Inland Fisheries Ireland issues reminder to anglers on water safety guidelines
Inland Fisheries Ireland is reminding anglers to follow safety guidelines when fishing. Three anglers have died in Ireland so far this year as a result of drowning, according to the latest figures from Irish Water Safety.
Last year, a total of 109 people drowned in Irish waters. This equates to nine deaths every month with many drownings happening quickly, silently and in shallow water. Of the 109 drownings last year, 84 were male and 24 were female.
As angling is a water based activity, anglers often have to deal with changing conditions and hidden dangers. Inland Fisheries Ireland is reminding anglers to exercise great care for their own safety and that of angling partners. Anglers are asked to follow some simple safety tips when going fishing:
Wear a life jacket
Follow advice on warning signs, permits and notices
Don’t take any risks when wading or fishing from boat, shore or bank
Check the weather forecast and tide tables before you go
Take time to observe weather, water and tide conditions while fishing
Fish with a partner/buddy or let someone know where you’re going
Take a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case/bag
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “There are 273,000 domestic anglers in Ireland who enjoy fishing at the many scenic destinations across the country. Many anglers have been fishing for many years and may feel experienced on being near or on the water however we would appeal to anglers to follow these simple safety steps at all times. Although game angling has finished for 2018, angling for other species continues in many isolated peripheral and rural areas and with winter approaching, it is important to stay safe.
Our angling website (www.fishinginireland.info) and information booklet Safety on the Water– Angling Water Safety Guidelines details guidelines around safety on lakes and at sea alongside important information regarding tides and currents, what to wear and the type of boat you should use. We would ask anglers to take some time to familiarise themselves with this safety information and to remember their safety is a priority when angling. ”
Lough Currane and River Inny updates from Vincent Appleby…
11/10/18 Talk about the different contrasts of the weather. Yesterday it was wild with little to no action, today we had bright sunshine all day with hardly a cloud in sight, with a fresh breeze from the SW with same results. Staying with the weather, tomorrow as we all know is the last day of the 2018 season and it will be a wash out because it’s “Batten the hatches me hearties” as storm Callum approaches on the Currane anglers’ waters. Yesterday’s weather, maximum air temperature 17.4 c.
12/10/18 We go straight to the Bungalow and quote of the day from Local Gillie Mr. Tom O’Shea, it sums up today’s action in a nut shell. It’s all over, Gale Callum stopped play early and makes the Currane anglers and their rods and reels redundant on this last day of the 2018 Season.
So now we will head for my highlights of the 2018 Season, catch of the season goes to Mr. Michael Roden of Waterville and Dublin, who caught a 17 lbs. Salmon on the troll on the 26/2/18.
C&R Sea Trout of the Season goes to Cork and Currane angler, Mr. Jerry O’Sullivan, while trolling on the 10/5/18 caught and released a 9 lbs. Sea Trout.
Catch and release on Lough Currane
In the River department the World Famous Butler Pool takes all the headlines and in simple words it was electrifying and not forgetting the Inny, there was some great action up there at times and I know a few anglers who were well satisfied and for the rest of the season we all know that the Sun took all the headlines and I don’t mean page 3. As we saw when the dry spell came to an end there was good Sea Trout fishing!
Charity Salmon of the Season goes to Local angler Mr. Mike O’Dwyer who caught the first Salmon of the season and he caught it on the 20/2/18 and auctioned his 7 lbs. Salmon and rose 1500 Euro for the Palliative care unit at UKH in memory of local angler and World Champion Currane Honey producer Mr. John Foley RIP.
Well it’s that time of year again to thank all you good people who read the Waterville Fishery report every day, I would also like to thank all the team at www.fisheriesireland.ie and Mr. Paul Burke of the Trout and Salmon magazine and Mr. Tony Gosnell of the Irish Examiner and on that note I look forward to be reporting to you all in 2019 on No Spin No Flys just Facts zone.
So Happy Christmas to you all and I hope you all have a great 2019 Season in all departments.
The Waterville Lakes & Rivers Trust, formed by concerned volunteers in 2016, is one of the new Rivers Trusts to be set up in Ireland and is currently aspiring to Charitable Status. Its remit is to protect the fresh and coastal waters of the Iveragh Peninsula.
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
A total of 33 anglers turned up to fish the 5th IFPAC qualifier of the 2018/2019 season. This leg was fished on the River Inny near Ballymahon. Fishing was patchy with a total of 56 fish caught. Sizes were modest enough but there were two doubles caught.
Results are as follows:
1st Pat Dunphy 21lb ( 7 fish )
2nd Albert Mc Namara 16lb 5oz (8 fish)
3rd Fran Crosbie 13lb 12oz (5 fish)
4th Gerard Dimbylow 13lb 5oz (2 fish)
5th Gary Quinn – aka Yahoo! 12lb 8oz (3 fish)
6th Eddie Mc Guirk 12lb (2 fish)
Heaviest Fish:
1st William Laverty 10lb 14oz
2nd Eddie Mc Guirk 10lb
3rd Gary Quinn 8lb 9oz
The Irish Federation of Pike Angling Clubs (IFPAC) is a body representing pike anglers in Ireland, North and South.The IFPAC was founded on 17th January 1988 at a meeting held at the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan. The membership for that year stood at fifteen clubs representing six hundred anglers, today membership of IFPAC is approaching 100 affiliated clubs representing in excess of seven thousand anglers from all walks of life.
Stefan Martin from Killybegs Mariners SAC reports on the fishing around Donegal Bay…
Being prepared to break from tradition makes all sorts of catches possible…
11 October: It’s great to have so many friends with similar interests and out exploring the Donegal coast together figuring out techniques and species and all different forms of angling together be it bait or lure, sand or rock. Messaging around yesterday afternoon the incoming weather system was driving in very warm air and made for a glorious balmy evening with good surf for the bass fishing. Johnny and Christopher headed off to the rocks with the lure rods and spent the evening casting plugs and soft plastics and metals catching and releasing some lovely bass in over shallow reefs carrying very light gear and covering loads of new ground.
Gavin and Stefan set up on the beach for sunset and it was a real gem burning the sky red which silhouetted the surfers catching the last few barrels before nightfall which the four of us sat enjoying. Fishing was hectic with shoals of fine coley and flounder to 38cm and Gavin visiting from Kerry for his first few bass of the year. With fish coming every cast we continued fishing on into the middle of the night catching and releasing loads of bass until the bait ran out and the choice was made…. a great session all round
polack, ballan
15 October: Glorious sunshine this evening on the shore watching the birds work the bait balls that the tuna have gathered up on the horizon and catching some beautiful coloured fish cuckoo wrasse plus Ballans and a few dozen pollack on the sprat shads among the kelp. Very nice
Next outing
Next winter league club outing will take place this Friday evening on our local Fintra beach 19.30pm – 23.30pm. There were 4 different winners of the first 4 outings so far so competition is good and everyone has a chance on the night, new anglers always welcome as usual to enjoy the fishing.
Club gear
soft shell jacket
Also some new club gear out – Regetta soft shell jackets with club crest front and back €50 and also warm hoodies with club crest front and back €30 for anyone interested we will take samples to Fintra on Friday evening
Mariners sea angling club Killybegs Co Donegal. The club runs a shore league and boat comps and angling trips around Ireland doing the sport we love. Get in touch at www.facebook.com/mariner.sac
Inland Fisheries Ireland issues reminder to anglers on water safety guidelines
Inland Fisheries Ireland is reminding anglers to follow safety guidelines when fishing. Three anglers have died in Ireland so far this year as a result of drowning, according to the latest figures from Irish Water Safety.
Last year, a total of 109 people drowned in Irish waters. This equates to nine deaths every month with many drownings happening quickly, silently and in shallow water. Of the 109 drownings last year, 84 were male and 24 were female.
As angling is a water based activity, anglers often have to deal with changing conditions and hidden dangers. Inland Fisheries Ireland is reminding anglers to exercise great care for their own safety and that of angling partners. Anglers are asked to follow some simple safety tips when going fishing:
Wear a life jacket
Follow advice on warning signs, permits and notices
Don’t take any risks when wading or fishing from boat, shore or bank
Check the weather forecast and tide tables before you go
Take time to observe weather, water and tide conditions while fishing
Fish with a partner/buddy or let someone know where you’re going
Take a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case/bag
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “There are 273,000 domestic anglers in Ireland who enjoy fishing at the many scenic destinations across the country. Many anglers have been fishing for many years and may feel experienced on being near or on the water however we would appeal to anglers to follow these simple safety steps at all times. Although game angling has finished for 2018, angling for other species continues in many isolated peripheral and rural areas and with winter approaching, it is important to stay safe.
Our angling website (www.fishinginireland.info) and information booklet Safety on the Water– Angling Water Safety Guidelines details guidelines around safety on lakes and at sea alongside important information regarding tides and currents, what to wear and the type of boat you should use. We would ask anglers to take some time to familiarise themselves with this safety information and to remember their safety is a priority when angling. ”
‘The end of something must be accepted to get a new beginning’
Sindhuja rajan
Dominic Murphy, Tallagh with the weight of the week, a beautiful 68cm, 8lb trout
The last five days of the 2018 fishing season on Lough Sheelin was a turbulent mix of battling erratic weather and hooking confrontational trout. It was a grand finale, where, for many anglers the best wine was left to last with great catches of trout averaging 3 to 4lbs with our top weight hitting in at a confident 8lbs.
Andrew Brown’s ‘end of season’ trout at 59cm
The shadows fall sharply between the pine trees of Sheelin’s Mullaghmeen forest at this time of the year, laneways and edges of roads are disappearing under a covering of browns, golds and yellows and there is a definite scent in the air, the smell of rot, decomposition, not altogether unpleasant, merely noticeable.
Larry McAlinden, Newry battling storm Callum with good catches of 3, 4 and 5lb fish, all released
Winter is fast approaching and Storm Callum slammed the door on Lough Sheelin’s 2018 fishing season last Friday, October 12th. Winds of up to 76mph churned up the water and conditions were difficult and limiting for that last minute angler. Most anglers were forced into sheltered bays and inlets but despite the challenging meteorological environs a percentage of anglers did brave the elements and good fish were caught until the evening light faded and it was time to call a halt to it all.
Lawrence Hickey, Dublin with a 54cm trout
Tuesday and Wednesday were the pick of the fishing days when, after the autumn chills had dissipated, a summer type heat enveloped this lake and fishing was good. The trout are already pressing towards the rivers to spawn and although still feeding they are more combative and have an inclination to swat at anything that might come into their migratory path.
Larry McAlinden on Sheelin’s last fishing day of 2018
The heaviest trout for the week was an 8 pounder caught by Tallagh angler Dominic Murphy.
Total number of trout recorded: 55
Selection of Catches
Lawrence Hickey, Dublin – fishing with Lough Sheelin Guiding 3 trout at 48, 54 and 57cm.
Alan Molloy, Dublin – 1 trout at 47cm.
Gary McKiernan of Lough Sheelin Guiding – 8 trout for the week, heaviest weighing in at 5lbs 7ozs and 6lbs 10ozs.
Andrew Brown, Dublin – 1 trout at 59cm on a Golden Olive Bumble.
Cian Murtagh, Cavan fishing with Vincent Kelly – 6 trout all around the 3lb mark fishing off Merry pt.
Larry McAlinden, Northern Ireland – 7 trout averaging 3 to 5lbs fishing wets.
Ben McKay, Scotland – 2 trout heaviest at 3lbs on Claret Dabblers.
Mark Dulow, Scotland – 3 trout heaviest at 4lbs on Red Tailed Peters with hopper legs.
Tosh Kellet, Kells – 1 trout at 3lbs using Red Sedges.
Brian Dunleavy, Dundalk – 2 trout heaviest at 3 ½ lbs using a Kate McClaren.
David Kelly, Dublin – 5 trout for the week using Dabblers and Cock Robins.
Aleksander Kowalski, Dublin – 2 trout at 4 ½ and 6lbs caught on lures mid lake
Radley Zielinski, Dublin – 5 trout heaviest at 6 ½ using Streamers fishing around the Finea end of the lake.
Lough Sheelin’s hard fighting browns are those fish that have seldom moved from the deeper feeding aquatic larders, these are bigger trout, those trophy fish that every angler dreams about. These fish along with their lighter counterparts are beginning a spawning journey so although on the move and still feeding and therefore suspectable to an artificial, they are also wary after a season of heavy boat traffic and perhaps the odd hit and miss with a hook and so are not easily fooled.
Peter Gleeson with his beautiful 5.1 lb trout
Flies that worked well for this week were the Silver Daddies, the Dabblers (Fiery Brown, Claret, Green, Gold and Silver), the Golden Olive Bumbles, the Silver Invictas, Black Pennels, Red Tailed Peters, variants on traditional patterns with Hopper legs attached, Gorgeous George, the Octopus, Kate McClaren, Red Sedges and Bibios. The silver, green or gold glint through the tying was still the essential ingredient. Good trout were caught using lures – Humungus, Minkies and Streamers on sinking lines. In general, however, it was still the floating lines that worked best. There were some successes dapping Daddies and Hoppers in the waves but predominantly it was all about those teams of wets and working the flies according to wind strengthens and directions.
The best area for fishing (wind dependent) was primarily Merry Pt., Stony, the Long Rock, Derry Pt. and down along Derrahorn.
There is no place for the trout hunter at this time of the year, that train has left the station and they must now step aside to allow this, most beautiful of all wild fish – the Lough Sheelin brown to negotiate their way up the rivers within this catchment to start the future for seasons to come on this lake.
Lough Sheelin however will be waiting for its anglers next year – venisti remanebis donec denuo completes sis.
Catch and release is becoming increasingly popular among conservation-minded trouters eager to ensure a future full of fish and fishing. However, it is crucial to handle fish carefully if they are to survive after release. That means bringing them in quickly rather than prolonging the fight, not squeezing them too hard or holding them by the gills and not keeping them out of the water too long. The ‘how long you should keep them out of water bit’ was I thought addressed very well in a recent article on the subject which stated ‘ imagine your own head held underwater against your will and you’ll get a pretty good idea how long is too long to keep a fish out of water’.
Dapping on Sheelin
Recently I was sent a very lovely poem by Sheelin angler, Vincent Kelly, written by his uncle Fr. Martin Kelly, a priest in Belfast about dapping in Sheelin which I felt needed to be shared with all those who have the same gra for this lake as I have.
A catch & release policy is actively encouraged on the lake at all times
#CPRsavesfishthe magic of a Lough Sheelin trout #CPRsavesfish
Extra care is needed when playing and releasing trout during periods of high water temperatures as additional stress at these times will decrease the survival rate of hooked and released fish.
BYE-LAW 949 strictly prohibits:
The taking of any brown trout of less than 36 centimetres.
For a person to fish with more than 2 rods at any one time.
To fish with more than 4 rods at any one time when there is more than one person on board the boat concerned.
For a person to take more than 2 trout per day.
All trolling on the lake from March 1st to June 16th (inclusive).
To fish or to attempt to take or to fish for, fish of any kind other than during the period from March 1st to October 12th in any year.
Join the Club…
For anyone interested in joining Lough Sheelin’s Angling Club – The Lough Sheelin Trout Protection Association please contact Thomas Lynch @ 087 9132033.
We would implore anglers and all other users to wear life jackets for their own safety as well as it being the law.
Life jackets are required by law – SI No 921 of 2005 – Pleasure Craft (Personal Flotation Devices and Operation) (Safety) Regulations 2005. Water rarely gives second chances and a life jacket is just that – it saves your life.
Please put on and keep on that life jacket until you are back on dry land.
Lough Sheelin ‘Till the shadows lengthen and the evening comes and the busy world is hush’
Irish Water Safety and Inland Fisheries Ireland urge anglers to stay safe on the water
Storms come and seasons change. Our autumn flips between summer days and wintry evenings. Salmon and trout fishing is all closed for another year. Coarse anglers still getting good time on the water and festival results continue to impress, while sea anglers make the most of the good days. But for pike anglers October is really all about new beginnings…
Angling guide Bodo Funke with a chunky pike of exactly 100cm #CPRsavesfishA 75lb record breaking tope for Stephen Hanway. The fish was weighed on land and swam off strongly after a quick photo. #CPRsavesfishLough Currane on a windy day late in the seasonGolden Glory – Mary Harkin’s with her 4lb trout from Sheelin caught on a Green Dabbler #CPRsavesfishTony Kersley scores again in County Leitrim #CPRsavesfish
Safe angling…
Inland Fisheries Ireland is reminding anglers to follow safety guidelines when fishing. Three anglers have died in Ireland so far this year as a result of drowning, according to the latest figures from Irish Water Safety.
Last year, a total of 109 people drowned in Irish waters. This equates to nine deaths every month with many drownings happening quickly, silently and in shallow water. Of the 109 drownings last year, 84 were male and 24 were female.
As angling is a water based activity, anglers often have to deal with changing conditions and hidden dangers. Inland Fisheries Ireland is reminding anglers to exercise great care for their own safety and that of angling partners. Anglers are asked to follow some simple safety tips when going fishing:
Wear a life jacket The law requires that a Personal Flotation Device must be worn:
By anyone on an open craft under seven metres in length
By anyone on deck on a craft that is under seven metres in length
By anyone under the age of 16 on board an open craft or on deck of any other type of craft
Follow advice on warning signs, permits and notices
Don’t take any risks when wading or fishing from boat, shore or bank
Check the weather forecast and tide tables before you go
Take time to observe weather, water and tide conditions while fishing
Fish with a partner/buddy or let someone know where you’re going
Take a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof case/bag
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Suzanne Campion, Head of Business Development at Inland Fisheries Ireland said: “There are 273,000 domestic anglers in Ireland who enjoy fishing at the many scenic destinations across the country. Many anglers have been fishing for many years and may feel experienced on being near or on the water however we would appeal to anglers to follow these simple safety steps at all times. Although game angling has finished for 2018, angling for other species continues in many isolated peripheral and rural areas and with winter approaching, it is important to stay safe.
Our angling website (www.fishinginireland.info) and information booklet Safety on the Water– Angling Water Safety Guidelines details guidelines around safety on lakes and at sea alongside important information regarding tides and currents, what to wear and the type of boat you should use. We would ask anglers to take some time to familiarise themselves with this safety information and to remember their safety is a priority when angling. ”
Paulo Massignani and Roberto Quaglia pose with a good pike
Mick Flanagan reports on a great pike fishing holiday in the midlands for a group of Italian anglers…
Big bright lures were working fir the Italian anglers
The Midland lakes are starting to produce a few nice pike as the water temperatures drops. Italian pals Roberto Quaglia and Paola Massignani, who are regular anglers two Westmeath had a few nice fish last week on colourful lures. The lads are based in Kerrigan’s and really love their pike Angling trips to Ireland, especially Westmeath.
Paulo Massignani and Roberto Quaglia pose with a good pike
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.
Lough Owel Anglers were out in force last Sunday October 7th and some cracking trout were caught in blustery conditions. Top Rod was Dublin angler Martin McGorian with a super trout of 5lbs 4.8oz. 2nd place went to John Dooner of Mullingar, with another cracker of 3lbs 8.2oz, and 3rd twas Morris Gorman also of Mullingar.
Stan McKeon of Lough Owel Trout Preservation told us they were quite please with this years fundraising competition, and a total of 16 fish were recorded on the day. Presentation took place in Caffrey’s Lounge and Brendan Murray of L.O.T.P.A. presented prizes and thanked Dinny Caffrey for the use of their premises.
Also on the night the Lakeland Anglers prize was presented. This competition takes place during the May Fly season on Lough Conn, and the top Lakeland Angler prize is sponsored by the Caffrey Family. Tosh Grimes of Ginnell Terrace won last years, and made it a double by winning also in 2018. Dinny Caffrey presented Tosh with his prize. All proceeds from the Fundraising competition goes towards keeping Owel stocked with quality Trout.
GARDA FLY ANGLERS ON OWEL
A lovely October Owel trout for Mick Bradley
On Thursday October 4th members of the Garda Fly angling club were in action on Owel. On the day the Annual DMA Championships took place in conjunction with the Garda Open B&M Cup. Mick Bradley won the open competition with 2 trout for 9lb 5.4oz; this included a beauty of 7lb 2oz. This Trout also won Mick the prize for heaviest Trout in Garda competitions for the 2018 season. Philip Kavanagh finished 2nd in the open with Aidan Kelly taking 3rd place.
In the DMA Coiste Rionne Competition which is confined to Dublin based Gardai, first was Philip Kavanagh with a total of 3 fish, the 3rd fish being released. Second was John Donoghue with one trout for 2lbs 9.2oz and third was Pat Sweeney with a fish of 2lbs 3 oz. The Patsy Doolin memorial shield presented to the best overall Garda angler for 2018 was presented to Damien Barron who had the most combined points over the year and won this award for the first time. Thirty anglers fished on the day and twenty-six trout were recorded.
LOUGH BANE SOCIAL NIGHT
This coming Saturday night Lough Bane Anglers hold their annual fundraising Social Night. It’s taking place in Teddy’s Night Club in Moylagh, and Legacy will be belting out the hits. If drifting across North Westmeath that night, drop in for a great nights entertainment, and you just might win a spot prize on the night.
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.
The tope was weighed at 75lb and swam off strongly after a quick photo.
Stephen Hanway reports on his recent angling adventures where a record tope was caught and released…
Sunrise on the Irish Sea
We left Greystones harbour on Wednesday the 3rd October at 7.30am the sea was calm with no wind. Myself and Sean drifted for some fresh mackerel in the area, we anchored around 9.00. While on anchor we caught some mackerel and herring. The first tope run was around 10.20 a lovely fish at 43 lb falling to Sean’s rod.
We had a second fish at 11.30 a fish around 30lb we didn’t weigh this fish (tea time).
Sean’s tope
All went quite till around 14.30 when my rod bent over didn’t think it was a big fish at the start but when the fish realized it was hooked it gave some big runs. At this time I had idea it was a new Irish record. The fight lasted probably around 15 minutes. When we got the the fish to the side of the boat it was so big that I knew it must be a new Irish record. We got the fish on board and headed into the harbour. As we always have the anchor ready to buoy it only took about 4 minutes to return to land. On the way into the harbour Sean keep water going through the fish’s gills and over its body.
The tope was weighed at 75lb and swam off strongly after a quick photo. The new record is a clear Catch of the Week
Once in the harbour we beached the boat and put the Tope in the weigh sling and it weighed an impressive 75lb. Sean held the fish on till it recovered and as it swam away. It look great going off strongly in the crystal clear water of the harbour.
Anglers are reminded that any specimen claims they have must be returned to the ISFC by 31st October for inclusion in this years awards and report.
polack, ballan
Grey Duster Guiding
