THE Ireland Angling Show will again be held at the National Show Centre, Swords, Co Dublin on February 15th and 16th. Mara Media has grown the show to bring together all aspects of angling under one roof where visitors can meet angling celebrities and experts to share knowledge and advice.
Back by popular demand is Henry Gilbey, Mike Thrussell and world champion fly-caster Hywel Morgan. World pairs champions Cathal Hughes and Philip Jackson will present a talk each day and host a “Pole Cupping” competition for kids.
Friends of the show Glenda Powell, Mary Gavin Hughes, Stevie Munn, Jim Clohessy and many more will share advice and tuition free of charge. For those with an interest in fly- tying, a selection of world class tyers will practise their craft.
For the first time, visitors will be treated to a cookery demonstration Plancha-style, courtesy of Chris Sandford of Chef Centre of Ireland and German specialist Mona Leona.
A large interactive area is designated to teach and encourage kids to pick up a rod and a visit to the Dublin Angling Initiative Kids Zone is a must for families.
The Irish Specimen Fish Committee will host its awards day on the Saturday in Bewleys Airport Hotel and a shuttle bus will run between hotel and the show to facilitate those wishing to attend both events.
Ireland Angling Show will be held onFebruary 15th and 16th.
Hydropower schemes
New guidelines announced recently by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) will make it easier for hydropower schemes to be developed while simultaneously protecting rivers. Working alongside fishing and wildlife groups, the guidelines will advise on water usage for electricity generation.
A new assessment checklist will allow developers to consider at the early stages of project development, how much water could be available on certain rivers before applying for the necessary permission.
River levels and day-to-day changes in the natural flow of the river are essential to protect important wildlife habitats for spawning fish and other species. A working party of community groups, developers, angling groups and environmental organisations has been established to help the industry develop sustainably for the long term.
Ceri Davies of NRW said: "We are in the process of making the process for hydropower developers simpler and are grateful for involvement of the industry, fisheries and wildlife groups in our work."
Fishing offence
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has won a court case over coarse fishing on Whitewood Lake, Co Meath. Two people were convicted at Navan District Court, one was given the Probation Act, the other community service. IFI was awarded €3,840 in expenses.
The two were held by fisheries officers as they had a boat, nets and 99 coarse fish including bream, roach, rudd and perch in breach of the bylaw which allows an angler to have four coarse fish under 25cm in their possession. All equipment was seized.
Salmon Trust auction
Details on lots how to register your bid in this year's Atlantic Salmon Trust auction are available at atlanticsalmontrust.org/ auction.
Also call 01738- 472032 to receive a catalogue and then contact AST with your bid.
Bidding will close on February 14th.
Itffa agm
The Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association will hold its agm on February 2nd at 2.30pm in the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar. All affiliated clubs are entitled to have two voting delegates attend.
Special lunch
The salmon fishery at Longueville House in Mallow, Co Cork, will host a special lunch next Sunday at 1pm. Included is a tour of their Apple Brandy Distillery. €38 a person. Bookings at Biasasta@hotmail.com.
angling@irishtimes.com
