The Monasterevin & Daingean Match Anglers first match of 2026 attracted an impressive turnout of 31 anglers, a strong showing for a canal event in March. Conditions were extremely challenging from the outset, with heavy rain throughout the morning and strong winds that intensified to near gale force once the match began. Although the rain eased, the relentless wind made fishing difficult, affecting both presentation and basic control of equipment.
Despite the adverse weather, anglers managed a respectable catch overall. Small roach were present across the entire stretch, providing consistent sport. Mark Alcock of East Belfast secured first place with an excellent haul of nearly 100 fish, finishing with a winning weight of 5lb 5oz. He narrowly edged out Bob Hulme of MaD Matrix, who took second place with 5lb 3oz, also consisting largely of small roach. Just 2oz separated the top two, highlighting the competitiveness of the match.
The section showed clear potential, with many anglers agreeing that improved conditions would produce even better results. Appreciation was extended to those who prepared the venue, as well as to the hosts at the Blackthorn for their hospitality.
Noel's 'Fish of a Lifetime' from Lough Owel, wins this weeks COTW
Kilbride Anglers Club member Noel Bennett was in touch to tell us about one of those days to remember, fishing with fellow club member John Doyle:
A Day to Remember on Lough Owel
Some days on the water test your resolve; others reward it in ways you never forget. Yesterday on Lough Owel gave us both.
I set out in the company of my good friend John Doyle under a sky that promised little kindness. A biting wind swept across the lake, whipping up cold, restless waves that made every drift a challenge. Not far away, Kieran Garvey and Martin Kearney battled the same conditions in another boat. By lunchtime, between us all, not a single fish had come to hand. The fishing was dour, the elements relentless.
Seeking some refuge, we tucked into what shelter we could find along the shoreline. There, in the lee of the storm, spirits were revived with Martin’s famous rib-eye steaks and a shared bottle of red wine—a moment of warmth and good company in an otherwise unforgiving day.
Refreshed, we pushed back out into the elements. The wind still howled, and the lake showed little sign of easing, but we persisted, searching for any pocket of calmer water. Eventually, we found a degree of shelter along the lee side of the lake and resumed casting—more in hope than expectation.
As the afternoon wore on, conversation turned toward calling it a day. Then, in an instant, everything changed.
John’s line tightened sharply, the surface of the water erupting in a powerful swirl. I knew immediately—this was no ordinary fish. Quickly retrieving my own line and securing my rod, I prepared to assist. John, still unsure of what he had hooked, played the fish steadily as it surged away, then dived deep, using its weight and the conditions to its advantage.
“Take your time,” I urged. “Don’t rush this one.”
The fish kited across the surface, and as the sunlight caught its flank, the truth revealed itself—a truly exceptional trout. Any doubt vanished. This was something special.
Again, it bored deep, even passing under the boat, forcing John to plunge his rod tip beneath the surface to avoid the line catching the engine. Inch by inch, he gained control, patiently working the fish closer. Finally, with one last effort, the great trout slid into the net—just barely contained.
We called over to Kieran and Martin to share the moment. The scales told the story: 13.19lb in the net. With the net later weighing 0.73lb, the fish itself came in at an incredible 12.46lb.
Fish of a lifetime for John Doyle
For John, it was the trout of a lifetime—his biggest ever. For all of us, it was a reminder of why we brave cold winds and hard days: for moments like this. A tough day transformed into an unforgettable one, and a story that will be told for many years to come.
National sea angler app shows Dogfish, Mackerel, Seabass, Flounder and Whiting were the top 5 fish species landed in 2025
Donegal, Sligo and Galway were hotspots for sea angling last year
Inland Fisheries Ireland is seeking more anglers to sign up to a voluntary citizen science app that records their sea angling catches
Other information submitted by shore and boat anglers during 2025 showed that:
Counties Donegal, Sligo and Galway were hotspots for sea angling;
On average, the individual angler caught more than three fish per trip;
Catch and release rates were over 90%;
Over the year, each angler caught about seven different species.
Anglers have been logging their trips on IFI’s free IMREC Diary since 2021, and the information collected has become an important tool in improving our understanding of fish stocks around the Irish coastline. Link to IMREC site
The online diary makes it easy to record your fishing trips. Diarists can log catches, upload photos, note details such as tide, weather conditions, bait used, and even look back over previous sessions using their own personalised interactive map.
The IMREC Diary is not available through Google Play or the Apple App Store. Instead, it is a web-based app that can be accessed through your internet browser. You can sign up here.
Active IMREC diarists are entered into regular prize draws. So even if the fishing was slow, your trip could still pay off—just make sure to log it in your IMREC Diary.
Congratulations to Tom Keal, the winner of February’s draw. Hopefully, Tom will land even more fish in the months ahead.
Invasive Species Week 2026 will take place from 22 to 28 June. This annual initiative is coordinated by members of the British–Irish Council and aims to raise awareness about invasive species and the actions individuals and organisations can take to prevent their spread.
Healthy fisheries depend on preventing invasive species such as Zebra mussels, Curly waterweed and Demon shrimp from spreading between waterbodies. Throughout the week, anglers, clubs, fisheries managers and community groups are encouraged to get involved and highlight good practice on the water.
If you or your angling club are planning an activity, or would like to highlight ongoing work to reduce the spread of invasive species, you’re invited to get in touch at [email protected] using “Invasive Species Week” in the subject line.
Further updates will be available on the Invasives.ie and the National Biodiversity Data Centre social channels.
March borrowed of April three days, they say. One rained, one snowed, and the other was the worst day that ever blowed…
As the rhyme suggests, the final days of March can bring all kinds of weather, and as we approach the end of the month, this week has seen wild winds, heavy downpours and even flurries of snow – with some fleeting moments of pleasant sunshine occasionally breaking through. The best of the action this week comes from saltwater, as some boats ventured back out, club anglers fished their usual competitions and one angler tackled an early-season specimen…
Only one pike report this week, as the Deel & Boyne Anglers Association got their 2026 season off to a flying start with the ever-popular Jack Shaw Perpetual Cup pike competition. A strong turnout of members took to the banks, with a welcome boost in participation from junior anglers, adding to the great atmosphere on the day.
Salmon fishing remains slow so far this season, and we have just one report in – from Vincent Appleby in Waterville, where ‘the Currane anglers were all quiet in all departments‘ once again as lines stayed slack.
And now the weather…
Mostly dry and clear on Friday night, but coastal showers in the west may turn wintry. Cold (0–4°C) with frost and icy patches possible. Bright with sunny spells and scattered showers on Saturday (some wintry in the northwest). Cool (7–10°C) with breezy winds. Cloud increasing from the west overnight; mostly dry at first, then rain/drizzle arriving by morning. Lows of 2–7°C. Wet and windy on Sunday with widespread rain, especially in the north and west. Some brighter spells later with temps of 10–13°C.
Don’t forget to double-check the forecast before heading off, and if you’re going to sea, check the tides.
Galway Bay SAC PRO Tom Keal reports on the club’s recent outing for a competition at Renvyle, Connemara for Leg 2 of their Master Angler competition.
On Saturday 21st February 8 of our anglers headed west to Renvyle, Connemara in hopes of a repeat of last years comp.
Conditions weren’t idyllic but more had been caught on worse days! A recent storm had cleared the seabed of weed which should have helped with the days fishing. Unfortunately that only caused more weed at the surface which created big problems for some of the anglers.
On average, the far end pegs had the best fishing with Danny Harty, Cian Deane, Stephen Quinn and Remigijus ZuKauskas all getting in on the action. Continuing with his recent form, Tim O’Sullivan had the fish on the feed and was untouchable for most of the comp. He was a lone wolf amongst the near end pegs.
Although the loose weed caused issues for some anglers, there was still a decent overall catch. 5 species were recorded on the night, dogs, conger, shore rockling, 3 bearded rockling and coalie.
Results
Senior
1st – Tim O’Sullivan – 22 fish (1069 points)
2nd – Cian Deane – 9 fish (450 points)
3rd – Stephen Quinn – 8 fish (400 points)
Junior
1st – Danny Harty – 7 Fish (350 points)
Tim O’Sullivan (left) receiving first prize from club chair Brian Reidy
Go Fishing
Galway Bay Sea Angling Club is a progressive club based in Galway, but fishing competitions along the west coast. New members are always welcome, and every level of experience is catered for, with social outings right up to competitions held throughout the year. If you’re looking to get into sea angling in the west, check them out here
David Norman of Angling Adventures, West Cork, sent in this report on some of the fine mullet he has been catching:
Delighted to connect with some fine March Mullet up to and over the 55cm length specimen size on the 5wt fly rod here in beautiful West Cork, the bread fly working its magic on this occasion.
You hear the phrase “Down to the backing” a lot in fly fishing, but I’ve rarely experienced it here, especially when fishing at reasonably close range, but this fish took me well and truly into the backing. They really do have ferocious power and dogged staying resolve when in prime condition, especially when caught in well-oxygenated coastal waters…
I’m running my popular 1-2-1 Two Day Mullet Fly Workshops from now until the end of April. Drop me an email to arrange your dates – [email protected]
Go Fishing…
Contact me now to arrange your Guided Trip or Workshop – Mullet, Pollock, Bass, Wrasse, Fly or Lure, Kayak or Shore, plus Junior Coarse Fishing. [email protected]
David has been lure then fly fishing since the mid noughties with some of the best guides and anglers in Ireland and abroad.
Kayak fishing by lure & fly now takes him and his guiding guests beyond the shore to target Pollock, Bass or Wrasse with the chance of other species such as Codling, Coalfish, Mackerel or Garfish.
Shore fishing at night is also a very special experience.
A calm spring evening greeted members of South Shore SAC fishing the second leg of the Southshore 2026 Master Angler at Enereilly. Fourteen competitors faced a rising tide and a steady northerly run, with peg placement adding intrigue—most notably Paul Doyle landing a prime end peg.
Early catches were slow, with small whiting appearing before dogfish began to dominate. Regular 50-point dogfish kept anglers active, particularly in Zone B where a tight contest developed between several competitors. In Zone A, Chris Scanlon quickly set the pace and pulled clear of the field, reaching double figures well ahead of others.
As the match progressed, Zone A slowed slightly, but Chris held on comfortably to win the zone with 23 fish. Thomas Keogh secured second with a consistent performance, while Niall Carabini impressed with 17 fish from a difficult area.
Zone B went down to the wire, with Alby Allan landing a decisive double dog on his final cast to win both the zone and overall with 20 fish, narrowly beating Paul Doyle on 22 fish after a blank last cast. Gordy Hardman finished third.
Top pool fish included a 26cm dab (Chris Scanlon) and a 25cm whiting (Niall Carabini).
Match 3 of the Ulster Krakens Master Angler Qualifying League took place on Saturday, 21st March at Carnlough, just two weeks after the previous outing at Cushendun. With recent fixtures affected by conditions, anglers were relieved to find the venue fishable on arrival. Fourteen members took part, with the beach split into two zones of seven pegs.
Fishing ran from 18:00 to 23:00 under calm seas, though heavy mist later reduced visibility. Early action saw Yuki Back land a 28cm flounder in Zone A, while Ally Nicholl made a strong start in Zone B. As the match progressed, catches remained steady despite challenging conditions, with notable runs of fish from Marc Wilson, Neil Boon, and others. Yuki Back proved dominant in Zone A, pulling ahead with consistent catches, including multiple dogfish.
A total of 78 fish were landed, with species including flounder, whiting, codling, rockling, and dogfish.
Results: Zone A: 1st Yuki Back (10 fish, 385 pts), 2nd David Rainey (7 fish, 176 pts), 3rd Bert Anderson (5 fish, 158 pts). Zone B: 1st Ally Nicholl (9 fish, 248 pts), 2nd Marc Wilson (8 fish, 225 pts), 3rd Neil Boon (8 fish, 221 pts).
Yuki Back also secured the longest fish with a 28cm flounder.
After a short break from the water, Killybegs Fishing Trips returned to Donegal Bay for an excellent day at sea. Calm seas, beautiful weather, and plenty of fish kept anglers busy throughout the trip. Pollack and other species were biting well, providing plenty of action for everyone on board.
With ideal conditions and lots of craic among the group, it was a memorable and highly successful day back on the water.
