Angling guide Dan O’Neill describes a recent trip to Southern County Fishing Resort:
Recent weather has been unpredictable to say the least, our tributary rivers seem to be getting a lot more traffic than they usually get at this time of year. I have been fishing streamers in the river with some success but this week wanted to try something a little different by visiting somewhere I haven’t been in a while unfortunately. Southern County Fishing Resort is based at the base of Mount Leinster in a little place called Garryhill in Co. Carlow. I have been visiting here since the beginning, and always the time I spend there roots firmly in my mind.
A quick call to fishery manager Chris saw me and Anthony on our way. The drive to Southern County always brings back memories and builds excitement, knowing fish of 15/20 lbs reside in the lake can’t but get you excited for the times ahead. On approaching the lake, fish were feeding quite shyly 35/45ft from the bank I had chosen to fish. Set up today was a little different for me as I chose to try a Micro Spey rod, it was the Cadence 11ft 1 #5/6 micro Spey paired with the Cadence Spey line. Moving on to the business end I had a 12ft tapered leader to start with down to a brown CDC dry fly not tied to a specific pattern or fly. Trying a few casts with my new set-up away from the fish to familiarize myself with the rod and action I then moved into the feeding zone. Some tips when fishing for rainbows that help us to ensure the fish are safe and we don’t leave hooks in fish with trailing pieces of line would be:
- Frequently check your leader for knots; knots weaken the breaking strain of the line, the force of the fish on the line tightens the “wind knot” until it bursts, if you’re using 4 pound line and have a “wind knot” it decreases the breaking strain greatly.
- When fishing for the rainbows, use sufficient breaking strain line for the fish that are present in the lake.
- Ensure your drag is working correctly before the first cast, set the drag properly and make sure it’s smooth, a reel that sticks when a fish is running will snap the tippet.
- Moisten all knots before cinching them closed, pull knots slowly to tighten, you will weaken the line by zipping them closed fast.
- Spend sufficient time with the fish when releasing them, ensure they kick strongly when being released, and rest them in the water in the net for a little, this is especially important in warm weather when oxygen levels may be low.
- Pick an area to unhook fish on a grassy area or better still a landing mat, avoid leaving fish down on gravel or sand.
Now it was time to get out to the feeding fish, I edged my way to the fish slowly with each cast. Watching my fly sitting proudly on the surface of the lake made time disappear quickly as it does when fishing. However, my concentration was broken by Anthony’s favourite words recently “I have one”. Running down with the net to assist, I was met by some wonderful acrobatics and long, powerful runs. The fish are so energetic and put on some great displays. As the fish came to the net, we made our unhooking plan before taking the fish from the water, placing it on the mat and unhooking. After reviving the fish, off it kicked to give another lucky angler some memories.
Going back to my spot, I kept casting to the feeding fish. After some time my first trout sipped down the fly, a lift resulted in the fish splashing on the surface and hitting the accelerator hard. Hearing the fly line rip through the water gave me a special feeling and one that I’m not used to on my home river. Great runs, great acrobatics and a wonderful prize at the end of the battle. Anthony had some very wise words for me when he saw the fish take and bend the rod over “just hold on dad”, wise words learnt through experience.
Overall, a great day at Southern County. Thanks to Chris and Pat for having us down.
Plenty more fish followed that gave an incredible account of themselves.
