Angling Notes: World youth angling championships for Inniscarra Lake in Co Cork

The National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland (NCFFI) has announced the hosting of the world youth angling championships on Inniscarra Lake in Co Cork, next year.

With the event on home waters Ireland will be fielding teams in all categories – Under-15s, U-20s and U-25s. All interested anglers are welcome to apply.

Recent rule changes by the Fédération Internationale de la Pêche Sportive-Ed, the world sporting body, to increase the age limit for under-23s to 25, will allow the older youth anglers to continue at international level before progressing to senior level.

Four qualifying events will take place on the Coachford Greenway on June 25th-26th and September 18th-19th, each supervised by ACI-certified coaches and support staff. Best results from three of the matches will comprise the teams for U-15 and U-20 levels.

The U-25s are invited to take part in the qualifiers but with the team selection similar to that of the senior float team. Additional anglers will be selected to support the teams during the championships.

The village of Coachford will provide a range of competitively priced accommodation for the anglers and is conveniently located close to the Greenway.

Juniors need to be members of a club affiliated to NCFFI, available to spend a week at the venue in August 2017 and attend practice sessions throughout the year. For more details and to download an application form, visit ncff.ie/youth-team-ireland.

Team manager Jack Tisdall said: "Inniscarra is a fantastic venue and we expect visiting teams to experience some of the best fishing and hospitality they have ever encountered at a world championship event. As usual I expect our organisation will rise to the occasion and the event will be a resounding success."

Annalee angling guide

A new guide for brown trout angling on the River Annalee was launched recently by

Inland Fisheries Ireland

(IFI).

The Annalee is one of the main tributaries of the Upper Erne and provides quality wild brown trout up to 1.5kg over much of its 60km length. It is one of the premier trout fisheries in the area and has previously hosted national fly-fishing championships.

The new guide, prepared in consultation with Cavan, Laragh and Bunnoe district angling clubs, comes in a fold-out water-resistant format, providing map, suitable angling stretches, access points and regulations for the area.

It also identifies where to obtain permits and gives helpful advice regarding recommended fly patterns for use throughout the season. The guide is available from IFI offices or can be downloaded at fisheriesireland.ie/Angling/angling-publications.html.

Pike management concerns

An aggrieved angler asks the following question in relation to pike management: “The recent decision by IFI to resume removal of pike from western loughs is nothing short of madness. Huge quantities of public money is being spent to perform ‘work’ that is the complete opposite of what fisheries scientists recommend.

“Removal of pike causes an explosion of small pike due to a lack of cannibalism, and a resulting increase in fish being eaten by small pike. This will cause the trout angling to further decline.

“Furthermore, pike and coarse angling is a huge revenue generator for the Irish economy, and angling tourism will drop off hugely.”

Note: There is a comprehensive frequently asked questions (FAQ) section on the IFI website that explains the situation regarding pike management.

In effect, IFI is implementing the pike and trout polices which are also on the website for download. Supporting research can be found in the publications section of the website.

Anyone who has an issue with the pike management practice should register a comment or complaint to the official complaints email address as noted on the website and FAQ. Visit fisheriesireland.ie/FAQ/faq.html and click on the stock management tab.

Illegal fishing conviction

At a recent sitting of Galway District Court, Judge

Mary Fahy

convicted a

Claregalway

man of an illegal fishing offence. The man was found guilty of possession of a net and obstruction of fishery officers at Kiltrogue on the

Clare River

. Fines of €500 were issued on each charge and costs were awarded to Inland Fisheries Ireland of €600.

Judge Fahy heard evidence that fishery officers observed the defendant in a kayak, servicing and cleaning a net, before placing it in a bag. The man then proceeded to a second net, fixed in the river, where the officers approached him.

Conditions improve on Blackwater

Glenda Powell of Blackwater Salmon Fishery is delighted to say that spring is in the air, and conditions are, at last, looking more favourable. The fishery has experienced high water levels since opening day (February 1st) and very few people ventured out due to this.

Those who did brave the elements caught kelts and brown trout. The only fresh fish was on February 25th. “There should be very few kelts left in the system, however, I would still advise to be careful not to mistake a kelt for a fresh spring fish,” she said.

For bookings, contact 087-2 351260 or glenda@glendapowellguiding.com

[ angling@irishtimes.com ]