Tiernan Sludds landed the first of the season from the Enniscorthy stretch
Brian Stevens, Slaney River Trust, reports on the last week’s fishing on the Slaney…
As water levels fell further during the week fish were reported off 4 of the lower beats with a number of lucky anglers meeting 2 or more fish on the day. Those beats reported fish on a number of days – a bit of consistency at last. Despite the pick up it has not been a red letter year so far.
Michael McCormack’ s springer 35″ long and very deep
Michael McCormack’ s had a fine springer on Friday on a size 10 cascade on a beat close to Ballycarney. Another fantastic quality fish from the Slaney.
Even in the lower water copper tubes still seem to being doing the business including the 10lber caught by Anthony Walsh on Riversdale on Sunday.
Tiernan Sludds landed the first of the season from the Enniscorthy stretch
Also on Sunday the Tiernan Sludds landed this 13lber which was only the first of the season from the Enniscorthy stretch.
Frank Maunsell reports on the conditions and prospects on the Owenmore Fisheryin co. Kerry…
07 May Water levels perfect for fishing in the river at the moment. 3 seatrout caught in the lake yesterday even though the fishing was difficult with the stiff westerly wind. The water levels should stay good until the end of the week because of the broken weather.
There are approximately five miles of fly fishing along the main part of the Owenmore River in Kerry, with 33 named pools and an additional 180 acres of lake fishing in this Kerry beauty spot. The salmon, grilse and sea trout begin to run in April. The runs continue through spring and summer into early October.
There were mixed results from Lough Currane in the last 7 days. There was some excellent fishing and fine specimen fish caught on some days but on others the lake, or the anglers, failed in their duties as Ghillie Vincent Appleby would say… ‘Catch of the Week’ winner Graham Walker with his 7.16lb specimen sea trout 1/5/14 Mr. Graham Walker of Co Cork, caught a cracker of a Sea Trout of 7.16 lbs on the troll, and just for the record they were fishing in a hired out boat from Waterville Boats ([email protected]). Wind light variable with reasonable cloud cover. 2/5/14 On the north side, first in the striking zone was Dr, Jim Comerford, who caught a fine Salmon in the 8lbs class, now we cut across to the south side, staying in the Amateur status, an angler fishing in a hired out boat from www.lakelandshouse.com caught and released a cracker of a Brown Trout in the 5 lbs. class. Now to the professional department, Mr. Niall Hosey of Co Carlow, caught a fine 9 lbs Salmon on the troll, while fishing with his Gillie Mr. Frank Donnelly of www.lakelandshouse.com. Another fine Salmon was caught last night in a hired out boat from Waterville boats ([email protected]) in the evening off Grassy Point, on fiery brown size 10 fly and was great sport on the trout fly rod. 10.5lbs approx. Netted by the best nets man in the west John Mc Sweeney. Wind SSW light and overcast with light rain all afternoon 3/5/14 Mr. Jim Sayers fishing with his good friend Ger caught a fine fresh Salmon in the 10 lbs. class on the troll on the South Side. On Lough Derriana 4 year old Fionan Brain was in great form, catching over 50 Brownies on light tackle in the fly department and the trolling department with his father and Grand Father. Wind S light with good cloud cover. 4 and 5 /05/14 – No fish caught. Storng winds from the SW and SSW. 6/5/14 The Waterville Fishery produced some fine fishing today, so straight to the action on Lough Currane. First in the striking zone was Mr. Wolfgang Pronai from Austria, who caught a cracker of a Salmon in the 13 lbs. class, caught on the troll, while fishing with his Gillie Mr. Frank Donnelly of www.lakelandshouse.com. In the Salmon fly department, Waterville and U.S. Angler Mr. Donagh McCarthy caught a fine Salmon in the 9 lbs class, and as always Donagh was fishing with his Gillie Mr. Dominic McGillicuddy of www.fishingwithdom.com.
In the Sea Trout department, Mr. Michael Shultz of Berlin Germany caught a fine Sea Trout in the 2 lbs class on the fly, while fishing with his Gillie Mr. Tom O’Shea of www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com
Now we head upstream to the Commeragh River, The Matador, Mr. Mike Teahan, of Waterville and the Bull Ring, Tralee, caught a 8 lbs. Salmon on the Black Birds Fancy. Staying with the Commeragh River, and catch of the day, goes to that young Gillie, yes you have it, Master Fionan Brain fishing with his Dad Sion, caught a Salmon in the 8 lbs. class and finished their day off in the C&R Department, by catching and releasing a Sea Trout in the 7 lbs. class which was all caught on video and will be on Youtube in the near future. Wind Strong westerly and overcast with heavy showers and amount of rainfall yesterday was 22.1 mm.
That is your ration for the week on Lough Currane, from your Gillie and the Waterville Fishery, no spin no fly’s just facts. Vincent Appleby
David McEvoy reports on the salmon fishing last week at the Delphi Fishery…
The 1st of May brought renewed hope to Delphi with two lovely sea liced fish landed.
The first was landed by Swiss man Markus Merz who having tried for the last five years thankfully managed to land a beautiful 9lbs8ozs fish off the Grilse pool on a Willie Gunn. It goes without saying that all here were truly delighted that Markus had finally broken his five year blank streak in spring time.
Yvonne and Markus with their Delphi salmon
He was joined on the day by a regular German visitor, Yvonne who had a sea liced fish of 10lbs2ozs off Finlough in almost flat calm conditions. This fish was taken on a Norwegian pattern, a Grey Mango.
The river had risen nicely to 35 yesterday morning as we had some rain the previous night, which topped up what fell on
Saturday and Sunday. Besides the two that were caught there were some fresh fish seen on Finlough and I personally saw four good springers entering the system. Hopefully this is the start of a bonanza for the month of May!
David McEvoy Delphi Fishery
Go fishing…
At Delphi Lodge, with many years of experience with the timing of the best runs of fish, we have in place a price system that offers both great value fishing and lets our anglers know when they have the best chance to catch a fresh run spring salmon or a summer grilse or Delphi sea trout.
THE Charity Trout Competition on Lough Lein in Killarney last weekend was a resounding success with €10,000 collected and divided between Macroom Community Hospital in Co Cork and St John of God Day Service in Killarney. Now in its 27th year and, with this year’s figure included, brought the total raised so far to €194,000 for local charities… Irish Times, 02/05/14. Read the full article ‘Lough Lein charity trout outing nets €10,000 for patient care in Macroom and Killarney‘.
A couple of guys I’ve known for many years travel in May every year from Britain to the lovely lakes of Fermanagh and South Donegal to go fishing. Locally, it is said that their arrival coincides with a flurry of the mayfly. That’s an insect which fish love and it usually heralds a time of good trout and salmon fishing…
Irish Mirror, 06/05/14. Read the full article ‘Paddy Clancy on the only fish he ever caught and why he’s tempted to go back‘.
Fishing May Have Been Tougher Than Usual But Some Excellent Weights Were Still taken
Sheila Bromley and Liam O’Brien report that the Ballybay Angling Association Summer League commenced on the 4th May 2014 at Lough Egish, Co Monaghan. Whilst the weights were not what we have seen in recent times from Lough Egish, everybody caught and the results of the competition are as follows:
1st Kevin Norcliffe with 25lbs 4 ozs 2nd Jeff Morrison with 13lbs 10ozs 3rd Patrick Smullen with 11lbs 6ozs
Section wins went to Neil O’Brien and Graeme Gannon.
The next round of the league will be on Sunday 25th May on Bairds Shore.
Fishing May Have Been Tougher Than Usual But Some Excellent Weights Were Still TakenThings are Looking up for this Angler on Lough Egish
Peter Cunningham from the Boyne Angling Centre reports on a recent outing in the north east. The weather was overcast with southerly gusting winds, perfect conditions for bass in the north-east. My baits of choice included ragworm and fresh crab. The session was just three hours long and was my first outing of the year. On my first cast of the year, the rod bent round and I landed a bass and a big smile from me
I was glad to see them back after a tough year last year. Within minutes the second rod bent round and again it was another bass. I had several flounder as well but they were all fairly small. Darkness was upon me and the size of the flounder increased and included fish of 31cm, 33cm and 34cm were the biggest. It was a lovely few hrs fishing and I finished the session with 4 bass, 7 flounder and 3 bass missed.
For up to date angling information on the north-east please contact: Peter Cunningham at 086 4682516 or by email at [email protected] or drop into Peter in the Boyne Angling Centre, in the Boyne Shopping Centre in Drogheda. Peter will also running 2 introductory sea angling sessions at Port Oriel, Clogherhead on 18th and 24th May for Fisheries Awareness Week. If you are interested in leaning about sea angling in the north-east you can contact Peter. Further information on FAW events is available at the Fisheries Awareness Week website at www.faw.ie
One of Peter’s Well Conditioned North East Bass Pictured Before Release
Vincent O'Sullivan Working Closely with Instructor Brian Healey
We must consider ourselves very lucky in Ireland that we have a great natural resource in the form of our fisheries and our environment. We are also very lucky that we have some of the most talented people in the world involved in our recreational angling industry. The marriage of these components is extremely important in domestic and tourism angling and I was delighted to have the chance recently to meet and work with some of these extremely talented and expert providers at the saltwater fly fishing primer organised by Jim Hendrick in Cobh in Co Cork. The holistic approach to recreational angling promoted at this event was simply a joy to experience and I am very grateful to my employer Inland Fisheries Ireland for the opportunity to attend such a unique event and work with experts in their respective fields, Ladies World Distance Fly Casting Champion Glenda Powell, Saltwater Fishing Guide Jim Hendrick and Expert Fly-Tyer Brian Healy. It was also a great opportunity to meet with bass anglers from Ireland and abroad and get some feedback from them. Sometimes it is good to get things straight from the horses mouth. One thing is certain, everyone who attended this first event will be looking to attend the next one. If interested why not get in touch with Jim to express your interest. Contact Jim @ www.jimhendrick.com
Paul Moinester USA
Paul Moinester, is a writer, photographer and environmentalist from the USA and he comments “the more time I spend in Ireland, the more I am amazed by the country’s endless quality fishing offerings, incredible beauty, and collection of talented fly fishing professionals. The bass retreat was proof positive of this sentiment as anglers from across Ireland and abroad gathered in Cobh to learn from world-class instructors about how to most effectively pursue trophy sea bass on Ireland’s stunning, rugged coast. This is an experience that I won’t soon forget.”
Heaven, Just Fishing in a Beautiful Place Like this is Enough, with Bass as well it must be Heaven!!Glenda Powell
Glenda Powell, Ladies World Distance Casting Champion said, “Jim Hendricks salt water fly fishing primer was one of the most innovative programs that I have worked on. The diverse knowledge of the participants and course leaders enabled a unique learning environment in which everyone had the opportunity and pleasure of acquiring and processing information to suit their preferred learning style. I feel that this course is invaluable to any salt water fly fisher and I am sure that there will be more to follow.”
The Beautiful Co Cork Landscape. Whats not to Enjoy!!Bob Hurley
Bob Hurley really enjoyed the event saying “I found the primer very beneficial to me personally. There was a lot of thought and effort with regards to the course content and instruction. The instructors are world class in their respective fields. They imparted a wealth and knowledge and tips over the three days that will prove invaluable in what is a challenging method in pursuit of bass and sea trout. Being in the company of kindred spirits is always great fun.”
The Emerald Isle, Full of Fishy Promise
John Weir
John Weir who attended the primer said “I really enjoyed being with a group of like-minded anglers for the duration of the course. Working on my casting to better enable me to deal with all sorts of weather conditions was great. Time spent with great anglers like Jim and Brian is always productive. I am looking forward to the next one!”
Reading the Water, Knowing Where to Fish is a Must for the Saltwater Fly-fisherKevin Murphy
Kevin Murphy owner of the Bella Vista Hotel in Cobh, Co Cork commented “we are delighted to be involved with this great programme and recognise all of the hard work that went in to making this happen. We are delighted to support any initiative that will assist in the development of angling tourism in Ireland and look forward to hosting further events.
Participants and Tutors at the Saltwater Fly Fishing Primer in the Bella Vista Hotel Earlier this WeekBrian Healey
Brian Healy commented that it was “a real pleasure to be involved with the event organised by Jim Hendrick that showcased the wealth of talent involved in Irish angling. Experts like Jim and Glenda can help anglers make the most of our environment and wonderful saltwater fishing that we have. I look forward eagerly to taking part in future events.”
Its Not Just Catching Fish, How About a A New Found Appreciation of Being Able to Produce a Beautiful Fly Like This
Kevin Garrigan
Kevin Garrigan, Saltwater fly fisherman commented “I had such a great time at this meet. You rarely, if ever meet another swffer when targeting bass on the Irish Coast, so meeting up with 7 other swff’ers in the beautiful Cobh was something I was really looking forward to. And also, to have Jim Hendrick, Brian Healy & Glenda Powell there to guide and teach me, and answer any question I had was an incredible opportunity for me to develop my swff skills. I took away a lot of learning’s from this primer, countless great experiences, and met some true characters who share my obsession with fly fishing for bass. I’m a better angler after these 3 days and now feel confident for the season ahead.
Jim Hendrick in Action on the Cork Coastline During the WeekVincent O’Sullivan
Vincent O’Sullivan attended the primer and mastered the overhead cast, roll cast and double haul in two days. Vincent was extremely happy with the workshops and said “it was a fantastic opportunity to learn saltwater fly-fishing from some of the leading names in the sport. Having never fly fished before I was concerned that the course would be too advanced for a beginner. I needn’t have worried as the course was very well structured with a pace tailored to my level….By the end of the first day I had completed a casting workshop, tied my first fly and was out that evening putting both into action in the Atlantic surf of the stunningly beautiful Cork coastline. It was a magical experience.”
Vincent O’Sullivan on the Cork Coastline Mastered Overhead Cast, Roll Cast and Double Haul in 2 Days
The Irish Coastline is Vast and Many Places are Yet to be Explored
Many years ago, a former boss Alan McGurdy introduced me to the concept of the “ideas man” and I am absolutely sure that I have met one of them (an ideas man) in the guise of saltwater angling guide Jim Hendrick, from Wexford. Jims innovative “Saltwater Fly Fishing Primer” took place earlier his week in Cobh, Co Cork. The months if not years of hard work, conceptualising and developing the schedule and pulling together a world class and expert team finally came to fruition with the implementation and delivery of what only be described as a fantastic event.
Earlier this week, Jim teamed up with Ladies World Fly Fishing Distance Casting Champion Glenda Powell and Expert Fly Tyer Brian Healey to provide three days of integrated, blended and bespoke workshops that greatly complimented each other. The workshops provided participants with a solid base of saltwater fly fishing knowledge and techniques to enhance their enjoyment and understanding of all aspects of this challenging sport. The workshops consisted of individually focused fly casting tuition, in-depth fly tying and fishing techniques and guided field visits to some stunning coastal locations to put all of the learning into practice.
The Dramatic Co Cork CoastlineVincent O’Sullivan Mastered the Overhead Cast, Roll Cast and Double Haul in Just 2 Days
Each person received two workshops in each of the disciplines over the three days a total of six workshops. In addition to the basic principles in each of the disciplines the workshops provided individually tailored advice to take account of the participants needs.
Topics covered in the course included
Fly casting techniques SH – delivered by Glenda – improving line speed, casting bigger flies, body positioning and much more.
Casting Goals Set: Glenda Demonstrates Principles of Casting on the Casting Field.
Fly tying techniques – delivered by Brian Healey – tying techniques for BTD’s, saltwater sea trout patterns, and material management.
Flying Along: Vincent O’Sullivan Working Closely with Instructor Brian Healey
Fly fishing – delivered by Jim Hendrick – participants took their new improved casting and newly self tied flies and undertook fishing on the wild Co Cork coastline with Jim.
Jim Hendrick in Action on the Cork Coastline During the Week
Jim was also delighted to be based at one of the countries longest established and well known bass fishing centres – The Bella Vista Hotel in Cobh, Co.Cork. Proprietor Kevin Murphy has vast experience both of bass fishing and bass fishing anglers!
Following the event Jim commented “I count myself lucky if when fly fishing that I can catch a bass at all especially under the circumstances I enjoy the most, wild wind, waves, clear breaking white water.
I do like to explore as much of any location as I can, and, after any day spent on the coast, I feel like I have a better understanding of the fishing, even if it’s a location I know very well. Will I swing through it most of the time, will I strip fast or slow, will it be a big fly or small? Probably any of these things and many, many more are significant.
The Irish Coastline is Vast and Many Places are Yet to be Explored
Over the years, trying everything I had in my gear bag under different circumstances in a multitude of locations—and by paying close attention to the way this produced or didn’t produce fish—helped me understand the nature of bass fishing on the fly every single time I did it, especially when the fish were there! I got better at it, and today I am still challenged by it and will remain so for the rest of my life.
In the end it’s not going to be only the fish, but it is going to be a number of experiences, that culminate in any rewarding experience. The company, the casting, the environment, the weather, the flies, and the things you see and hear. Any bass on a fly on the coast is a bonus a reward.
Its Not Just Catching Fish, How About a A New Found Appreciation of Being Able to Produce a Beautiful Fly Like This (Tying by Brian Healey)
This is what I tried to capture at the workshops in Bella Vista, and to a large extent I have a sense that this happened not for any particular reason other than the mix was right. Too much attention is often afforded the fish especially when you consider the effort the fly angler has made. It’s through the wider level of appreciation of a greater number of aspects of fly fishing that ‘catching’ isn’t the singular pursuit.
Heaven, Just Fishing in a Beautiful Place Like this is Enough, with Bass as well it must be Heaven!!
I learned a lot from the workshops, what I might change and adapt but ultimately I continued to learn what it is and means to be a bass fishing guide”.
