Storm force winds and torrential rain lashed the country over the last few days leading to widespread flooding. The weather made shore angling impossible at many venues and anglers endured testing conditions at the Irish Winter Shore Angling Festival.
Oaklands Lake in New Ross escaped the worst of the weather and 15 year old Thomas Quinlin caught 57 lb of carp to wins last weekend’s match there. The Barrow, like most rivers, is in heavy flood now and out in the fields in many places. Some angling is possible in the cuts and the marina area at Carlow. Wet and windy conditions, combined with very cold water temperatures did not help the fishing at the Erne Anglers Float Only League at Ballyconnell. However, over 4 kg of fish still won every section. Namachree Lough, Carrickmacross was the venue for a 4 hour open match on Sunday. Conditions were appalling with gale force winds and sleet and the lake was up 3 feet, but feeder tactics still caught roach and perch.
Pike anglers on Lough Ramor reported some good doubles, even over the weekend when conditions were far from ideal. Last Friday, angling guides Tom Cogan and Peadar O’Brien fished the Monaghan area and had five pike to 12lb on deadbaits. Again, given the conditions they were delighted with their catch.
More than 60 anglers from Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scoland and Wales took part in the 25th Irish Winter Shore Angling Festival fished on Wicklow and Wexford beaches over the weekend. Chris Clarke, UK, was the eventual winner of the competition. Irish anglers also did well winning the 2 Man and 4 Man events.
The floods have made salmon fishing all but impossible and there are no reports from our salmon fisheries this week. The prospects for the weekend are not encouraging but best of luck to those anglers who will mark the opening of the River Blackwater and Galway Weir amongst others.
The Hooked Live Angling Show takes place this weekend at Citywest, Dublin. There will be a world class line-up of angling celebrities and wide range of demonstrations. You’ll also be able to enjoy the many exhibits featuring tackle, techniques, venues and angling organisations.
Tight lines,
Myles Kelly
Catch, Photo, Release
Headlines
Coarse angling reports
- Barrow in flood but cuts give options to coarse anglers
- Wet, windy and cold for Erne Anglers Float Only League at Ballyconnell
- Drogheda Coarse Angling Club Brave the Elements in Carrickmacross Match
- 57 lb bag of carp wins Oaklands match for 15 year old angler
Pike fishing reports
- Great Pike Fishing for Tom and Peadar on First Outing of 2013
- More 20lb pike reported from Lough Ramor
- Double figure pike for Dublin angler at Lough Ramor
Sea angling reports
- A slow start for the fly and lure angler in January
- Grauvell West Coast Shore League 2013 takes place on Renvyle beach February 9th
- Chris Clark Takes the Individual Title for the UK but Irish Teams Take 2 Man and 4 Man Team Event Titles
- Still All to Play for on Day 3 of the 25th Irish Winter Shore Angling Festival
- Tough Fishing on Day 1 but Even Tougher Fishing on Day 2 at the 25th Irish Winter Shore Angling Festival
Trout fishing reports
News clippings
- Melvin’s salmon surplus – The Impartial Reporter
- Ship-shape solution proposed to the problems of salmon farming – Irish Times
- Where otters dare, all is right with the natural world – Irish Times
- Irish wetlands are unique – Irish Examiner
Other news
- Dublin Angling Initiative interactive family area at Swords Angling Show
- Ballina and Cloghans Angling Club AGM
