Well, it was a week with plenty of wind and rain, although it has been relatively mild, with temperatures up to 14 degrees on some days, so although we don’t have a lot of reports in, there was some very good fishing to be enjoyed.
The Ireland Angling Show took place in the National Show Centre Swords, Co. Dublin over last weekend, and we were delighted to attend yet again at the biggest and best angling event in the country. Our Family Fun Zone proved extremely popular, and our staff were delighted to welcome and chat to so many people. Attendees to the zone tried their hand at virtual fishing with the angling simulator, learnt about the Irish fish species in the aquariums and got their photograph taken with fish on the green screen!
Inland Fisheries Ireland’s staff also gave out information and advice on angling across Ireland at the Angling Ireland stand. There is a great timelapse video here of just what went on.
The victorious Irish Men’s Shore Fishing Team arrived home to a great reception in Dublin Airport on Monday, following their silver medal heroics at the World Championships. Suntanned and no doubt tired after their South African odyssey, they will have many tales to tell this week, and well done to them. Fishing in SA was tough with temperatures up to 40C, and the fishing itself was for species we are certainly not used to at home, but they did Ireland proud. Well done also to the Ladies team, who finished a very creditable 9th in the world.
Back home, more spring salmon have been reported from the River Drowes over the last week, as well as the first fish off Lough Melvin. The windy conditions made for difficult fishing on Currane, but hopefully more moderate conditions will prevail and we will see some more fish from here soon.
The Killybegs Mariners club are a most active crew, and they organised their first boat trip of the year out of Killybegs last weekend. Mackerel for bait were plentiful, but they surely could not have expected the quality of pollack fishing they experienced on inshore reefs, with a 16lbs specimen the pick of a great day afloat, and our Catch of the Week.
The Western Shore League gets underway this weekend with Galway Bay SAC hosting an open competition at Renvyle, Co. Galway on Saturday evening.
Kevin Lyons from Melview Lodge reports on super pike fishing from the Shannon in Co. Longford, with fish to 25lbs for his guests. It was quiet otherwise, with few reports of pike or coarse fishing.
The trout angling season got underway on many lakes last Friday, and early reports from Corrib were of trout feeding hard and being in superb condition for the time of year. The Connacht Predator Anglers held a catch-and-release trout competition on Sunday, with every boat catching decent size fish, and the winner having a fine trout of 61cm.
Inland Fisheries Ireland is currently recruiting 5 Education and Outreach Coordinators for roles around the country. These jobs will involve developing youth angling projects, working with stakeholders and community groups, delivering education programmes and much more. Visit www.fisheriesireland.ie/careers to find out more.
And now the weather…
The next couple of days are set to be breezy and showery, but winds are to moderate by Sunday and the weather overall looks set to stay pretty mild for this time of year, with temperatures up to 15 degrees. Water levels are fairly high, but water temps are up for this time of year and fish will probably be more active. There is a gale warning in operation for today and tonight on Atlantic coastal waters but after this it looks much more benign. As ever, if you’re going on the water, take all precautions and stay safe!
Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.
Kevin Crowley
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
Trout angling reports
- Plenty of well-fed rainbows in Waterford as season swings into gear
- Corrib provides great sport for charitable anglers in Troutmaster competition
