Dave Edwards reports from Courtmacsherry where anglers onboard Silver Dawn have had good skate and ling recently…
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Another good ling for Spud
Robert Walpole's excellent 37lb Ling
I had to cancel a number of offshore wrecking trips last week due to weather conditions but when the wind dropped we headed 50 miles out and the lads had a great session on some fine Ling. The biggest Ling was a superb 37lb fish caught by Robert Walpole.
Dave Edwards get s a photo with the 150lb skate before it is released
Sunday was an inshore session at anchor and I topped the day with a Skate around 150lb. We landed it using large lip grips and then a sling when onboard before seeing it swim off strongly.
41′ Rodman 1250. Twin 430 HP Engines Skipper: David Edwards Licence: P5 Licence Base: Courtmacsherry Operational Area:60 miles to sea from ports from Kinsale to Portmagee
Authorised blue fin tuna boat 2025
Notes:The range of fishing found within close range of Courtmacsherry is superb, with trips producing anything between 6 and 15 different species as a norm and in excess of 20 is possible if anglers are prepared to change methods and use different baits and lures throughout their trip. As a rule mackerel, pollock, cod and ling are usually encountered but several species of wrasse along with whiting, pouting, coalfish, bull huss, conger and many more are often added to the catch.
If you do choose to head offshore to sample the superb shark fishing available within 10 miles of Courtmacsherry, there is a very strong chance of encountering blue sharks and an increasing chance of bringing a porbeagle shark to the boat.
Steven Powell of lureguides.com/ had the pleasure of welcoming USA anglers Greg and Wade to sample some predator fishing on the mighty Lough Erne.
After traveling through Ireland for days on end without many breaks or stops Steven would have been forgiven to think that a well earned rest would be welcomed – but not for these 2 sports fishermen who were up early and raring to get out on the water to catch some hard fighting big pike and the forever hungry perch.
Steven reported a really enjoyable day out with the two skilled anglers and would welcome them back anytime.
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Go Fishing
Come fish with us for big predators in Ireland on Lough Erne in Northern Ireland, a stunning waterway with many many specimen pike perch and trout. Come visit and catch your dream. Fish with us using lures for predators such as pike perch and trout.
We get about on a a 17ft alumacraft competitor with good deck and casting area design powered by super reliable 80hp Mercury outboard. We don’t take long traveling at high speed on open water.
David Norman of West Cork Bass has been out on the kayak in recent days. An 80 cm West Cork pollock was the main prize during an action packed trip lasting almost 8 hrs. The fine fish was caught on a Pirate Lures, Pink Teaser 15cm lure in challenging conditions and swam away strongly upon release.
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), the state agency responsible for the conservation and protection of freshwater fish, habitats and sea angling resources is asking anglers who have fished the Currane catchment in Co. Kerry for their views. A new online survey has been developed to gather anglers’ knowledge – the survey method called FLEKSI was developed by IFI to help give an insight into the status of the fishery.
Over recent decades populations of sea trout and salmon throughout Ireland are facing serious challenges from various ecological changes. IFI’s Currane STAMP programme is already assessing fish populations within their freshwater and marine phases to report current status and provide scientific advice to support the development of appropriate conservation management measures.
The data gathered in the FLEKSI survey has the potential for citizens to get involved and provide important insights to guide fisheries management in the future. This survey is for all anglers who fish in the Currane catchment for various species. all responses will help us to build an understanding of the history and ecological status of your fishery.
Lough Currane
FLEKSI, which stands for Fisher’s Local Ecological Knowledge Surveillance Indicators aims to capture anglers’ knowledge and hands-on experience to help track changes in fish stocks and ecosystems.
The Currane catchment in Co. Kerry is Ireland’s most important sea trout fishery, with a long history of high-quality fishing, particularly for larger sea trout. The fishery is renowned internationally and has been the cornerstone of sea trout and salmon fishing in the southwest of the country since the 1900s. The FLEKSI survey will give anglers on the Currane catchment an exciting opportunity to share their knowledge as citizen scientists and to make a valuable contribution towards fisheries management on the fishery.
While it might not have felt like it, the last seven days were milder than average, especially over the eastern half of the country. Mean air temperatures ranged from 11.2°C (Knock Airport) to 13.3°C (Oak Park) – some 0.5°C to 1.5°C above the respective averages. The gusty winds that have been present for the last fortnight have not helped anglers though. Strong, gusty winds can cause difficulties for all sorts of anglers – from charter boats to fly casters, and from pole fishing coarse anglers to those pleasure fishers of all disciplines who just want to relax and have a few casts on the coast, riverbank, boat or lake shore.
Also fishing out of Melview Lodge were pike anglers visiting from the Netherlands and Britain. While they caught no giants this time around, there were lots of pike in the 80cm and 90cm+ bracket and that kept the visitors content for their efforts. Further down the Shannon system on Lough Derg, the Romanian Catch and Release Angling Association organised the Lough Derg Predator Challenge where seventy anglers battled it out in search of pike, perch and trout. Disco Team finished in first position there, a magnificent 113cm pike bringing home the title for them.
Freddie Duncalf, from Wales with a salmon from East Mayo Anglers waters before release
Charter boats on the west coast have been hampered by the westerly winds this week, but on the east coast Wicklow Boat Charters did manage to sneak some good tope, huss and hound fishing. Most of the sea fishing this week took place from the safety of dry land – including a well attended Mick Kearney Open which took place last Saturday in Wexford. Some eighty five anglers took part but Ian Knight took the title with 19 flounders helping him to top spot. On the windier side of the country, Galway Bay SAC held a competition in Connemara where dogs and the odd ray made up the numbers.
Financial assistance under the Salmon and Sea Trout Rehabilitation, Conservation and Protection Fund (SSTRCPF total of €1,003,390) is generated by the sale of salmon and sea trout angling licences and commercial fishing licences in Ireland. The Midlands Fisheries Fund (MFF total of €50,000) is financed through contributions from permit income, received through the Midlands Fisheries Group permit area.
Lee Brown Tag Draw: To boost conservation efforts, anglers who wish to catch and keep wild salmon from the Lower River Lee in Cork this year, are being reminded by Inland Fisheries Ireland that ‘brown tag’ regulations are in force until the season closes on 30th September 2022. Thirty eight ‘brown tags’ for the Lower River Lee will be issued on Monday, 13th June 2022 and the deadline to enter online draw is 5pm on Thursday, 10th of June 2022.
And now the weather
Generally dry and sunny for Friday evening. Highs from 14°C in the north to 19°C in the south, with a light breeze. Largely clear overnight, lows 5°C to 8°C in a light northerly breeze.
Saturday will be dry and sunny. Highs of 14°C to 20°C, coolest in the north. Light to moderate northerly winds. Staying dry and clear Saturday night with lows of 5°C to 9°C in a light to moderate northerly breeze.
Staying mostly dry and sunny through Sunday, highs of 14°C to 19°C in moderate northeasterly winds. Becoming cloudier overnight Sunday night with lows of 5°C to 9°C in a light northerly breeze. Cooler and cloudier early next week with highs of 11°C to 15°C in light to moderate northerly breezes.
18/5/2022 The Currane anglers headed out on to the rough waters of Lough Currane and come lunch time they called it a day and headed for calmer waters like the high stool. Wind SSE wild, followed by heavy showers.
19/5/2022 All the Salmon headlines go to guess who? Yes, you have it, Northern Ireland Currane angler Mr. Andy Wishart who caught a cracker of a 9 lbs Salmon while trolling with his lonesome Gillie Mr. Dominic McGillicuddy of www.fishingwithdom.com for the rest of the Currane Anglers it was all quiet in all departments. Wind SSW fresh to strong with good cloud cover.
20/5/2022 The Currane anglers were all quiet in all departments this day. Wind West light to fresh.
21/5/2022 As we all know if you have been reading the Salmon and Sea Trout news in the last few day’s, Northern Ireland Currane angler Mr. Andy Wishart and his lonesome boatmen Mr. Dominic McGillicuddy of www.fishingwithdom.com caught in total 5 Salmon for their great efforts but they also got themselves a record, if I’m not mistaken because four of their Salmon were Hatchery Salmon, so congratulations to Andy and his Gillie Mr. Dominic McGillicuddy of www.fishingwithdom.com on their record and of course not forgetting the workers up at the hatchery.
Now to today’s action and facts, for starters there were six boats out manipulating their flies and lures and it’s the Noble art of flyfishing that takes all of today’s Salmon headlines and for good reason, Cork Currane fly angler while flyfishing with his Gillie Mr. Dominic McGillicuddy of www.fishingwithdom.com caught a fine Salmon on the fly. Wind SW and veered SSW light to fresh with reasonable cloud cover.
22/5/2022 All quiet on the Currane waters in all departments. Wind WSW light to fresh with reasonable cloud cover followed by the odd heavy shower.
23/5/2022 The Currane anglers were all quiet this day on Lough Currane. Wind NW light with reasonable cover at times followed by the odd shower.
24/5/2022 The Currane Anglers were all quiet this day so on that note we head for E.G.A. historical archives of the Waterville Fishery in the year of 1966 and the Rainbow Trout hatchery from the Sunday Independent September 18th, 1966. I will have a big piece on it in tomorrow’s notes. Wind NW light to fresh and variable with good cloud cover and followed by the odd shower.
Len and John from the UK are regulars to Melview Fishing Lodge so are familiar with the waters around the area, on arrival it was a quick chat about where they were going to fish and a quick spin in the car to have a look at the places talked about.
When that was done it was wet a line time and then later to prebait the swim, the guys were on the bank at day break every morning to see what their time and hard work could produce for them and this was a good start for them producing around 120lb for their first days fishing.
A couple of the days were a bit patchy, however the best was saved for last with a joint catch weight of around 180lb. The catch was mainly Bream with a few around the 5lb mark and the average being around 3.5lb / 4lb along with 4 or 5 nice Tench all on feeder tactics using various cocktails, thanks guys for a cracking week and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Elvin and friend Robin were over from the UK for their annual fishing holiday and were staying with Kevin at Melview Fishing Lodge, Elvin has stayed with Kevin a few times before and Robin is no stranger around these parts as he lived local before returning to the UK so is familiar with the waters and the surrounding areas and lakes.
On arrival we were straight out to look at a possible few venues to fish, then later it was in with the prebait for the next morning. It was a good start to the fishing and produced around 70lb of mainly Bream for them.
They split their week up by trying the Tench fishing using the Pole, every day but one produced Tench for them along with some nice Roach and Rudd. Well done lads it was a great week of laughs and fun with you guys, look forward to seeing you both again soon.
On day three of the festival Lough Scur sections E and F continued to be the venues of choice. Francis McGoldrick had the top weight on Wednesday with 17.600kg from peg 1 at the Rocks. Every peg at Pumphouse fished well for little hybrids on the pole; 13.950kg for Seamie Winters took him to the top of the leaderboard.
The fishing on Lough Garadice improved slightly, though Cully’s shore continued to disappoint. There was some consolation with this fine golden 1lb roach for Mick Smith.
Seamie Winters retained his lead after day four of the festival with 8.750kg at Kiltybardan. A great catch for Dara Finnegan moved him to second position. Dara fished the pole for a super 22.250kg of large skimmers on the rocks at Lough Scur.
The festival will wrap up tomorrow (Friday) with the presentation taking place in the evening at Shortts Heritage Bar, Main Street Ballinamore 7.30-8pm.
Peter Roche released this trout from Cloghans Bay caught on a Golden Olive
Kevin O’Boyle reports from Loughs Conn & Cullin…
Again, fishing was very difficult and slow on the lakes. Winds were a consistent feature of the last week, with some big swells sweeping down the lake towards the Northern end of Lough Conn. Anglers took health and safety into account and only a few hardy anglers ventured out. For over 70% of the anglers, they had tough going but for the other 30%, it was a case of the right place at the right time.
Westerly winds across Lough Cullin at the start of the week saw some hatches of Mayfly in bays around the lake. A few boats had some good sport with a good few sizeable trout to the boat. This included Gary Binley from Foxford and Peter Roche from Cloghans, who boated a few up to 1.5 lbs., all released. Wet flies including Green Dabblers, Golden Olives and other Olive patterns produced the results.
On Lough Conn, wet fly patterns including Dabblers, Muddlers, Stimulators and Bumbles were the most successful. Hatches remained sporadic and high winds persisted throughout the week. Some good fish were caught in these tough conditions, but not for the fainthearted!
An angler fishing with Stephen Browne, released this trout from Cloghans Bay, caught on a wet Mayfly
Fishing out of Murphy’s Boat Hire in Massbrook, Rob O’ Connor from the Midlands and Richard Mc Hale, Knockmore, encountered a lot of trout with some good keepers to the boat, all released, including a 4 lbs. salmon on a Green Peter.
Liam Mc Hugh and Tom Cooney from Edenderry had some good fishing with a few keepers to the boat, all released.
Peter Roche, Paul Caslin and Stephen Browne, fishing different days out of Cloghans Bay had some fish, despite the inclement weather. They had some good trout to measure, and all were released.
Anglers are waiting for some settled weather and raised temperatures on the lakes.
Silver Dawn
