Some awesome fishing recently with long range casting on different venues providing a variety of species on metal jigs. This is a method I hadn’t tried much before but it can be absolutely deadly once you have the right gear.
A powerful rod and reel required to blast out 40g jigs and to crank the fish back in. It’s definitely not finesse fishing but it sure is exciting, with an interesting variety of fish.
I had large numbers of bass, a cracking 5lb coalfish, pollack, and a surprising double hook up of wrasse and bass.
So get rid of those creatures baits and get jigging, you never know what you might catch!
Well done to the winners of our July event on prolific Lough Muckno which ended on Friday after 5 days of top class angling.
Winner was the very consistent Alan Larkin who topped his section most days with 56.710 kgs. 2nd was early favourite Jim Brockie who returned a fine 55.640. In 3rd Place was the ever threatening Rory O’Neill, with a top five-day total of 50kgs.
Thanks to local angling guide Nikita Krutjko who recovered a section of a Signature Pro pole which sailed away on Wednesday! Nikita offers gold card guided experience, with success guaranteed every trip, such is his knowledge and quality of his equipment.
The countdown is on only a month left until the highly anticipated American Pairs 2025 kicks off!
Due to the huge interest this year, the organisers from the IASCaire Feeder Fishing Club are now asking for a €20 deposit per team to confirm team places in the match. This helps to avoid no-shows and ensures every spot is filled, giving those on the reserve list a fair chance to fish.
Deposit: €20 per team
Revolut: @romas112 or Phone: 0862095794
PayPal: citrina69@gmail.com
IMPORTANT: Please include your team name in the payment reference to avoid any confusion.
Deadline for deposits: 8th August
If payment is not received by this date, places will be offered to teams on the waiting list. Anglers interested in taking part should contact the IASCaire club via their Facebook page.
Eamonn Conway of Táin Fly Fishing has had some great fishing lately in the north east, with the recent flood events flushing out the rivers and livening up the trout. Nymphs and the usual simple tactics worked well, with the odd sea trout making an appearance upriver after the extra influx of water.
Notes: Learn to fly cast with Eamonn Conway, APGAI-Ireland qualified.
Available to instruct all levels of fly casters from beginners to advanced,
including fault finding and entomology. Operating in Co. Louth on the rivers Fane and Castletown, guiding can also be arranged on these beautiful rivers.
Fly rods and gear
Here at Táin Flyfishing we do not stop behind the scenes so we can provide the best quality Flyfishing Rods for you. Our flyfishing rods are tried and tested constantly and have succeeded in every way possible, the quality and performance is second to none. They have been used to win multiple titles in Flyfishing competition and they are used by passionate flyfishers world wide. We are Ireland’s fastest growing Fly Fishing Rod Brand.
This report in from David Norman of Angling Adventures West Cork:
I had a fun and you could say historic session with Amy Lynam last week here in beautiful West Cork. Amy first contacted me in 2021 for an intro to shore fishing which we duly did with lures from the rocks and strands of beautiful West Cork. We started off with working on casting tuition, which she went away and practised with some loan gear before we did the trip which resulted in one mystery fish hooked and lost during the session and another dropped at our feet…
Fast forward to 2025 and Amy came back to West Cork for a break and another coastal lure fishing session with me. Since her first trip life had got in the way of fishing and she hadn’t had the opportunity to do any more, but she had gone away with my advice and invested in some lure fishing kit.
Here’s where I have to give big props to @southsideangling in Dublin, to which I have no affiliation. They supplied a superb Shimano Rod/Reel combo, that I’d be more than happy to fish with myself. Further to that they loaded the reel with braid and even tied on the leader from the spool they supplied along with a decent selection of Lures one of which (a Kilty) found success during our session. So a big well done to Southside and whoever it was that took the time to do a great job equipping somebody new to angling who’d had the courage to walk in with limited knowledge and ultimately come out with some gear that is in my opinion ideally suitable and something that’s unlikely to happen when buying online!
So back to the fishing, after a casting tune up at Rosscarbery off we went to a wild rocky spot where I coached Amy to count down the metal lure and fish progressively slower and deeper before she hooked and landing a feisty pollock before we retreated and moved on to the next spot.
On arrival I selected the uber versatile SG Pencil for this location as it was a polar opposite of the first – shallow, calm and weedy. Amy got into a rhythm of covering the water and as I set off to answer the call of nature Amy shouted “Fish on!” and I quickly returned to deal with a super – bright green wrasse as caught by one very proud and happy angler!
Final thought – you might be thinking 1 pollock and a wrasse – big deal! But when they’re the first shore caught fish you’ve ever caught and you’ve dared to venture into a sport that, let’s be honest, isn’t the easiest to get into, especially as a girl with a dream but with no obvious route to take… So well done Amy, here’s to continued enjoyment and good fortune with your fishing!
David has been lure then fly fishing since the mid noughties with some of the best guides and anglers in Ireland and abroad.
Kayak fishing by lure & fly now takes him and his guiding guests beyond the shore to target Pollock, Bass or Wrasse with the chance of other species such as Codling, Coalfish, Mackerel or Garfish.
Shore fishing at night is also a very special experience.
Regular UK anglers Andy and Pete were over once again to stay at Melview fishing Lodge with host Kevin who said,
‘Andy and Pete have been coming here for a number of years now and are fully aware of what’s required to get the fish going’.
On arrival it was straight to business and out to fish a venue and later prebait it for the following day, it was encouraging to see a few good Bream and Tench move straight in on the feed. They stuck with it for a few days which one of their catches produced over 150lb of nice Bream and Tench for them, the venue was then rested for a few days but they could not resist going back and managed a few more nice Teach and Bream to finish of their week.
Thanks guy’s for another great week and all the banter and look forward to seeing you again next year.
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.
The 44th FIPSed World Championship Coarse Fishing for Clubs brought an unforgettable week of world-class angling and warm Irish hospitality to Inniscarra Reservoir, County Cork, as 25 elite coarse angling clubs representing 16 nations gathered to compete in the prestigious international event.
Hosted by the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland (NCFFI), the championship opened with a vibrant Parade of Nations through the village of Coachford on Monday, July 21st, featuring the Blarney Brass & Reed Band and local schoolchildren, and concluded with a spectacular Closing Ceremony and Gala Dinner at the Rochestown Park Hotel.
Perfect conditions welcomed the 125 international anglers as they prepared during five days of intensive training ahead of the weekend’s main event. Their efforts were rewarded, with over two tonnes of fish caught and safely released during the two-day championship—underscoring both the richness of the venue and the event’s strong focus on sustainability.
Some of the highlights
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Competition took place across the scenic Coachford Greenway and the river section at Dripsey, where each of the zones delivered excellent sport and ensured a fair, competitive event for all teams.
Anglers line the shore of Inniscarra on the Dripsey section
After two thrilling days of angling, Club Lenza Emiliana Tubertini (Italy) emerged as World Champions—claiming their fifth world title and ninth podium finish. Team Sensas 28 (France) secured a strong second-place finish, with team member Alexandre Caudin, notably a former U25 World Champion at Inniscarra in 2017. HSV De Karper Voerendaal (Netherlands) completed the podium in third place, with a squad that proudly included Anja Groot four-time Ladies World Champion and Ramon Ansing, who first competed at Inniscarra in 2017 as part of the U25s and went on to become European Champion at the 2019 championship held on the Lower River Bann.
The Champs
Deputising for the Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Ann Marie Ahern had the honour of presenting to the winning team at the Closing Ceremony. She underlined the significance of hosting such a prestigious international competition, stating: “Over 2000 bed nights were realised in the area as a direct result of this event—an incredible boost for local tourism and hospitality.”
Frank Barry, representing fishery owners ESB, emphasised the broader impact: “The impact on the local economy is huge, and the developed Coachford Greenway provides opportunities for everyone—from local businesses to visiting anglers and recreational users.”
Closing ceremony
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Prize-giving ceremony and closing event of the 44th FIPSed World Championship Coarse Angling for Clubs, held at Rochestown Park Hotel. 27/07/2025
Photo: Karol Kachmarsky
Prize-giving ceremony and closing event of the 44th FIPSed World Championship Coarse Angling for Clubs, held at Rochestown Park Hotel. 27/07/2025
Photo: Karol Kachmarsky
The Champs
Prize-giving ceremony and closing event of the 44th FIPSed World Championship Coarse Angling for Clubs, held at Rochestown Park Hotel. 27/07/2025
Photo: Karol Kachmarsky
Prize-giving ceremony and closing event of the 44th FIPSed World Championship Coarse Angling for Clubs, held at Rochestown Park Hotel. 27/07/2025
Photo: Karol Kachmarsky
Mark Downes, officiating on behalf of FIPSed (Fédération Internationale de la Pêche Sportive en Eau Douce), praised the event as “one of the best match fishing weeks everyone has experienced,” commending both the top-class fishing and “unbelievable hospitality” before bringing the championships to an end.
It was a disappointing result for the two home teams, who finished 19th and 20th, but their participation played a key role in showcasing Irish angling and hospitality on the world stage.
Prize-giving ceremony and closing event of the 44th FIPSed World Championship Coarse Angling for Clubs, held at Rochestown Park Hotel. 27/07/2025 Photo: Karol Kachmarsky
Hats off to the members of the local community who generously volunteered their time to support the event—working as fish counters, traffic marshals, and more. Their dedication, along with the efforts of stewards and weigh teams from the angling community, was instrumental in ensuring the smooth and successful running of the championship throughout the weekend.
This was the first time Ireland has hosted the FIPSed World Championship Coarse Fishing for Clubs, although Inniscarra Reservoir has previously welcomed other world championships in 2014 and 2017. The success of this year’s event was made possible through the collaborative support of local authorities, sponsors, and community partners, including funding from ESB, Cork County Council’s Economic Development Fund, and Inland Fisheries Ireland, with additional support from O’Donovan Engineering and MJ Flood Group.
Scores form the competition days
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The NCFFI extends its sincere thanks to all involved and looks forward to welcoming the international angling community back to Ireland in the near future.
John Diamond from the Sea Angling Ireland SAC reports on the recent Smooth Hound competition in Wexford:
41 Seniors and 2 juniors fished the Henrystackleshop.com Irish Smooth Hound Championships last Saturday. The venue was Ballinoulart Beach in North Wexford.
Weed made things a bit difficult but it was an enjoyable evening.
At the end of the evening’s fishing, Michael Christian was crowned the Irish Smooth Hound Champion 2025 with a hound of 95cm.
Michael Christian (left) receiving his prizes from SAI SAC Chairman Donal O’Neill
The overall Match Rules Winner was Eamonn Bermingham with 7 fish for 341 points.
Longest Round fish was Donal Domeney with a 61 cm Bass. Longest Flat fish was Stephen Byrne with a 31 cm flounder.Juniors1st Sean Kinsella 7 fish 146 points
2nd Sean Keane 5 fish 137 points
Zone A
1st John Bermingham 4 fish 252 points
2nd Stephen Byrne 4 fish 251 points
3rd Eric Gasparrao 7 fish 239 points
4th Alby Allan 3 fish 215 points
5th Donal Domeney 2 fish 144 points
Zone B
1st Tommy Fogarty 4 fish 288 points
2nd Noel Fogarty 4 fish 255 points
3rd Anto Gannon 7 fish 205 points
4th John Keane 4 fish 196 points
5th Brian Byrne 5 fish 158 points
Thanks is due to Henry’s Tackle Shop for their continuing support of Irish Angling.
The past week has generally been wetter than normal for most areas, indeed much wetter in the east and parts of the south. Rainfall amounts were between 128% and 535% of average for those areas, with the highest rainfall (68mm) recorded in Co. Dublin. Having said that, it was drier than normal in some parts of the north midlands and coastal parts of the northwest, and with the Azores high extending its influence over Ireland this coming week, there’ll be a good lot of dry weather overall.
After the downpours at the start of this week, the 26 visiting teams teams from all over the world who are competing at the 44th World Championship Coarse Angling for Clubs on Inniscarra Reservoir in Cork will be pleased to hear that they might not need their rain gear for the competition days this weekend, Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th of July. Spectators are welcome to visit the Coachford Greenway to see the world’s best coarse anglers go head to head to fight for the title of club world champions!
The rainfall from early in the week brought water levels up on a number of salmon fisheries, with some good fishing when conditions came right. On the Moy, all fisheries reported some decent fishing, with fish falling to all methods. On the Erriff, July has proved to be a difficult month of fishing with good water conditions for the most part but not a lot of salmon caught – 15-Year-old Aoibheann Lynch wins a belated Catch of the Week for catching a fine salmon on the Erriff where others failed!
15-Year-old Aoibheann Lynch wins a belated Catch of the Week for this fine salmon on the Erriff
For anglers who have caught sharks, skate or rays in Ireland, there is a new research project looking for angler feedback. Sharks le Chéile is a new initiative set up by researchers at Trinity College Dublin, in partnership with Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Marine Institute, to bring together members of the angling community and other public stakeholders with scientists studying sharks, skates and rays around Ireland. One of their main aims is to promote sustainable angling and better protect our unique shark and ray resources. If you have ever caught a shark, skate or ray they want to hear your opinions. Complete their short survey and you could win an angling voucher worth €50.
Most areas will be dry Friday night with clear spells. Lows of 10°C to 14°C, in just light westerly breezes.
Saturday will bring a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers, some heavy. Highs of 16°C to 21°C in a westerly wind. Rain is expected overnight in northern and western areas. Lows of 11°C to 14°C in light southwest winds.
Sunny spells and scattered showers on Sunday, some heavy and prolonged for northern areas. Highs of 17°C to 21°C in moderate westerly winds. Largely dry and clear on Sunday night. Lows of 10°C to 14°C in a light westerly breeze.
Sunny spells with showers on Monday. Highs of 16°C to 20°C in a moderate westerly breeze.
Don’t forget to double-check the forecast before heading off, and if you’re going to sea, check the tides.
This Saturday and Sunday, July 26th and 27th, Inniscarra Reservoir will host the 44th World Championship for Coarse Fishing for Clubs on the Coachford Greenway and Garden Centre sections. Twenty six teams of five anglers from all over the world will be competing at the event at the renowned venue with fishing taking place each day between 10am and 2pm, with anglers allowed to enter their fishing boxes from 8am sharp.
Inniscarra Lake is renowned for its serene, natural beauty, providing a world-class angling experience for both casual and competitive anglers. As one of Ireland’s premier freshwater fishing destinations, the lake combines abundant fish stocks with exceptional infrastructure and strong local support.
Sustainability is a top priority for the venue, with catch and release practices playing a key role in ensuring environmentally responsible fishing. Local communities and anglers work together to preserve the lake, ensuring it remains a vibrant and thriving location for future generations of anglers.
Inland fisheries Ireland are proud to be able to sponsor such a high profile event event. Recreational angling tourism contributes hundreds of millions of euros to the Irish economy each year, with visiting anglers spending more, staying longer and returning to Ireland more often than the average visitor. Events like this can help to showcase the world class fishing we have in Ireland, as well as the world class experience visitors enjoy away from the riverbank, lake shore or coastline.
Spectators are welcome to attend and watch the world’s best going head to head to take the title of Club World Champions, so make sure to visit and see how it’s done!
