ANGLING NOTES:A NATIONAL Youth Angling expo will take place at Howth Angling Centre, West Pier, on Sunday next . The event will launch Fisheries Awareness Week in the eastern region and also mark the 40th anniversary of the angling club.
The objective of the day - from 10am to 5.30pm - is to bring young people into the sport and many of Ireland's best anglers will give freely of their time, knowledge and expertise.
Local charter boats are supporting the event, along with Sea Life Centre from Bray, RNLI and the Irish Coastguard. Angling federations will offer advice to those wishing to pursue angling as a hobby. Outdoor demonstrations should not be overlooked with world-class fly-casting instructor Paddy McDonnell and beach-caster Sam Roche.
Chef Chris Sandford will display his culinary skills - with fish cooking demonstrations, and wildlife enthusiasts are in for a treat along with some great free draws. Don't miss this fantastic free event which promises to be a great day out for all the family. For further details, contact Des Chew, Dublin Angling Initiative, at 087-6740214.
- The Ministerfor Natural Resources, Conor Lenihan, has announced the five nominees to the board of the new Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). They are: Brendan O'Mahony (chair), Lily Collinson, Andrew Duncan, Lal Faherty and Dr Frances Lucy.
The new board will work closely with ceo-designate Dr Ciaran Byrne to advance preparations for changeover to the new structures expected to be in place by July 1st, 2010.
In recognition of the need for stakeholders' participation, the IFI Bill 2009 allows for a national inland fisheries forum for those who wish to contribute to the future development of fishing.
"I am hopeful the nominees will assist in ensuring a smooth transition to the new organisation to enable IFI to quickly get into its stride," the minister said.
- The Mayflyis up. Although sporadic last week, hatches are increasing by the day and anglers are expected to flock to the western lakes this week for the annual pilgrimage.
There is still time to try for thwaite shad on the Barrow River at St Mullins in Co Carlow. Recently, well-known specimen hunter Ian Mulligan caught about 40 including five specimens. All were released. Yellow and blue Tasmanian Devils worked well during my brief visit!
- The GalwayFishery produced 15 salmon for the week and with just one gate open, conditions for flyfishing are perfect. With fresh fish in the river good spring fishing is expected this week.
- Belmullet SeaAngling Club will host the Home International Boat Competition this Friday and Saturday from Ballyglass Pier in Broadhaven Bay. The Irish team is: Josie Barrett, Liam Longmore, Liam O'Callaghan, Henry Ross and Mary Gavin Hughes (capt).
- The YouthsRiver Champion- ship took place last Saturday week on Stradbally River in Co Laois. Seventeen juniors took part and 14 recorded 170 trout over 18cm on a catch and release basis.
The top 10 anglers will represent Leinster in Tafi Inter-Provincial Championships at Rosses, Donegal, later this year. Results: 1, D Armstrong (Rathdrum), 70 fish; 2, S Dempsey (Coosan); 3, P McKenna (Dundalk). Largest fish: M Conroy (Dundalk), 43cm. Full results at: www.tafileinster.com
- angling@irishtimes.com