Dan O’Neill is back with his latest River Whispers blog…
The River Whispers 17
In this edition we take a look back at some fishing trips and how we approached them over the school holidays. I speak about the Trout Fishing Ireland free zoom calls and its different editions. Keep an eye out for the new APGAI newsletter which is full of information from some of the world’s best anglers.
Over the school holidays Anthony and I had made lots of plans for some fishing trips. Unfortunately the weather pushed us to change the plans on the mornings of most of the trips. There was a time when Anthony was younger where I would see him peering at me from under the brolly looking cold, now I am peering from the brolly urging him to get under it. Our trips were to the R. Barrow and Southern County fishing resort. First trip was to the R. Barrow where the levels were nice. We visited our usual haunts and also did a little bit of exploring. We decided to fly fish for pike and try some new areas. Anthony was armed with pike flies that Stuart Wylie sent him and I had my trusty Whistler with me. We began fishing canal mouths and slack areas of the main river. Fish were shy and we had some follows but no commitments. I changed down to a Dougie’s perch pattern and again just follows and tail swipes. Anthony was first to hit a pike and it came during the last 2 hours of daylight. I hit a fish but to Anthony’s delight I lost it which meant I bought the chips on the way home. One pike for a hard day’s fishing but the only way to know the result for sure is to play the game.
A trip to Southern County for us turned out to be a superb day. I fished a small pheasant tail under a Klink and had some great takes and even a few on the Klink. The fish really are energetic and spring into action once the hook is set. The fish are in super condition. I spoke to Pat the owner for a while and it was fantastic to hear his interest in the trout and their welfare. The day was quite windy and wet but we had a high bank behind us that took the sting out of the weather. Anthony hooked some great trout too using the same method, we pulled some streamers for a little while and had some what looked like torpedo’s chase the streamer and turn away just at the bank, fantastic fun and really visual.
Blackwood Bait and tackle
Blackwood bait and tackle held there open day on Sunday the 2nd of March. What a fantastic day it was and the two young business owners done a fantastic job creating a friendly yet competitive atmosphere. Thanks to Slaney tackle, Dan at Trout fishing Ireland, George Kavanagh of GK photography and of course Pat Foley and Chris Kavanagh at southern county for giving the lads use of the fishery to hold the competition. Great to see such support for these young anglers and also to see that fishing can be a part of the mini company
Season Ahead
So, the season is finally just around the corner and some last-minute tying is taking place at many vices across Ireland. Usually, I use streamers and heavy nymphs’ early season, if the levels allow I wet fly fish with some of my early season patterns. It can be hit and miss but it’s fishing so it’s enjoyable. Looking forward to seeing some of you on the bank soon.
Southern County Fishing resort
I have been visiting this fishery over the last few weeks with Anthony. We had some great trout in both lakes and even spent some time course fishing on the top lake for silvers, carp and perch. Fantastic fishery that has undergone recent improvements to walkways and fishing areas. Really hard fighting fish and in top condition. I will be holding 2 demo days on the fishery soon so keep an eye out for them. They will involve a casting clinic, casting demo, one on one tuition, fly tying demo, fly tying talk, what fly and when. A great chance to learn a bit more about rainbow trout.
Trout Fishing Ireland zoom series
In recent weeks some of you may have seen my free zoom classes. The classes were designed to help people with fly fishing and different techniques. It helps people also who are travelling to Ireland from abroad to fish here. There are many topics so be sure to check them out and email me at [email protected] for details on times and dates. See below for a list of topics,
- Dry dropper
- Wet fly
- What to expect when fishing in Ireland
- Equipment Maintenance
- Beginners course
Irish Spring Angling Fair
I will be at the Irish spring angling fair with Cadence and my association APGAI. The full Cadence range will be there to try. The new Predator range is well worth checking out and why not come for a cast with me to test out some of the range. Other Cadence Ambassadors will also be there to give expert advice and talk about the range. APGAI Ireland will be holding a kids fly tying event, there is also kids casting on site. A great chance to learn the basics for those budding young anglers. A fair not to be missed on the 3rd and 4th of May at Ardaire Springs Angling Center.
Go Fishing
Growing up in the countryside of Gowran, Co.Kilkenny, I started my fishing journey on the River Barrow with my dad, which is where I caught my first fish, a lovely brown trout. The Gowran River was also a short walk from my homeplace, and on the days my dad couldn’t fish, I would walk through the fields and fish the Gowran River. My love for fishing grew and took me to Mount Juliet Estate, where I began guiding at 13. I went on to become fisheries manager at Mount Juliet Estate and, to this day, enjoy taking out hundreds of clients every year fishing on the River Nore. I enjoy all types of fishing and guide all over Ireland. I am an Apgai Ireland-qualified casting instructor and have Ambassador roles with Cadence and Yeti. I joined Fulling Mill as an endorsed pro guide and am part of the Patagonia pro team. My angling journey has been an exciting one and hopefully will continue to be.
I take out all levels of anglers, from beginner to experienced. I enjoy what I do and count myself very lucky to be able to meet and guide new people to what might be their first Irish fish.
