Derek Noble has done it again. Not content with setting the angling world alight with his successful pioneering venture in search of tuna two years ago, this entrepreneur of large fish has again brought a new dimension to Irish angling and opened up a potentially lucrative angling enterprise.
On Sunday last Derek set out from Killybegs aboard his boat Nicolisa along with friend Robin Hemming in search of blue fin tuna. Trolling four miles off the mainland and using a "swimming mackerel" lure, they encountered a strike and "all hell broke loose", according to Derek.
Strapped to a battened-down swivel chair and using Penn international tuna-class gear, it took Robin all of one hour 35 minutes to land the magnificent fish. The tuna weighed 346lb.
Later an even bigger fish was lost after a hectic struggle. Then on Tuesday Derek set sail again, this time with Northumberland duo James Jackson and Mark Cuddigan, and three more blue fin were encountered. These were not brought aboard but instead measured for girth and length at the side of the boat and released.
Sunday's 346lb fish is the first blue fin tuna to be caught under International Game Fishing Association rules in Ireland and the UK for 50 years, said Derek.
Based in Waterville, Co Kerry, Derek has moved to Killybegs for the tuna season as the Gulf Stream passes closest to Ireland at this point and tuna feed along its periphery. For charter bookings, contact Derek at 087-2791274.
A shark safari will form part of next week's Lobster Festival at Mullaghmore, Co Sligo. The competition is scheduled for Sunday, September 9th, commencing at 9 a.m. from the harbour. Donegal Bay is renowned for its shark angling and each year a commendable number are captured, tagged and released.
Mullaghmore will be a hive of activity for what promises to be a highly entertaining five-day festival starting next Wednesday. Although lobsters will feature prominently, the highlight will undoubtedly be the arrival of the Irish Sail Training Vessel Asgard II, and the naval vessels Deirdre and Grainne will anchor in the bay for the duration of the festival.
For information brochure, contact Colm Herron, Beach Hotel, Mullaghmore, 07166103.
Valentia Island SAC, the Co Kerry angling club, is holding a two-day international shore competition on the island next weekend (September 8th-9th) with a prize fund of £2,000. The event is limited to 70 anglers and the overall winner will receive £1,000.
Keep October weekend 27th28th free for an open boat competition. Tel: 066-9476118 for further details.
Tomorrow the 5th qualifier of the Kingspan National Pike Championships will be held on Lough Egish. Anglers should check in at Lakeside Bar from 10.30 a.m. for fishing from noon until 5 p.m. Entry fee is £10.
Correspondence and fishy photographs to The Irish Times, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2. Fax: 6791881. e-mail: angling@irish-times.ie