Pierre Monjarret gives a brief round up of his 2018 season which saw him help break many anglers PBs…
The 2018 season is now over. We had great fishing again this year. We met lots of new fishermen from the over Europe and made some new friends too. There were plenty of new PBs set in the Crestliner raptor in 2018. I guided 173 days this season and we managed to boat 167 pike over the meter mark. Of these 22 were over 110cm and 1 over 120cm … so cool!
“Is this No. 247 or 246” “I don’t know, I lost count”
For the all Blackbay crew between the 3 boats (Sam and Ricardo) we caught 387 pike over the meter and that’s insane I think!
2019 Is coming soon but now it’s time for other things….maybe some fishing
BlackBay Lodge overlooks Lough Derg, is located in a strategic position close to several fishing spots having different types of water and environmental conditions. We look after our guests during his daily activities: from the selection of the most appropriate lure to the accurate teaching of precise techniques.
Pierre Monjarret moved to Ireland in 2007 to pursue his dream as a guide. It is now many years since he cast his first line on Lough Derg. Throughout that time his passion for this lake has never faded, always something new to learn, new techniques to develop and challenges that remind you why you love catching big fish!
Lower Bann CAA reports on round 6 of their Winter League…
Aaron Galbraith eased to a comfortable victory at yesterday’s round 6 of our Winter League program. We fished pegs 38 – 58 as 19 anglers entered the match.
Aaron weighed in with 14.37kg from peg 48 using whip tactics. The middle 40’s again proved the area to draw as Phil Hartin peg 43 weighed in 9.08kgto secure 2nd overall. Mike Perry 3rd from peg 47 with 8.63kg.
The Lower Bann CAA is a member of the Ulster Coarse Fishing Federation, UCFF the provincial council of the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland, NCFFI and the NGB for coarse and predator angling in Ireland. www.ncffi.ie
Damien Culliney of Anglers Paradise Ireland tells us us a slow day for on the water this week resulted in a few half hearted takes but finished up with this beauty of 112 cm.
A great fish, well done Chris. The pike fell to a large lure; 21 cm slab shad in Blue.
A beautiful 112cm pike for Chris wins Catch of the Week
Go fishing…
Anglers Paradise Ireland
Trout and Pike Guide
Anglers Paradise Ireland is owned and managed by Damien Culliney, a well known angler and chef in the Clare region and a man passionate about the inland waterways and natural history of County Clare. At Angler’s Paradise, we love the thrill of Game fishing and Pike fishing in equal measure and can take our clients to some of Europe’s most unspoilt rivers and lakes in search of trophy predators and the realisation of their angling dreams.
Wicklow Boat Charters hosted its annual Awards for customer competitions in the Bridge Tavern in Wicklow on 8th December. This is the fourth year that Kit Dunne, Chartered Boat Angler has hosted and sponsored this presentation to anglers who caught some outstanding fish during the year. Since its inception in 2013, Wicklow Boat Charters has firmly put Wicklow on the map as a high quality sea angling destination with 39 different fish species recorded in total and a record 419 specimen fish recorded.
Josie Mahon, John Mellerick, Kit Dunne
Good boat fishing conditions and the warm summer of 2018 meant that many anglers went out to sea to try their hand at the great ‘animal fishing’ in Wicklow. It proved to be a great year for fishing in the Wicklow area with 289 tope caught which is a new record, 667 Smooth Hound, 23 Spurdog, 83 Blue Shark one at 1.9M to the fork and numerous specimen fish.
Josie Mahon, John Patrick Chew, Kit Dunne
Some prizes were also sponsored by Inland Fisheries Ireland and they were awarded to anglers as follows: Gary Blake won the most species with 20 species recorded during the year which was fantastic. On the shark fishing front Daniel O’Kelly won the prize for the biggest Shark for his Specimen Blue Shark of 100lbs plus that was 1.9m long. There was much talk on the night about his great fishing day where there were 13 shark caught and released in one day! Shay McDonnell came 2nd with a blue shark of 100lbs plus and in 3rd place was Eric Brady with a great fish of 1.8m length.
Josie Mahon, Eric Brady, Kit Dunne
On the specimen fishing front, John Mellerick won the most specimen fish award catching 3 smoothound and 2 tope to 50lbs in weight and was delighted to accept a prize. The best specimen fish went to Evan McGovern for a smoothound of 18.3lbs. Bert McGregor came 3rd catching a smoothound of 18lbs and receiving a nice Shimano reel.
Josie Mahon, Daniel O’Kelly, Kit Dunne
On the junior angling front it was great to see 3 well deserved winners. John Patrick Chew (age 13) claimed a specimen smoothound and has claimed a specimen fish every year. Liam McDonnell (age 11) won a prize for a nice black bream he caught and he also came 4th out of 16 senior club competitors who were fishing. Killian McDonnelly (age 17), is relatively new to sea fishing and is getting some great results already. Some very useful tackle boxes and rods were presented to the juniors. A full listing of results is below.
Josie Mahon, Bert McGregor, Kit Dunne
Wicklow Boat Charters had a great year with a unique ‘animal fishing’ product that it offers. It not only attracts local anglers, many overseas anglers came from Germany, Holland and the UK during the year contributing hugely to the Wicklow economy and to the sea angling product in Ireland. The catch and release principle is very much a part of fishing on Wicklow Boat Charters in line with conservation of our marine fish species. In 2018 there were 289 tope which is a record number recorded. It proved a very productive year for smoothounds with 667 caught. Bull huss were slow to start however there were 101 recorded. There were 30 Ray recorded and 23 Spurdog and a phenomenal 83 blue shark caught which is an average of 7 per day. There were also 74 Gurnards caught and a black bream too! To book a day’s fishing see – www.wicklowboatcharters.ie or email: kit.dunne@gmail.com
Full list of Winners:
Most Species
Gary Blake – 20 species including red mullet, hake, dragonet and many more
Biggest Shark
1st: Daniel O’Kelly, Specimen blue shark 100lb +
2nd: Shay McDonnell, Blue Shark 100lb +
3rd: Eric Brady, Blue Shark, 1.8m long
Best Specimen Fish
1st: Evan McGovern, Smoothound 18.3lbs
2nd Craig Murphy, Black Bream 2.2lbs
3rd Bert McGregor, Smoothound 18lbs
Most Specimen Fish
1st: John Mellerick, 3 Smoothound and 2 tope to 50lbs
2nd: Tom Lynch, 3 smoothound and 1 Spurdog
Best Juniors
Best Specimen: John Patrick Chew, Specimen smoothound 13lbs
Best Species: Liam McDonnell, Black bream
Most Species: Adrian Semar who is a regular visitor from Germany with 12 species in one day
Brian Nally reports on the finals of the Annamoe Fly Fishing Winter League supported by Southside Angling Centre, Dublin…
The Annamoe Fly fishing Winter League concluded on Sunday. The anglers fished through windy conditions to land some lovely rainbows.
Final Results
1st Ronan Meghen 5 trout 201 cms.
2nd Robert Bujak 4 trout 177 cms.
3rd Donal Monaghan 4 trout 176 cms.
4th Tommy Russell 3 trout 127 cms.
5th Hubert Smith 3 trout 124 cms.
The Gross Prize also went to Hubert Smith who landed 33 Rainbow Trout over the 4 heats and the final.
Christmas Gift Ideas
Fly Casting Tuition Gift Vouchers available costing 50 euro per person. This includes two hours tuition, hire of equipment and fishing for the remainder of the day.
Contact Brian Nally: 086 2598563
Go fishing…
Annamoe Trout Fishery is a 4 acre lake set on the banks of the Annamoe River. The lake is filled with trout up to 20lbs weight, where fly fishing only is permitted. Annamoe Fishery is also specialised in providing fly fishing classes for beginners and more advanced fishermen.
Canney welcomes completion of improvement works at popular angling destination in County Mayo
Ballinrobe and District Angling Club secured significant funding from Inland Fisheries Ireland to support the project
Ballinrobe and District Angling Club has successfully completed a project which will greatly improve access to a popular angling destination at Cushlough Bay, County Mayo. The project was funded by Inland Fisheries Ireland via the National Strategy for Angling Development (NSAD) Fund. The location at Cushlough Bay, off Lough Mask near Ballinrobe is used by domestic and visiting international anglers alike.
The project saw improvement works completed on the angling club’s carpark to make it safe and accessible for anglers. This included resurfacing and realigning of the carpark, as well as the provision of security fencing around the perimeter. The club was awarded €21,263 from Inland Fisheries Ireland to carry out the works which are now complete. The funding was granted in June, after the club completed all their corporate governance requirements, with the project at completion stage just a few weeks later.
Inland Fisheries Ireland granted support under its National Strategy for Angling Development which aims to ensure that Ireland’s fish stocks and angling infrastructure are protected and enhanced for the economic value and recreational benefit which they offer to communities across Ireland. The fisheries resource is worth €836 million to the Irish economy annually and supports upwards of 11,000 jobs, often in rural and peripheral communities.
In addition to the funding provided by National Strategy for Angling Development, Ballinrobe & District Trout Anglers Association and the World Cup Trout Fly Championship Committee provided €6,641 to upgrade the slipway as an extra part of the project.
Ballinrobe and District Angling Club before delivery of the project.
The Ballinrobe carpark after project delivery.The slipway before upgrade works.The slipway following the improvement project.
Sean Canney TD, Minister with responsibility for the Inland Fisheries sector said: “Investment in angling access and infrastructure is a key component of the current round of NSAD funding and the Ballinrobe Club has demonstrated that, working in partnership with Inland Fisheries Ireland and underpinned by significant grant aid, valuable community driven projects will be delivered. The project will be of major benefit to local, visiting and international anglers and will define Cushlough Bay as a top class venue for social and competitive angling and can assist in attracting international events.”
Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Accessibility and safety is a priority if our inland fisheries are to be enjoyed by everyone. I am delighted that this project is complete in Ballinrobe at an important angling location which has both recreational and socio economic benefit to the local community. It is a reflection on the commitment of the club to the future of angling in the area and we would like to commend them on their work in delivering this improved amenity to their community.
The significant funding available to date for the National Strategy for Angling Development has been exclusively capital funding and this has appropriately delivered important capital infrastructural and access projects, including the current project, under the investment initiative. Inland Fisheries Ireland is committed to working closely with Minister Canney and his Department in seeking to secure additional funding to support essential habitat enhancement and in-river works for the benefit of the inland fisheries resource as NSAD continues to be rolled out.”
Kevin Egan, Chairperson of Ballinrobe and District Anglers said: “This is an outstanding project which we are delighted to complete. The funding from the National Strategy for Angling Development allowed us to upgrade the parking facility which will be of benefit for local anglers and tourist anglers.”
Canney welcomes completion of improvement works at popular angling destination in County Mayo
Ballinrobe and District Angling Club secured significant funding from Inland Fisheries Ireland to support the project
Ballinrobe and District Angling Club has successfully completed a project which will greatly improve access to a popular angling destination at Cushlough Bay, County Mayo. The project was funded by Inland Fisheries Ireland via the National Strategy for Angling Development (NSAD) Fund. The location at Cushlough Bay, off Lough Mask near Ballinrobe is used by domestic and visiting international anglers alike.
The project saw improvement works completed on the angling club’s carpark to make it safe and accessible for anglers. This included resurfacing and realigning of the carpark, as well as the provision of security fencing around the perimeter. The club was awarded €21,263 from Inland Fisheries Ireland to carry out the works which are now complete. The funding was granted in June, after the club completed all their corporate governance requirements, with the project at completion stage just a few weeks later.
Inland Fisheries Ireland granted support under its National Strategy for Angling Development which aims to ensure that Ireland’s fish stocks and angling infrastructure are protected and enhanced for the economic value and recreational benefit which they offer to communities across Ireland. The fisheries resource is worth €836 million to the Irish economy annually and supports upwards of 11,000 jobs, often in rural and peripheral communities.
In addition to the funding provided by National Strategy for Angling Development, Ballinrobe & District Trout Anglers Association and the World Cup Trout Fly Championship Committee provided €6,641 to upgrade the slipway as an extra part of the project.
Ballinrobe and District Angling Club before delivery of the project.
The Ballinrobe carpark after project delivery.The slipway before upgrade works.The slipway following the improvement project.
Sean Canney TD, Minister with responsibility for the Inland Fisheries sector said: “Investment in angling access and infrastructure is a key component of the current round of NSAD funding and the Ballinrobe Club has demonstrated that, working in partnership with Inland Fisheries Ireland and underpinned by significant grant aid, valuable community driven projects will be delivered. The project will be of major benefit to local, visiting and international anglers and will define Cushlough Bay as a top class venue for social and competitive angling and can assist in attracting international events.”
Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “Accessibility and safety is a priority if our inland fisheries are to be enjoyed by everyone. I am delighted that this project is complete in Ballinrobe at an important angling location which has both recreational and socio economic benefit to the local community. It is a reflection on the commitment of the club to the future of angling in the area and we would like to commend them on their work in delivering this improved amenity to their community.
The significant funding available to date for the National Strategy for Angling Development has been exclusively capital funding and this has appropriately delivered important capital infrastructural and access projects, including the current project, under the investment initiative. Inland Fisheries Ireland is committed to working closely with Minister Canney and his Department in seeking to secure additional funding to support essential habitat enhancement and in-river works for the benefit of the inland fisheries resource as NSAD continues to be rolled out.”
Kevin Egan, Chairperson of Ballinrobe and District Anglers said: “This is an outstanding project which we are delighted to complete. The funding from the National Strategy for Angling Development allowed us to upgrade the parking facility which will be of benefit for local anglers and tourist anglers.”
We’ve had some amount of rain recently and many fisheries inland experienced high levels and flooding. The estuaries were full of freshwater and this no doubt impacted on some of the sea angling recently. But now that winter is officially here at least it’s been mild, and that has helped in some places…
There was a lot of pike fishing done on Sunday as many clubs ran competitions. The conditions were not easy at all, driving rain and winds made their mark but at Pallas there were some decent fish caught to over 20lb, out of the way pockets of water yielded the best results. Dinny Coyne wins Catch of the Week with his 20lb 14oz pike. Anglers in the Go Hire National Pike Championship had a much different experience at their Cavan venue and only 8 pike were landed. It was a similar story from Lough Derravarragh where the Moffat cup was fished.
Dinny Coyne with his 20lb 14oz pike – Catch of the Week winner
Bannow Bay SAC at Duncannon had some decent fishing and good flounders to 40cm were measured. Meanwhile, down the coast in Youghal 50 anglers fished the All-Ireland Cod Championships. The winner of the All Ireland title was Donal Domeney with a cod of 68 cm. It was all flounders and coleys for the Killybegs anglers at Mullaghmore where undersized fish kept the competitors busy between the counters.
Salmon anglers are reminded that you can now buy your salmon licence for the 2019 season online at https://store.fishinginireland.info/. And another reminder that salmon angling regulations for 2019 are in draft form and can be reviewed at the following link. Closing date for observations or objections is 13 December 2018.
Sean Canney TD, Minister with responsibility for the inland fisheries sector marked the launch of International Year of the Salmon by unveiling one of Inland Fisheries Ireland’s new fleet of 12 RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) to highlight the important of fisheries protection. International Year of the Salmon is a joint world-wide initiative of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO) and the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission (NPAFC) alongside other partners across the globe, creating an international framework for collaborative outreach and research. It is hoped that IYS will raise awareness of what humans can do to ensure salmon and their habitats are conserved and restored against a backdrop of complex environmental factors. We’ll be keeping you up to date with initiatives .
And now the weather…
Cold, blustery and showery tomorrow, Friday with an outlook for continuing unsettled and changeable weather. The blustery, showery conditions will be replaced by brighter conditions on Sunday, leading to a colder night and frost later. The early days of next week will be mainly dry and less cold as winds swing to the south or southeast. However some night frosts are likely – especially over the midlands and east of the country. At least there’s no storm or weather warning forecast for a change should be nice on the beaches.
Finally, keep an eye on our Facebook page as we’re doing our best to share all the details of the tackle shops, guides, fisheries and other angling services that are providing Christmas specials and vouchers. You’re sure to find the perfect angling present for someone else or maybe something for your own Christmas list…
Mick Flanagan reports from the MMidlands where winter perch fishing is getting started…
Gordon Davies with a Lough Ennel perch
The winter Perch fishing is kicking in, and some colourful fish are coming from Ennell. At the moment water temperatures are 6-7 Degrees Celsius, and the Perch are had to locate in deep water. If we get a cold spell and calm conditions it will pick up, and some cracking Perch will come from Ennell. Gordon Davies was back out on Ennell recently, and had some nice perch. I was also chatting Pauric Martin of Harbour Court who we featured some weeks back in Angling Focus, with cracking Perch. Pauric has some new rigs ready, for when conditions are right. Watch this space.
Midlands Angling provide a top class Guiding service covering many of the top coarse and game waters across the Midlands. Visiting fly anglers have landed some fine trout while out with Midland Angling Guides, pike anglers also recorded some net bursting catches including many pike over 20lbs. Top waters include Lough Ree, Ennell, Owel, Lene, Mount Dalton, and Glore Lake just to mention a few. Michael Flanagan Midland Angling
Pike and Trout angling guide.
Mick Flanagan reports on the latest pike news from Lough Derravaragh…
PHILIP MOFFATT MEMORIAL CUP/ CHRISTMAS PIKE COMPETITION.
Members of the Moffatt family and winner Ciaran Newman
Last Sunday December 2nd we fished the last competition on Derravaragh for the 2018 season. The weather was very changeable, and some savage rain drifted across this fantastic fishery for a few hours. Still we had a super day out, and quite a few pike were caught, all be on the smaller size.
Ciaran Newman of Lynn fishing with dad Bernie was Top rod with a pike just over 7lbs.
Frank McKeon was 2nd, and April Flanagan finished 3rd, Mick Flanagan 4th, and Darragh Doyle 5th.
Liam Gilsenan Chairman of Derravaragh anglers thanked all who fished the Derravaragh Club competition in 2018, and wished all their members a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New year.
Christy Hynes and Kieran Evans weer competition stewards, and did an excellent job on the day. Prior to the presentation of prizes, Christy thanked all their sponsors for their support over the season. Young Shannon Breslin Grand-daughter of the late Philip Moffatt presented all the winners with prizes.
Ciaran Newman receives the Moffatt Cup from Shannon Breslin. Grandaughter of the late Philip Moffatt.
GLORE PIKE COMPETITION.
I was chatting to Lough Glore Chairman Eddie O, Donnell last Sunday on Derravaragh. The club members are holding a pike competition next Sunday December 9th .Its an 11am start and will finished at 3-30pm. I have not being on Glore in recent months, as the water levels were quite low, so hopefully all going well next Sunday we will get a few Glore pike.
Join the Club
Derravaragh Angling Association will hold their A.G.M. come the New Year and new members are more than welcome to jump on board. The club holds many pike, and trout competition during the season. I will keep you posted on the A.G.M date, and all members will be contacted by text message regarding club activities.
Midlands Angling provide a top class Guiding service covering many of the top coarse and game waters across the Midlands. Visiting fly anglers have landed some fine trout while out with Midland Angling Guides, pike anglers also recorded some net bursting catches including many pike over 20lbs. Top waters include Lough Ree, Ennell, Owel, Lene, Mount Dalton, and Glore Lake just to mention a few. Michael Flanagan Midland Angling
Pike and Trout angling guide.
