Are you interested in how we manage our fisheries and wildlife resources at an international level? Do you think the bodies involved do their job well? Are they effective? If not, why not? How can they be improved?
Come along and debate these important issues with Malcolm Windsor (former secretary general of North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation), Frank Convery, Ken Whelan and a panel of experts in UCD on October 29th at 5.30pm.
To register for the Buckland Lecture 2014 – Species without Borders: Science, Politics, Economics and Human Factors visit: eventbrite.ie/e/species- without-borders-science-politics-economics-and-human-factors-tickets-12951876411
A huge salmon, estimated at more than 60lb, was caught recently by Harry Johansen on the Alta river in Norway using an 8wt single-handed rod after a long and very hard fight.
The salmon took a size-9 Kola Tundra salmon fly and measured 129 cm long with a girth of 78cm.
“The fish was like steel. If the picture is not beautiful it is because it was taken on a phone with the priority being to handle this amazing fish very carefully prior to returning safely,” Johansen said.
One of Northern Ireland’s most enduring and successful angling clubs celebrated its ruby anniversary last week.
The Pikers was formed 40 years ago in Holywood, Co Down. Today five of the original members are still active, Roy Smyth, Larry Nixon, Bob Templeton, Alan Ritchie and Alex Dickey.
Since 1974, members have caught and returned an incredible number of pike including 20 weighing over 30lb. The club’s biggest pike, caught by Roy Smyth, tipped the scales at 36lb 4oz.
The fifth Fly Fair and Angling Show will feature the greatest spectacle of fly tyers and game angling stands under one roof in Ireland. A host of fly dressers, casters and celebrities will gather at Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill on November 15th and /16th.
The tackle trade will be represented with a range of trade stands, outdoor clothing and fly tying gear.
Angling celebrities Charles Jardine, Hywel Morgan, Glenda Powell and Peter O’Reilly will demonstrate throughout the two days on all aspects of fly fishing.
Experts from Inland Fisheries Ireland, Tom “Doc” Sullivan, Ken Whelan, Fissta and more will host talks on angling-related topics. Further details at irishflyfair.com or Stevie Munn at anglingclassics@aol.com.
Flyfishing competition
The Knockaderry Cup Open Flyfishing Competition promises to be an exciting event with excellent prizes on offer. The three-day competition, scheduled for October 25th-27th, will consist of two heat days with finals on Monday.
Knockaderry Reservoir is located at Kilmeaden, Co Waterford. An entry fee of €60 is limited to 80 anglers on a first-come first-served basis. To enter, contact Mike Drinan at 087-235 3885.
Pat Murphy continues his brilliant talks on the history of Ireland's famous yacht Asgard on Thursday, November 6th, at Donaghmede House on Newbrook Road; on Thursday November 20th at the Maritime Museum, Dún Laoghaire, and on Tuesday, November 25th, at the Howth Sea Angling Club. Talks get under way at 8pm and all are welcome.
Up against a field of 30, local angler Tommy Lawton extended his fine run to five wins at the recent Fermoy Autumn Dace Festival on the river Blackwater in Co Cork.
Results: 1, T Lawton, 46lb 5oz; 2, N Richards, 33lb 5oz; 3, P Stansfield, 32lb 10oz.
The Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association (Ilfa) held its final trial for this year on Eskragh Lough, near Dungannon, Co Tyrone, earlier this month.
Julie Gerry from Kildare came out tops with nine fish, adopting an intermediate line and yellow blob.
With the league now completed, qualifiers will take part in the international championships on Grafham Water in 2015. The association will be in attendance at the upcoming Galway Fly Fair and available to answer any questions.
Finally a correction: the media angling event is scheduled for Courtlough Fishery, Balrothery, Co Dublin, on Friday, November 7th.
