The Irish Boat Team are competing in the World Championships this week in Novigrad, Croatia in the northern Adriatic Sea. The venue, species and tactics will be very different to what the Irish team are used to here at home, and to prepare they have been out in Croatia for the last week practising every day for this week’s competition. The team is as follows: Mark Devir, Padraic Clear, Brian Whelan, Terry Boyle, John Dennehy and Dan Lynch.
Official practice day is today, with 3 days of competition following. Bria Whelan has been posting plenty of updates, photos and videos on the IFSA Facebook page, and we will be keeping a keen eye on how the lads are doing this week. Fingers crossed for a good result, and best of luck to all the anglers!
The Irish teamMussel and sardine baits are provided, and bait preparation and presentation is essential
Species? Don’t ask us!A greater weever fish for Padraic Clear. Careful!
The All-Ireland Open Shore competition for the Jimmy Smith and Maurice Dalton Cups was held on Benone beach, Co. Derry on Saturday, and saw a great turnout of over 100 anglers from every corner of Ireland compete for this prestigious title.
The Irish Federation of Sea Anglers have posted a great update of how the competition went, so without further ado, here’s the report:
Report
When planning the premier national open competition you need to get it all right or there is certain to be back lash. With years of experience, local knowledge and a pinch of luck on the weather front Graeme Blair and his team from Ulster achieved just that.
104 anglers took to the beach on Benone in what was the most keenly contested All Ireland in many years. Indeed there was anglers from all corners of the island and 21 different clubs were represented. Are the glory days coming back? We certainly hope so.
As the remnants of Storm Agnes passed through it was quite obvious that the stir had done the fishing the world of good when fish were landed all along the match stretch in the first few casts. Flounders and turbot made up the majority of the fish but the anglers that gambled on dogs were also handsomely rewarded.
Unfortunately, the crab population were also out in force feasting on the thousands of Tube worm casings that had become dislodged. These became a real pain in the rear end for anglers as they stripped baits in minutes while any bait that survived got a fish. In the end though the cream always rises to the top and at 5pm the weary anglers headed for the presentation. Usually the winner is very apparent but even the rumour mill couldn’t get it right this time.
Top Junior angler on the day was Sally Gilvarry from Kilalla Bay who landed 5 sizeable fish for 130 points. Quite an achievement for any junior angler fishing a surf beach on a big spring tide. Well done Sally on winning the coveted Maurice Dalton All Ireland junior title.
Sally Gilvarry accepting the Maurice Dalton Cup
The ladies all Ireland title was won by Janet Snoddy from Glengormley and District with 6 fish for 142pts. An excellent performance from an unfavourable peg in the low numbers.
Janet Snoddy, winner of the Ladies Prize
Then after the dust had settled the men’s champion was clear for all to see. Nicholas McNeil continued his devastating form on Benone to win zone 3 with 20 fish for 366pts. A blistering start from Nicholas set the tone for the day and left him with an unassailable lead.
Congratulations to Nicholas who can not only call himself the All Ireland champion but can also look forward to captaining Team Ireland at the Home Nations in Scotland in 2024.
Nicholas McNeil accepts the Jimmy Smith trophy
All-Ireland Club Championship
This year saw a fantastic 14 teams compete for the revamped club championship which will now hopefully run in conjunction with the All Ireland Competitions in the future. A strong showing from the local clubs is almost expected but this strong of a showing was brilliant to see.
On the Day though the Castaways selection of Paddy O’Boyle,Drew Ferguson, Willie Weir and Sharon Blair were too strong for all challengers and held off a gallant try from Southshore A’s (3rd) 557pts and Galway Bay 608pts to claim the win with 652pts.
Results
Junior Maurice Dalton placings
1st Sally Gilvarry 5 fish 130pts
2nd Nathan De Kleer 5 fish 109 (tie break)
3rd Kaitlyn De Kleer 4 fish 109
Ladies All Ireland placings
1st Janet Snoddy 5 fish 142pts
2nd Lisa Gormley 4 fish 137 pts
3rd Pamela Stewart 4 fish 100pts
A huge thank you to the Loughs Agency for their sponsorship of the Ladies and Junior prizes.
So, as September slips silently by after the wilds of our first winter storm, Agnes has surely left her mark on fishing plans for many a game angler hoping to wet a line before the season’s end. It will be no surprise to anyone that rainfall amounts were up to 300% of the norm in some parts of the country, riling rivers into raging torrents and no doubt dashing some angler’s dreams of a fruitful season’s finale. But temperatures and sunshine held up well during the week, and it’s pretty nice looking out my window right now. I’ve a couple of friends who are out fishing Corrib as I write this, and I certainly wouldn’t mind swapping places…
Ladies practising their casting at the ILFA training day
To coarse angling news now, and the Naas & District Anglers headed to the River Barrow for their John Prescott Memorial competition. It was a match of two halves, as all the fish were caught in the first couple of hours before some wild weather rolled in that put the fish right off the feed. It was a very similar story for the VDE Baggers up on the Newry canal, as things got off to a flyer, with quality roach coming thick and fast. But it all changed when something akin to a hurricane ripped along the canal, throwing anglers and fish into disarray. To wrap up the coarse angling news, we head to Oaklands Fishery, where the Killinarden Angling Initiative held its yearly charity event. With a little help from the Irish Outgoing Pikers, they rounded up a great posse of anglers to compete and managed to raise €3365 for good causes. So this week’s Catch of the Week goes to all those involved in making the event such a success.
Anglers compete at the KAI charity event @ Oaklands
Angling guide Peadar O’Brien guiding a happy client
We wrap up this week’s angling report on the saltwater and head to Clare, where anglers fishing on the Clare Dragoon were singing the blues, with a rare triple of blue shark, blue whiting and bluemouth all caught on the same day. Down further south, on beaches around Dingle, the Daiwa Pairs event marked its 40th year. After a week of intense but friendly competition, the pairs competition was won out by Dave Falk and Brett Cotter with a combined score of 22 points. The top individual angler was Kerryman David O’Sullivan, with 6 points and 22 fish for 504 points. And we end with a word of warning, as a nasty sting from a weeverfish prompted Rob Grennell to get in touch to remind all sea anglers to be careful when unhooking these small but potentially painful little fish. Rob’s thumb wasn’t right for two weeks after he got a spine embedded in it while fishing.
James Raymond with a 109cm huss caught at the Daiwa Pairs event
It will remain mostly dry throughout Friday, with just a few well-scattered showers in places. Cloud will thicken overnight, and wet and breezy conditions will spread countrywide on Saturday morning, bringing a risk of spot flooding in Munster and south Leinster. Sunday will bring a mix of bright sunny spells and scattered showers, clearing in the afternoon but becoming more widespread again on Monday. The weather looks like it will stay in this changeable pattern for the rest of next week.
A beautiful Lough Conn trout caught and released by Peter Roche
Steve Schreck reports from Lough Conn…
Angling Report week ending 24/09/23
Castlebar Anglers Association were intending to re-run the Jackson Cup on Lough Conn on Sunday 24th September, but the poor weather prohibited this unfortunately. It will now be held on Saturday 30th September. For further information contact Tony Baynes, Chairman on 087 3128263.
Kelly’s Boat Hire report:
Padraic Kelly and Denis Michaels had another successful session last Saturday the 23rd catching 3 nice trout of about 1.5lbs and a few smaller ones.
Ian Wise reports from the Cloonamoyne Fishery:
One angler, being out on his own, caught a grilse while trolling on Lough Conn.
Peter Roche only fished Thursday last and while the morning was very quiet, by the end of the day he had managed to boat and release 15 trout. 5 of them were above the size limit, with the biggest fish weighing 1.5lbs. The most successful flies were Red Arsed Green Peter and a Bibio Hopper.
Last week saw a bit of an upswing in catch numbers in the Moy catchment again, even though conditions were a bit of a mixed bag with low water followed by a big flood. Water levels at Ballylahan read 0.36m on Monday, rose to 1.78m on Wednesday and tapered off to 0.73m on Sunday.
Ian Guegan from Foxford had two red letter days on East Mayo waters, catching and releasing 3 salmon on Monday and 4 salmon on Tuesday, all on the fly. The best fish was a 12lber.
In total 165 salmon have been reported caught for the week, including one reported caught on Lough Conn.
Ballina Salmon Anglers reported 15 salmon mainly caught on the fly and the prawn.
Mount Falcon recorded 3 fish, 1 of which was released. The best fish weighed 6lbs.
Knockmore Salmon Anglers reported 14 salmon for the week, 8 of which were released.
Attymass Angling Club recorded 4 fish for the week caught on the prawn.
Coolcronan Fishery reported 3 salmon caught.
Byrne’s Fishery recorded 6 salmon for the week.
Gannon’s Fishery reported 15 salmon caught, 3 of which were released.
The Foxford Fishery recorded 17 fish, 14 of which were released. Successful methods were bubble and fly and the prawn.
Foxford Salmon Anglers reported 42 salmon for the week, of which 23 were caught at Rinnaney and 19 at Baker’s.
Local reports suggest that 6 salmon have been caught at the Foxford Rocks Fishery.
Cloongee Fishery recorded 4 salmon, two of which were released. Two fish were caught on the worm and two on the spinner. All fish were in the 5-6lbs range.
East Mayo Anglers reported 35 salmon for the week, of which 24 were released. Five of those fish were double figure salmon between 10lbs and 15lbs. The most successful method proved to be spinning.
Before we say goodbye to the 2023 salmon season this week – and many anglers will like to say good riddance we’re sure – Tom and Daire wanted to find out how Ireland’s most iconic salmon river, the Moy, has fared, and what good news, if any, can be gleaned from that part of the country? Garrett Ruigrok, who they spoke to back in May, is a casting instructor and guide, as well as a committee member of the East Mayo Anglers Association and he joins them on this week’s Ireland on the Fly to tell them more about the 2023 season on the Moy.
Hi Vincent,
not much to report today, a millpond this morning and bright sun all afternoon, a couple of trout but otherwise no good.
Cheers.
Trevor.
Hampshire Hogs are staying at www.thecrescentwaterville.ie and fishing out of and with watervilleboats@gmail.com and www.fishingwithdom.com For the rest of the Currane anglers it was all quiet in all departments.? On the C&R Inny just one Salmon caught on the fly reported. Weather as reported by the Hampshire Hogs.
Hampshire Hogs celebrating with their Ghillies in the Villa
22/9/2023 There was some great action on Lough Currane today, so we start with the Currane Hampshire Hogs and their report on today’s manipulations.
Hi Vincent,
a fine C&R late springer for Mr. Nigel Henshaw, estimated about 10 -11 lbs, fishing with the Commander-in-chief Mr. Michael O’Sullivan of Waterville boats and at watervilleboats@gmail.com a couple of trout each for myself and Mr. Peter Ruffel, on the Butlers Pool.
Cheers
Trevor.
We head Upstream back to Lough Currane, one hired out boat had 7 trout on the drift and 5 brownies on south side of lake.
Now we head for the C&R River Inny, 2 grilse caught Inny fly 3/4lb.
Now we head for The Hampshire Hogs, award ceremony in the Villa at www.thevillawaterville.com Hampshire Hogs Currane Champion is Mr. Peter Ruffle and wins the award for the most salmon this year. As you can see the Crack was first class in the Villa. Hampshire Hog has the last word on tonight’s report, and I quote,
Cheers Vincent, back next year, Currane is always a pleasure.
23/9/2023 Lough Currane was on the wild side with gusts up to 65 km/h average speed was 46km/h So if there was anyone out there I take it their lines were slack going by WhatsApple. Just for the record their were anglers fishing on the World famous Butler Pool and at www.watervillegolflinks.ie and fishing out of watervilleboats@gmail.com Wind SSE veered SSW.
24/9/2023 Again Lough Currane was on the wild side with a strong Southerly wind and veered SW and variable. Just for the record there was heavy rain this morning. And it’s made a big flood and there were no boats reported out. Amount of rainfall yesterday 19.4mm.
25/9/2023 Well it’s the last week of the Salmon Season 2023 and not a bad start before storm Agnes hits the Emerald Isle but more on the storm Agnes in tomorrow’s notes. Now to the facts of the day, there was one Grilse caught on the fly on the World famous Butler Pool and at www.watervillegolflinks.ie Now we head upstream to Lough Currane, there were a few Sea Trout C&R released up to 3 lbs and followed by a few Brown Trout. Now we cut across the Valley to the C&R River Inny, The C&R Inny Farmer reports that there were at least two C&R Grilse. Wind SSW fresh to strong and variable. Yesterday’s rainfall was 24.4mm.
26/9/2023 We will start with Storm Agnes so it’s batten down the hatches Kerry, their forecasting 27.9 mm of rainfall for Lough Currane On today’s report all I can say it made a fair bit of rain last night, so you can take it for granted the Currane anglers put their C&R hats on and headed for the C&R Inny River, what’s that I hear you say, where’s the C&R Inny Farmer, well I can say this, his binoculars weren’t much good to him because he was out of town but watch this space. Wind WSW fresh to strong followed by the odd heavy shower.
27/9/2023 The facts of the day on Storm Agnes as it hits Waterville on a rock and roll tone, as you can see by the Videos and thankfully there was no technical knockouts and that includes electricity so far. Wind 9am SSE veered again at 10am S, veered again at 12pm into the SSE veered again at 1pm SSW, veered again at 2pm SW and veered into the West at 3pm followed by violent gusts throughout the day. Staying with the Storm a big thanks to all the videos and photos you sent for tonight’s report. Yesterday’s amount of rainfall 20.2mm, so will have to use your imagination on yesterday’s Inny manipulation.
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.
The colourful bluemouth - we promise, it is indeed blue inside the mouth!
Some good weather at the weekend prior to the arrival of Storm Agnes saw the Clare Dragoon take advantage, and skipper Luke Aston got his crew offshore for a crack at blue shark. It was a day for the blues alright, with blue shark, blue whiting and bluemouth all landed by his guests! The latter two not being particularly common in angling catches, although Luke says they are turning up more recently.
A fine blue shark for this angler
The colourful bluemouth – we promise, it is indeed blue inside the mouth!Blue whiting
The rest of the week saw blustery weather, culminating in Storm Agnes, but estuary fishing proved a welcome respite, with plenty of thornback ray, averaging 6-9lbs but some well into double figures.
a very thorny thornback – check out that tail!And a less thorny tail(less) rayA decent size thornie.
Go fishing…
Clare Dragoon
Clare Dragoon is a LOCHIN 366 powered by 650HP engine, skippered by Luke Aston and operating out of Carrigaholt Co. Clare…
I have some offers up on my web site www.fishandstay.com and if anybody is interested in putting a trip together please do get in touch. Also I Twitter from the boat on @fishandstay and try to update my face book page www.facebook.com/CarrigaholtSeaAngling fairly often!To experience some of the best deep sea fishing available in Ireland contact Luke. Telephone: +353 65 9058209 or +353 87 6367544 Email:lukeaston@eircom.netWeb:www.fishandstay.com
A very successful ‘Introduction to Flyfishing for Women’ training day was held by the Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association on Saturday 23rd September at Laois Angling Centre.
The aim of the training days being run by the ILFA is to introduce the women to fly fishing including casting, and to encourage them on the road to becoming independent anglers.
Ann Kerrin, Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association, Chair said,
‘I was heartened to see so many enthusiastic women turn up to learn about flyfishing. Some had been reading about the now recognized health benefits that anglers get through spending a day at a water’s edge and wanted to see for themselves while others had spent their childhood trying other forms of angling and now wanted to get back into angling through flyfishing.
The photos from the day are fantastic and we hope to run further days this year’
1 of 4
The ILFA members who delivered the course. Liz Dermott, Maddy Kelly, Pauline McClenaghan (APGAI), Rebecca McGinn, Almha McDonnell
The Limerick County Pike Anglers faced a couple of struggles in the fourth round of their winter competition, which was fished at a local venue. Their events are usually well attended, but only six could make the trip on the day, and they faced some heavy rain and high water levels.
High water is never great for pike fishing, and so catches were slow enough on the day. Tommy Williams was the most consistent anglers, racking up 4 fish for a total of 10lb 4oz. Young angler Thomas O’Donnell got the biggest fish on the day at lb 8oz.
Boat Hire
Salmon and Sea-Trout fishing Guide
