Testing the waters for blue shark at Courtmacsherry

By

-

September 30, 2021

David Edwards takes a break from trolling for tuna to target blue sharks…

The Bluefin Tuna are staying away from West Cork at the moment so we had a day of shark tagging with all sharks released after measuring and using the new IFI floy tags.

We don’t allow stainless steel or barbed hooks when fishing for shark on Silver Dawn and the professional landing equipment we use also limits any risk of damage when bringing them on board for tagging and other research such as blood and tissue sampling with Marine Biologists.

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We caught and released 11 Blue sharks on Saturday ranging from 50-130lb.

It’s great to see their numbers increasing again and the data we are gaining should help provide further protection for all shark species in Irish waters.

David Edwards
West Cork Charters

Go Fishing

Silver Dawn

41′ Rodman 1250. Twin 430 HP Engines
Skipper: David Edwards
Licence: P5 Licence
Base: Courtmacsherry Operational Area:

Authorised blue fin tuna boat

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.

Address: The Pier, Courtmacsherry, Co. Cork.
Telephone: +353 (83) 449 1403
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.irelandseaangling.com

Hampshire Hogs hog all the good fishing after a tough start on Lough Currane

By

Myles Kelly

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September 30, 2021

Vincent Appleby reports from Lough Currane…

23/9/2021 The Currane drifters were in action and caught a few Trout this day. Wind light to fresh and bright and sunny all day.

24/9/2021 Straight to the Currane fly drifters, there was some great sport on the drift today in the Sea Trout and Brown Trout department. All the action was in Coffees Bay and Donnelly’s Bay, the biggest rod bender of the day was a fine 5 lbs Sea Trout. Wind West light and variable and overcast.

25/9/2021 The Currane Drifters were out in force today with eight boats out and Waterville Boats and at [email protected] take the headlines with a few nice Trout caught on the flies in their hired-out boats and I’m sure the other Currane drifters had a few Trout to their rods. Wind S Veered SSW light, with reasonable cloud cover.

26/9/21 In the hired-out boat department of [email protected] there were a few Sea Trout caught on the drift and by all accounts there were a few nice Sea Trout also caught today by other Currane drifters. Now we head up stream to the Commeragh River, there was one angler manipulating his skills but as of yet my mobile is all quiet and the same for the Inny C&R anglers, who also were manipulating their skills, I will let you draw your own conclusions. Wind S and veered NW light and variable with good cloud cover.

27/9/2021 The Currane drifters headed out this morning and came across some good Trout action in Coffees Bay and around the Rabbit Island. The Salmon department was all quiet in all departments. Wind light with good cloud cover, followed by heavy showers at times.

28/9/2021 We start in the back date department from the renowned UK Hampshire Hogs fly anglers, on their annual visit to the Waterville Fishery last week so here is their report take it away, it’s all yours Hampshire Hogs.

Hampshire Hogs Fishing out of Waterville Boats at [email protected] and the World Famous Butlers Pool at www.watervillegolflinks.ie

Hi Vincent, after nearly 2 years absence it was great to finally land back in Waterville and get fishing! The first couple of days on the lake were very tough, a few trout coming to the fly and troll and the occasional salmon seen but not in the taking mood. Whether they are still on the bottom waiting for cooler or more water or have already run upstream is anybody’s guess. We decided to mix up the fishing with mornings on the Butlers Pool, afternoons on the lake and a couple of visits to Copal lake thrown in. The salmon in the pool proved more obliging, with a 13 pounder for Nigel Henshaw, an 8 pounder for Trevor Dewberry and 5 grilse across 4 days for Peter Ruffle, plus 4 fish lost while being played.

A total of around 50 trout to 3 1/2 lbs, plus some fair-sized brownies, were landed between us over the six days from Currane and Copal. In all, another great trip to Waterville and now the long wait until next spring before we can try again.

Now to today’s facts, all that was reported was just a few Trout caught on the drift. In the Salmon department all quiet on the SW front. Wind West light and veered NW this evening, reasonable cloud cover followed by heavy hale showers at times.

29/9/2021 We start with the Currane drifter’s and for all their efforts they caught a few Trout, on that note we will head upstream, there was one angler manipulating his worms on the Commeragh but as of yet one has not received any text so we will take it his efforts weren’t rewarded. Now we cut across the Valley to the C&R River Inny and it was great to hear there were two Salmon caught on the fly and one on the spin. Wind NW veered and SW in the afternoon light to fresh.

Vincent Appleby
www.salmonandseatrout.com

Go fishing…

Vincent Appleby

Eureka Lodge, Caherdaniel West, Co. Kerry.
Telephone: +353 (0) 87 207 4882
E-mail:[email protected]
Web: www.salmonandseatrout.com

Find out more about Lough Currane…

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

Waterville lakes and rivers system

Third time the charm for specimen hunter in Waterford waters

By

Myles Kelly

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September 29, 2021

Cork Harbour angler Decky Collins has spent 10 long years chasing silver in the hopes of landing a specimen bass. Starting from scratch he quickly became a soft plastic specialist and racked up some impressive catches over the last few years. In a single season he has exceeded 300 bass caught and released, but despite many 60cm fish he rarely hit the highs of a 70cm plus bass.

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Deciding that new fishing grounds were needed he gave up his east Cork haunts and headed off to Waterford casting a line from a variety of small, small boats. He almost instantly had success with a 69cm fish on his first outing. This was surpassed by a 70 only a few casts later. Returning to Waterford’s waters he had another near hit, with a heart breakingly close 74.5cm bass.

Not to be deterred he went and bought a smaller boat of his own to add to his fleet. On his maiden voyage in his new craft, once more off the Waterford coast, he hit the jackpot with a smashing bass of 75.5cm. A few photos were taken to record the moment and the long fished for trophy was released, no the worse for wear.

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To prove the point, he followed up his fish of a lifetime with yet another close call, a 73cm bass, on his very next cast. It’s been a long road to his specimen bass, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he had another specimen off the Waterford coast before the year is out!

Trout and salmon seasons are closing, don’t despair, head to the coast

By

Myles Kelly

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September 29, 2021

It’s that time of year when the salmon and trout anglers, particularly the fly fishermen and women, go into a decline about the end of their season.

Richie Ryan knows this pain, and equally he knows just how good it feels to be able to extend the fishing season. “IFI came up with a brilliant idea a few years ago to extend the salmon season on the Blackwater. It was on a catch and release basis only. Personally I benefited from the decision and felt a tinge of sheer glee to be on the river when others around the country weren’t allowed to wet a line.”

Extending the salmon and trout season is unlikely to be a runner at this time, so what else can be done? Luckily the EireBass guide has the answer to you problems “I have a solution to your dilemma. Why not switch to saltwater fly fishing or any type of sea angling. Charter skippers are still operating and happy to take out these disappointed and melancholy anglers. Fly fishing, bait, soft plastics. Tuna, conger… you name it, are all still available. Weather permitting of course. I have found from experience that some of the best Bass and Pollack fly fishing can be had in October/November. The fish are bulking up for the winter and can make for spectacular sport with aggressive takes and lunges which tests our equipment to the limit.”

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“So come on and extend your angling fun by booking a charter skipper for a new adventure. I guarantee you, you will enjoy it. Covid has played heck with our lives. Enjoy a break by or on the sea. Your season does not have to end in September. An autumn break works out cheaper remember, and you can actually book somewhere as there will be availability and you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg! And of course it doesn’t have to be fly fishing, but you could always give it a try. You don’t have to be able to cast, we’ll cheat a little bit. When you’re “hooked” you can learn how to cast a fly rod. You have the whole winter to master the art. The following are some of the qualified fly fishing instructors, why not extend their season too!

Richie Ryan
Saltwater fly fishing Guide.
www.corkbass.com

Make a booking

If you want to book Richie then go to www.corkbass.com

Eire Bass – Richie Ryan

Saltwater fly fishing Guide.

Web: www.corkbass.com E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: +353 (0)86 1940744

Irish Angling Update – 24 September 2021

By

Shane O'Reilly

-

September 24, 2021

The past week has seen above-average temperatures as the last of the summer clings on against the advance of autumn (perhaps making amends for the damp and dreary June we had to endure). Rain too has been held at bay in most of the country, where all bar the south west experienced drier than normal conditions. This has not been music to the ears of salmon anglers, who have been praying for rain to freshen the rivers up, giving them a final chance of some decent fishing before the season’s end. And who knows, with heavy rain forecast for later this weekend, their prayers might be answered, but will it come too late for them…?

While the country has enjoyed the early autumn sunshine, there has been a general feeling of winding down on most of our fisheries as anglers and fish alike prepare for the long winter break. Trout anglers now have only a week left in their season, and by the sounds of it, many have already packed their rods away for the year. The angling effort on Lough Sheelin has been low, with only a handful of boats out on the lake every day. And, despite the weather being warmer than some days during the mayfly, the fishing has been slow, with only the odd trout showing. It wasn’t much easier on the other midland lakes as angling guide Mick Flanagan reports that fish have been scarce on both Lough Ennell and Lough Lene, with only a single trout to show for a couple of days effort. And it’s not much better further west, as anglers on Lough Conn reported slow action for the week. They did seem to manage a few smaller fish but struggled to get anything near the 1lb mark.

Mick Flanagan with a hard got Lough Lene’ Bow

Salmon anglers are also nearing the end of their season, and reports are that salmon catches are tapering off on most of our fisheries. In the north east, the lack of rain this month means that the rivers are running low, slow and clear and no fish have been reported caught on the Dee, Fane or Glyde, despite the latter seeming to have a decent head of fish. On the Boyne, the picture is much the same, although a couple of fish have been landed over the past week or two, with the best being a 14 pounder. Down in Waterville, there was enough rain to put the Inny in flood and anglers lucky enough to fish the river during the spate managed a few fish. Those that fished the lake boated a few juniors and brown trout but not much else. Unfortunately, the Blackwater hasn’t seen the hoped-for influx of fish that can sometimes occur in the final weeks of the season, and fishing has been poor, with only the odd resident fish showing. Some of the west Cork rivers performed better, with both the Ilen and Comholla returning reasonable numbers for the week. Over on the Moy, there was sufficient rain to keep the river topped up, and 152 salmon were landed for the week, with East Mayo and Mt. Falcon being the most productive areas.

Young anglers learning their trade on East Mayo water

Many of the coarse angling festivals that fill the calendar in September have had to be scaled back due to the lingering effects of Covid restrictions. We are seeing lots of mini-matches and small knock-ups taking place around the country which is great to see, but few have been sending in reports to us. One report that did make its way to us was for a small match held on Lough Muckno in Monaghan, where Conor Browne dazzled all before him with his excellent pole fishing skills and bagged first prize with just under 100kg for the 5 days of fishing. Anglers who fished the Carrick Festival in Carrick on Shannon all seemed to have a great time with plenty of 20kg+ catches making for good competition. Over in Longford, Kevin Lyons welcomed back some long time regulars, and it wasn’t long before they showed they still had the knack for catching in Ireland with plenty of roach, skimmers and some cracking tench to show for their efforts.

While all other freshwater fishing is winding down for the year, many pike anglers are dusting off their deadbait rods in anticipation of getting back to some serious winter piking. A couple of the Leinster Pike Anglers were out on an early season session and rustled up a fish or two using wobbled smelt and artificial frogs. Up in Boyle, a couple of Austrian anglers fishing with Bodo Funke had some great fishing on the fly, including a whopper pike of 111cm.

Nice fly-caught pike from the Boyle area

And it’s pike angling that brings us a most unusual but very worthy Catch of the Week this week as young angler Callum Clarke managed to fish his grandfather out of the water, almost certainly saving his life. The two had been pike fishing when a sudden gust of wind knocked grandad Sean into the water. 11-year-old Callum kept his wits about him and managed to get a board to his grandad to hold onto before manoeuvering him safely to shore. Sean had been wearing a life jacket that failed to fire, which should serve as a reminder to us all to test and service our lifejackets regularly.

Sea anglers are still enjoying some good sport, and punters onboard the Brazen Hussy 2 in Galway Bay had some exciting light lure action targeting a range of species, including cod and pollack. Down the coast in Clare, Carrigaholt Skipper Luke Aston made the most of the shelter provided by the Shannon Estuary to target some super double figure thornback rays and then, once the wind died off, headed out west to find some nice shark fishing. Mark Gannon from Courtmacsherry welcomed some Dutch anglers back to his boat, and they hit a couple of inshore wrecks with impressive results, catching a nice mix of ling, pollack, coalies and cod. And it was double Dutch this week as Wicklow Boat Charters also welcomed some Dutch anglers back to the east coast, and they enjoyed some quality species fishing with a couple of specimens thrown into the mix.

On the shore angling front, Killybegs Mariners kicked off their winter league against the spectacular backdrop of the Northern Lights. 22 anglers turned out for the session, and they weren’t disappointed as a total of 9 species were landed on the night, with Stefan Martin coming out on top with 14 flounder and a weever fish.

Finally, we had a report in during the week of a beach in the south west that was left in a bad way when a large number of anglers dug extensive trenches to collect lugworm but failed to fill the trenches in after them. This left the beach in a bad way for other users, and locals and tourists alike were justifiably annoyed. So, we would like to urge all bait diggers to respect the rights of others to use the beach and to fill back in holes and trenches when you have collected your bait.

And now the weather

It will be mild and mostly dry tonight, with winds easing back to light south-westerlies. It will remain relatively mild tomorrow, with patches of sunny weather breaking through the clouds from time to time with the odd drizzly shower mainly in the western half of the country. It will continue mild on Saturday night, but the wind will freshen through the night bring strong gusty winds from Sunday morning accompanied by heavy showers. As the rain passes eastwards, temperatures will become noticeably cooler, and Monday and Tuesday will see some more heavy showers with the possibility of a thunderstorm or two.

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

Shane O’Reilly
Catch, Photo, Release

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

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Blackwater anglers wonder will they ever get water before season’s end

By

Myles Kelly

-

September 24, 2021

Week-ending 19^th of September 2021

The expected Autumn run did not seem to materialise (yet) this year and Salmon angling is dependant largely on “resident fish”, some of which are in the system for extended periods and becoming coloured and in some instances gravid.

Salmon angling over the entire river system could be classed as not as good for the week as it ought to be.

Go fishing…

Blackwater Salmon Fishery

Blackwater Salmon Fishery has 3 beats downstream of the weir and 2 upstream of the weir. Blackwater Salmon Fishery offers fishing on approximately 5 miles of the river Blackwater. The fishing is spread throughout the middle section of the river to offer good sport throughout the fishing season. Due to the location of the beats, fishing can still usually be offered in low or high water.
Contact Glenda Powell: Lismore, Co Waterford,
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +353 (0) 872351260 Telephone: +353 (0) 5853929
Web: www.blackwatersalmonfishery.com

Fortwilliam Fishery & Self-Catering Cottages

Fortwilliam Fishery offers two miles of double bank salmon and trout fishing over five beats on the river Blackwater.
Our salmon include – Springers, May Salmon, Grilse, Back End Salmon, and in Summer sea trout.
Our beats provide a wide variety of water, suitable for both beginners and the more experienced fishermen.
Fortwilliam Fishery, Glencairn, Lismore, Co. Waterford, Ireland
Web: www.fortwilliamfishing.ie Email: [email protected]
Tel: (00353) 87 8292077 or 058 75299

Blackwater Salmon and Trout Fishery

Blackwater Salmon and Trout Fishery control a number of beats of the Munster Blackwater. The Ballyduff Bridge beat is almost a mile long offering a huge variety of water and is particularly suited to fly fishing. Upstream near the village of Ballyhooley (a few miles outside the town of Fermoy, Cork) we have two beats. The Ballincurrig Beat is one of the most beautiful locations along the river and has an excellent piece of fly water flowing into a deep pool. Just downstream on the opposite bank we have a short but productive beat, called Magners. This beat fishes also well in high water.

Contact Jason Corcoran:
Ballyduff, Co. Waterford.

Tel: +353 (0)586 0146
Mobile: +353 (0)87 720 5690
Web: www.blackwatertroutandsalmon.ie

Careysville Fishery

Careysville Fishery offers some of the best salmon fly fishing in Ireland and includes 26 named pools. It is considered by many to be one of premier beats for salmon fishing in Ireland. Wading is excellent and among the numerous streams, pools and glides there is a great variety of fly fishing to suit both complete novice and challenge the most competent of fly casters.

Careysville, Clondulane, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland
Email: [email protected] Mobile: +353 (0)86 2378788
Web: http://careysville.com/careysville-fishery/

Lismore Castle Fishery

At Lismore Castle & Golf Course Fishery, we offer nearly two miles of two inter-linked beats, the Castle Beat & the Golf Course Beat.

The legendary Castle Beat consistently ranks as one of the top Salmon beats on the River Blackwater, for the number of Atlantic Salmon caught per rod. The Golf Course Beat offers about 1.5 miles of fishable water through meandering majestic countryside. The Golf Course beat offers a number of bewildering pools suitable for unmatched spinning and bait fishing.

For bookings contact Joe Willoughby on Mobile no. 00353 87 8295449 or Email: [email protected]

Website: www.lismorecastlefishery.com

Blackwater Salmon Anglers, Mallow

We provide Day Tickets for some prime Salmon fishing in Mallow Co. Cork. We have excellent fly water, shrimping worming and spinning also. We also have very competitive Day rates and we have very recently upgraded our fishing.

Tickets available from “The Bridge House” and “Vincent Downes Menswear” Mallow.

Facebook: Blackwater Salmon Anglers

Upper Bridgetown Salmon Fishery

Located on the Munster Blackwater in the south of Ireland. Situated mid river between the towns of Fermoy and Mallow. A productive left bank beat in stunning surroundings.

For bookings contact Conor Arnold: +353 87 755 4682

Facebook: Upper Bridgetown Salmon Fishery

Loungueville House Salmon Fishery

For details on availability and conditions of fishing for salmon and trout on the Longueville House waters please contact them at
Contact : Longueville House Hotel, William O’Callaghan
Address : Mallow, Co. Cork.
Telephone : 00 353 22 47156
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.longuevillehouse.ie

Some west Cork rivers producing salmon

By

Myles Kelly

-

September 24, 2021

FOR WEEK ENDING SUNDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2021

Ilen River fished well at times and there were 20 salmon landed last week. Of these the best was a 9lbs salmon by a club angler on worm.

Comholla saw 12 salmon caught. The best of these was a 7lbs fish that also fell for a worm.

Go fishing…

The River Ilen is a medium size spate river that fishes best on a dropping flood for both salmon and sea trout. Spinning, worm and fly fishing are the methods used and allowed on club water.

The river is beautiful and a joy to fish, pools along club waters are easily accessible with seats, steps and stiles put in place for the anglers comfort. With selective tree pruning done along the river in recent years fly fishing has become a more available option especially on the lower river with numerous pools opened up to suit fly fishermen, night time fly fishing for sea trout is a pleasure with great stocks of trout entering the river from April.

Website: www.riverilenanglersclub.ie

Great reef fishing in Galway Bay

By

Kevin Crowley

-

September 24, 2021

John Fleming has been poutting his anglers over some very good reef fishing lately. Skipper of the Brazen Hussy II, John is a fan of light fishing with lure rods, and his guests have been enjoying great sport for pollack on the light gear. Good cod and whiting are also coming to baits.

If we get a spell of settled weather John may be targeting sharks or even the bluefin tuna, as he is one of the registered Tuna CHART skippers this year, so worth giving him a call if you fancy some good sport. The craic is guaranteed!

Go fishing…

To book fishing with John aboard the Brazen Hussy II, give him a call on 087 7571320

A regular day is between 9am- 6pm from either Rossaveal, Spiddal or Galway depending on species being sought after. Fishing on the inshore reefs for pollock, cod, ling, wrasse, conger eel and mackerel can be reached in 10 minutes from departure, while our offshore reef marks are within 45 minutes of departure. Our ground fishing for tope, spurdog, ray, bullhuss, turbot, plaice and the giant common skate can all be reached within the hour which ensures the most amount of time is spent fishing.
The shark season usually starts at the end of June and runs into late October, this is the ultimate angling adrenaline rush with these hard fighting blue and porbeagle sharks all being tagged and released safely.
Package deals available

Address: Baile an tSagairt, Spiddal, Co. Galway.
Telephone: +353 (0)87 7571320
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BlueSharkAngling

Blue Shark Angling Galway,
Phone John Fleming : +353 (0)87 7571320

Great fishing offshore and in the Shannon Estuary

By

Kevin Crowley

-

September 24, 2021

Clare Dragoon Blue Sep 17 2021 — This blue shark made this man happy!

One great thing about fishing out of the Carrigaholt area is the availability of shelter when it’s too windy to get out offshore. The Shannon estuary provides a safe option and plenty of good fishing too. Luke Aston, skipper of the Clare Dragoon, availed of the sheltered estuary on a windy day this week and put his anglers over some quality double figure thornback ray. Bull huss were also on the prowl for fresh baits too.

A lovely spotted bull huss for this angler.

On another day in the estuary they also had a nice tope to the boat.

They did manage to get out west on other days, with good reef fishing providing penty of sport. Pollack, coalfish and spurdogs up to 17lbs provided great entertainment. While reef fishing, it would have been rude no to put a shark rod out, and this paid off too, with some good blue shark brought to the boat as well.

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: [email protected] Web: www.fishandstay.com

Leinster Pike Anglers get off to a wobble

By

Shane O'Reilly

-

September 23, 2021

A couple of the Leinster Pike Anglers dusted off their pike angling gear recently and headed out on the water for a first cast or two of autumn/winter picking. Trying a couple of methods, including wobbled smelt and artificial frog, they managed to bring a few fish to the bank. Let’s hope it’s the first of many for them.

Go Fishing

Silver Dawn

Authorised blue fin tuna boat

Go fishing…

Vincent Appleby

Find out more about Lough Currane…

Make a booking

And now the weather

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Go fishing…

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Go fishing…

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