Boosting salmon numbers: is stocking a solution or a problem?

ANGLING NOTES: THE Atlantic Salmon Trust is joining with the EU-funded research and training project IBIS to invite leading …

ANGLING NOTES:THE Atlantic Salmon Trust is joining with the EU-funded research and training project IBIS to invite leading speakers to discuss various aspects of salmon stocking at a major conference in the Marriott Hotel, Glasgow in November 2013.

The project will examine the role of stocking in restoring, sustaining and enhancing salmon populations in Ireland and Scotland. Issues will include how stocking might affect numbers of returning adults; cost effectiveness and the role of genetics and climate change.

Full details of the agenda, the speakers and how to register will be available in the New Year at ibis.events@icloud.com

Fisheries sponsorship

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The Inland Fisheries Ireland Sponsorship Scheme for 2013 is now open for applications and details are available at fisheriesireland.ieand follow link to angling-information/ sponsorship-programme.

There are some changes for next year with bio-security and catch-and-release conditions safeguarding Ireland’s inland fisheries and sea angling resources.

The scheme is open to all stakeholders who promote inland fisheries, recreational angling and conservation. Closing date for receipt of applications is January 15th.

Poaching arrests

Environment Agency Wales officers apprehended two men last week for poaching spawning fish on the river Pandy, a tributary of Llyn Alaw, in Anglesey. They confiscated a net, lamp and a home-made spear.

The Pandy is a spawning ground for wild brown trout from Llyn Alaw reservoir which are genetically unique to this catchment.

Meanwhile, new fish passes funded by the European Fisheries Fund and Welsh government in Rossett and Caergwrle have opened up 25 miles of spawning grounds for migrating salmon and sewin on the Llyn.

David Edwell said: “Migratory fish are now spawning in large stretches of river which they could not reach for centuries.”

Specimen Fish Awards Day

The Ireland Angling Show will again be held in the National Show Centre, Swords, Co Dublin on February 16th/17th.

Mara Media announced this year’s show will coincide with the Irish Specimen Fish Committee Awards Day at the nearby Bewleys Airport Hotel.

New to the show is sea angling expert Mike Thrussell, a freelance angling journalist, product design consultant and co-owner of worldseafishing.com. Bob Nudd will also feature at the show. Nudd is one of the UK's greatest anglers and a familiar face on TV.

Professional fly casting instructors Paddy McDonnell and Hywel Morgan and a host of experts will be available with demos and presentations on every aspect of game angling.

Always a central feature is the family area managed by Dublin Angling Initiative. Many of Ireland’s most experienced anglers will be present to give freely of their time, knowledge and expertise.

A huge selection of tackle and trade stands will a broad range of products. To book a stand, contatct 074-9548936 or grace@maramedia.ie

Meanwhile, in the Bahamas

The Delphi Club in Abaco, in the Bahamas, has witnessed a very good start to the season, according to proprietor Peter Mantle.

“A new record was set for the most bonefish to an angler in a week – 106 – by James Henchey from London,” he says.

“We’ve had the first big permit, the first small tarpon, an assortment of big jacks, snappers and barracuda, as well as lots of bonefish in the 2.3kg (5lb) to 3.6kg (8lb) range.

“Our new Irish chef has become a sainted figure in just two months, titillating the taste buds of all who have sampled his glorious fare.

“There are still some gaps in the room roster. We hope to see you,” he added. For bookings, contact The Delphi Club, PO Box AB20006, Marsh Harbour, Abaco AB-20006, Bahamas.