Angling Notes/Derek Evans: We are witnessing a game of "pass the parcel" among those in the State sector with responsibility and power to take action in relation to the cessation of drift netting, according to Niall Greene, chairman of the Stop Salmon Drift Nets Now (SSDNN) campaign.
Speaking at the a.g.m. of the Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers (FISSTA), he said there was now a total absence of political direction to a question that is no longer one of science, but of politics.
There are three decisions to be made by Pat the Cope Gallagher, Minister of State for the Marine, which could gauge his intentions in relation to salmon conservation - whether to implement the advice of the Standing Scientific Committee on the total allowable catch for 2005; whether to ensure local quotas take account of capacity of individual river systems; and whether to sign into law the amendment to the Salmon Fishery Control Order.
Even a positive answer to all these questions would not satisfy SSDNN but would, at least, point to a serious intent on the part of the new Minister to come to grips with the situation.
Within the past two months, SSDNN has held discussions on the drift net issue with angling and commercial groups, tourist interests and State agencies. While conclusions were not unanimous, a broad consensus emerged that drift netting is unsustainable and there was a recognition that salmon stocks are in crisis.
Pat the Cope Gallagher understands fishing and hails from a county with an enormous stake in game angling tourism. According to Greene, if progress is to be made on this issue, he must be persuaded to cut through the debilitating paralysis that pervades the institutions under his control and must give a clear direction on the ending of drift netting.
In the meantime, SSDNN has no intention of "sitting around doing nothing". "We must continue to educate people, continue to argue the case for angling tourism and persuade more councils to adopt resolutions on the issue. Above all, we must ensure TDs, senators and councillors are made aware that angling tourism sectors encompass vastly more votes that 900 drift net licence holders," Greene says.
David O'Mahony from Sixmilebridge, Co Clare seeks information on a Dublin-based rod maker. In the late 1950s his father gave him a very light glass-fibre rod, made after 1956. The maker's name is J. W. Newburn, Dublin, and the logo has five rings with "Olympic" on top and the maker's name underneath.
"I suspect it was made after the Melbourne Olympics. At this stage, however, it needs a good makeover and I would appreciate any assistance regarding the manufacturer," O'Mahony says. Information, please, to 061-369261.
Around the fisheries
Annamoe Trout Fisheries, Co Wicklow: A coating of snow that covered the fishery and surrounding countryside failed to deter the 20 sturdy anglers who participated in heat four of the Airflo Fly-Fishing Winter League. After four hours of competitive angling, 14 accounted for 36 fish - the heaviest a fine rainbow of 5.5lb.
Results: 1, M. Francis (Co Wicklow), 5 fish, 219 cms; 2, H. King (Co Carlow), 4f, 192 cms; 3, D. Doyle (Co Dublin), 3f, 178cms. (Tel: 0404-45470.)
Corkagh Park, Dublin: A group of teenagers from Larkin College tried their luck on the coarse lake and collectively netted 12 fish over a three-hour session. The top carp, a mirror of 9.25lb, fell to local angler Anthony White, and Dave Phelan netted a good bag of six for 30lb.
John Daly christened his new fly rod with three good-sized rainbows on a black buzzer. (Tel: 01-4592622.)
Maynooth Fisheries, Co Kildare: Roger Fowler landed three trout, ranging from 4lb to 18lb, and North Kildare Trout & Salmon Anglers also accounted for several fish during their annual outing. Please note: fly-tying classes are due to start soon on Tuesday evenings at the fishery.
On the carp lake, mild temperatures in midweek resulted in a catch of 12 fish among three anglers. Alan Cliverd landed four double-figure carp and John MacDonnell landed five, his biggest to 22lb. All fish opted for flavoured boilies. (Tel: 01-6293202.)
Rathbeggan Lakes, Co Meath: For most of the week, fish fed in the upper layers and, surprisingly, dry daddies continue to produce on windy days despite the fact a live one hasn't been seen for a month. Successful flies included balloon caddis, floating fry and suspender buzzers in green or black.
Junior anglers now have a pond specifically designed to catch their first fish. A new addition is the party hut, which can be used for birthday parties or cub groups. (Tel: 01-824 0197.)