Angling Notes: Fermanagh forum introduces children to angling

Celebrating Sport was the theme at the Lakeland Forum in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, last week. Over 1,300 children took part from schools across Fermanagh and Tyrone to sample a variety of non-water based inter-active sports organised by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and Sport Northern Ireland.

Angling Council of Ireland coached-anglers from the National Coarse Fishing Federation of Ireland (NCFFI) worked closely with game anglers to introduce juniors to a selection of baits and tackle equipment, fish dissection and an opportunity to tie their own flies.

Coarse fish from the River Erne were on display and sporting heroes, double world pairs’ champions Cathal Hughes and Philip Jackson, presented a pole cupping competition. Silver medallist Hughes even brought along his winning silverware to give juniors something to aspire to.

Coaches Julian Kendrick, Gavin Brown and David Bowles also provided the opportunity for casting on the “indoor lough” which created great interest to reach the specified targets and to gain maximum points.

In the coming days, trophies will be presented at the respective schools to the pole-cupping winners, along with those who gained most points in the casting competition.

The coarse fishing federation welcomed the invitation from the department to support the concept of engaging more young people out on the bank and the opportunity to play a role in developing their skills.

If you have an interest in providing a similar presentation, contact anglingcouncil@gmail.ie.

Pike management

Further to the piece in last week’s angling notes in relation to pike management, I received several emails on the subject. One email informs that a protest is planned at IFI offices in City West at 11am this Thursday (Mar 24th), when conservationists and anglers will assemble to voice their views directly to IFI.

Fly-caught salmon

Vincent Appelby reports from Lough Currane, Waterville, Co Kerry on what was a reasonably good week with the first fly-caught salmon of the season by UK angler Mark Knowles of 4.5kg, and, in the trolling department, local gillie Bob Priestley recorded a salmon in the 4kg class. Next day, Anulal “Tam” Hitmiang caught the first specimen sea trout of 2016 on the troll. His fine fish weighed in at 4.2kg.

Leitrim catches

Catches really picked up on the River Drowes, Co Leitrim with 13 salmon – seven on the fly. The largest two of 4.3kg (9.5lb) both fell to the Cascade fly for Chris Shepherd at The Grazings and John Stephens at the Island Pool. With the weather forecast, the rapidly increasing salmon run, the lovely spring weather and cracking water levels, prospects for the coming week look very good. For bookings, see http://www.drowessalmonfishery.com/ or 071-984 1055 (8am to 12 noon).

Salmon fishing trip

Justin Maxwell Stuart of Where Wise Men Fish has three rods remaining for an exclusive week on the Gaspe Peninsula - Grand Cascapedia to stay in Middle Camp Lodge, from 14th to 21st August, 2016. The Grand Cascapedia is the river for big Atlantic salmon in Canada, and in recent years has the most consistent run of salmon on the peninsula. Middle Camp is one of the finest salmon fishing lodges anywhere including incredible scenery and the tranquil surroundings of this sleepy corner of Canada. Cost: $6,350. Private group reservations are also possible over 7th-14th August 2016. Email Justin at: +44 (0) 208 123 3516 (office)/+44 (0) 7711 519 857 (mobile).

Trout tales

Brenda Montgomery’s comprehensive report from Lough Sheelin, Co Cavan, highlights the fact that those who caught fish last week employed Di3 and Di5 lines and held tight to the shallows, rocky shores and around the bays, inlets and exposed points. Extensive areas of shallow water are areas most attractive to the trout at this time in their search for food, typically freshwater shrimp and hog louse. With an absence of fly-life trout forage in the lower regions of this lake, scooping up bottom-feeding organisms such as chironomid (buzzer) larvae, snails and caddis.

The success of the strangely named lures like Humungus, Minkie, Orange Bugger, Cat Zonker, Black & Green Booby and Black Goldhead Tadpole, which represent nothing remotely like the trout’s natural food, can be attributed to the trout’s territorial aggression and perhaps are taken out of curiosity.

Among the most successful flies were the Humungus, Minkies, Golden Olive Bumble, Hare’s Ear, Silver Dabbler, Fiery Brown Dabbler, Claret Dabbler, Claret Bumble, Bibio, Silver Invicta, Connemara Black, Black Pennell and Sooty Olive.

Depending on wind direction, Chambers and Kilnahard and along Crover were the most productive areas. Stony Island to Inchacup also featured with some of the heavier catches, particularly close to Gaffney’s Bay.

The popular Sheelin Classic will be run on Easter Saturday (Mar 26th) with a strict 16” size limit. The competition has an impressive list of prizes including a 19ft Sheelin boat. All proceeds go towards enhancement of rivers within the Kells and Sheelin catchment. For further details, contact Noel McLoughlin at 087-217 9460.

Heaviest fish for the week was a 3.17kg trout caught by Gary McKiernan of (www.loughsheelinguidingservices.com). Total number of trout recorded: 35.

Lough Mask

On Lough Mask, Co Mayo, Ronan Cusack reports that finally the water levels have begun to subside after what seemed to be a never-ending winter. The past week has brought a significant rise in air temperature and more spring like conditions, which has brought a few anglers to the lake.

Ballinrobe Anglers’ chairman, Kevin Bettie and Ray Broughton have been doing well over the past few weeks on wet-flies. Kevin reported fish on most trips, but nothing of any great size. Local angler Seán McAvoy has also had some nice fish from Cahir Bay on wets.

Liam Conroy, Tourmakeady, had a cracking day on Saturday with Michael O’Toole. The pair had seven trout on wets (best 1kg). Denis Kelleher, Ballinrobe, ventured out for the first time this year on Sunday last and had three trout for his effort (best .68kg).

angling@irishtimes.com