Abigail, Barney, Clodagh and Desmond…No I’m not listing the children ! These are the storms which hit our green isle lately and as if we hadn’t enough, storm Eva is setting herself up to batter our west coast as I write. With gales up to 120km/h expected a status orange warning is in effect. Leinster, Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford have been issued with a status yellow warning. Fishing this week was mostly in our dreams and not a reality….
A few brave coarse anglers donned the wet gear and battled the elements. The MADCAP, (Midlands Coarse & Pike Anglers), the clue is in the name !, ventured out for their Christmas and Winter league. Shannon Harbour was the destination and the league final doubling up as the Paul Grogan Memorial Match. John Keogh emerged winner in a very close match with Mark Jerome and Chris Keogh snapping at his heels.
The Naas & District anglers showed what they were made of as they fished their winter league too on the Daingean canal the previous weekend. Conditions were hard and a bed of weeds made shipping rigs out troublesome. Ballybay anglers had a knock up on the same day at Annaghierin Lake, Shercock. They also remind us that they have an open match on Black/Yellow Island this Sunday December 27th, a good way to work off the Christmas pudding.
True to form, Inniscarra fished when everywhere else had to sit it out. Just four hours of fishing brought in over 350 roach and 17kg for our ‘Catch of the Week’ winner, local angler Duncan at the Upper Dam. Inniscarra has been awarded the honour of hosting the FIPS-ed World Youth Championships in 2017. The event attended by youths worldwide is expected to attract in excess of 40 teams, supporting staff and families to Ireland, around the village of Coachford in Co. Cork. A true showcase of what Irish angling is all about.
Another little gem, hidden in the Black and Amber county is Ardaire Springs Angling Centre in Mooncoin, Co. Kilkenny. Wexford guide Gerard Doran paid a visit during the week and was amazed at the quality of the trout and the scenic surroundings. A great place to spend an afternoon and to bring the young ones as they test out the new rods and reels Santa brings them. Love that guy in the red suit, always knows what I want !!
We’ve had some cracking catches during 2015 from 39lb 12oz pike that brought a sweat out on Gerard Smyth as he hauled her in, 52cm Nire trout on opening day for Des O’Rourke, 24lb Slaney salmon for the Waterford angler Brian Hennessey, great bags of coarse fish plus sharks, skate and albacore tuna on fly for Sidney Kennedy who was out fishing in Cork with skipper Mike Dennehy. Refresh your memory and have a browse through some of 2015 updates on our website.
Looking ahead we have a number of events to keep you busy, in Cobh there is the International Boat Team Fundraiser at Kennedy Pier on Sunday 27th Dec with boats leaving at 9.30am. The Wexford SAC will hold their 1st leg of the Leinster Shore League 2016 on Sunday January 3rd. Free fishing in Oaklands, New Ross on December 28th from 9 – 12, this turkey buster will give you a chance to try out the new tackle.
May you all have a Safe and Happy Christmas. Here’s hoping old Santa keeps a strong grip on the reins and Rhudolf doesn’t get side tracked with all your new waders, rod ‘n’ reel etc. One optimist told me the other day that the tackle shops are doing well, most are sold out of waders now. It’s an ill wind that doesn’t blow some good !
Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.
Nancy Hearne
Catch, Photo, Release
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Headlines
Coarse angling reports
- MADCAPS Xmas Match and Winter League Final
- Ballybay Angling Open Match on Sun December 27th
- The fishing was very tough but the craic was mighty at Naas & District Winter League
- Upper Dam in top form at Inniscarra with plenty of roach
Trout fishing reports
News clippings
- Three hybrid fish species found in Irish waters last year – Irish Examiner
- Controversial Galway fish farm plans withdrawn – Independent.ie
- Huge trout caught on Lough Derg – Nenagh Guardian
- River Shannon defences to be maintained into new year – Westmeath Examiner
- Inland Fisheries Ireland Launches Fish Monitoring Programme Report – Afloat.ie
- Public invited to weigh in on national strategy for angling – Irish Times
- The End of an Irish Salmon Fishing Era – Fly & Fish
- Remembering Lives Lost At Sea – Afloat.ie
Other news
- Reeling in the year – 2015 – some amazing catches !
- Angling For Mental Health & suicide Awareness (Fishing for Pieta )
