THE LOUGHS Agency is to be congratulated for its stance on the protection of bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax) and tope ( Galeorhinus geleus) in the Foyle and Carlingford areas of the North.
The agency is now seeking the views of stakeholders and interested parties on proposed new regulations towards conservation of the two species.
The bass regulation will prohibit the taking of bass other than by rod and line, and provide for a bag limit of two fish in any 24-hour period. An angling ban will also apply during the spawning season, which runs from May 15th to June 15th.
If enacted, the second regulation will prohibit the killing and/or sale of tope caught by rod and line. Comments on proposals to laura.french@loughs- agency.org. Consultation closes on December 24th.
• Lough Sheelin Trout Protection Association (LSTPA) hosted the third annual Stream Rehabilitation Competition on the lough last Saturday week. Wet and windy conditions did little to deter a huge turnout of 220 anglers for this popular event.
Rules on the day allowed for just one trout weighing over 350mm per angler and this resulted in 52 returned for weigh-in. First prize, with a splendid fish of 2kg, went to Martin Kearney of Dublin, who received a lake boat sponsored by Lough Sheelin Boats, Mount Nugent, Co Cavan.
"Profits from the competition will go towards our stream- rehabilitation programme," says LSTPA spokesman Dr Brian Lalor.
• The end-of-year report from Lough Inagh Fishery in Recess, Co Galway, is impressive. High water-levels for most of the season ensured an excellent run of salmon and sea trout, and for the first time in years, arctic char made an appearance.
On the salmon front, a total 85 were recorded, with 14 released, as against 67 caught in 2007. The largest weighed 5.7kg and the average about 2.7kg. The lough accounted for 40 and Derryclare Butts produced 15.
The sea-trout total was staggering, up on last year by 436 to 759. "Most were caught in the lough and while the majority were small (0.4kg), I believe in the coming years fish weighing up to 1.8kg will be a common feature," says angling manager Colin Folan.
It is also important to record that there were no net marks or sea lice on any sea trout.
Folan is hosting a fly-fishing school at Lough Inagh Lodge from November 14th to 17th. Some of the top instructors in attendance will include Russell Whiteman.
The course will comprise single-handed double hauling; double-handed roll, overhead and spey casting; fly tying (beginner to intermediate); leader preparation and knots; advice on rods, reels and lines; half-day's fishing on nearby stocked lake and advanced fly-fishing methods.
Package includes: two nights' B&B and two dinners, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, two days' instruction, use of fly-tying kit and fishing permits. The cost is €650 (single supplement is €30 extra). For booking, contact Colin at 095-34706 or inagh@iol.ie.
• The Central and Regional Fisheries Boards remind all salmon and sea-trout anglers to return completed logbooks and unused gill tags to their local regional board by October 19th. This is a requirement under the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2008 (SI 849 of 2007).
Anglers are required to return logbooks even if they had a zero catch and to retain proof of postage for a period of 12 months. Evidence of postage is vital, as failure to return a logbook may result in a fine or prosecution.
The scheme provides valuable data to fishery managers, policy advisers and research scientists towards implementation of strategies to ensure the conservation of wild salmon and sea trout stocks in Ireland.
• While on a business trip to Ireland recently, a group from Eircom Global Carrier Services (EGCS) enjoyed a day's fishing and barbecue at Annamoe Trout Fishery in Co Wicklow.
For many of the 22 visitors it was their first insight into angling. However, Des Chew, from Dublin Angling Initiative (DAI), was on hand to provide an introductory talk on fly-fishing and casting instruction.
Throughout the day most of the group experienced good action. John Mitchell from New Zealand caught the first rainbow of 1.8kg on a dry sedge, while Nicola Jordan from Dublin managed one of 1.3kg on a bubble and fly. The best fish of 2.7kg fell to Celia Reves from Portugal on a Muddler pattern.
Meanwhile, details of the Scierra fly-fishing winter league at Annamoe were announced last week. The first heat is scheduled for October 25th, with fishing from 10.30am to 2.30pm.
Prizes will be awarded to the top four in each of the five qualifying heats, along with a place in the final. Entry fee is €24 and includes fishing for the remainder of the day after the competition is over.
Entries to Brian Nally at 086-259 8563.