Storms come and seasons change. Our autumn flips between summer days and wintry evenings. Salmon and trout fishing is all closed for another year. Coarse anglers still getting good time on the water and festival results continue to impress, while sea anglers make the most of the good days. But for pike anglers October is really all about new beginnings…
Safe angling…
Inland Fisheries Ireland is reminding anglers to follow safety guidelines when fishing. Three anglers have died in Ireland so far this year as a result of drowning, according to the latest figures from Irish Water Safety.
Last year, a total of 109 people drowned in Irish waters. This equates to nine deaths every month with many drownings happening quickly, silently and in shallow water. Of the 109 drownings last year, 84 were male and 24 were female.
As angling is a water based activity, anglers often have to deal with changing conditions and hidden dangers. Inland Fisheries Ireland is reminding anglers to exercise great care for their own safety and that of angling partners. Anglers are asked to follow some simple safety tips when going fishing:
- Wear a life jacket
The law requires that a Personal Flotation Device must be worn:- By anyone on an open craft under seven metres in length
- By anyone on deck on a craft that is under seven metres in length
- By anyone under the age of 16 on board an open craft or on deck of any other type of craft
- Follow advice on warning signs, permits and notices
- Don’t take any risks when wading or fishing from boat, shore or bank
- Check the weather forecast and tide tables before you go
- Take time to observe weather, water and tide conditions while fishing
- Fish with a partner/buddy or let someone know where you’re going
- Take a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case/bag
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “There are 273,000 domestic anglers in Ireland who enjoy fishing at the many scenic destinations across the country. Many anglers have been fishing for many years and may feel experienced on being near or on the water however we would appeal to anglers to follow these simple safety steps at all times. Although game angling has finished for 2018, angling for other species continues in many isolated peripheral and rural areas and with winter approaching, it is important to stay safe.
Our angling website (www.fishinginireland.info) and information booklet Safety on the Water – Angling Water Safety Guidelines details guidelines around safety on lakes and at sea alongside important information regarding tides and currents, what to wear and the type of boat you should use. We would ask anglers to take some time to familiarise themselves with this safety information and to remember their safety is a priority when angling. ”
Inland Fisheries Ireland has a detailed guide to safety at https://www.fishinginireland.info/safety.htm. You can also download a free copy of the information leaflet Safety on the Water – Angling Water Safety Guidelines at https://www.fishinginireland.info/pdf/AnglingsafetyChecklist.pdf
Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.
Myles Kelly
Catch, Photo, Release
If you have an angling story to share with the Irish Angling Update please send it to [email protected].
Headlines
Salmon angling news
- Some good fishing on Currane until the wind picked up
- The sun sets on another successful season on the Moy
- Decent water and a few salmon to mark the end of the season on the Owenea
- Owen ends Nore season with salmon at Mount Juliet
- Tough salmon season on Inagh but good news for sea trout
Trout angling reports
- Smashing trout to 7lb 2oz on Owel in last days of season
- Trout to 13lb 9oz for Sheelin anglers
- Big Ferox on Fly, a first in Ireland?
- Successful “End of Season” Competition on Lough Arrow
- Anglers strike gold on Corrib as the sun sets on the 2018 season
- Steady catches with trout to 8lb on Sheelin
Coarse angling reports
- Paul Boothby wins Carrigallen Angling Festival in 49kg
- Peter Gilbert wins toughest ever Fermoy Autumn Festival
- Tony Kersley wins Sheemore Anglers Association’s Annual Festival
- Charlie Vallender wins Cootehill Festival with 84.730kg
Pike angling reports
- Italian anglers return to the Midlands for the pike
- Great piking on the Shannon near Meelick
- Big Ferox on Fly, a first in Ireland?
- Pallas Lake low and pike fishing slow
