Angling Notes: The mayfly season has arrived in all its splendour and for the next few weeks it's all systems go.
For many it represents the highlight of the trout season, a time when fish feed freely on this short-lived insect, a time when even the novice flyfisher can have a field day catching way beyond normal expectations.
The countdown started last week with sporadic mayfly hatches observed on most rivers and lakes throughout the country. The continued mild spell, however, has propelled the season into full swing. Let the carnival begin.
On Lough Carra, inspectorate staff of the Western Fisheries Board held a small competition last Friday week to mark the retirement of angling inspector Danny Goldrick. Martin Butler was just pipped to first prize by Jim Stafford with a fish of 1kg, just 30g heavier than Martin's fish.
The angling was followed by a meal in Flannery's of Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, where many tributes were paid to Danny, who is retiring after 47 years with the service. He is wished all the best in his retirement.
I would like to echo those latter sentiments. Danny has been an inspiration to me down through the years and I will miss our weekly e-mail chats.
He is a walking encyclopaedia on fishing, an excellent photographer and a good man with the pen. Above all, he is a thorough gentleman. Can't wait for memoirs to be published.
The Minister for the Marine, Dermot Ahern, has announced a major safety drive by making the wearing of life-jackets compulsory on boats of seven metres (23 feet) or less. In addition, a lifejacket or flotation device must be carried on every vessel, regardless of the size.
The new measures are contained in draft regulations published last Sunday week and which become law in one week's time. Before making the order, the Minister is seeking final comments from interested parties on the proposed draft. Views should be submitted by this Wednesday.
"The time has come to make the wearing of lifejackets compulsory. I hope to have the new regulations in place in advance of the June Bank Holiday when many people will be taking to the water," he said.
Copies of the draft regulations are available at www.dcmnr.gov.ie Observations to eoghan.beecher@dcmnr.gov.ie
Tomorrow night Killarney Anglers and Friends will formally launch Kitty, a new custom-built boat, catering specifically for anglers with disabilities. The launching ceremony will be performed by Denis Cronin at Reen Pier, near Ross Castle, Killarney, at 7.30 p.m.
Built to unique specifications at Burke's Boatyard in Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, this boat was funded by Cork Prison Officers' Social Fund, South Western Fisheries Board, South Western Development Society and fellow anglers.
For further information, contact Tim O'Sullivan at 064-33618.
The third annual Irish Atlantic Salmon Conservation Award (IASC) was announced recently in Dublin by Minister of State for Marine John Browne. The award is designed to encourage conservation of the Atlantic salmon by all users of the resource.
This year's prize of 15,000 went to Waterville Fisheries Development Group for work in redeveloping nursery streams and protecting the Waterville Fishery in Co Kerry.
Fish stocks have significantly improved, which in turn has increased angling and economic activity in the catchment area. The prize money will be invested back into continued conservation efforts.
Commendations were also awarded to the Southern Fisheries Board for work in creating a salmon pass beside a large weir on the river Clodaigh, Co Tipperary, and Ballisodare Fishing Club for developing the Ballisodare Salmon Fishery in Co Sligo.
In congratulating all those involved in the awards, the minister reaffirmed his commitment to conservation of the wild salmon stock. "I intend to ensure all practical measures are taken to conserve, restore, manage and develop the salmon resource," he said.
The IASC award is sponsored by the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards; Marine Institute, Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission; Bord Iascaigh Mhara and Bank of Ireland and granted by the National Salmon Commission.
For further details, contact Paddy Byrne at 087 290 6866.
A fishing-tackle auction will take place this Friday evening in Howth Angling Centre, West Pier, Howth, Co Dublin at 9 p.m. There are promises of bargains galore, with many new and not-so-new rods, reels and fishing-tackle items. Auction will feature a 9-foot boat for sale. Admission is free and all welcome.
Thirty-five anglers took part in the EFSA Shore League (1st leg) at Clones Beach, Co Wexford, last Saturday week and returned 347 fish including gurnard, plaice, codling, flatfish and dogfish.
Results: 1, M. Quinn (Bray), 25 fish; 2, F. Baxter (North Strand), 24f; 3, S. Brennan (Dartry), 25f.
The newly redesigned webpage for Rathbeggan Lakes is www.rathbegganlakes.com
E-mail: angling@irish-times.ie