It’s International Women’s Day today so here at IFI we are profiling some of Ireland’s women anglers in a series of blog posts throughout the day. Some are online already and more will come this afternoon. All are inspiring and each carries the passion these anglers have for their sport. all online at: https://fishinginireland.info/news/tag/international-womens-day/
Last week’s summery conditions have given way to cold, windy wet weather much more in keeping with what we expect at this time of year. Still, it was nice while it lasted. It’s not been easy out there but it never ceases to amaze how many people are prepared to take to our seashores and waterways when conditions are tough…
The last week saw plenty of wind and rain in the south west, but when there was a break opportunities were seized and a couple of springers were caught on Lough Currane. Notable amongst these was Dominic McGillicuddy’s catch, the first on fly from the lake this year.
It has not been a great week for charter boat fishing but the shore anglers have been out and about. We have reports from the south east, south west and north west. And they all have one thing in common – good fishing. Competitions at Morriscastle, Wexford and Donegal Bay saw good catches of the usual species, and from Kerry we have reports of bass on lures. This year bass fishing regulations are as follows:
- Catch and release from 01 January to 31 March 2019
- 1 fish in any 24 hour period 01 April to 31 October 2019
- Catch and release from 01 November – 31 December 2019.
- A minimum size limit of 42cm applies.
Coarse anglers also had to contend with tough conditions over the weekend, and our reports are again from competitions. Catches to over 20lbs were weighed in at O’Briensbridge, while at Oaklands the carp were willing enough considering the cold on Sunday.
Pike anglers may still get a few days of fishing before spawning goes to this popular predator’s head and thoughts of feeding are abandoned for a while. Some decent fishing is to be had when conditions allow and venues from Lough Allua in Cork to Co. Longford lakes amongst others are producing good fish. Pike anglers should take note that Designated Salmonid Waters Bye-Law No. 964 is no longer in force and that Bye Law 809 and the 1 fish a day under 50cm rule applies nationally.
Not much news from the trout anglers this week. It’s been a bit windy to make the most of the early season fishing on most of the lakes, and it’s another week until the river anglers come out in force. But we have a good account of the opening days on Lough Lene, and a lovely report of a smashing trout on the Bandon River which is our Catch of the Week winner.
And now the weather…
Saturday will be a bright day with good sunshine and scattered heavy showers. Highs of 7 to 10 degrees in fresh westerly winds. Following a wintry night, Sunday will be a very cold day with sunny spells and wintry showers of rain hail, sleet and snow. Highest temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees with fresh, gusty westerly winds, strong in coastal areas. Cold again on Sunday night but it will become milder on Monday. But it will be wetter and windier, and likely to stay that way for much of next week. It looks like Saturday’s the day for fishing and Sunday’s for the match…
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
Angler profiles
- Glenda Powell on how fishing became both her hobby and occupation from an early age
- Sea Angler Sue Tait shares her sea angling journey
- Check https://fishinginireland.info/news/tag/international-womens-day/ for more
Salmon angling news
- Currane gets its first on fly
- February was a good month at Delphi
- March starts well on Currane but cold, wet and windy since
Sea angling reports
- Bass anglers get the show under way in Kerry
- Excellent fishing for Menapia Anglers at Morriscastle beach
- Great sport and prizes for Killybegs anglers under the stars
Coarse angling reports
- Catches top 20lb as cold conditions don’t stop fish feeding for Munster Anglers
- Cold and wet but Oaklands still fishes well
