Ronan Cusack reports that the excellent fishing has continued on Mask over the last 2 weeks, as the boat moorings finally begin to fill up around the lake. Weather conditions have been variable over the past few days with a mixture of sun, rain and light winds. Anglers willing to adapt and vary their angling techniques have done well and reaped the rewards.
Members of the Dargle Angling Club enjoyed a break at Hall’s Angling Centre. The 9 anglers had 24 fish over the two days with their best fish weighing 4.25lbs. The lads also had a further 3 trout over 3lbs and all fish were released to fight another day. Simon Tarpey, also staying at Hall’s, had 6 fish on dries, with his best fish 1.5lbs (also all returned). Martin McCoy from Northern Ireland spent 3 days wet-fly fishing on Mask and he had 15 good trout plus numerous undersize fish during his visit.
Young Ballinrobe Anglers Cian Sheridan and Conor Cusack had a day to remember this week when the landed a 12lbs ferox trout on their first outing of the season. No doubt that will only whet the appetite, and the lads will be keen to get out over the Easter holidays!
Ballinrobe angler Denis Kelleher had 3 nice fish puling wet flies last week in stormy conditions (best fish 2.5lbs). Martin and David Connors, Northern Ireland, had a very productive day on the Sunday boating over 20 trout with almost half exceeding the 13 inch limit. Noel Moran and Kevin Sheridan from Ballinrobe had 4 fish in calm conditions on the Saturday using a combination of dries and buzzer (best fish 2lbs). Ronan says “overall the lake is fishing extremely well and well worth a visit”.
Ronan also guides on Mask and can be contacted at [email protected] or at 087 2869487
Other catches reported from Hall’s Angling Centre included Pat Hogan from Dublin, who had 2 fish of 2.5lbs and 1.5lbs on Saturday. Ivan McGaw (Northern Ireland) landed 11 trout on Friday and 9 on Saturday, best 2lbs. Richard Dodds had 6 trout on Friday, followed by 7 on Saturday, all between
1 and 1.5lbs. Kenny Halliday took 5 fish on Friday, and 7 on Saturday to 1.5lbs. Pat Cox and friend Garry from Northern Ireland landed 9 fish on Tuesday, best 2.5lbs with most of the rest around 1 to 1.5lbs. Hall’s provide boat hire, guiding and self-catering accommodation, and anglers should contact David or Helen on 094 9541389 or check www.lakeshoreholidays.com
Margaret Gorman from Isham Self-Catring at Dringeen Bay was also in touch last week, with a nice report and a great photo of her daughter Paula and twins Ronan and Karl. Dad Pat brought the kids out for an hour on the local bay on Sunday the 30th, and Paula caught two beautiful trout weighing 2.25lbs and just under 4lbs. Another case of “Dad, when are we going fishing again?!”
There were reports of fantastic fishing out of Dringeen the previous week – Jimmy Fleming and Dan McAuliffe from Killarney, Co. Kerry fished from Dringeen Bay for two days, and reported some of the best fishing they have ever experienced. They landed 16 trout on the Monday, with a further 10 on Tuesday. Most of the fish were returned. While some of the fish were small, some were in the region of 1.25 to 1.5 lbs. Fly patterns were varied with fish being taken on Gorgeous George and Claret Bubble amongst others. Kieran McNicholas and two friends fished on the Thursday, and reported a fantastic days sport, landing 20 trout, most of which were returned. Anglers are reporting lots of activity, with fish feeding freely on the surface. As water levels continue to drop, and temperatures are on the rise, things look good for the week ahead.
Boats are available for hire from Isham – with or without outboard motors. For further information on accommodation and angling advice, please contact Margaret Gorman at 094 9546582 or email [email protected]
