unmistakable, they hunt the seabed over sand and broken ground from Donegal to Cork.
Most turn up as a welcome by-catch when drifting for other species, but targeting them deliberately with lures worked close to the bottom produces consistent action from June through August.
Scientific Name: Chelidonichthys cuculus
Also known as Cnúdán Dearg, soldier
- Vivid scarlet-red flanks and back, cream or white underside — one of the most colourful fish in Irish waters.
- Large bony, angular head with a steep snout and sharp spines on the gill covers; no mistaking it for anything else.
- Broad pectoral fins edged in blue, with 2–3 free finger-like rays beneath used to probe the seabed for food.
- Average weight around 0.5 kg; Irish record stands at 3 lb 9.5 oz — specimen qualifying weight is 2 lb (0.907 kg).
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- A native saltwater species, widely distributed around the entire Irish coastline from shallow inshore grounds down to around 400 m on the continental shelf.
- Prefers sand, gravel, and broken shell-grit bottoms, often where clean sand transitions into patchy or broken reef ground.
- Larger fish tend to favour slightly deeper offshore water; the best concentrations are reported from the western and north-western coasts.
- Prolific in Donegal, Mayo, Clare, Galway, and Cork coastal waters, with records from the north coast and east coast too.
Key Locations
- Donegal Bay and the north Donegal coast — Downings, Port-na-blagh, Tory Island, and the mouth of Lough Swilly are consistently productive, especially for larger fish.
- Belmullet and Killala Bay, County Mayo — offshore grounds here have a strong record for specimen-sized fish.
- Achill Island, County Mayo — accessible offshore mixed ground holds good numbers through summer.
- West Clare and Galway Bay — reliable summer grounds with peak action June–August.
- Cork Harbour and surrounding coastal waters — productive year-round, with access from multiple harbours.
Specific Spots
- Work the seabed over sand-to-broken-ground transitions — gurnard use their free pectoral rays to feel out prey along these edges.
- Offshore banks and mixed-ground patches in moderate depth hold the bigger fish; inshore sand over 15–30 m is productive for numbers.
- Drift across sandy ground adjacent to reef or weed — gurnard follow the boundary where clean bottom meets structure.
Red Gurnard FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Red Gurnard?
Mackerel strip and ragworm fished as a cocktail on a size 1/0–2/0 hook close to the bottom is the go-to bait combination across Irish grounds. Small shad-style soft plastics (3–4 inch) on a light jig head worked with gentle twitches just above the seabed imitate sandeels and draw consistent takes during a drift.
When is the best time to fish for Red Gurnard?
Summer (June–August) is the peak period, with the highest catch rates reported across Donegal, Clare, and Galway grounds. July through November is considered the best window overall, including for table fish, spring and early summer are worth avoiding if keeping fish for the table.
How do you catch Red Gurnard?
Boat fishing is the primary approach, with drift-fishing over sand and broken ground producing the most consistent results. Anglers work lures or baited traces right on the seabed, using gentle rod twitches to animate the presentation during the drift.
What do Red Gurnard eat?
Feed primarily on small crustaceans, sandeels, and bottom-dwelling invertebrates, probing the seabed with their free pectoral rays to locate prey, this bottom-grubbing habit means lures and baits need to be fished right on the deck.
Where do Red Gurnard live?
A native saltwater species, widely distributed around the entire Irish coastline from shallow inshore grounds down to around 400 m on the continental shelf. Prefers sand, gravel, and broken shell-grit bottoms, often where clean sand transitions into patchy or broken reef ground.
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