ANGLING:ADVERSE weather conditions this year have played havoc with charter boat angling, particularly along the southeast coastline, and skippers are predicting their "worst ever" season.
Skipper Dick Hayes, operating from Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford, says bookings are down 33 per cent on previous years. "I'm 15 years in the business and this season is the worst I can remember."
Persistent strong southeasterly winds meant cancellations became a common feature most weekends. Road flooding compounded problems as groups found it impossible to travel.
Kilmore Quay has eight charter boats and is regarded as an angling "centre of excellence". Its proximity to Rosslare and Dublin makes it popular with both cross-channel and Irish anglers.
"Going into the season we stood to make a living out of it with all weekends booked up. But with higher diesel charges and lost dates, the season has been a disaster. These are very trying times," Hayes says.
At Enniscrone, Co Sligo, skipper Donal Kennedy also had a difficult season as northwesterly winds hindered prospects of quality angling. "Instead, I took out locals on mackerel trips for short stints. On two occasions it started to rain before we left, and only four turned up. On another occasion nobody arrived," he says.
Clifden skipper John Brittain fared slightly better. "I am lucky, I suppose, because I have the islands, including Inishbofin and Inishturk, as protection from the most adverse conditions," he says.
However, increased fuel charges are costing an extra €50 per day, he says.
Dominic Ó Morain of Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel in Recess, Connemara, says business is down by 10 to 15 per cent on previous years - but possibly not due to weather. "While our regular clientele remained strong, the American tourist trade fell considerably, perhaps because of the forthcoming elections or the Olympics," Ó Morain says.
However, the revival in game angling, ie salmon and sea trout, has made a significant improvement to business.
The rivers and lakes enjoyed a reasonably good season with few complaints from the fishing community. While the recent flooding brought game and coarse angling to a standstill, there are hopes of a bonanza when the water subsides.