The C/M Lakelands 2 day festival fished on Skeagh and Drumkeary last weekend.
The first day of the match was hot and sunny, with Paul Leese winning the day with an excellent weight of just under 11kg. Piotr Horbiński came in in second place overall with Brenton Sweeney in 3rd. On Day 2, Brenton Sweeney won Skeagh lake with just under 10kg, winning the prestigious 2 day feeder event overall with just over 19kg.
Brenton Sweeney overall winner
Paul Leese finished Second overall with just over 18kg. Deimante Kar put in a brilliant performance today on Drumkeary to finish third overall with just over 13.5kg. She also won her rotation. 4th overall was the reliable Robertas Zilaitis with 12kg and joint 5th was piotr Horbiński and Artur Dudek, which made up the Top 6 overall.
There was some great fishing in amazing weather for IASCaire Feeder Fishing Club members over the bank holiday weekend. On day one, Darius and Romas went tench fishing at a local lake and had an unreal day, catching plenty of beautiful tincas as well as several other species for a real mixed bag of fish.
On the second day they had a relaxed family day, enjoying sandwiches and burgers. Young Sam caught a Pike, and he was absolutely delighted! Sarunas also had a great catch, hooking a tench on a 7m Whip, that was some work to get into the landing net to say the least. They managed to end the day of with some lovely stamp of rudd as well, great fishing!
Beautiful weather, great fishing
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Despite
It was a fantastic weekend filled with great fishing and wonderful family time.
Tony Santry skipper of the charter boat Tigger out of Caherciveen in Co. Kerry reports on what must be the first blue shark of the season caught on 02 June…
Well done to Aidrain Hanley on catching the first blue sharks of 2023 for Angling boat Tigger out of Cahersiveen. Both sharks were tagged and released.
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Probably the first blue shark of the season
We also had at least 50 Blue mouths after spending just 40 minutes on the blue mouth mark. One of which was an Irish specimen.
On top of all that but we had numerous other species too.
All fish caught today were released to fight another day.
Pro-charter Offshore 31. 330 HP Skipper: Tony Santry Base: Caherciveen Operational Area:
Authorised blue fin tuna boat 2025
Notes: Kerry Angling & Tuna Charters operates on the south coast of Ireland out of Caherciveen. We cater for all types of angling from general fishing trips ,shark fishing, common skate, off shore wreck fishing and Giant Bluefin Tuna (catch, tag & release).
We cater for complete novices to highly experienced anglers. Simply bring your wet gear and sandwiches or bring your own fishing tackle and we will provide the rest through your highly experienced skipper. Based in Caherciveen Marina in Kerry, we fish the waters all around the Skellig Islands.
Mark Gannon from Courtmacsherry Angling tells us that angling off Courtmacsherry has really taken off the last couple of weeks following the arrival of this summery weather…
In the bay Pollack fishing has been very good with great sport on light tackle with fish to 5 kgs, cod to 6 kgs and some good sized Coalfish. At anchor we are getting some good conger and Ling with Specimen Common skate, Specimen Spurdog and near specimen Bullhuss in the mix.
We’ve had some good days on the wrecks, heaviest Ling 23lbs. On one trip with slack tides we anchored on one of the offshore wrecks where previously we’ve landed conger to 67 lbs and as many as 111 fish boated in a day. The wind was easterly but fishing was very slack.
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Specimen skate
Small boat
The selfdrives are doing well inshore with good catches of pollack, thornback ray and in the estuary. Bass over 5lbs are common enough, and the anglers have had a few Gilthead Bream.
Seán skipper of the Lady Louise is presently doing some research with Scientists from UCC and we’ll be sharing some of the results in a later post.
Hoping for a shark next week with the water warming up.
Go Fishing
Charter boats and self drive boats in Courtmacsherry
Courtmacsherry Sea Angling Centre offers charter boat fishing and inshore small boat hire.
Lady Patricia
Aquastar 38′. 370 HP Skipper: Mark Gannon Licence: 819 Base: Courtmacsherry Operational Area: 30 miles out from Courtmacsherry
Notes: Mark has two Aquastar 38’s, Lady Patricia and Lady Louise. Specialising in wreck fishing, Mark’s boats have consistently provided specimen fish over the years. Shark, reef and general inshore angling also on offer.
Lady Louise
Aquastar 38′. 370 HP Caterpillar Skipper: Sean Maxwell Licence: 818 Base: Courtmacsherry Operational Area: 30 miles out from Courtmacsherry
Authorised blue fin tuna boat 2026
Notes: Mark has two Aquastar 38’s, Lady Patricia and
Lady Louise. Specialising in wreck fishing, Mark’s boats have consistently provided specimen fish over the years. Shark, reef and general inshore angling also on offer.
Inshore small boat hire
With our Self Drive boats several different activities can be enjoyed. Our self drive 16′ Boats are equipped with 8 HP Yamaha 4 stroke engines. Equipment includes:
• Set of oars
• Life-Jackets
• Anchors
• Charts of local area
31/5/2023 All quiet on all fronts. Wind light and variable followed by bright sunshine and reasonable cloud cover at times.
1/6/2023 The sun was blazing down on Lough Currane, so one doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist to know today’s headlines, more like slacklines in my opinion, going by WhatsApp. So on that note we head for Luton and bring me sunshine video of Kerry by Currane Angler Mr. Gary Humphrey, so Gary take the stage, God only knows what the Mad Fisherman will think of it. Wind East, ESE, S, SW, WSW, W light.
2/6/2023 MET Eireann didn’t register any rainfall and where the Currane anglers are concerned they didn’t register any Salmon on this warm day and come afternoon there was good cloud cover followed by a variable light wind from SE to the SW.
3/6/2023 The Currane anglers headed for shelter as the sun blazes down and takes control on today’s manipulations on a sunny and hot Lough Currane and talking of a hot one, A Currane angler isn’t too happy on where he get’s his Salmon Licence or I should say the distance he has to go to get it, I will say no more and let this Currane angler have his say on this problem, so take it away Currane angler the stage is yours.
Dear Vincent,
it’s come to my attention that you can no longer purchase a Fishing License in the Village Tackle Shop the Chemist Shop although you can buy Tickets for the upper Lakes & the River Inny not sure why this is the case tried to buy a License there in March and couldn’t.
Regards, A Currane angler
Just for the record I have a good few emails on the 2023 Currane Salmon Licences and I can say they weren’t as polite as the one above, some inferred it was my fault and all I can say is Not Guilty.
4/6/2023 Sombreros were the order of the day as the sun blasted down on a low Lough Currane, so you don’t have to be a mathematisation to know today’s Game Fishing results. Wind Light and variable, you could say it went around the clock and not a cloud in sight.
5/6/2023 To all holiday makers and especially the Currane anglers remember in theses roasting conditions to head for Fogarty’s Centra Moo’d ice cream parlour, I can assure you one won’t be disappointed because of the amount of multiple flavours of ice cream of your choice and as I always say the truth of the ice cream is in the eating of, as you can see by the photo we weren’t disappointed.
Now we head out on to a bright and sunny Lough Currane with Currane angler Mr. Pat Bridgeman and in his own words,
Hi Vincent,
Took the kids out on lough Currane, trolling got two nice sea trout in half pound range nice to see kids release them was lovely to get out. Pat Bridgeman.
For the rest of the Currane anglers it was all quiet. Wind ESE veered WSW light and variable. Just for the record there were 8 boats out come afternoon.
6/6/2023 All quiet in all departments as the sun again blazes down on the Currane anglers. Wind light ESE veered SE and veered again into the West.
7/6/2023 Bright sunshine and to make things worse a low lake, low or not the Butler Arms Hotel of www.butlerarms.com and their client Currane Angler Mr. Mike Cahill fishing with his Gillie out of Waterville Boats and at [email protected] caught a fine 4lbs. Salmon/ Grilse on the troll. I can tell you it wasn’t long before they headed for the Smugglers Inn and at www.smugglersinn.ie Just for the record what they had is classified information and congratulations to all for keeping the Currane flag flying high. Wind ESE light and variable.
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.
TAFI Leinster and Thomastown Anglers are hosting a Youth Open day on the 17th of June on the River Nore.
This is an introduction to Fly-Fishing for all youths under age of 18. There will be several Garda vetted, experienced fishing instructors offering lessons on different areas of fly fishing on the day to youths. Feel free to come along and enjoy the day.
We are meeting at 10am in the GAA Club in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny. Casting instuction and lessons will begin at 10.30am and we will finish up around 2pm.
If you are interested in coming or have youths interested please contact
Dan O'Neil ready to land a trout for Sarah Delany on the River Nore
This report from Dan O’Neill of Mount Juliet Estate:
With an eventful weekend planned, I spent the end of last week preparing – sorting out bits and pieces, cleaning out my chest pack, and tying up tippet sections to small CDC flies to aid me on the river once the light gets low.
As my guiding chores came to an end, it was time to head to the lake with Anthony. We had waited till later on in the evening to go as the sun was high and it was still quite warm. Anthony was the first to get a fish which was a beautiful Tench, the Tench happens to be one of his favourite species so things were starting out nicely for him.
Teeny tench for Anthony
After a while and as the shade started to creep in fish became a little more confident and it wasn’t long before a fish came up and slurped down an offering of bread on the surface, Anthony lifted into the fish and it made sure to give a lively response. We had a couple more carp and Tench as the evening went on.
Anthony and his carp
Back to the river now and this weekend i had a couple of very competent anglers on the river. Tom Bie (The Drake Fly Fishing Magazine) and Sarah Delany (Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Adventures) had some great stories and even better fly patterns, talking to them I was very interested to see how the trout responded to their methods. Tom fished a mini streamer style leech which is now my new favourite was to fish (thanks Tom!). Sarah was using a good sized hopper which took a fish at pebble beach, I used to use round indicators but now will be switching to a hopper which reminded me a little of Jiminy Cricket from the Disney films (I’m sure there’s a pattern called this).
Dan O’Neil ready to land a trout for Sarah Delany on the River Nore
I was very impressed with both anglers and just fell into a groove with both of them as angling has a habit of making happen. Sharing fly fishing on my home water with my two guests which now are angling friends was superb. I learned so much from them and one special thing they learned from me is that its very hard to beat red lemonade and Tayto before a fishing trip. A pleasure to be able to fish with these to anglers along with Inland Fisheries Ireland staff who were also giving some tips.
Tom Bie works the rising trout as the sun sets on the Nore
On the upper end of the fishery my good friend Kevin O’Neill had his two sons out swinging wet flies, both young anglers fished very well, I was watching Rory and Lorcan for a while and was very impressed with their persistence and casting abilities. Well done to both young anglers, hopefully I will get to fish with them in the very near future.
Kevin O’Neill’s sons impressed Dan with their casting and catching
I am running a series of masterclasses and casting clinics over the next 6 weeks, contact me for more details and a list of classes.
If you are considering a start in fly fishing and don’t know where to begin give me a call and I will send on the dates of some of my free information days where we will talk about rods, lines, reels, tippets and many other things, spaces for this are limited so contact me on the below details.
For information on day tickets or memberships please call Dan on 0857652751 or email [email protected]
Dan O’Neill Mount Juliet
Go Fishing
Mount Juliet has trout and salmon fishing available on site over 2.5 miles of the river Nore. Classes also available for every skill level – learn or improve on your chosen technique. coarse fish ponds also available on the hotel grounds.
Dan O’Neill, Fishery Manager, Mount Juliet Estate, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, Ireland
The river Nore is a beautiful river that meanders it way through counties Laois and Kilkenny before joining with its sister river the Barrow just upstream of New Ross on its way to the sea. For further information on the Nore please visit:
It’s not news to most of you reading this to hear that Ireland is slap-bang in the middle of an unusually long spell of fine, settled weather due to a ‘blocking high’ aka ‘Azores High’ weather system stationed over the country. There was almost no rain last week, with only the far north of the country at Malin Head getting a slight sprinkling. Temperatures and sunshine levels were also well above average for much of the country, with most areas remaining a couple of degrees above the norm and some areas getting 233% of normal sunshine levels. And with the settled spell set to continue for the foreseeable future, we are likely to see increasing impacts on our fishing.
So, aside from the obvious high temperatures and lack of rain, how does a high-pressure system like the Azores High impact fishing? As anglers, we often look for anything that might give us an edge in catching more fish or, just as often, a creditable excuse as to why we are not catching at all… Such questions occupied myself and some friends as we floated around a midlands lake, struggling to catch fish, in the sweltering summer heat of last week. A quick consultation with Google threw up numerous conflicting theories, but most pointed to changing barometric pressure being the time when fish are most active (there, we thought we had our excuse). But other theories pointed to a settled, fine spell being generally good for fishing (we quickly rejected that one). Reading through some of the reports in this week’s Angling Update, the current high-pressure system has been sometimes praised but often blamed for its impact on fishing over the past week, so it seems the conflicting theories will remain in conflict for now. And it brings to mind an old Irish saying: ‘
Dá mbeach soineann go Samhain, bheadh breall ar dhuine éigin’, ‘If fine weather lasted until November, somebody would be complaining’.
No doubting, that somebody would be an angler…
The recent weather has been a hot point of discussion for many trout anglers, as it has coincided with the annual mayfly bonanza, a heated time of year at the best of times… On Lough Sheelin last week, it seemed that the blazing sun put the fish down during the day, while the clear skies made for cool evenings, which made a mess of things for the spent fishing, a contrary diagnosis if ever there was one. On the other hand, anglers fishing Lough Arrow were jubilant, having had one of the best mayfly seasons in recent years. Swinging the pendulum back to the negative, anglers on Conn and Cullin also blamed bright sun and cool winds for relatively poor fishing on the lakes. The report from Corrib seems to have balanced it up nicely, with patchy fishing being the order of the day, as some anglers did very well while others struggled.
Scanning for rising trout on Corrib as the sun rises too.
Salmon fishing reports are thin on the ground this week, as the recent lack of rain has begun to severely impact many of our salmon fisheries. Salmon anglers in the southwest of the country are all complaining of low water, and similar conditions afflicted the River Moy, but anglers there did see an improvement in catch numbers, with 122 fish registered for the week, a considerable number of which were springers.
Cian O’Boyle with a magnificent 14 lbs salmon caught on the Ridge Pool (released)
And we will wrap up this week’s update with a note of caution to all anglers. Unfortunately, the continuing hot spell will make life difficult for many of our inland fish species due to increased water temperatures and a decrease in oxygen levels. IFI is warning anglers of the dangers of thermal stress to fish and appealing to anglers to report sightings of fish in distress.
And now the weather 🌞 😎 🌞 😎
This is one of the easiest weather reports I can ever remember… So it will be mostly dry, mostly sunny and pretty warm for the next week or so. A little cooler in the east than in the west. And that’s about it! So enjoy your bank holiday weekend, and don’t forget the sunscreen when venturing out.
Kevin Lyons reports on the recent fishing at Melview Lodge:
Len and John from the UK, who are regular visitors to Melview Fishing Lodge, were here once again to try and repeat the great catches of Bream and Tench they have experienced on previous visits. On arrival, it was decided we would have a look at a couple of new venues but in the end, it was back to the regular places they know have produced great catches previously for them. With prebaiting done that evening, it was out the door at 4am the next morning, and the hot bright sunlight seemed to slow down the Bream fishing a lot with only a few Bream, Hybrids and Roach turning up. All was not lost as the Tench were still on form and the lads managed some cracking Tench to around 5lb, and this was the same on the next venue they fished. There’s not a lot we can do about the weather, and these lads always put in the work and were rewarded with some great Tench catches. Well done, lads and thanks for the company and hope to see you again next year.
John and Len with some nice Tench.
Elvin from the UK is no stranger to Melview Fishing Lodge, he was here once again for his annual fishing trip. Elvin who loves pole fishing started on the pole and produced some very good Tench to 4.5lb, he decided to have a couple of days Bream fishing. Again due to the bright sunny and still conditions this didn’t work out for him, however the Tench were still feeding so he had to settle for them. Thanks Elvin, hope to see you again next year mate.
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.
Chris O’Sullivan is a fanatic sea angler based in Tralee, Co. Kerry, with access to some of the best sea angling in the country. Chis is well-known on the angling competition scene with many successes to his name. Unlike a lot of serious competition anglers, though, Chris is keen to share his tips and tricks, and has set up a Youtube channel called The Inshore Angler.
The latest video features a trip to Waterford, to target smooth. It was non-stop action on the day, and although no specimens showed, the lads still had 19 fish between them. Great sport, and a video that certainly has us wanting to break out the big rods and get out!
Tony with a nice smoothieChris with one of his fish
Tigger
Lady Patricia
Lady Louise
Boat Hire
Salmon and Sea-Trout fishing Guide
