It can be grim enough on the beaches in February when the wind is howling, and the light is fading, but when, in addition to the above, the fish are not biting… it takes a certain sort of toughness to be able to stick that out.
Such it was for the 35 members of South Shore SAC who headed to Kilgorman for the first round of their Master Angler 2024. Most anglers can endure some rotten weather if there are fish present to keep them occupied, but unfortunately, most fish had more or less deserted the beach last Sunday, leaving anglers to scratch about for the odd whiting or flattie in order to put any sort of score on the board.
What’s rare is wonderful…a hard-got flattie from Kilgorman.
It took only 6 fish for Ruari Coleman to post a win in Zone A, with Lar Mooney finishing runner-up with 5. In Zone B it was even tougher, as Paul Tyndall topped that zone with just 5 fish, beating Paul Scanlan (4 fish) and Paul Mason (4 fish) into second and third. So, with half the anglers catching one fish or less, it’s fair to say it was a tough day all around, but with the days rapidly lengthening and spring knocking on the door, let’s hope that’s the worst they will have to face for the year.
Vincent Appleby reports from the shore of Lough Currane…
22/2/2024 Two boats out and by all accounts their lines were slack. Wind WNW light to fresh followed by the odd hail shower. Now Just for the record The Ernst Appleby Memorial Cup for the biggest Salmon for the 2024 season sponsored by Fogarty’s Centra, Waterville must be officially weighed in Fogerty’s Centra. Remember to send me a photo of the fish with all the facts of your day to my WhatsApp or as I say my WhatsApple 087 2074882.
23/2/2023 The Lonesome Boatman reports all quiet this day. Just for the record there were two boats out. Wind fresh NW, followed by a good few hail showers.
24/2/2024 All the Salmon headlines come from the Bungalow on the North shore by Currane angler Mr. Micheal Roden, caught a fine 9 lbs. Salmon on the troll, while fishing with his Gillie Mr. Tom O’Shea of www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com Wind NNW and veered NW light to fresh followed by reasonable cloud cover.
25/2/2024 Currane angler Mr. Michael Roden while fishing with his gillie Mr. Tom O’Shea of www.flyfishingatloughcurrane.com reports that it was very nasty out there on Lough Currane and no good today. Wind Northeast strong and gusty, followed by showers.
26/2/2024 Local gillie Mr. Dominic McGillicuddy of www.fishingwithdom.com reports that he and his fellow Currane anglers were all quiet this day, wind NNE and variable followed by bright sunshine.
27/2/2024 The Lonesome boatman and Hugo the dog of www.fishingwithdom.com reports that Lough Currane was all quiet on all fronts, as you can see by photo. Wind WNW light and variable followed by reasonable cloud cover.
28/2/2024 The Lonesome boatman of www.fishingwithdom.com reports just a few Kelts caught this day, so on that note we the Currane anglers would like to Congratulate Pro Golfer and Currane angler Mr. Liam Higgins on his great achievement and valued membership of the Professional Golfer’s Association for 50 years.
Inland Fisheries Ireland wishes to remind anglers that the Conservation of Sea Trout (No.7 or Kerry District) Waterville Area Bye-Law No. 971 of 2019 remains in effect. This Bye-law prohibits the retention and possession of any sea trout (Salmo trutta L.) taken by any fishing engine or by rod and line in the Waterville area i.e. that part of the sea eastward of a line drawn from the most westerly point of Bolus Head to the most westerly point of Lamb’s Head and to all the waters discharging in to it.
The Bye-Law mainly affects seatrout fishing on :-
the river Inny (Knockmoyle) and its tributaries
the waters of the Waterville system, including the Waterville River, Lough Currane, the Cummeragh River and all their tributary rivers and lakes
The rivers and lakes of Waterville drain a large catchment and are regarded by many as the foremost Salmon and Sea-Trout fishery in the country. The lake system is well developed with access to boats and guides being readily available to the tourist angler. The Sea-Trout caught here are renowned for their size and quantity. For more details see:
Notes: Located at Lakelands House Bed and Breakfast and Self Catering Accommodation, on Ireland’s best sea trout lake, Lough Currane. Frank is a professional angling guide and boatman.
Sea angling can be arranged with local operators.
Boat Hire
Boats for hire. All boats and engines are moored on the farm, 300 metres from the house, with easy access from the road with car park and boat shed.
Notes: Having ghillied on Lough Currane for over 30 years Vincent is a great choice for those looking for a guided service or flyfishing instruction on the Lake. All ages are catered for and even experienced anglers will benefit from the watercraft and fly-lore unique to Lough Currane. All tackle is provided and accommodation can be organised if required.
Dan O’Neill’s apprentice starts his journey as an angling guide…
Many of you who know me will know how I began my guiding career. For those of you who don’t I will touch briefly on it. I started a job as a linen porter in Mount Juliet house when I was 13/14. When walking up the stairs from the basement I found a fly caught in the carpet of the bottom step. Taking out the fly I walked to the fishing room where a man called Matt Bolger sat. Matt was the fishery manager at the time, which was a job I had only read about in magazines back then. Showing Matt the fly, he was interested how I had come to identify it as a Bloody Butcher. The Bloody Butcher was the fly I had caught my first trout on many years earlier. Explaining this to Matt, he thanked me and on my way I went. It was one evening when I had finished that I met Matt just at the front of the house looking somewhat stressed. A ghillie had let him down and the client was waiting in the fishing room. Wanting to help I offered my services and away I went to begin what is a wonderful journey of meeting new people, assisting people catch their first fish and introducing them to some of the best listeners in the world that live in our forests, surround our rivers and indeed live in our rivers.
The countryside can take a lot of weight off our shoulders when we know how to allow it to. This is better when people are given the chance to realise it for themselves and it’s not pushed or forced on them. With guiding I try to put people in that position and sow the seed for them to grow it in their own minds and realise fishing and the outdoors has a lot to offer.
back where it all started
I took this approach with Anthony. I allowed him to make up his own mind. I took him guiding with me on the coarse lakes to let him fish or watch me as I guided for my clients. He would pick up little tips and hear how I dealt with people. Kids can be very good at tricking us adults but once we know when they are listening even though they are pretending not to we can use this to our advantage which is what I did when Anthony was nearby. He heard everything and retained some. When we fish I sometimes see he got in a knot or caught a tree (as I still do and quite regularly). I would leave him be and play his role of pretending not to see. He would then eventually figure it out or give up and call Dad.
So, this week Anthony had asked could we take a friend of his fishing. “Yes of course, no problem,” I answered, “but you’re guiding for him. I am the driver, photographer, netsman, food coordinator, safety officer and driver.” Anthony looked, smiled and then realised I was serious.
Our choice for the day was a small carp pond just outside Carlow. Anthony was watching Fish with Carl on YouTube most of the evening before for some tips. He knew what he had to know to get his friend his first fish. When the next day arrived, Anthony set up two rods. One for his guest and a second one as a spare for his guest which I was happy about as I thought it was for Anthony himself. This is something I do as it maximises the persons fishing time if they do get knotted or tangled up.
on his guiding journey
Arriving at the pond Anthony was now in charge. Anthony walked the pond describing what Aun should look out for when picking a spot. Once they had settled on a spot Anthony knew to plumb the area to see what kind of depth was there. Finding the bottom he then put a maggot on and showed Aun how to make a cast. Handing Aun the rod and explaining what a bite looked like it wasn’t long before he hit his first small carp. Many small carp followed but eventually Aun lifted into something different. The fish splashed and made strong runs as they were using light gear. As the fish came over the net I could see the relief on Anthony’s face and I knew how he felt. I was very happy for Aun and Anthony also, he got a feeling of what it’s like to guide someone to their first fish. A superb feeling that brings the story of your first fish back to life.
Well Done Aun and Anthony.
Go fishing…
You’ll have to wait a few more years until you can book Anthony, so in the meantime you’ll have to make do with his dad, Dan.
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.
On Tuesday 27 February 2024, a draw took place to allocate an initial 24 Brown Tags for the taking of salmon on the Roughty River. The requirement to hold a brown tag is set out in Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme (Amendment) Regulations, recently signed into law by the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, T.D.
A total of 70 valid entries were received from salmon rod licence holders. Each was assigned a number in advance of the draw.
29 numbers were randomly generated. The first 24 successful entrants will be issued a brown tag no later than Tuesday. The final 5 numbers are reserved in case an angler declines or returns the tag allocated to them.
The draw was observed by Sean Long (RBD Director), Tim Moore (Assistant Fisheries Inspector), Chris Scanlan (Fisheries Officer) and Myles Kelly (Angling Advisor and Website Manager).
The numbers selected are:
1008
1059
1070
1054
1035
1006
1050
1022
1046
1063
1002
1009
1045
1034
1039
1042
1068
1026
1014
1005
1020
1013
1018
1024
The 5 reserve numbers are:
1016
1027
1069
1053
1051
The Brown Tags will be issued by post tomorrow. All anglers are asked to acknowledge receipt of their Brown Tag by email including the tag number to [email protected]
Remaining Roughty Brown Tag draws 2024
Second draw – 17 April
The next draw (24 tags) will open for entries from 02 April – 14 April with the draw taking place on 17 April.
Third Draw – 12 June
Third draw will open for entries 27 May to 09 June with the draw taking place on 12 June
Final Draw – 07 August
the final draw will open for entries from 22 July to 04 august with the draw taking place on 07 August
Kevin Leahy reports that is was a sad start to this year’s Team of Four league as the anglers learned of the passing of John Kearney, a member of Waterford & District CAC. A minutes silence was observed in his honour before the start of proceedings, condolences to his family and friends and the Waterford Club.
Inniscarra was high but the venue did not disappoint in what was a tightly contested match with with just a handful of fish separating the teams and double kilo weights popping up throughout the sections.
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In the end the individual results saw Attila Paldeak of Oaklands Green take first place with 15.920kg, while Fermoys Tommy Lawton and Tom Barry came second and third.
Oaklands Green took first place in the teams event, with Oaklands Blue second and Fermoy third. All results tables are below.
Results tables
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Team results
Individual positions
All catches
A Section = Garden Centre
B Section = Long Straight
C Section = Cable Buoys
D Section = Turtle
Go fishing..
Looking good for the St Patrick’s festival next month. It all starts with the open on 15th March followed by a 3-day match over the bank holiday weekend. Then there are matches every day until. 24th March.
If you want to fish and have not contacted Inniscarra Lake TDL yet, please do so as soon as possible as places are filling up.
With Daily flights from the UK and Holland to Cork, and regular flights from many other countries it no hardship to find your way to Inniscarra.
Inniscarra Lake TDL
Inniscarra Lake TDL are affiliated to the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland, NCFFI the National Governing body for coarse and predator fishing and casting. www.ncffi.ie
For details of the all the events, venues and more, a downloadable copy of the events calendar, 2020 festival results and a directory of angler friendly accommodation in the local area please visit www.ncffi.ie/inniscarra-angling.
John Browne reports on the final match of Oakland’s winter league which was fished on Sunday…
We had the final round of the Ger Hennesy Winter league on Sunday. It was tight going into the final day to decide the overall winner with 4 still with a chance of winning it. It was a miserable morning with wind and rain and the main contenders were hoping for a good draw.
The match winner on the day was Leo Lynch who made the best of his end peg draw. He knew he needed a section win to give him a fighting chance of winning overall and bagged 88.260kg on Section B. It was great effort but he fell just short by the narrowest of margins.
Ronan Minogue, also on Section B and leading the League overall, nipped into 2nd place with just 19.550kg. The 2 league points that Ronan picked up meant that he and Leo both finished on 9 points overall, but some big catches earlier in the series saw Ronan winning on weight.
Not far behind finishing on 10 points and 3rd overall was Kieran Reeves.
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Today’s Results
Section A
1st Dani D 29.370 kg
2nd Ivaylo Benov 18.970 kg
3rd Matija Ivkov 11.970 kg
Section B
1st Leo Lynch 88.260 kg
2nd Ronan Minogue 19.550 kg
3rd Sion Pichard 18.290 kg
Big congratulations to all the lads witch was a great league and big thanks to everyone who took part.
Big thank you to the Hennesy family for their continued support.
A very popular carp fishery. Popular with competition anglers and novices alike. Alway a great chance of a bumper bag here. Friendly staff more than happy to advise beginner anglers. Caters to all sorts of clubs and groups.
Most of the country has endured a wet week. Rainfall amounts generally ranged between 120% and 200% of average, though rainfall in the north and east was not so bad. Kerry had the worst of the rain with 55.5mm recorded at Valentia, Co. Kerry. Where there’s rain there’s normally wind, and those anglers who enjoy getting afloat had to contend with windy conditions, particularly over the last few days. It has been very mild though and temperatures were up to 5°C warmer than normal in some parts prompting thoughts to stray to later in the season. Locally we’re wondering if it will see the mayfly hatch kick-off earlier, globally the talk is of it being the warmest February on record…
The trout scene was quiet also last week. A good number of lakes and rivers are open now since 15 February, but there are not many reports in. We do have a video update from Knockaderry, a first class rainbow fishery in Waterford where over wintered stock is providing excellent sport. Staying with rainbow trout, there is a report on the AWOL winter league. There was some great fishing at two of the best rainbow venues in the country for what is possibly the best looking trophy in Irish angling. Congratulations to Shane Bird, the overall winner. In anticipation of the trout season to come, Dan O’Neill visited George McGrath for a behind the scenes tour of his YouTube studio and to tie one of his famous sparkle Duns. From the pod locker, this week the Ireland on the Fly team talk to Jimmy Tyrrell, the well-known fly dresser based outside Abbeyleix in Laois.
February tench from Athy, an unusual Catch of the Week for February
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has opened a public consultation on trawling activity inside the 6 nautical mile zone and the baselines. The briefing documents provided by the Department, which are available online, are very informative and should be read before making a submission. For more information see Public Consultation on Inshore Trawling – Make Your Submission
Friday will be cold with sun and scattered showers, mainly in the west. Showers could be heavy with hail, and there’s a chance of sleet on high ground. Winds will be west to southwest, occasionally strong. Highs of 5 to 8°C. Showers continue at night, possibly turning wintry on high ground. Lows of -2 to +3°C, leading to frost and ice risk, especially in the north. Winds shift to the northwest overnight.
Saturday improves with dry and bright weather, though isolated rain showers are possible. Clouds increase in the southwest by evening. Highs of 6 to 10°C with a light to moderate northwesterly wind. Cold and frosty night, lows of -3 to +2°C, chance of icy patches. Mist and fog may form with light winds.
Sunday starts dry, chance of rain in the south. Scattered showers develop in the northwest, becoming isolated. Highs of 6 to 8°C, light to moderate north to northeast wind. Mostly dry and clear night, isolated showers possible. Lows of -1 to +3°C, light to moderate north to northwest wind.
If you have an angling story to share with the Irish Angling Update please send it to [email protected] and don’t forget that all of our fishing reports are available on our dedicated Angling Ireland Facebook page.
Jimmy Tyrrell, the well-known fly tyer based outside Abbeyleix in Laois, joins Tom & Daire on this week’s Ireland on the Fly.
Jimmy talks about his fly fishing and fly tying journey from tying flies he could fish with on his local rivers to supplying shops and customers as far afield as Australia.
And for those of you who want to know the perfect way to mix your dubbing, it involves a Chinese takeaway carton and an air canister so listen out for Jimmy’s fly tying tips and for more from Jimmy, check out his website at: https://irishflycraft.com/
Plus, Tom has an update on the opening few days on Corrib and explains how he’s hoping to someday target ferox trout on the fly.
Rate, review and follow the show to keep up to date with all the latest Ireland on the Fly episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify at:
Ireland on the Fly Early Season Buzzer Tactics Masterclass
If you’re interested in learning more about early season buzzer tactics, then Ireland on the Fly’s very first Masterclass webinar might just be for you.
International angler and Lough Corrib expert, Mike Keady, will be joining Daire & Tom at 8pm on Thursday March 14th for a one hour masterclass presentation on how to improve your catch rate with an emphasis on flies, tactics and set-up.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to put questions to Mike during the live webinar, plus you’ll also get access to the recording of the session and a copy of Mike’s notes.
Tickets cost just €10 and you must register and pay in advance.
Norbert Renaud of L’ile Verte Pike Fishing Lodge has been busy in the lodge lately, as he has been tailoring a range of ‘Fugly’ pike fishing lures that will be available though his web shop. While Norbert prefers to fish with a fly rod during the milder months, when the days are short he stashes the fly rods in the rafters and fishes lures slow and deep to try and entice his pike.
Norbert has produced a range of videos on his YouTube channel detailing the process he goes through in the design and manufacture of his Fugly range and the latest of those videos is online now and well worth a look. Norbert takes a scientific approach to his work and has put in a huge amount of time trying to perfect his range.
Links are available in-video to browse the available range, don’t forget to like the video and subscribe to the channel.
John from Kilkenny, who is a regular angler to Melview Fishing Lodge, was up once again for a spot of pike fishing with host and guide Kevin Lyons. Over the four days John had some nice pike to 103 cm along with a few more good fish that managed to avoid the net once hooked.
Kevin had taken some time off guiding to oversee refurbishments on the lodge and to attend a number of angling trade expos in different countries – essential to meet potential clients and promote overseas angling tourism to Ireland. With all that taken care of, it was now time to get back to some fishing.
John from Kilkenny
The weather and water levels have not been perfect over the past couple of months, with high water a recurring feature of the winter, but that was not going to stop Kevin and John from getting out there for some long overdue pike fishing. During their sessions both float and ledgered dead baits were the most productive methods for the bigger pike.
Host Kevin said, ‘Great four days John – and thanks for your company’.
Steve Gilby from Staffordshire in the UK, who is also is a regular to Melview Fishing Lodge, was over once again for the first of his pike fishing trips of 2024. When it comes to pike fishing, Steve loves his dead baiting above all else and it was the method that did the trick for him during his week-long stay at the lodge.
All smiles with a nice Pike for Steve from a flooded area
Steve managed to catch some very nice pike to 105cm and host Kevin was sure that there were a couple of much larger pike that managed to shake the hooks.
Another nice one to the boat for Steve.
But for Steve the disappointment didn’t last, it was rebait and get it straight back out there for the next one.
Host Kevin said, ‘Well done Steve and thanks for a great week, look forward to seeing you again later in the year’.
Kevin has over 30 years experience of fishing in Ireland and is happy to offer a guided tour on your arrival, and to advise where the on-form waters in the area are. We can arrange your bait order so it’s here when you arrive. Melview offers free use of 17ft lake boats with engines to our guests (pay fuel only) and Kevin is happy to assist with any pre-baiting requests. Maps and other information regarding fishing are also available.
Boat Hire
Salmon and Sea-Trout fishing Guide
And for those of you who want to know the perfect way to mix your dubbing, it involves a Chinese takeaway carton and an air canister so listen out for Jimmy’s fly tying tips and for more from Jimmy, check out his website at:
Plus, Tom has an update on the opening few days on Corrib and explains how he’s hoping to someday target ferox trout on the fly.
