Angling guide Kevin Lyons reports on a dream trip to Ireland as a birthday treat:
Ben’s wife Philippa decided to do something special for his 70th birthday. She knew he had always wanted to visit Ireland and go fishing, and said it had always been a dream of his. We tried to keep it a secret but as it got closer to the time the cat was out of the bag. It was decided to give him the best of both worlds by arranging two days of pike fishing and two days of coarse fishing. His biggest pike of the two days was an impressive 102cm.
Ben is all smiles with his first Irish Pike.
On the second day of the coarse fishing, Ben managed a good catch of nice hybrids and roach. What a lovely five days it was, and I’m so glad you both enjoyed your stay because I certainly enjoyed your company and a few laughs along the way. Thank you both again, and we hope to welcome you back to Ireland again soon.
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.
Oaklands was the venue for a couple of competitions recently with some competitive fishing enjoyed by the anglers…
Grazvydas Karalius wins 2nd All Ireland Method Feeder Qualifier
The second of the two qualifying matches for the 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗜𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 took place on Saturday 28th June. Twenty-two anglers from all over Ireland turned out for the match at Oaklands lake, New Ross, Co. Wexford to secure a place in the final this September.
Congratulations to today’s match winners; Grazvydas Karalius in first position with 34.720kg from peg 15, Karl Parge second with 33.650kg from peg 9 and in third place Robert Howard with 31.120kg from peg 8.
With Enda Hickey, Leo Lynch and and Donatas Zemaitis already qualified in round one the remaining 19 anglers will join the 10 who qualified at Gaulmoylestown AC Carp Match Ireland for the final.
Adrian Browne wins the first John Kearney Memorial Match
On Sunday the 15th of June Waterford and District Coarse Angling Club held the the first John Kearney Memorial Match in Oaklands Lake in New Ross. The fishing was difficult but rewarding, with the fish still in a spawning mood. In the end 37kg from Adrian Browne won the day and 2nd place went to Leo Lynch with 32kg and 3rd place to Mike Norris. The first junior was Conor Fitzharris.
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1ST PLACE Adrian Browne
2nd place Leo Lynch
3rd Place Mike Norris
Mike Kearney presenting the fund raising money to Adrian Browne Irish junior team manager and Conor Fitzharris Ireland U-15 Team
Kearney family at the presentation and BBQ
Adrian Browne the first winner of the John Kearney memorial been presented By Theresa Kearney and Michael Kearney .
John Kearney Memorial Trophy
Waterford and District Coarse Angling Club and the anglers gave a big thank you to the Kearney family for the fantastic perpetual trophy and the amazing BBQ. There were also Thank yous for Oaklands Lake, Waterford and District CAC and Currans Hardware and Building Supplies for their generous sponsorship.
A very popular carp fishery. Popular with competition anglers and novices alike. Alway a great chance of a bumper bag here. Friendly staff more than happy to advise beginner anglers. Caters to all sorts of clubs and groups.
Archie Sztejno reports on a midweek trip to Sligo/Donegal with his son Xavier…
Weather was looking promising so we decided to do some wrasse and pollack fishing on the west coast. From the very first cast we knew it was going to be class. There was loads of action on both soft lures and metals.
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We started with a few nice wrasse. The highlight here was Xavier’s new PB. Then we spotted pollack not that far away from the rocks and boom! Another PB for Xavier but this time lovely golden pollack. The key for us was using natural colours and a slow retrieve. The fish are there and they are biting!
The lads from Piscari-Fly discuss some of the latest news from our lakes and rivers:
Nore Report
The River Nore is fishing fairly well at the moment. The evening rise is in full swing, so there’s plenty of good Dry Fly action. Peter was out on the Nore, but the wind was blowing pretty hard, which made things difficult, but overall the weather hasn’t been too bad.
Mark was out over the weekend on a tributary in the Upper System of the River Nore. There was a massive hatch of Sherry Spinners between 8pm and 9.30pm. The fish were feeding very hard on them. Mark switched over to Sherry Spinner patterns and was getting plenty of action in the nice, low-water runs where the fish were feeding heavily. He was meeting loads of lovely, well-conditioned fish between 10 and 13 inches. The sherry Spinner hatch died off around 9.45pm, and Mark fished in them for the rest of the night on Sedges, picking up the odd few fish, including this lovely fish to end the evening’s session.
Leinster Junior Rivers and Lakes
The Leinster Lakes and Rivers Championships were held over the weekend. The river section took place on a section of the River Barrow near Mountmellick, and thanks to Mountmellick Anglers for hosting the event on the river. Five youths took part. First place went to James Hope, with Jack and Harry Mc Guinness in 2nd and 3rd place and in 4th and 5th place Morgan Delahunty and Rhys Tuckett. They will fish the Interpros in August in Ulster.
T. A. F. I. Youth Leinster Lakes was held on this past Sunday. It was kindly hosted by Rathdrum Trout Anglers on their private lake. Five anglers turned out for the day to compete. Fishing was good early on in the first session for the youths. However, the fish got wise in the afternoon, and the fishing started slowing up with only odd fish being caught. Congratulations to the four youths who qualified. 1st Harry Mc Gunniess, 2nd Morgan Delahunty, 3rd Jack Mc Gunniess and 4th Rhys Tuckett.
Munster River Championship
The Tafi Munster Rivers was held on Friday on the Bride, using the new format of a 2-day competition with 4 sessions in all. It was great to see this new format being run before the All-Irelands in Rathdrum. The All Irelands will be run using this new format on the 16th and 17th August on the Avonmore River also with 4 Sessions, 2 each day and the competitors will be controlling competitors. So that competition is coming down the road if you are in the area and want to stop by and have a look.
For all your fly tying and fly fishing needs. Stocking rods, reels, clothing water etc
Guiding
Want to improve or learn any aspects of your fly fishing? Then why not give us a shout and we will look after you. Fishing available locally on the River Nore at Thomastown and other club water by arrangement. We have also teamed up with Blackwater Trout and Salmon fishery to offer you an amazing fishing experience with over 8km of amazing river to be discovered.
Full & Half Guided days
One to one coaching
Master classes
Groups and Clubs welcome
Nymphing. Dry Fly. Wet Fly. Streamer. Dry Dropper
Instruction
Peter Driver is a qualified casting instructor with APAGI, and advanced qualified fly dresser with APAGI. He specialises in competition nymphs and fishing, Irish lake flies, streamers and lures.
As a qualified casting instructor with APAGI I Peter offers casting clinic’s and lessons, to suit your desires. Being able to cast correctly and have a good understanding of the mechanics of casting is a solid foundation in fly fishing that will pay off in your fishing, be it rivers or lakes.
The National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland (NCFFI) successfully bid for and has been awarded the honour of hosting the 44th edition of the FIPSed World Club Championship Coarse Fishing for Clubs by the International Federation of Sport Freshwater Fishing (FIPSed). The event will be hosted in partnership with key supporters and sponsors: ESB, Cork County Council, and Inland Fisheries Ireland, whose backing is vital to the success of this world-class championship shown at the launch today.
At the water’s edge of the Inniscarra Reservoir, Tommy Lawton, National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland (NCFFI) thanked everyone for their ongoing support for angling in the area for what will be the third world championship staged on the venue.
Nuala Moloney, Community Relations & Sustainable Rivers Manager of ESB said:
“ESB is delighted to be supporting the NCFFI and the local Community in the hosting of this very prestigious World Fishing Competition and hopes that the Inniscarra Reservoir and Coachford Greenway which will used to host the event will be enjoyed by locals & visitors alike”
The prestigious event invites the world’s top club teams to compete in the discipline of float fishing. While the NCFFI has been supporting Irish entries for over 40 years—by running national qualifiers and fielding club teams at venues around the world—2025 marks the first time Ireland will host the event. What sets this championship apart is its focus on club-level competition rather than national teams, offering everyday anglers the opportunity to compete on the world stage at this level. Participants represent the very best performers from their home countries’ domestic circuits.
Sponsors and partners gather at Inniscarra Reservoir to launch the 44th FIPSed World Championship Coarse Angling for clubs. L-R Sharon Conroy – Cork County Council, Senator Eileen Lynch, Cllr. Ian Doyle, Photo: Karol Kachmarsky
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley said:
‘‘Cork County Council is proud to support this world-class angling event at Inniscarra Reservoir. Hosting an international championship of this scale is a real testament to the strength of local collaboration, the quality of our outdoor amenities, and the region’s growing reputation as a destination for sport and recreation. We’re delighted to welcome teams and supporters from across the globe to County Cork and look forward to the positive impact this event will bring to our communities and local economy.’’
Sponsors and partners gather at Inniscarra Reservoir to launch the 44th FIPSed World Championship Coarse Angling for clubs. L-R Barry O’Connor – Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), Sharon Conroy – Cork County Council, Michael Quinlan – ESB, Senator Eileen Lynch, Damien O’Donovan and Deidre O’Donovan – O’Donovan Engineering, Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Ian Doyle (seated), Cllr Kate Lynch, Catherine O’Brien, Broomhill Vintage Club, John McCaffrey – Coachford Community Council/Tidy Towns Front L_R Tommy Lawton, National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland (NCFFI), Donal Lehane – ESB, Nuala Moloney – ESB Photo: Karol Kachmarsky
25 elite club teams from 16 nations will travel to the region starting Saturday, 19th July, for five days of official training. The championship matches, main event, will then take place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July.
Adding to the festive spirit, Monday, 21st July, will see the vibrant Parade of Nations through Coachford village. This family-friendly event, open to the public, officially opens the championships and brings together the local community and visiting competitors.
Sponsors and partners gather at Inniscarra Reservoir to launch the 44th FIPSed World Championship Coarse Angling for clubs. L-R Barry O’Connor – Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), Cllr. Ian Doyle (seated) Photo: Karol Kachmarsky
The competition will take place along the Inniscarra Reservoir, including the Coachford Greenway—a 2.8 km linear park with Sport Ireland National Trails status. This multi-use amenity is enjoyed by walkers, joggers, cyclists, rowers, families, and anglers alike. Originally developed to support a World Fishing Championship in 2014, it continues to serve as a valuable legacy for coarse angling in the region and a beloved outdoor space for the wider community.
“Inland Fisheries Ireland is proud to sponsor the World Championship Coarse Fishing for Clubs. We are delighted that Inniscarra Reservoir will once again showcase the quality of Ireland’s wild coarse fisheries on the world stage having invested considerably in the venue. We recognise the importance of supporting these events through financial contribution, expert staff and bio-security. Angling is an important, sustainable economic driver for rural and coastal communities, and the angling sector contributes almost €1 billion to the Irish economy every year and supports over 11,000 Irish jobs. These World Championships will provide a significant and welcome boost to the local economy. We wish all the competitors the best of luck!”
The 2025 championship will generate in excess of 2,000 bed nights for the region, providing a welcome boost to local businesses and reinforcing Inniscarra’s reputation as a world-class angling destination.
NCFFI Chair, Jack Tisdall said: “We are thrilled to return to this world class angling facility to host the ultimate competition for club teams which showcases the local angling product to club anglers worldwide to whom the Irish angling scene appeals.
What’s more the federation is delighted to present two top club teams at the Championships. BSI Sensas and CM Lakelands will present a healthy challenge to the visiting club teams, please come along and give them your support as they go for gold”.
Sponsors and partners gather at Inniscarra Reservoir to launch the 44th FIPSed World Championship Coarse Angling for clubs. L-R Deidre O’Donovan – O’Donovan Engineering, Senator Eileen Lynch, Cllr. Ian Doyle, Sharon Conroy – Cork County Council, Photo: Karol Kachmarsky
Volunteer
The National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland are appealing to members of all communities for their help in stewarding the event. If you would like to get involved please visit https://www.ncffi.ie/wcc25-2/volunteer-wcc25/ for more details.
It’s the final call for young anglers to register for the All Ireland Youth Canal Championships as entry closes on Wednesday, July 2nd, at 2pm sharp – so be sure to book your place in time!
· Venue: Grand Canal, Daingean
· Date: Saturday, 5th July
· Check-In: 09:00 AM | Function Room at Blackthorn Inn – Breakfast Available
· Draw: 10:00AM I Fishing: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Three Age Categories – Under 12, Under 15 & Under 20.
Prizes for Top 3 in Each Category – Medals and Trophies
Every participant gets a free terminal tackle item!
Conditions on the Erriff have been ok with a few salmon showing, hopefully it will pick up this week. There are still a lot of sea trout around which is good to see.
23 June
Benjamin Weltz landed a 3lbs salmon in the Garden pool on a green butt cascade on beat 9.
Benjamin Weltz, River Erriff
24 June
Michael Wade landed a 5lbs salmon and a 1lbs sea trout on a collie dog in the Falls pool on beat 9.
27 June
Benjamin Weltz landed another salmon around 6lbs on a willie gun in the Square pool on beat 9 and Jack Mannion landed a ¾ lbs sea trout in the Sea pool.
28 June
Alastair Purdy landed a 3lbs salmon in the Middle Garden pool and Niall Lynch landed 7 sea trout around a ½ lbs. Eugene McCarthy landed a 3lbs salmon in the Garden pool and a 2lbs and 7lbs salmon in the Falls pool on beat 9.
29 June
John Godfrey landed a 4lbs salmon in the Falls pool on beat 9 and Detlef Semmler landed a 1lbs sea trout.
The CM Lakelands Feeder Club held two separate matches last Sunday on loughs Skeagh and Drumkearragh in preparation for the fifth qualifier of the FeederKing series, and with good conditions, there were plenty of fish to be caught on both lakes.
Ireland feeder team boss Brenton Sweeney caught 100 fish on peg 2 to weigh just over 11kg to win Drumkearragh. He caught a mixed bag of small skimmers, hybrids, roach and perch. Darren Fairhurst was second overall on the stands at Drumkearragh to weigh just over 6kg of skimmers, hybrids and a big perch. Third Overall was Philip Reynolds on peg 1 with another mixed bag to weigh over 5kg.
All the action from Skeagh and Drumkearragh
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Neil Keane had a brilliant weight of just over a 11kg of the end peg in Skeagh, catching mostly skimmers and hybrids. Neil Mazurick wasn’t too far behind with a weight of 9kg plus from the next peg, made up of hybrids, roach and skimmers. Robertas Zilaitis was 3rd with an 8kg plus weight of hybrids, Roach and skimmers
All the club members were using VDE Groundbaits and Additives.
Brian E. Curran, Fishery Manager on Costello & Fermoyle reports on how the season is shaping up:
Like many other fisheries, the Costello got of to a slow start and only in the past 3 weeks are we seeing the runs of salmon and seatrout into the system helped by an increase in water levels and high tides.
The salmon angling has been slow with 6 salmon hooked but none landed to date.
Seatrout fishing has really started to pick up with some good size fish being caught and released. Steve and Tony Walsh had some 2-3 lb fish from Glen on Wednesday 18th June while Alan Curry and Clive Williamson had 17 finnock from higher up the system this Saturday and 9 from Glen on Sunday.
Some of the local rods also did well on Glen, Mairtin Griffin and Myles Costello had 8 seatrout and Rory Campbell had 5 and lost as many. Thomas Naughton enjoyed a morning sport yesterday also on Glen and had 9 seatrout mostly in the 3/4 lb range.
With good water levels expected to last and provided it stays overcast and no bright sunshine then seatrout is expected to be good.
Contact
Fishery Manager: Brian E. Curran
Costello and Fermoyle Fisheries, Bridge Cottage, Casla, Co. Galway Web:irelandwestangling.ie Tel: +353 (0)91 57 2196 Mob: +353 (0)87 239 9988 Email:[email protected]
