Lough Ree Access For All have released this short video to encourage disabled anglers and non-anglers to book a day trip with them on the mighty Shannon river and Lough Ree.
The group delivers coaching sessions which focus on delivery of pike angling skills classes for disabled anglers; persons with Autism and persons with mild intellectual impairment.
Coaching and guiding is delivered by Marine and Countryside certified Angling Guides aboard the Lough Ree Access for All wheelchair boat.
They cruise Lough Ree daily at 11.30am & 2pm so pre-book your seat on www.loughreeboattrips.com or call 089 2625505 / 043 33 21734 to customise your own half day angling trip.
The Limerick County Pike Angling Association were confined to local waters last week as flooding put some of their usual venues out of action. 11 anglers turned out for their third competition of the year and they were greeted with some fine weather and a few hungry pike. And it was early out of the traps for Charlene Dillon who had only just got her float settled when a pike grabbed it and took off with the bait. She let it run a bit and then struck into a nice fish which tipped the scales at 9lb 15oz. That proved to be the best fish of the day but there was plenty of action with some smaller fish causing a bit of havoc, including dragging a rod out into the water…
Results:
Heaviest Bag
Charlene Dillon 9lb15oz
Stephen Murphy 8lb2oz
Barry O’Donnell 5lb6oz
JJ 5lb
Tommy Williams 2lb15oz
Heaviest Fish
Charlene Dillon 9lb15oz
Charlene with her 9lb 15oz pike
The club is open to new members including women and kids and no experience is necessary so if you are interested in joining them for a day out, contact them via their Facebook page.
Jasper Mathews withis first trout of the 2022 season
Opening day on Corrib this year saw lowish water, mild water temperatures, and reports are that the trout were hungry and there was a very good take. Fishing at this time of year is dominated by trolling, either brickeens or artificial baits. Although the weather wasn’t great on the day, plenty of anglers hit the lake eager to get the season going.
Jasper Mathews from Wild Atlantic Angling Experiences had an opening day to remember. Although they only had one fish to the boat, it was a cracker. In Jasper’s own words: “Opening day on Corrib didn’t disappoint, just the one fish but don’t mind that when it is one like this. [We] trolled for a few hours, threw streamers for a few hours all in great company. Makes a big difference having a 2nd boatman in the boat, my friend Peter jumped on the oars to keep us off the rocks the second I hooked the fish and netted it expertly only for the hook to come out in the net, thanks Pete, top notch job. High chance I would have lost it on my own as messing with engines and reaching one handed with the net often gives the tiny bit of slack needed by a loosely hooked fish to throw the hook.
Jasper Mathews withis first trout of the 2022 season
After a day off for Storm Dudley, Jasper was back out again yesterday with Cian, a client, and although it was slow going, Cian had a lovely trout weighed at 4lbs 3oz.
Cian with a fine trout of 4lbs 3oz.
Elsewhere on the lake, Tomi Kurman (Tomi Guided Fishing) was out with fellow guide Jacek Gorny and the light spinning rods. Tomi: “Weather was not too pleasant so we didn’t bother going with the first light and we called it a day way before dinner time- too much rain or is it just age?!
Tomi Kurman with an opening day fish
Result of today’s fishing- 6 trout landed!!! Two solid fish of arround 60cm, three in the 50cm bracket and one 40cm. All fish caught on small lures. Apart from trout we had 2 pike and one salmon kelt, so we enjoyed some action but most importantly we had a great day with friends.”
Tomi with another lovely trout from opening day.
Mid-lake a good few boats were out around Kilbeg and Annaghkeen, with most boats reporting fish, while very good fishing was also reported further down the lake for Galway boats. The mild winter (so far!) seems to have left trout in superb condition, and we look forward to good fishing in the weeks ahead. To all Corrib anglers, tight lines and stay safe this season!
The Leinster Coarse Anglers were back in action last week as they fished the 7th leg of their winter league on the Royal Canal. They lined out in some cracking weather, which lasted up until lunchtime and then the heavens opened and it poured down… The fishing was equally split into two halves as those fishing Section A had some very good catches whilst those fishing Section B didn’t see a fish all day! Pat Bartley won the day with a catch of 31lb 14oz. Full results:
Even on a stormy evening, Ventry is a very sheltered bay.
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.
Chris’s latest video shows how he fished a recent match on Ventry beach on the Dingle Peninsula in Co. Kerry.
Even on a stormy evening, Ventry is a very sheltered bay.
Ventry is well-known in match angling circles as a dogfish venue, and Chris shows us his setup on the night, and talks us through how he approaches the match, and even why he changes tactics halfway through.
A perfectly presented sandeel. Note the hook point well clear of the bait.
Sure enough, the dogs showed in numbers, but there were some nice surprises too.
Chris with a nice surprise. Watch the video to learn more.
Check out the video below, or watch it on Youtube here.
If you like the video, feel free to click Subscribe so you can stay up to date with more of Chris’s videos. If you’re on Facebook you can also follow Chris here
10/2/2022 Lough Currane was all quiet on all fronts and for the simple reason there were no boats out this day.
11/2/2022 Again Lough Currane was all quiet in all departments, to be more specifically in the angler’s department, but to be fair there was good wave cutting across the lake. Wind SSW fresh to strong and overcast. Just for the weather record Kerry is on a yellow rain warning from 6pm tonight until 6am tomorrow morning.
12/3/2022 Well it made a bit of rain last night and come morning two brown tag anglers headed out in the same boat to the fly department and by all accounts there was no rod bender. Now we head for the trolling department and one barbless angler who headed out on the lake had his day finished within 20 minutes and yes you have it, no. Sadly it wasn’t the first Salmon of 2022 it was his first breakdown of 2022 and hopefully his last of the season. Wind West light to fresh with reasonable cloud cover at times.
13/2/2022 Today was the day of the Barbless C&R anglers as they headed out onto Lough Currane waiting for the great elusive Wild Atlantic Salmon to springboard their 2022 Season. They didn’t have to wait long before local angler Mr. Éanna De Buis, while fishing with his Gillie Mr. Tham Hitmiangsong, caught and released a fine 10 lbs. Salmon on the troll.
The action did not stop there because the Mad Fisherman and his good friend and local angler the Shy Man weren’t going to be outdone and they didn’t have to wait long because just before lunchtime their action began when they caught and released a fine 9 lbs. Salmon.
All I can say is Mr. Éanna De Buis and Mr. Tham Hitmiangsong, broke the ice and Mr. Vincent Donnelly known as the Mad Fisherman and good friend the shy man certainly melted what ice was left. Quote of the day goes to UK and Currane Angler Mr. Gary Humphrey and I quote, That’s great news! Amazing considering ZERO Angling pressure on Lough Currane
14/2/2022 Lough Currane only entertained one Brown tag boat followed by one Barbless boat and with all the efforts their lines were slack throughout the day or in the words of spygate there’s nothing to report.
15/2/2022 Now for today’s manipulations, well there was only one boat out and sadly the spy gate’s binoculars could not confirm if it was a Brown Tag or Barbless Angler. Wind WSW and veered SW fresh and overcast with rain in the afternoon and tomorrow is not looking good with strong winds from 30 mph gusts up to sixty-two mph.
16/2/2022 Storm Dudley took control of the Brown Tags and Barbless Currane Anglers this day so as you can imagine the high stool was the next port of call as they look forward to their pint and to discuss storm Dudley. Well, that sums up today’s lack of action or you could say all wind, no action. Wind WSW Strong.
17/2/2022 Both Brown Tags and Barbless Currane Anglers were as elusive as could be this day. Wind WNW and veered WSW and veered this evening SE Fresh to strong in the morning and light to fresh in the afternoon. As you all know storm Eunice hits the SW of Ireland early tomorrow morning and if their predictions are correct the chances are I will have No Internet tomorrow evening? So on that note to all you good people of Ireland stay safe.
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
Richie Ryan shares some thoughts on flyfishing for mullet…
In January I normally head out with my fly rod chasing mullet so that they can totally frustrate me. You think salmon fishing is frustrating, try mullet on the fly! I will say, however, when you hit it right it can be fantastic fun. As often happens, when hooked, a mullet will head off like a bullet train stripping your line well into the backing. The first time this happens it’s an exhilarating experience. The humble mullet is the hardest fighting fish in the sea I reckon.
Great reward…Mullet on the fly!
If you’re fortunate to have mullet feeding where birds are fed with bread then you’re on a winner. This is where the bread fly can be deadly. The fly fishing is akin to dry fly fishing. Accuracy is not essential as you can move the fly towards the fish. A must I reckon is an indicator of some description. Don’t strike as you would a trout or you will lose the majority of your quarry. Strip striking is essential and will pay dividends I assure you. We are so lucky in the South West of Ireland to have mullet all year round. Unfortunately at some locations the shoals move around a lot adding to your frustration!
Check out YouTube for more guidance or better still purchase Colin Macleod’s excellent book Mullet on the Fly. Everything you ever wanted to know is there.
James from Waterford was up again for another two day pike session with Kevin of Melview Fishing Lodge in Longford. The first day we had to brave the high winds and heavy down pours of rain but the second day only see light winds along with a few showers.
Kevin gets off to a good start
A various selection of dead baits were used over the two days with all of them producing some very good fish, and a big thank you to Screaming Reels for supplying the dead baits at short notice.
James with his 2nd of the dayRoach dead bait tempted this nice pike
Water levels have risen and more bad weather is forecast so not too sure about the fishing over the coming days but will be back with another pike report soon hopefully. All fish released unharmed.
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.
February doesn’t stand out as one of our better fishing months in Ireland and some people think that the best thing about it is its brevity.
January and February are our coldest months, but temperatures over the past week were one or two degrees above normal, with mean values between 6°C-10°C. Rainfall amounts were quite varied, with below average rainfall for southern areas but above average rainfall elsewhere. The highest amount of rainfall was recorded at Shannon, with 46mm (227% of normal). With yellow wind and rain warnings in place overnight on Friday, parts of the west and south west will more than make up for any reported lack of rainfall to date.
Rainfall is that most important requirement for salmon angling, which is slowly picking up around the country, with more fisheries opening as the weeks go by. The next opening date in the calendar will be February 15th, when an extra handful of salmon fisheries will resume where they left off on September 30th last. Salmon angling was slow everywhere this week, except the Bundorragha River, where Delphi Lodge have reported five more springers since their first fish was landed. Hopefully a fish will be caught before too long on the Moy, the Munster Blackwater,Currane or one of the other open fisheries yet to see a fish in 2022.
Simon Cassidy with his cracking 7lbs 14oz springer from Delphi.
February 15th is also a date that trout anglers will have keenly awaited; it is the traditional opening date for many of our wild trout fisheries in the west and north west. With many trout anglers sorting out their fly boxes over the weekend or prepping their gear for some bricín fishing, we eagerly await the return of the trout fishing reports to these pages! For those trout anglers who will be busy wrapping thread around hooks over the weekend in anticipation of their first casts of 2022, Peter Driver will be hosting his live fly tying show on Saturday evening; this time the focus is on sea trout flies and nymphs.
Coarse fishing was slow this week, although the very active C/M Lakelands Feeder Club were busy again, with another twenty anglers competing on Lough Garadice in Leitrim at the weekend. There weren’t many pikers out either, although one young angler who does deserve a mention is Ruben from Lisdoonvarna who caught some good Corofin pike including a super 15lb fish. Ruben makes his own spoons, although his fine pike fell to a float-fished deadbait. Ruben wins our Catch of the Week for his efforts!
Ruben and his pike – our catch of the week
In the salt, the Killybegs Mariners were back on the shore again with a good mix of winter species caught in difficult conditions; junior member Christopher Gillespie gets a special mention for his 35cm whiting. At the other end of the country, the Tralee Bay SAC fished at Ventry, where Paul Whelan caught an impressive 37 dogfish, while the West Cork and District SAC fished their match on Ballinwilling beach in East Cork where club members landed ten different species: Pollack, Plaice, Flounder, Rockling, Cod, Painted Ray, Dogfish, Pouting, Coalfish and Conger.
The six-month posts are divided across seven River Basin Districts, covering sixteen counties with recruitment getting underway immediately. Seasonal Fisheries Officers will join teams over the summer months to help protect, conserve and develop fisheries resources working in and around Ireland’s lakes, rivers and coastlines.
And finally – a reminder that the 2022 Tuna CHART programme will be open for applications from February 14th to 28th. Over 1,100 Atlantic Bluefin tuna, the ‘giant of the sea’, have been successfully tagged and released under this ‘citizen scientist’ partnership. For more details on how to apply see here.
And now the weather…
Wet and windy on Friday night with widespread rain and strong and gusty southerly winds bringing a risk of localised flooding. Temps 6°C to 9°C.
Breezy on Saturday with widespread blustery showers in the morning, heavy bursts in places. Some sunshine, with showers becoming isolated towards evening. Highs 8°C to 11°C. Rain will push in again from the south overnight. Lows of 4°C to 6°C in fresh winds.
Outbreaks of rain on Sunday with heavy bursts in places, clearing northwards in the evening. Highs 7°C to 10°C with moderate winds. Clear spells developing overnight with scattered showers along Atlantic coasts. Lows 2°C to 4°C.
Sunny spells and a good deal of dry weather but cool on Monday, Tuesday looks wet with heavy rain possible. Highs of 8°C to 12°C.
The Killybegs Mariners have had some decent fishing this week, the highlights of which were a new club record whiting of 35cm and a tailless turbot! Junior Mariner Christopher Gillespie caught the whiting while senior member Cormac caught the tail-free flattie.
Club record whiting
Club members had to battle the elements at times, but they’ve shown that there are always fish to be caught – whatever the season, whatever the conditions. The main species encountered this week were turbot, flounders, whiting, codling and a few decent seatrout which were caught and released.
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Club record whiting
The club have been keeping their own score with a species record list and, in addition to the record whiting, club member Diarmuid McCallig scored a new shore record fish length with a codling of 29cm.
