Dan O’Neill reports on a weekend trip to Ardaire Springs trip with son Anthony
It was an extremely cold weekend and few days really. Did it stop the anglers from hitting the banks? Certainly not. This is a weekend I have been looking forward to from the day it was planned. Saturday, I had arranged to meet Glenda Powell at Blackwater Lodge for some very much needed practice and to speak about the upcoming Cadence event at Careysville. Sunday, I had planned to meet George McGrath at Ardaire Springs to talk about what is now his new fly rod. Of course, when Ardaire Springs was mentioned in the household, Anthony immediately became very interested.
My first trip was to see Glenda in what is a wonderful part of Ireland. As I made my way down the lane to the fishing hut i spotted Glenda in the usual spot just by the river and practicing. Once Glenda did come up to the hut, we had a cup of coffee and a catch-up. I always enjoy my time with other anglers as there is always something new to learn and stories to hear. I very much look forward to meeting with Glenda for the start of the Blackwater salmon season which is the 1st of February.
My next trip this weekend was to Ardaire Springs, where I was going to meet George McGrath. George had an interest in a new wet fly rod, and the characteristics of the Cadence 10ft 5wt I felt would suit him perfectly. Some of you may know George from his YouTube channel Gundog and Fly. I also had my senior Apprentice or maybe he had me I should say. I am his private guide now among other things. Anthony immediately recognised George from the channel as he watches it with me quite often. On the way to Ardaire, I explained to Anthony about the cold and how the fishing may be a bit slow. He didn’t seem very fazed by it and seemed to accept the challenge. Arriving at Ardaire a little after 9am there were quite a few cars and silhouettes around the lake. Heading into see Ned to wish him a happy new year while Anthony watched through the window to ensure I wasn’t avoiding ghillie work on the clock. I must say it was very hard for me to drag myself away from the stove and cup of tea to head out to –1 °C.
Setting up the rods to the methods that had been working the day before for my good friend Darius, it was time to hit the water. I handed the rod to Anthony and let him cast to where he thought the fish might be lying. As i set up the second rod i heard Anthony say “yep” , I looked up and saw the rod bent over and Anthony into a trout. Yes, it happened that quickly. Delighted with his catch, Anthony quickly called on me to net the fish. A lovely rainbow, about 1.5 – 2 pounds.
We did see some larger fish breaking out in the middle of the lake, which we tried for. It became quite cold after a little while, so we headed to the stove to have a cup of tea and a sandwich. When at the stove we met Dean Gates who gave Anthony a fly that he will never forget. You now have a lifelong fan Dean. There were lots of anglers who spoke words of encouragement to Anthony that made him smile and really gave him confidence. Heading out after our sandwich, we went to the larger lake with Anthony’s new fly. After about 10-15mins everything tightened up, and Anthony lifted into what was a lovely trout, really powerful, with quick spurts of energy making the rod and reel work together to protect the tippet.
There was another young angler out and about in the cold conditions. I have met this angler before at the Irish spring angling fair and saw various pictures of him with some lovely pike. Martin O Neill like I said was no stranger to me, he never stopped for a second in harsh conditions and it paid off when he landed a beautiful rainbow and many more after it. I look forward to taking this young man out on the R.Nore for some brown trout this season.
A very productive weekend for both Anthony and I. A lovely rabbit stew with apple tart and custard for dessert when we got home sealed the deal.
One of the things that really hit me at the weekend was how hard the anglers I met tried to encourage kids. Not one angler at Ardaire walked past Anthony without making a comment to boost his confidence and it really did help him, so thanks everyone.
