The NCFFI report that fishing couldn’t come soon enough for Munster Coarse Anglers member Kevin Leahy. With no water within 5km, the Tipperary resident was delighted to see the travel restrictions ease so he could get back on the water………
‘’After three months finally, it was time. No more tying of rigs and cleaning gear – I was going fishing!
Tipperary is not renowned for its coarse fishing, and with the banks of the Lower Shannon not yet within reach, would I chance a session on one of the small ponds for a tench or rudd? With that cold wind all week I didn’t fancy my chances and wanted to make the most of my fishing freedom. So at silly o clock, I was at the North West of the county and the mighty Lough Derg hoping for a tussle with a shoal of bream, hybrids or roach. Fishing a top and bottom slider float rig in 30 feet of water the roach obliged, with the fishing steady all day producing a catch of 8oz to a 1lb and half fish for an estimated 40lb. The surprise and highlight of the day was a battler of a perch on a grain of sweetcorn, which surprisingly weighed only 2lb. He was up for a quick photo before returning straight back to the water and his vegetarian lifestyle.
No bream or hybrids for me, but who cares I’m back fishing, roll on the summer and the hope of catching up with my club mates for the banter on the bank!’’
Well, there may not have been bream or hybrids for Kevin on that session but he managed to get in amongst them on his next sessions the nice slab in the photo below will testify.
The easing of travel restrictions has made fishing more accessible to our members. Kevin is a member of the Munster Coarse Angling Club.
In Ireland, two households can now meet up with one another to fish. Safe behaviours, social distancing and the use of masks should be observed. With the relaxation of the travel restrictions, members may travel within their own county or within 20km of their residence if crossing county boundaries to fish. Members are urged to familiarise themselves with all available guidance, visit www.ncffi.ie/covid19 for more.
