ANGLING NOTES:CLODAGH McIntyre was a worthy winner of the recent colouring competition organised by the Central and Western Regional Fisheries Boards in association with the Connacht Tribune. Clodagh (8), from Portland, Lorrha, Co Tipperary, who attends the local national school, won a €100 voucher with her lovely entry.
A large number of entries were received and the organisers pass on their thanks to all those who took part. The competition was launched as part of an awareness programme on invasive species and, in particular, Lagarosiphon major in Lough Corrib.
Lagarosiphon major is a curly leaved water weed that poses a major threat to Ireland’s watercourses. Originating in southern Africa, the weed is aggressive, invasive and can grow up to six metres in water.
The nuisance weed was first identified on Lough Corrib in 2005, and the lake had more than 100 infested sites identified last year. It now poses a serious threat to angling and can cause fish kills through oxygen depletion.
Latest research by an international group of experts in aquatic weed management has focused on laying geotextile matting (or blanket) on the plant. This deprives lagarosiphon of light and subsequently smothers it.
The North Western Regional Fisheries Board, in association with Recreational Angling Ireland, hosted a junior event on the Moy Fishery last Monday week. Participants got a chance to fish the Cathedral Beat with fly casting tuition provided by resident ghillie Declan Hughes and casting instructor Paddy McDonnell.
Although the day failed to produce any salmon, some 50 youngsters took part. It was one of a number of events held in the board’s region to promote angling among young people.
Angling was excellent on the Owenmore River in Co Mayo last week, with ideal water levels and the grilse-run in full swing. Some fine sea trout and 27 salmon were reported from the Bangor Angling Club stretch.
Most salmon were in the 2kg (4.4lb) range, with the odd 3.5kg (7.7lb) fish. Fisheries manager Seamus Henry enjoyed a good day’s fishing, taking three salmon. Other notable anglers to score included Dubliners Ronnie Mayock and Peter Maguire. With suitable water levels expected to continue, prospects for the rest of the season look good.
A newly completed scheme has opened up a 2.5km stretch of the Afon Iwrch River in north Wales for spawning salmon and sea trout. The project has removed blockages, improved habitat for wildlife, stabilised the bank and fenced off the river.
The project was completed by the newly formed Clwyd and Conwy Rivers Trust with support from Environment Agency Wales (EAW), National Trust and local tenant farmers.
David Edwell of EAW, said: “The Conwy is famous for its salmon and sea trout, so it is important to both the economy and the environment to preserve its fish-stock levels by increasing fish numbers.‘
Tommy Squires, from Skerries, Co Dublin, put in a magnificent performance to claim silver status in the recent European Federation of Sea Anglers (EFSA) Boat and Line Class Championships at Stromness in the Orkney Islands, Scotland.
The championships attracted 139 competitors, from 14 countries. A new format introduced this year saw the “all-tackle” event held over four days and the “line class” as a one-day event.
Heiko Dreier from Killarney, overall winner for the past three years, made a valiant effort to make it four, but had to settle for a respectable bronze position. Scotland’s Alister Robertson took gold with 389.7 points.
In the ladies’ event, Mary Gavin-Hughes from Newport, Co Mayo, regained the title, with last year’s winner Margaret Sweeney, from Achill, in runner-up position. The seniors’ (over 65) title was won by Ray O’Sullivan, from Kilworth, Co Cork.
The Light Line Championships, confined to 6kg Ande mono, also proved successful for the Irish squad. Roy Shipway claimed silver medal with 12 fish while Mary Gavin-Hughes took bronze. The title was won by England A team angler Richard Russell with 16 fish.
The Loughs Agency in Northern Ireland will host a pike competition on September 6th at Baronscourt Estate, Co Tyrone. The day will include tuition in fly and lure casting, fly-tying and the life-cycle of pike.
Contact, pikecompetition@loughs-agency.org.