In recognition of outstanding contributions towards the betterment of angling in Ireland, the Central Fisheries Board has instigated an awards scheme based on achievement and also reflecting the objectives of the central and regional boards.
While open to individuals and community groups, nominations from angling bodies, clubs and those associated with the industry are encouraged. Two winners will be selected each year and will include youth recognition. An additional award is envisaged for millennium year.
Criteria for selection are based on the following guidelines: outstanding contribution to development of angling; specific projects in fisheries management; advancing conservation; promoting angling among youth and anglers with disabilities; promoting tourist angling.
There are no financial rewards, instead winners will receive a once-off trophy of specially cut glass or bronze to be presented at an awards ceremony in January 2000.
Nomination forms may be obtained from the Central Fisheries Board, Mobhi Boreen, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Tel: 837 9206.
Coarse angling, and in particular pike angling, comes to the forefront at this time of year. The following is a rundown of recent outings.
Lough Egish was the venue for the second leg of the Dublin Pike Anglers outing last Sunday. Thirty eight anglers took part in a six-hour competition and returned 35 fish for 85 lb.
Results: 1, C. McAllorum (5 fish), 16lb 7oz; 2, B. O'Flynn (5f), 15lb 10oz; 3, M. Ayres (3f), 14lb 1oz.
The third leg is scheduled for December 12th, venue to be decided. Contact Jim Thompson at 01-838 9070 for more details.
On a cold wintry day 25 boats with 75 anglers aboard from the North Longford AA ventured out on the Dring side of Lough Gowna for a pike competition at the weekend. Angling was reasonable with 27 fish accounted for and then released. A further four good fish were lost, including one of around 20lb.
Results: 1, L. Brennan (Roscommon), 2f, 19lb 12oz; 2, P. Corcorin (Longford), 2f, 18lb 10oz; 3, M. Gray (Longford), 3f, 12lb 10oz.
The next competition will be held on December 12th. For details, contact John Boyle at 04323210.
Whizzo Portobello AC held its fourth leg winter league competition at Bairds Shore of White Lake, near Ballybay. Sixteen anglers took part and roach dominated catches.
Results: 1, P. Houldroid, 5.8kg; 2, D. Maguire, 3.61 kg; 3, S. Kerrigan, 2.98 kg.
On the sea angling front, charter skipper Nick Bowie, operating out of Kilmore Quay, Wexford, took eight members of Howth SAC out over the weekend on board his boat Lady Alison.
Reasonable catches were reported, including pollock to 33/4 lb, ling, whiting, pouting and wrasse. Suprisingly for mid-November, mackerel were still freely available.
Nick's boat will be staying in the water throughout the winter. For bookings, tel: 053-45888 or 087-254 7110.
Today, Irish Times outing to North Beach, Wicklow including overnight stay in Cullenmore Hotel, Co Wicklow.
Correspondence and fishy photographs to The Irish Times, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2. Fax: 679 1881. Email: angling@irishtimes.ie