We’ve had some amount of rain recently and many fisheries inland experienced high levels and flooding. The estuaries were full of freshwater and this no doubt impacted on some of the sea angling recently. But now that winter is officially here at least it’s been mild, and that has helped in some places…

There was a lot of pike fishing done on Sunday as many clubs ran competitions. The conditions were not easy at all, driving rain and winds made their mark but at Pallas there were some decent fish caught to over 20lb, out of the way pockets of water yielded the best results. Dinny Coyne wins Catch of the Week with his 20lb 14oz pike. Anglers in the Go Hire National Pike Championship had a much different experience at their Cavan venue and only 8 pike were landed. It was a similar story from Lough Derravarragh where the Moffat cup was fished.

Dinny Coyne with his 20lb 14oz pike
Dinny Coyne with his 20lb 14oz pike – Catch of the Week winner

Bannow Bay SAC at Duncannon had some decent fishing and good flounders to 40cm were measured. Meanwhile, down the coast in Youghal 50 anglers fished the All-Ireland Cod Championships. The winner of the All Ireland title was Donal Domeney with a cod of 68 cm. It was all flounders and coleys for the Killybegs anglers at Mullaghmore where undersized fish kept the competitors busy between the counters.

Salmon anglers are reminded that you can now buy your salmon licence for the 2019 season online at https://store.fishinginireland.info/. And another reminder that salmon angling regulations for 2019 are in draft form and can be reviewed at the following link. Closing date for observations or objections is 13 December 2018.

Sean Canney TD, Minister with responsibility for the inland fisheries sector marked the launch of International Year of the Salmon by unveiling one of Inland Fisheries Ireland’s new fleet of 12 RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) to highlight the important of fisheries protection. International Year of the Salmon is a joint world-wide initiative of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) and the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission (NPAFC) alongside other partners across the globe, creating an international framework for collaborative outreach and research. It is hoped that IYS will raise awareness of what humans can do to ensure salmon and their habitats are conserved and restored against a backdrop of complex environmental factors. We’ll be keeping you up to date with initiatives .

And now the weather…

Cold, blustery and showery tomorrow, Friday with an outlook for continuing unsettled and changeable weather. The blustery, showery conditions will be replaced by brighter conditions on Sunday, leading to a colder night and frost later. The early days of next week will be mainly dry and less cold as winds swing to the south or southeast. However some night frosts are likely – especially over the midlands and east of the country. At least there’s no storm or weather warning forecast for a change should be nice on the beaches.

Finally, keep an eye on our Facebook page as we’re doing our best to share all the details of the tackle shops, guides, fisheries and other angling services that are providing Christmas specials and vouchers. You’re sure to find the perfect angling present for someone else or maybe something for your own Christmas list…

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].

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