Paul Hanely reports on his capture of a fine spring salmon on the Lee over the weekend..

When I started fishing at the Inniscarra Salmon Fishery the water was low so I decided to try out my new Switch Rod. It is a beautiful rod for casting both overhead and underarm. As I was fishing all the regular croys in search of the ever elusive salmon I heard the warning siren from the Dam that lets you know that the water level will be rising soon. I moved up to Beat 1 Woodside and set about putting up my spinning gear as that is the most successful method you can use in high water at the dam.

River Lee Spring Salmon
River Lee Spring Salmon

After an hour I hooked into a good fish which charged downstream but I was able to turn the fish with my Hardy rod and strong Stradic 6000. I use a 6000 because it has the power to stop big fish and not tear up cogs spinning in high water. The salmon gave a few long runs but each time I stopped the fish and brought it in closer to me.  I ran the fish around in circles to tire it out so that I could beach it. The salmon had a small mark on its snout but was very fresh and though the scales were falling off there were no sea lice. The fish was very broad and deep and was at least 17 lbs in weight – I could barely hold it to take a photograph. Holding the fish for a few minutes in the water it was rested up enough to swim away strong and so starts my 2013 season. Can I catch a bigger salmon or is it all downhill from here?

Watch this great catch on youtube http://youtu.be/5rAQUIVKpZI

Paul's Switchfly Rod on Croy at Beat 3 Woodside
Paul's Switchfly Rod on Croy at Beat 3 Woodside

Courtesy of Paul Hanleyhttp://salmonfishingireland2012.blogspot.ie/