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Water levels drop in Galway but fish prove scarce

By
Kevin Crowley
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After a winter of extremely high water, drier conditions have prevailed over recent weeks, and water levels in Galway have dropped rapidly, with 2 sluice gates now open on the weir. Fishing conditions are excellent, however the high water seems to have enticed fish upstream, and we now await a fresh run of springers to improve sport. There were 2 fish landed for the week, including the first fish on fly this year, which was taken by Ivor Trimble from Northern Ireland , a nice springer of 8.5lbs. Midlands angler Gerard Nevin also took a fine 11lbs salmon on spinner.

Heading into May, and the prime period for spring salmon fishing, I would expect to see the main spring run soon, especially with the bigger tides over the next few days, and with fishing conditions looking good, prospects in Galway are for sport to pick up significantly.

Bright conditions hampered angling on Corrib but change in weather to bring on olive hatches

By
Kevin Crowley
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Frank Reilly reports that angling proved difficult over the week on Corrib, with fine weather and bright conditions giving the trout the upper hand. However, anglers have started reporting good hatches of olives throughout the lake, as well as a sprinkling of early mayfly in the Cornamona area.  Early in the week Mike Faherty and James Kelly, fishing from Oughterard, landed 7 trout for 10lbs.  Hugh McMiller, Northern Ireland, also fished from Oughterard  for one day and landed 5 trout for 9lbs, all sportingly returned.

The Galway-based Inland Fisheries Ireland staff held their annual wetfly competition on Friday, with 16 anglers landing 6 trout in difficult bright conditions with very little wind.  The winner  was local expert  Martin Butler with a fine trout of 3.5lbs, taken on buzzer nymph.  Kevin Molloy took second place with 2 trout for 2.25lbs, while third was Seamus Hartigan with 1 trout for 1.25lbs.  Cong Anglers held a wet fly competition on Sunday the 20th, with 22 anglers landing 5 trout.  The winner  was Seamus O’Loughlin, Ennis with 2 trout for 4.12lbs. Second place went to Tommy O’Loughlin, Ennis with 2 trout for 3.1lbs, and third was Philip Comber, Cong with 1 trout for 1.75lbs.

The Greenfields area saw very little angling over the week, however Brendan McGee landed 4 trout for one outing.  Don Stiffe also landed 2 trout for a couple of hours fishing.  Eugene McGuinness landed 2 trout for 2 days.

The Cong River has provided some good salmon fishing over the week, with 8 salmon landed between 8lbs and 11lbs.  Young Cong angler Caolan McDonnell landed a fine salmon of  8lbs on a shrimp.  John Lavelle, Cong also landed a fish of 8.5lbs.

The showery and breezier conditions prevailing this week should see a big improvement in olive hatches, and with the hawthorn trees starting to blossom already, I won’t be surprised to see the mayfly hatch get underway very soon. The change in conditions and better hatches should see a lot more anglers out, and fishing prospects on Corrib are good for the next week.

Slower on Mask but olive hatches should improve sport this week

By
Kevin Crowley
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Ronan Cusack with a nice 3lbs trout from Lough Mask over the Easter weekend. The fish was taken on a size 12 Sooty Dabbler.
Ronan Cusack with a nice 3lbs trout from Lough Mask over the Easter weekend. The fish was taken on a size 12 Sooty Dabbler.

Ronan Cusack reports that the good fishing which anglers enjoyed recently slowed slightly over the Easter weekend. The change in wind to an easterly direction, coupled with bright sunshine, made angling conditions extremely difficult. The majority of anglers fishing Mask this weekend anticipated the start of the olive and Campto buzzer hatches, but unfortunately this was not the case. In bays such as Cushlough and Ballahalla, olives only hatched in small numbers for a short period during the day. Their late arrival is possibly due to the late spring and high water levels.

Waterford anglers Christy Crotty and John Ronayne spent Saturday and Sunday on Mask and they had 4 fish for their efforts. Christy’s best fish was 4.5lbs which he got on his last drift in Cushlough Bay before finishing up.  Liam Conroy and his son Damien from Tourmakeady landed 2 fish pulling wets on Sunday last (best fish 1.75lbs). Former World Cup winner Mick Dunne also reported a good day’s fishing on Sunday while fishing with John Purtell from Tipperary. The lads had 13 fish between them (best fish 2lbs). Local angler Kevin Egan fished with Ronan Cusack for a day over the weekend and they had 5 fish (best fish 3lbs all returned). Ballinrobe angler Kevin Sheridan reported catching 6 fish last week on a combination of wets and dries (best fish 2lbs). Gerry McDonnell also from Ballinrobe had 5 fish pulling wets on Wednesday last along the north shore (best fish 1.5lbs, all returned).

The majority of anglers on the lake at the moment are reporting that the number of under size fish they are encountering on each outing is incredible and very much on par with last year. Inland Fisheries Ireland officers are very much aware of this and are out at the moment around the lake carrying out routine checks on both size and bag limits.  Anglers are asked to respect the minimum statutory size and bag limits and return any undersize fish to the water as quickly and carefully as possible. (The minimum size limit is 13 inches (33cm) measured from the nose to the fork of the tail, and the bag limit is 4 trout per day per angler.)

Ronan also guides on Mask and can be contacted at [email protected] or at 087 2869487

Ronan Cusack with a nice 3lbs trout from Lough Mask over the Easter weekend. The fish was taken on a size 12 Sooty Dabbler.
Ronan Cusack with a nice 3lbs trout from Lough Mask over the Easter weekend. The fish was taken on a size 12 Sooty Dabbler.

Mindless vandalism’ of life rings along River Boyne puts lives at risk – The Journal.ie

By
IFI Staff
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The Journal.ie - One of three life rings burnt out along the River Boyne.
The Journal.ie - One of three life rings burnt out along the River Boyne.

MEMBERS OF THE Boyne Fishermen’s Rescue and Recovery Service said they were shocked yesterday to discover three life rings along the river Boyne had been burnt out by vandals.

Speaking to TheJournal.ie, crew member Sean Cahill said it was ”more mindless vandalism” adding that it was not the first time the life rings situated along the walkway at Mell in Drogheda had been damaged.

“The three valuable life-saving ring boys had been deliberately set on fire and rendered completely useless,” he said, adding that in the past damage had been caused to them where people had removed them and thrown them into the river.

However, he said this time, the three life-rings have been completely destroyed….

The Journal.ie  23/04/2014 Read the article ‘Mindless vandalism’ of life rings along River Boyne puts lives at risk’

The Journal.ie - One of three life rings burnt out along the River Boyne.
The Journal.ie – One of three life rings burnt out along the River Boyne.

Good Friday “catch” for new Bundoran angling brochure

By
IFI Staff
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Cllrs Michael McMahon, Philip McGlynn and Sean McEniff with Tourism Officer Shane Smyth launching the new Angling Brochure at Bundoran Pier - pic Philip Mulligan

On a day when traditionally fish is consumed by most of the country, Discover Bundoran took the opportunity to launch their brand new angling brochure at Bundoran Pier, accompanied by fishermen from Mullaghmore and the popular seaside resort who were doing battle against each other in one of the first fishing competitions of the season.

The 12 page brochure, a joint initiative between Discover Bundoran and Carty’s Land & Sea Sports as well as a number of other fishing providers in the area, is packed full of information for the visiting angler about the different types of angling that can be done in the area, the different types of fish to be caught and importantly details of permits required for each of the fishery areas.

Speaking at the launch, Sean Carty, owner of Carty’s Land & Sea Sports said ‘fishing has always been big in this area but recently has turned a new corner. We are seeing more and more visitors and much more interest in fishing in the area, be it sea (shore or deep sea) or river angling.  Bundoran is ideally placed to cater for both of these, being on the Atlantic coast and so close to the famous rivers Duff and Drowes.’

Chairperson of Discover Bundoran Sean McEniff added ‘fishing is a vital part of our tourism offering and any initiatives like this new brochure which highlight the wealth of natural amenities we have in the area for anglers is to be welcomed.  We look forward to welcoming more anglers to the area as a result of this brochure.’

The brochure is available at Bundoran Tourist Office, Carty’s Land & Sea Sports, Barretts, hotels in the town and may also be downloaded from www.discoverbundoran.com/activities/Angling/<http://www.discoverbundoran.com/activities/Angling/>

Cllrs Michael McMahon, Philip McGlynn and Sean McEniff with Tourism Officer Shane Smyth launching the new Angling Brochure at Bundoran Pier - pic Philip Mulligan
Cllrs Michael McMahon, Philip McGlynn and Sean McEniff with Tourism Officer Shane Smyth launching the new Angling Brochure at Bundoran Pier – pic Philip Mulligan

For further information please contact Shane Smyth, Bundoran Tourism Officer – 087 3737817 or [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>

Shane Smyth
Bundoran Tourism Officer,
Tourist Office,
The Bridge,
Bundoran,
County Donegal.

Dr Martin O’Grady: Inland Fisheries veteran to lecture in biology and environmental science at UCD, Irish Times

By
myleskelly
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UNIVERSITY College Dublin has appointed Dr Martin O’Grady to the post of adjunct professor in their school of biology and environmental science. An employee of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) for more than 35 years, Dr O’Grady is a European expert in fisheries, particulararly freshwater fish populations and salmonid riverine enhancement programmes.
Irish Times, 21/04/14. Read the full article ‘Dr Martin O’Grady: Inland Fisheries veteran to lecture in biology and environmental science at UCD‘.

From Rod and Reels to Lines and Leaders

By
IFI Staff
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From Rod and Reels to Lines and Leaders – guide Gerard Doran ‘does exactly what it says on the tin’ . He guides the angler through what he needs from start to finish.  With expert advice for those in doubt to reassurance to those who are a bit more advance.  Read Ger’s article on ‘Saltwater Fly Fishing Equipment basics’

Fliegenfischen

Ger Doran - SWFF Equip (2)Ger covers all the equipment needed and finishes with the fly tying section

Ger Doran - saltwater fly tying

Make a booking…

Gerard Doran,

South East Angling Services

Web: www.southeastanglingservices.com and Facebook page: Southeast Angling Services Facebook

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 086-3769727

DISCLAIMER NOTE: Inland Fisheries Ireland do not support any brand over another.

A cracking round of Bass in Cork harbour for 'Catch of the Week' winner

By
IFI Staff
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Gavin O'Connor with 79cm
Gavin O'Connor with 79cm

Well its been an amazing week on the bass fishing front on the outer harbour marks. Not only have the bigger girls arrived, with plenty of fish in excess of 60cm, but there have been reports of three doubles in the space of a few days.

Gavin O'Connor with 79cm
‘Catch of the Week ‘ winner Gavin O’Connor with his 79cm Bass

Gavin O’Connor took a break from his exploits in the Light Lines competition and went back to his first love, lure fishing for bass. On Monday he availed of the good weather and targeted the silvers from a favourite mark of his. Although, the fishing was slow he did capture a fine bass of 75cm on a Feed Shallow lure. Later in the week he returned to the same spot and went one better with this fine 79cm fish which came in at 11.5lbs. The plug that did the damage was once more the Feed Shallow.
Clinton' s Bass at 79cm
Clinton’ s Bass at 79cm

Not to be outdone, local lure hotshot, Clinton Rachman, targeted some bass on a night fishing sortie. Clinton has been picking up a few of late, all falling to his favourite South African lure, the ‘bass bomb.’ However, he really nailed it with this fine 79cm fish caught at a low-water mark. The fish is estimated at 11lbs. Clinton didn’t weigh it as he had no scales with him and was anxious to get the fish back as soon as possible. These lures are really deadly, have a look here for further details https://www.facebook.com/BassBombs
Pat O'Shea's 67cm bass
Pat O’Shea’s 67cm bass

Pat O’Shea is also reporting some great sport and he has many fish over the 60cm mark this week. Pat reports that he’s had one or two fish over the 60cm mark in every session so far with the best going 67cm (below)
Courtesy of Cork Harbour Angling Hub

Superb condition mullet hooked on the Myles Kelly Fly

By
IFI Staff
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Richie Ryan with mullet

Fly fishing for mullet can be a frustrating and infuriating experience says saltwater guide Richie Ryan. ‘Its hard enough to catch the Grey Ghost using traditional methods but is much more challenging on the fly. The mullet were late in to our estuaries again this year. Some fly anglers look forward to catching their fish in the first few weeks of the year as the mullet appear much earlier on the South coast.’

Richie Ryan with mullet
Kevin with mullet hooked on the Myles Kelly Fly

Richie introduced his good friend Kevin McLoughlin to the vagaries of saltwater fly fishing a few years ago. Having been a superb fresh water angler, he made the switch easily. Kevin was keen to master the art of catching a mullet on the fly. It looked easy, there were plenty of fish, what could go wrong. It was a difficult journey, but catch he did. Kevin researched the internet and has become our resident expert on fly fishing for mullet. So much so that he predicts mullet on the fly will be huge in the future. Richie agrees wholeheartedly with Kevin. Watch this space.

Kevin is seen here with a mullet in superb condition hooked on the Myles Kelly Fly. If you’d like a day out fly-fishing with Eire Bass guide, Richie Ryan, then give him a buzz on 00-353-86-1940744. Alternatively, check out his website on http://www.corkbass.com/

Courtesy of Cork Harbour Angling Hub

Make a booking

If you want to book Richie then go to  www.corkbass.com

Eire Bass – Richie Ryan

Saltwater fly fishing Guide.

Web: www.corkbass.com E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: +353 (0)86 1940744

8 trout from the shallower water marks on Lough Melvin

By
IFI Staff
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Lindsey Clarke reports  from LOUGH MELVIN – Monday 7th  to Sunday 13th April 2014.

Melvin fished well this week for trout. There were decent hatches of buzzers and a few boats reported catches of 8 plus trout on wets and dries, mainly from the shallower water marks. There were also a number of salmon caught. On Thursday, John McGurl reported a 9lb 8oz salmon caught in Rossinver waters between the County River & Ward’s Point. Gerard Higgins reported a 5lb 4oz grilse caught trolling a Devon Minnow at Eden Point in the Rossinver Fishery.

Lindsey ClarkeLindsey Clarke
IFI-Ballyshannon.
email: [email protected]

Make a booking

  • For info/boat hire/bookings etc on Lough Melvin seehttp://www.drowessalmonfishery.com/ or Tel: 071 9841055.
  • For info/Guides/boat hire on Lough Melvin contact Sean Maguire’s Tackle Shop, Main Street, Garrison.
  • For bookings/guides etc on the Rossinver Fishery contact Bill McNeary, Tel: 071 9854930 or Jim Hoye, Tel: 0831197428
    For info see http://www.rossinverfishery.com/
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