A sweetheart of an offer for Valentines

By

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January 9, 2015

Building on the success of last years fly fishing courses Jason O’Riordan will be holding a stillwater fly fishing course at the purpose built fly fishing lake, fishing lodge and tackle room at Ardaire Springs Fishery, Mooncoin, Kilkenny on February 15th 2015. Jason tells us: This is an ideal course for those new to fly fishing and also for those wanting to improve upon their stillwater fishing techniques. Based on very positive feedback from last year I have decided to maintain the same affordable price of just €60 (including lunch)

The course covers all the standard fishing techniques (lures, wets, nymphs and dries). There will be lots of helpful hints and tips relating to tackle set up and fly selection to help you catch that “big one”.

There will also be time for participants to put some new methods to practice themselves before the day ends. This worked well last year with some participants catching their personal best trout on the day!

In addition to being a Pro Guide and International Federation of Fly Fishers Casting Instructor I have also completed a Child Welfare & Protection in Sport Awareness Training Course and have been Garda Vetted for coaching.

Given the date of this course it would make an ideal Valentines gift for the angler in your life. If you would like to book a place on this course just send me an e-mail at: gamefishingireland@gmail.com or phone: 087-2965712.

To make a booking contact..

Jason O’Riordan

Hardy/Greys approved guide and an IFFF Qualified Fly Casting Instructor

Notes: Jason has a lifetime of experience in fishing and guiding on the rivers, lakes and coastline in the area. Jason has given talks on fishing techniques at the leading angling shows in Ireland. Game Fishing Ireland offers guided packages for salmon, river trout, lake trout and saltwater game species. Fishing packages can vary in price depending on the target species and time of year. A typical package can include permits, travel, guiding, and packed lunch. Tackle hire is also available.

Address: Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
Telephone: +353 (0) 87 296 5712

E-mail: joriordan0@gmail.com Website: www.gamefishingireland.ie

Lough Ree International Pike Festival 2015

By

myleskelly

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January 9, 2015

The Lough Ree international Pike Festival returns for its sixth year and will take place from the 15^th – 17^th of April 2015.

The pike festival is unique in that prizes are awarded based on the length of the pike rather than the weight and anglers are given a measuring board on which they must place their catch, photograph it, return the fish to the water as quickly as possible and hand in the photo at the end of the day for judging. The longest fish over the three days will win, in addition to their daily prize, €1000 which is sponsored by the Athlone Municipal District Council.

The entry fee for the competition is €110 per angler for three days of quality pike fishing and of that fee €100 goes into the prize fund while €10 goes to pay for administration and insurance and at the end of the competition any excess in the administration fund will be donated to the Lough Ree R.N.L.I. With the competition limited to 80 boats which is approximately 160 anglers this will give a total prize fund of approximately €17,000 to be won over the three days.

There will be thirteen cash prizes awarded at the end of each day and the angler who catches the single longest fish over the three days will win the €1000 which is sponsored by Athlone Municipal District Council in addition to their daily prize. The daily prizes are based on entries and going on last year’s prizes the daily winner will take home €1000 and this means that the overall winner could walk away with €2000!!!

The number of prizes an angler can win are restricted by the number of anglers in the boat so for example if there are two anglers in the boat then that boat may only win two prizes each day and similarly if there are three anglers in the boat then that boat may only win three prizes each day.

The very popular World Cup event also takes place and is awarded to the angler who catches the longest length of pike over the three days. This is worked out by adding together the longest fish caught each day in the boat to determine the overall length and the winner will receive the beautiful silver World Cup along with €1000 for their efforts.

As last year’s competition was oversubscribed with almost twenty boats having their applications refused as the competition had already reached its limit of eighty boats it is advisable to get your entry in early so for further details along with entry forms, rules and provisional prize list check out www.athloneanglersassociation.ie or www.activeirishangling.com

Irish Angling Update 08/01/2015

By

IFI Staff

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January 8, 2015

It has been quite a busy start to the New Year angling season here in Ireland despite the many wintry harsh days but sometimes interspersed by periods of very mild weather and the occasional stormy days. At the time of writing we are still waiting for news of the first salmon of the new season with the anglers trying hard to catch the first salmon of the year particularly on the River Drowes. Late next week, the salmon season opens on Lough Currane and the River Laune so if the Drowes does not produce the first salmon of this year maybe it will happen in Co. Kerry. If a salmon is caught in the meantime, we will have that story for you here on the daily updated angling report pages on our website.

Angling guide Jason O’Riordan used bloodworm patterns to coax some lovely rainbow trout at the Ardaire Fishery in Kilkenny. Brenda Montgomery writes that anglers in the Cavan area are anxiously waiting for the angling to open on Lough Sheelin but my advice is to tie more flies in the interim as the season starts on the 1^st of March.

On 30 December Paul Bourke landed his biggest pike of the season with Pierre Montjarret. This fine fish wins Catch of the Week

In the Christmas – New year period there was plenty of pike anglers out on many waters. In recent days there were reports of some very big pike recorded on Lough Derg. The largest of these a fish of 1.16 metres (Possibly over 30 lb.) was captured by angling guide Paul Bourke fishing with another angling guide Pierre Monjarret in lower Lough Derg. This fantastic fish wins our Catch of the Week. Miko Wynne, Eslin, Mohill captured a fine pike of 25 lb. on Lough Rowan in the upper Shannon area. Not far away there was some nice pike reported from Garadice Lake. Over in the in the east there was improvement for pike fishing on Lough Muckno at Castleblayney and on Lough Ramor at Virginia. Just before Christmas well known pike angler, John McDonagh fishing with Pat Byrne on a lough in Cavan used his Grandson’s lure choice for him to catch a fine 24 lb. pike. Anglers lure fishing hooked some nice pike on Lough Derravarragh around Christmas.

A fine skate of 209 lb. was recently captured and released by Darren McMaw along with another fish over 100 lb. and some ling and conger while deep sea fishing off the Co. Antrim coast with skipper Hamish Currie. Jim Clohessy from TopFisher.eu reports that there is plenty of Codling and pollack to be caught in the Cork Harbour area at the moment when the weather conditions allow.

It is nice to report that there was plenty of good coarse fishing all over the country and despite high water levels and inclement weather catches were really very good for this time of year. The Oaklands fishery in New Ross continues to fish well producing some fine carp fishing along with some silver fish. The cold weather did not deter the newly formed Go & Catch Feeder club fishing on many venues in the Co. Monaghan area and good nets of fish were reported from several venues. Matches and pleasure fishing continue to produce good catches at many venues in Inniscarra in Co. Cork. Juniors are encouraged to fish for free at the forthcoming Erne Anglers Winter League 2015 which starts on the 25^th of January. The Ballybay anglers had nice weights at recent matches at Lough Muckno and at Annagheirin. It was chilly for anglers fishing the Munster Fur & Feather competition at Clondorny Lake near Tulla in Co. Clare and small nets of mainly roach and perch were recorded on the day.

There is a huge number of competition notices in this week’s update along with good safety advise for anglers fishing in the cold conditions. There are many AGMs and other news and news clippings. We are waiting for the hard copies of the Irish Specimen Fish Committee report which should be here in the Citywest offices by this weekend. Ring us next week if you like a copy. The report is on our website and on the Irish specimen fish website at http://irish-trophy-fish.com/

Take care and fish safely!

Tight lines especially in Ireland,

Paul Bourke
Catch, Photo, Release

If you have an angling story to share with the Irish Angling Update please send it to contact@fisheriesireland.ie.

Headlines

Salmon fishing reports

Trout fishing reports

Pike fishing reports

Sea angling reports

Coarse angling reports

News clippings

Other news

Safety for anglers, prepare before you go…

By

IFI Staff

-

January 8, 2015

Before you go….

1. Weather

High winds combined with waves can swamp a boat or carry you off the shore.
Poor visibility can mean you might not find your way back.
Check the weather forecast before you go and if bad weather is forecast, consider postponing your fishing trip. (www.met.ie)

2. Tides and Currents

Strong tides and currents can carry you away very quickly.
Rising tides or water levels can cut you off from shore.
Check which way the tide or current is flowing and what time the tide is in or out.

3. Local knowledge

If you don’t know the area, ask someone who does where the safe and often the best places to fish are located. While you are doing so remember to ask about local currents and tides and any local dangers.

4. Have you got the right gear?

Bring the right gear with you including Personal Flotation Devices (lifejacket or buoy), even if you are fishing from shore.

Also consider if you have enough warm waterproof clothes, boots, sun protection, and of course all of your angling gear.

A marine VHF radio or mobile phone will allow you to call for help if you need it.

5. Who knows where you will be?

Tell someone where you are going, what time you will be back, what to do if you don’t turn up and who to contact.

6. Always go with someone.

If you get into trouble there will be someone there to help you or call for help.

7. Watch the conditions

Weather, daylight, water levels and currents can change quickly. Watch what is happening around you to avoid getting caught out.

8. Managing the boat

If you are using a boat make sure that

you have enough fuel,
the boat is not overloaded
if anyone feels seasick, it is best to come ashore immediately
always wear a Personal Flotation Device when on deck.

9. Stay sober

Many accidents on or near the water are caused by drinking alcohol. It will impair your judgment and reactions as well as speeding up heat loss.

In an emergency….

Onshore…

Telephone 999 or 112 and ask for Coast Guard.

Afloat…

Call Coast Guard using VHF radio on channel 16. If you have no VHF use a phone and dial 999 or 112.

For more detailed safety information get the free angling safety booklet available from www.safetyonthewater.ie

Lough Derg fishing well – big pike on the feed including a monster of 1.16 metres which wins our Catch of the Week.

By

myleskelly

-

January 8, 2015

116cm pike — On 30th December Paul Bourke landed his biggest pike of the season with Pierre Montjarret. This fine fish wins 'Catch of the Week'

Angling guides Paul Bourke, Herman Molenaar and Herman Molenaar and Pierre Monjarret all had really exciting fishing att he end of December and the run of good luck has continued to provide big fish so far this year.

On 30 December Paul Bourke landed his biggest pike of the season with Pierre Montjarret and wins our **Catch of the Week**

Pierre did particularly well at the end of the year as the 100th 1m+ pike of the year was brought to the boat. The lucky angler was fellow guide Paul Bourke. His fish was caught on the troll and when measured the pike came in at 116cm, proving to be Paul’s biggest of the year and is our Catch of the Week. Staying with personal records Paul was out on St. Stephen’s Day with Franic who has fished for 3 years with Paul. Franic also caught his biggest of the year and what turned out to be his personal best, a fine pike of 101cm.

Pierre got 2015 off to a great start by catching his first 1m plus pike on Sunday but Hermann Molenaar, who also reported some great pike fishing on the lake at the end of the year, was even quicker out of the blocks when it came to recording a 1m plus pike in 2015.

Hermann had his first big one of the year on 02 January. Hermann has continued to get amongst the big fish this week with 2 over 1m on Tuesday.

You can keep up-to-date with all the adventures on Lough Derg in 2015 right here on fishininireland.info and on Facebook too.

Go Fishing…

Irish Fishing Tours

Irish Fishing Tours provides customised fishing holidays based in the picturesque harbour village of Garrykennedy on the shores of Lough Derg. Our comprehensive fishing trips include a guiding service, boat and tackle hire and food and accommodation. Choose from our list of existing fishing holidays or contact us to tailor one to your specific requirements. Airport transfers can be arranged on request.

Address: GarryKennedy, County Tipperary, Ireland.
Telephone: +353 (0)87 1953554 or +353 (87) 7454128
Email: info@irishfishingtours.com Web: www.irishfishingtours.com

FisHerman

Herman Molenaar offers guided pike fishing on Lough Derg. Specialises in the Dutch market. Boat hire, tackle shop and accommodation also available.

Address: FisHerman, Main Street, Killaloe, County Clare, Ireland
Telephone: +353 (0)87 985 74 91
Email: herman@fisherman.nl Web: www.fisherman.nl

Pierre Monjarret

Pierre Monjarret moved to Ireland in 2007 to pursue his dream as a guide. It is now many years since he cast his first line on Lough Derg. Throughout that time his passion for this lake has never faded, always something new to learn, new techniques to develop and challenges that remind you why you love catching big fish!

Address: Killaloe, County Clare, Ireland
Telephone: +353 (0)87 215 83 37
Web: www.pierremonjarret.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pierre.monjarret.1

Specimen 209lb skate for Predator

By

IFI Staff

-

January 8, 2015

Skipper Hamish Currie from Red Bay reports:

Congers skate and specimen spurdogs are the targets at this time of year baitfish have all left the bay now but are still abundant mid channel if you can be bothered hunting them but we don’t need to as we have a secret weapon and it seems to be working very well ! Best fish went to Steven Carson from Carrick-specimen hunters 209lb skate then Darren McMaw from the same club with one of 121lb few congers and ling also featured.

Make a booking

Hamish Currie
Predator II
Red Bay Stormforce 9.1 Rib
Web: www.predatorireland.com Email: info@predatorireland.com
Telephone: 028 2177 1828 Boat: 07720440117

The waiting game continues on the Drowes

By

IFI Staff

-

January 8, 2015

Angling guide and Fishery manager Shane Gallagher reports from the waiting banks of the river Drowes:

07/01 One week into the new season and the first salmon of 2015 has yet to be landed. There was one fish reported lost from the Mill Pool on Monday but otherwise fishing has been very quiet.

Conditions have improved since opening day and water levels had dropped to just above 0.8 metres on the gauge before rising again following a very wet and windy day today. The last few days have seen good conditions but despite this the only reports are of some fish seen and one fish reported lost from the Mill Pool after 4 to 5 minutes on Monday. The first fish of 2014 was caught this day last year, 7th January, in much higher water. More wet and windy weather is forecast up to the end of this week which is likely to bring a further rise in water levels. http://waterlevel.ie/0000035029/0001/week/

Shane Gallagher
Drowes Salmon Fishery
T: +353 (0) 71 98 41055
M: +353 (0) 87 8050806
http://www.drowessalmonfishery.ie/reports/

Make a booking

For info/bookings etc on the Drowes Fishery & Lough Melvin see http://www.drowessalmonfishery.com/ or Tel: 071 9841055 (8am to 12 noon).

25lb pike to end the year on Lough Rowan for Miko

By

myleskelly

-

January 8, 2015

Jarlaith Gallagher of Rinn-Shannon & District Angling Club reports on a great end to 2014 on Lough Rowan…

Firstly I would like to wish you a fabulous 2015! Here is a photo of Miko Wynne, Eslin, Mohill Co.Leitrim with a 25lb pike he caught on Rinn Shannon and District Angling Club lake ( Lough Rowan) on 28 December.

Miko braved the cold and his patience paid off!

Jarlaith O’Connor
Rinn-Shannon & District Angling Club
www.rinnshannon.com

Garadice pike should be starting to bite

By

myleskelly

-

January 8, 2015

Novice angler Joe Murphy, was over the moon when he caught this pike on the Church side of Garadice Lake on 2/01/15. The Lake was slow enough on the day but reports are that there is some good fishing to be had. The fishing should continue to improve as the pike are feeding well in preparation for the spawning season.

Winter Shore Angling Festival 2015

By

David Byrne

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January 7, 2015

JOE — Joe Byrne With A Nice Flounder at Last Years Event

Yet another year of hard work nears an end for the members of EFSA Ireland, organisers of the Irish Winter Shore Festival, a very important event on the angling calendar. This years event is just over two weeks away and will take place again over three days. The scheduled dates for the competition are Thursday 22nd, Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th January 2015. The event is sponsored this year by Tronixpro and Vercelli and if the weather obliges the fishing is due to take place again on the beaches of Wexford.

This prestigious competition has been building numbers slowly and consistently over the last few years and this years event has already received lots of additional interest from both Irish and overseas anglers. The Irish Winter Shore Festival has always attracted many excellent anglers from overseas and this years event looks as if it will see an increase in anglers from England, Scotland, Wales and Iceland as well as many more Irish anglers.

The base for the competition will be the Sean Ogs complex in Kilmuckridge and accommodation at Sean Ogs can be reserved through the organisers. We will keep you posted on how the event is progressing and look forward to posting details of the 2015 winners in a couple of weeks.

For further information and entries please contact Warren Doyle, 98 Seacrest, Bray, Co Wicklow, Ireland. Telephone +353 1 2828769, Mobile: +353 86 8069961, Email: warrendoyle@iol.ie

To make a booking contact..

Headlines

Salmon fishing reports

Trout fishing reports

Pike fishing reports

Sea angling reports

Coarse angling reports

News clippings

Other news

Before you go….

1. Weather

2. Tides and Currents

3. Local knowledge

4. Have you got the right gear?

5. Who knows where you will be?

6. Always go with someone.

7. Watch the conditions

8. Managing the boat

9. Stay sober

In an emergency….

Onshore…

Afloat…

Go Fishing…

Irish Fishing Tours

FisHerman

Pierre Monjarret

Make a booking

Make a booking

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