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Piscari Fly Update – Show Season and More…

By
IFI Staff
-
  The Piscari-Fly team discuss all things fly-fishing in their latest newsletter:

How’s the Fishing? 

While the season has kicked off here in Ireland for wild trout on the rivers and lakes, it certainly hasn’t been an ideal start. Still high waters and coolish weather are stopping the early anglers getting any great numbers of trout. There has been a few trout caught around the country as seen on social media and sure it isn’t nice to get out on a bit of a drift on the Corrib to blow off the winter cobwebs and making you feel like spring is just around the corner. So anyone who is getting the opportunity to get out, enjoy it, stay safe and tight lines to you all. The start of March will see more fisheries open up and all will be open from St Patrick’s day so we look forward to that date here in Thomastown and getting back out on the rivers. Hopefully we will enjoy a good spring of angling. Every one is itching to get out now and we can even see a little stretch in the evenings so nearly there. We’re nearly out of the winter slump and look forward to the season ahead.

The TAFI All Ireland banks take place next Saturday in Laois Angling Centre. We want to wish everyone on the Leinster Team the best of luck and everyone else too. All the practice is done now and it will be down to the draw on the day and who gets the bit of luck and what fish sticks. The best of luck to all teams and individuals on the day.

Laois Angling Centre

Up Next

The lads head to the The North West Angling Fair on Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th March 2026! Whether you’re a seasoned fly-fisher, a passionate beginner, or simply love the outdoors, the North West Angling Fair brings together top exhibitors, expert demonstrations, workshops, and family-friendly activities.  

Irish Spring Angling Fair

It won’t be long now until the Irish Spring Angling Fair returns to Ardaire Springs Angling Centre — a highlight of the angling calendar and the biggest event of the year for Piscari-Fly, as well as one of Ireland’s premier fishing shows.

This fantastic event continues to grow year after year, and preparations are already well underway. Ned and his dedicated team have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything is in place for what promises to be another outstanding weekend. Exciting announcements will be made in the coming weeks about the expert demonstrators and fly tyers who will be attending, with some of the best talent in the sport set to share their skills and knowledge.

The weekend will be packed with demonstrations and seminars covering all aspects of angling, including salmon, trout, sea trout, bass, pike, and sea fishing. Whether you are a seasoned angler or just starting out, there will be something to inspire and inform everyone.

Alongside the angling attractions, visitors can also enjoy a classic car and tractor rally, laser shooting activities, and a wide variety of new trade stands showcasing the latest gear, equipment, and innovations in the sport.

The Kids Zone was a phenomenal success last year, proving hugely popular with both children and parents alike. We are delighted to see this returning once again, as promoting angling to young people is vital for the future of the sport. Encouraging the next generation to get involved ensures that our traditions, skills, and passion for fishing continue to thrive.

It promises to be an amazing May Bank Holiday weekend, full of development, learning, and community spirit. Events like this are incredibly important, especially as there are only a handful of such shows left in the country. They give us all the opportunity to meet fellow anglers, share knowledge, catch up with friends, and celebrate the sport we love.

If you’re free over the May Bank Holiday weekend, be sure to come along to Ardaire Springs. Bring the family, try your hand at fly fishing or fly tying, explore the stands, and enjoy everything the fair has to offer. There truly is something for everyone.

​https://www.facebook.com/irishspringanglingfair/​

​https://irishspringanglingfair.com/

​

TAFI AGM

The TAFI National AGM took place on Sunday, 22nd February, in Portlaoise at 2pm, with an excellent attendance—one of the strongest seen in many years. The meeting was both productive and positive, reflecting the continued commitment and enthusiasm within the organisation.

Peter attended in his role as Provincial Chairman for Leinster and was honoured to be elected Chairman of the Trout Anglers Federation of Ireland. Having been a member of TAFI since the age of 16, Peter has dedicated the past 30 years to the organisation in various capacities.

Over the decades, Peter has proudly represented TAFI at both European and World Championships, competing under the TAFI banner as both a youth international and later as a senior angler. These experiences at the highest level of competition have given him invaluable insight into the sport, as well as unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships within the angling community at home and abroad.

It is a tremendous honour for Peter to take on such a prestigious leadership role within Irish angling. The sport has given him so much over the years—opportunities to travel, compete, and build lasting friendships—and he is deeply committed to giving something back. His long involvement at club, provincial, national, and international level provides him with a well-rounded understanding of the Federation and its members.

Looking ahead, Peter is excited about supporting the continued growth and evolution of TAFI. Like any organisation, there is important work ahead—from strengthening participation at grassroots level and supporting youth development, to promoting high-performance angling on the international stage. He is particularly passionate about encouraging the next generation of anglers and ensuring the Federation remains strong, inclusive, and forward-looking.

Peter looks forward to working closely with the newly elected committee, building on the solid foundations already in place, and guiding the Federation confidently into the future.

Congratulations to Mark on his appointment as Competitions Chairman for TAFI. A role that involves looking after our Provincial and National competitions and of course our International teams who fish the Fips Mouche European and World Championships, the 5 Nations and the Fips Mouche Masters Championship and Bank Championships. We wish Mark all the best in his new role and I am sure we will see some changes to TAFI brought in by the 2 lads over the year.  

About us

Based on the River Nore just outside Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, Ireland. Piscari-Fly is a growing Fly Tying and Fly-Fishing business with a vast amount of experience and knowledge. If there is ever anything I can do to make my service better for you please feel free to suggest it to me and I’ll gladly try my best to accommodate your requests. Thanks again. Peter Driver.

As a small business we depend on the satisfaction of our customers and their word of mouth, google reviews are important to our online presence and we sure would appreciate your review. Just head over to this link and give us a quick review.

Thanks for the support it’s greatly appreciated

Piscari Fly

Address Woolengrange Thomastown Kilkenny Ireland Mobile Phone: +353 87 9787040 Website: piscari-fly.com
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‘Brackers’ old and new compete in 1st leg of Ballybrack SAC Master Angler

By
Shane O'Reilly
-

This post was compiled from angling reports shared on the Ballybrack SAC Facebook page:

Ballybrack SAC kicked off the 2026 Master Angler Series on Sunday, 15th February at Kiltennel Beach, with conditions proving far calmer than forecast despite a westerly breeze. A total of 26 anglers, including long-standing members and newly affiliated ‘Brackers’, lined the shingle for the club’s first qualifying competition since 2025. Fishing began at midday and produced a mixed bag, though consistency was difficult early on. Anglers fishing mid-range banks with fish baits and worms landed patches of spurdog, along with dabs, whiting, rockling, and some quality flounder. Notable catches included a counting bass for Robbie Durning and a fine brill for Dave Coleman.

In Zone A, Paul Tyndall’s consistent approach and ability to pick off better-sized fish at range earned him first place overall, ahead of John Keane in second and Darragh Mulligan in third. Zone B proved tightly contested, with Stephen Glynn claiming victory after a strong, consistent performance, followed closely by Peter Taite and Dennis Brock. The juniors once again impressed, with Donnacha Brock winning on his Ballybrack debut after a close battle with Sean Keane, while Paul Crimmons secured a strong third place among the seniors. Pool prizes went to Eric Gasparro for a 45cm spurdog and Lar Mooney for a 32cm flounder. The Junior Cup for 2025 was awarded to Jesse Murphy, and the Senior Ballybrack Cup to Eric Gasparro, marking a strong and encouraging start to the 2026 season.

A full report and more photos can be viewed on the Ballybrack SAC Facebook Page.

Go Fishing…

Sea Angling on the East Coast

Irish Angling Update 🎣 20 February 2026

By
IFI staff
-

It will come as no surprise to hear that rainfall amounts were well above average across parts of the midlands and east over the last 7 days, with accumulations ranging from around 180% to 480% of average. Dublin Airport recorded the most rain, with 58.5 mm, while the west and southwest remained the driest parts of the country once again, with Belmullet, Co. Mayo recording the lowest amount of rain with 15.9mm.

Trout and salmon fisheries have been opening in stages and this week many trout anglers finally got their fix in the ‘dry’ west of Ireland, as Corrib, Mask, Conn and a whole host of other fisheries opened for trout angling on Sunday, February 15th. Traditional early-season tactics include trolling the brickeen and artificial lures. Spring salmon are also targeted using trolling methods, but it was gusty and blustery winds that kept most boats at bay in Waterville this week, where anglers still wait for the first spring fish of 2026.

The coarse anglers who were able to get to a river or lake found the fishing difficult but rewarding. In Fermanagh, the VDE Baggers fished the penultimate round of their Winter League on a cold and rising River Erne, where the heaviest bag came in at 6.750kg. The CM Lakelands Feeder Club hosted round one of the inaugural Ultimate League on lakes near Carrigallen. The weather was brutal, with extremely difficult conditions facing the competitors. Having said that though, the fishing was actually good on some sections…

The best of the fishing has once again been in the sea this week. Chris O’Sullivan, the Inshore Angler, had some good success in Kerry as he landed some nice winter ray and bass in the surf. Menapia SAC had a strong start to their season, as the first competition of 2026 was held on a venue teeming with spurdog pups and dogfish, with the average bag totalling 27 fish and also including huss, whiting and dabs.

Off the coast, Northwest Charters, based out of Burtonport, Donegal, caught plenty of pollack, along with cuckoo and ballan wrasse in their sheltered spot behind the cliff face at the back of Aranmore Island.

Further south, Killybegs Fishing Trips were out on their first excursion of the 2026 season. Despite very cold conditions, the crew managed to complete the full trip before the weather deteriorated and one very happy young angler caught the biggest fish of the day – and our Catch of the Week.

One announcement for deep-sea enthusiasts is that the dates for the 2026 edition of the Baltimore Sea Angling Festival have been announced by the organisers – it will take place from Thursday, 27th, to Sunday, 30th of August. This year they hope to attract more juvenile anglers than ever before, so anyone interested in taking part should get in touch.

Pike fishing reports are few and far between this week, but we do have a YouTube video from a couple of weeks ago where Padraig English of Louth Pike and Trout risked a very bad weather forecast to get his pike fix in. Recorded even further back was episode two of Fly V Jerk, where team Wildhunter represents Ireland on the very popular YouTube pike fishing series. Episode three will drop later this evening, so make sure you tune in.

Away from the water, Dan O’Neill of South East Casting attended Italy’s biggest angling expo as a fly tyer and casting instructor. Dan was in the company of some well-known fly dressers and angling personalities, and he fit right in! You can read about his experience in his latest newsletter. 

Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2026

Minister of State with responsibility for Fisheries and the Marine, Timmy Dooley, has announced the launch of a second public consultation on the draft Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2026. This consultation provides stakeholders and members of the public with a further opportunity to comment on the draft Regulations before they are finalised. The consultation will be open for 30 days, closing at 5:30pm on Thursday, 5th March 2026

Job Opportunities

Inland Fisheries Ireland has launched a national recruitment campaign to fill several seasonal roles, including Fisheries Officers and Research Assistants, with positions available across the country. The outdoor roles will begin in April and offer opportunities to work in rivers, lakes, and coastal environments. These seasonal opportunities would be well-suited to those with an interest in protecting, managing and conserving Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources.

And now the weather

Outbreaks of rain and drizzle will move northeastwards across the country on Friday night, becoming drier behind the rain. Mild with lows of 5 to 9°C in southwest winds.

A breezy and wet Saturday with outbreaks of heavy rain moving northeastwards across the country. Highs of 10 to 13°C with fresh southwest winds. Rain will clear southeastwards early overnight, leaving isolated showers. Mild with lows of 6 to 9°C in fresh southwest winds.

Bright and blustery with heavy showers on Sunday, becoming persistent in the afternoon. Highs of 9 to 12°C with occasionally strong southwest winds. Remaining blustery overnight with clear spells and scattered showers. Lows of 5 to 8°C with fresh southwest winds. A mixed outlook for early next week.

Don’t forget to double-check the forecast before heading off, and if you’re going to sea, check the tides.

Safe fishing to all and tight lines, especially here in Ireland.

IFI Staff
Catch, Photo, Release

If you have an angling story to share with the Irish Angling Update, please send it to [email protected]. 

 

All the angling news

Salmon Fishing Reports

    Coarse Angling Reports

    Pike Fishing Reports

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    Other News

    Watch Team Wildhunter compete in Fly vs Jerk, Series 17, Episode 2

    By
    Shane O'Reilly
    -

    We gave you a heads-up last week about the Irish ‘Team Wildhunter’, who are competing in the latest series of Fly vs Jerk. Well, at the end of the first episode, the lads were struggling a bit to connect with the fish. Episode 2, which dropped last Friday, showed the second half of the fishing on Day 1 of the competition. Did the lads’ fortunes improve after lunch…? Tune in here to find out:

    You can also check in with Wildhunter via their website and socials below:
    www.wildhunter.ie
    https://www.facebook.com/wildhunter.irl/
    https://www.instagram.com/wildhunter.ie/?hl=en

    Early Season Success for Killybegs Fishing Trips

    By
    IFI staff
    -

    Killybegs Fishing Trips were out for the first time this season. Despite very cold conditions, the crew managed to complete the full trip before the weather deteriorated. Fishing got off to a steady start, easing off around the turn of the tide before picking up again during the final couple of hours. The bulk of the catch consisted of pollack, along with two very large wrasse. The catch of the day, however, went to the youngest angler on board, who landed the biggest pollack.

    Go Fishing…

    Fiona Tee

    Address: Moneygold, Grange, Co. Sligo.
    Telephone: +353 (0)87 6224348
    Email: [email protected]  

    Web: https://www.killybegsfishingcharters.ie/

     

    From Ireland to Rimini: Dan O’Neill at the Pescare Show

    By
    IFI staff
    -

    Well known angling guide and casting instructor Dan O’Neill recently attended Italy’s biggest angling expo in Rimini. Check out his report below…

    It’s always nice to travel to different rivers and areas to see a different perspective on angling and how people approach certain angling situations. When I was invited to attend the Pescare show in Rimini, Italy, by the editor of H2O magazine, Giorgio Cavatorti, I jumped at the chance. Things would be a little different this time for me at the show, as I would be attending to tie river nymph patterns that I had mostly thought up myself, although I’m sure they exist elsewhere. I have always been a person who agrees and accepts first, and then figures out afterwards how I will manage it. For me, it’s the only way to progress, as you now have a deadline to be ready and make sure you’re presentable. Throughout Italy, the Pescare show is known as being a premier fishing fair. All types of angling are covered, and the latest in boating and angling technology is available to see and even try out. Stands with various meats and cheeses lined the back wall, and four outdoor casting ponds always had someone trying out rods, teaching adults or kids, or just people like me who went out to have a cast and ended up giving some tuition. As an instructor, I always find it beneficial to try to teach someone who doesn’t speak any English, as you rely on a different set of skills to be able to get your point across. It’s quite useful and has helped me many times during demos and tuition classes here in Ireland; it makes things very clear and simplifies your explanations.

    So now to speak a little about my fly-tying experience. I sat behind a table covered in a red Fulling Mill cloth and just looked around me, taking it all in. What a privilege to be at such a fair. To my left I had Hans Van Klinken and Barry Ord Clarke; to my right I had tyers from Italy, America, and many other countries who were at the top of their game. Something I noticed was how humble these people were. It made others feel at ease and not afraid to approach them. It’s a skill in itself, and one that certainly has been highly tuned by them. I found myself beckoning over kids and parents to tie a fly with me. It was very simple, but watching the kids walk away smiling, putting the fly safely in a bag or in Mum or Dad’s wallet or purse, made me smile. Most of the kids, when they were finished tying with me, I would take to Hans Van Klinken or Barry Ord Clarke to check out the fly they had just tied and then tie something with them. I started out my weekend with 175 hooks and came home with three.

    Back home in my community, I am that crazy guy who waves a fly rod around on the green in all sorts of weather or stands in the local duck pond while Spey casting with a double-handed rod. At the fair, I was just another enthusiast surrounded by many, many more enthusiasts. It was eye-opening and shows that it goes beyond passion — it’s discipline. Discipline is what separates most. The days were from 9:30 to 18:30 each day, and when you looked at the exhibitors and demonstrators, they had the same level of enthusiasm for the first person at 9:30 as for the last person at 18:30. That, to me, is the difference. If you’re feeling tired, it doesn’t matter; you’re disciplined and find it within yourself to give everyone you come into contact with the same experience.

    So to all the people I came into contact with at the fair, it was for sure a pleasure, and I hope to see you all again at the 2027 Pescare show. I was delighted to have received an invite back to the show, and I accepted without hesitation.

    Dan O’Neill

    Trout Fishing Ireland

    Go Fishing

    South East Casting

    Address Thomastown Kilkenny Ireland Mobile Phone: +353857652751
    More information
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    Targeting Winter Ray & Bass on the Kerry Beaches with The Inshore Angler

    By
    Shane O'Reilly
    -

    Chris O’Sullivan, aka The Inshore Angler, has a popular YouTube channel where he gives insights into shore fishing around Ireland, with particular focus on his home turf, the Kerry beaches. Chris has just released a short video of him targeting some winter painted ray and bass in Brandon Bay.

    Go Fishing…

    Sea Angling in the South West

    Blustery winds hamper anglers chances on Currane

    By
    Shane O'Reilly
    -
    Vincent Appleby reports on another blank week in South Kerry:

    11/2/2026. Just one Currane boat out, and his report was fast and simple, no good. Now for Currane’s words of wisdom, as from tomorrow, the Currane anglers have got a great chance of catching the first Salmon in the 2026 season, so get out there. Personally, my Dad RIP and I always said the 17th of February, but I’m biased. Now for the Currane weather chart, wind SW fresh and overcast. Yesterday’s weather: amount of rainfall 9.3 mm, maximum air temperature 12.3°C, amount of sunshine none. Now, back to the Butler Arms Hotel, the year was 1968, in the hotel bar, as you can see by the picture, can you tell me who this lady is?

    12/2/2026. Currane angler reports that it was very quiet out there and to make things worse, no fish, so much for your Currane’s words of wisdom, and to make this worse, it was rough out there, so on that note here is the Currane forecast, wind NW strong breeze winds speed 40 km/h, 43 km/h followed by showers and reasonable sunshine at times.  Yesterday’s weather: amount of rainfall 7.1mm, maximum air temperature 10.8mm, amount of sunshine 5 minutes.
    13/2/2026. I start with the sad news that renowned bartender Ann Marie O” Shea  RIP sadly passed away yesterday. As we all know, Ann Marie worked at the Butler Arms Hotel’s Fishermen’s Bar for fifty years. Ann Marie had held court behind the bar. She’d listened to countless tales of the one that got away, celebrated triumphant catches, and offered a sympathetic ear to anglers. I can say Ann Marie will certainly be missed by all her customers, and especially by us anglers. I can just see her working in the Heavenly St. Peter’s Fisherman’s Bar giving out dinks to her father Jack, her mother Kathleen and her brothers Patrick, James, Francis and Timothy. So, on behalf of the Currane anglers, all the good people  of Waterville and all the good people of Kerry, our Sincere Sympathies to all the O’Shea family.
    14/2/2026. The Currane anglers were all quiet in all departments today, so we head for the Currane anglers’ weather chart. Wind SE fresh to  strong and overcast followed by showers and very cold & felt like O°C. Yesterday’s weather amount of rainfall 1.3mm, maximum air temperature 7.3°C, amount of sunshine 4 hours and 4 minutes.
    15/2/2026, The Currane anglers have a new National Anthem, and you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know the words, and yes, you have it, “why are we waiting”? Need I say more? All I can say is I started the art of fishing in 1966 and fished with the Finest  Currane angler  Mr. Jack  O’Sullivan for 15 years and I can tell you this- get out there, you will catch my  Noble Salmon, but to be fair to the Currane anglers it was fairly rough out there today as you will see by the Currane weather chart, wind West fresh to strong and followed by showers and reasonable cloud cover. Yesterday’s weather: amount of rainfall was 19.4mm, maximum air temperature 10.8°C, amount of sunshine none.
    16/2/2026. It was a rough day out on the lake, with an average wind speed of 47 km/h, followed by strong gusts up to 59km/h, followed by heavy showers throughout the day. Just for the record, there was only one boat out, and he texted no good. Yesterday’s weather: amount of rainfall 5.6mm, maximum air temperature 11.1°C, amount of sunshine 4 hours 5 minutes.
    17/2/2026. Just two boats out trying to catch that wild Atlantic Salmon, but to no avail, saying that it would be nice to see a few more boats out there. We head for the Currane weather chart, wind moderate to strong SE followed by showers throughout the day. Yesterday’s weather: the amount of rainfall was 9.8mm, the maximum air temperature was 9.8°C, and the amount of sunshine was 1 hour and 3 minutes.

    Cold water and rising river make things tricky for VDE Baggers

    By
    Shane O'Reilly
    -
    This post was compiled from angling reports shared on the VDE Baggers Facebook page:
    Sunday saw the penultimate round of the VDE Baggers Winter League, and with an out-of-sorts cold and rising river, the fishing was tricky, but still competitive! The top 3 all came from Bellenaleck Marina black path, with A.Gregg taking the honours with 6.750kg, closely followed by Jack Tisdall with 6.640kg and Paul Hutchman in 3rd with 4.93kg!
    Aaron Hutchman won the low numbers on Bellenaleck Marina catching 76 roach very late on the long pole to weigh 4.700 kg The favoured new sections, Belturtbet Boards and Corraquil Lock, suffered badly from the cold rising river and unfortunately didn’t produce as well as they had been, but tightly contested fishing was still had, with Dark Horse Davy Wellwood taking the honours with just under 4 kg from the boards and Paul Eyres pipping Corraquil section with just under 2 kg.

    Pup Spurs & Dogs aplenty for Menapia SAC

    By
    Shane O'Reilly
    -

    This post was compiled from angling reports shared on the Menapia SAC Facebook page:

    Menapia Sea Angling Club’s first competition of the year took place over the weekend, and despite coloured water and a fresh westerly wind, the North Wexford beach delivered excellent fishing.

    Running from 4pm to 8pm, anglers were into fish straight from the first cast. It quickly became clear that the venue was teeming with spurdog pups and dogfish, with the higher-numbered pegs enjoying consistent treble-shot fishing. Several anglers recorded 15 or more spurs on their scorecards.

    Lower-numbered pegs saw a greater mix of whiting and dogfish, and although their bags were solid, the sheer volume of spurs caught further up the beach meant those drawing the higher pegs were well ahead on points.

    Joey Brady took the win on the night with over 1,300 points, narrowly edging out Brian Cantwell, who finished just one point behind. Joe Carley secured third place with a tally just over 1,100 points. Joey also claimed the biggest fish with a 61 cm Spurdog.

    Overall, it was a strong start to the season, with the average bag totalling 27 fish, including spurs, dogfish, huss, whiting, and dabs.

    Go Fishing…

    Sea Angling on the East Coast

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