Regular contributor and photographer Mick Flanagan writes from the Midlands again this week.
Royal Canal
The Royal Canal is now in a mess, with low water levels and pictures are floating around daily by local anglers and canal walkers and those who have pleasure boats on the Royal Canal. I posted a few pics that have really hit home, and over 12,000 people reacted to these shocking pictures of the canal at an all time low. We had a lot of comments with little or none from our local authorities, or local councillors. I am really not surprised, as I took time out before the schools reopened in September and walked a small stretch of the Canal with one local councillor. Highlighted were water levels, illegal dumping, and access to the Royal Canal where over hanging trees are causing problems. Needless to say the 5 black bags of rubbish still lies within sight of the banks of he Royal Canal, and the access point was not looked at. Fair enough pictures were taken that morning, and I was told it would be looked into.
Coyne Brothers
Kevin and Michael Coyne of Kinnegad are really top class anglers, and Kevin regularly keeps us up to date on his angling adventures. This time around Kevin ventured to Lough Derg on the Shannon system in search of some trout. On board was his brother Michael who does not spend much time on the lakes, as he loves the river fishing. Mind you this might change now as the lads had a magical day on Derg with some huge wild brown trout over 4lbs in weight.
Sheelin and Lough Ree Trout
Last week Athlone angling pals Philip Cunningham and Steve Turner had a fantastic days fishing with Steve once again producing a Monster Ferox trout from this fantastic fishery. Steve has over the years proven himself as one of our top Ferox trout anglers, and his most recent catch weighed an incredible 13lbs 6oz.
On Sheelin Christy Cox of Multyfarnham better known in the angling world as “Black Jack” had a whopper on the fly weighing 6.25lbs. Christy had 4 trout caught on Pearly Dabblers of the Hollywell Shore, and were tied by Bert Akins. Christy was also using a rod and reel given too him by his late pal Tommy Watson. Our thanks to Fergus Lynch Assistant Inspector with I.F.I. for this report and cracking photograph of Christy and his prized catch.
Lene Trout & Aladin Flask
Our good pal Marty Smith and Lough Lene member was back over from England, and enjoyed a few days on his favorite lake in all of Ireland. We had some fantastic fishing on dry flies, and also some nice rainbows on wet flies. As you do we ventured into Madams Island for lunch one of the days, and left an Aladin Thermal flask on the lake shore. If possible will the anglers that ventured in after us, please hand the flask into club Chairman Tom Fagan or leave in the Angling Hut on Fagan’s Point.
Competition Scene
Now as we are drifting into late September the last few trout competition are coming on line. This Sunday the popular O’Malley Cup will be fished on Ennell. I was talking to Johnny O’Malley recently and he reported some nice trout were coming from Ennell. For more on this competition and some flies that will work on Ennell call into David O’Malley at his angling center at 33 Dominick Street or phone 044-93-48300. David is also Chairman of Lough Ennell Trout Preservation Association. On Sunday week we have a clash of competitions with the Christy Sleator Perpetual Cup on Ennell, and Lene anglers will host the Chairman’s pairs competition. Lene is celebrating its 60th year as an Angling Association this year. More on these events next week.
Michael Flanagan
Midland Angling
Make a booking
Midlands Angling provide a top class Guiding service covering many of the top coarse and game waters across the Midlands. Visiting fly anglers have landed some fine trout while out with Midland Angling Guides, pike anglers also recorded some net bursting catches including many pike over 20lbs. Top waters include Lough Ree, Ennell, Owel, Lene, Mount Dalton, and Glore Lake just to mention a few.
Michael Flanagan
Midland Angling
Pike and Trout angling guide.
Telephone: +353 (0)44 9348969 or +353 (0)87 2797270
Fax: +353 (0)44 9342781
Email: [email protected] Web: www.midlandangling.com
