Trout succumb at Annamoe to sinking lure of boobies, buzzers and bibios of the media

Annamoe Trout Fishery in the picturesque village of Annamoe, Co Wicklow, provided the perfect platform for angling hacks to meet for a day’s fishing at one of the most scenic locations in Ireland.

Set on the banks of the Avonmore river, the lake is flanked by woodland in a beautiful natural environment. To the north lies Roundwood, the highest village in Ireland, and nearby Glendalough, once the monastic capital of Europe, which now attracts up to 500,000 visitors annually.

Give or take a year, this was the 11th occasion that Brian Nally extended an invitation to media personnel to enjoy the wild and wonderful ingredient that makes Annamoe special.

Fishing on the day was brilliant with a constant shout for “net” echoing across the lake. Boobies, buzzers and bibios were much in evidence, however; in the end most of the 63 fish caught succumbed to the sinking lure patterns.

Fighting fish

Stefan Peterson of Idas Trout Ltd deserves special mention for supplying quality fish that fought like “tigers”. Idas is in Woodenbridge, Arklow (call 0402-36535).

Thanks also to fisheries inspectors Josie Mahon and Des Chew for their tremendous help on the day.

This year it was the turn of our northern colleagues Maurice Neill, Paddy O’Flaherty and Larry Nixon to take three of the four top places with Maurice taking pole position with nine fish. In line with conservation rules, all fish were returned to fight another day.

Derek Davis was credited with the heaviest and longest fish of 51cm. He said later: “For once I’m not the heaviest angler!” Results: 1, M Neill; 2, P O’Flaherty; 3, M Flanagan; 4, L Nixon; 5, D Evans.

The lake is open each day (except Wednesday) and a separate children’s pond is open from May to September. Inquiries to 0404-45470 or annamoefishery@eircom.net.

Bass bag limit

Inland Fisheries Ireland has confirmed the bass fishing conservation SI No 826 of 2007 remains in force and imposes a bag limit of two bass in any one period of 24 hours. The byelaw also places a ban on angling for bass during the spawning season, which runs from May 15th to June 15th.

Last month the European Commission introduced a daily bag limit which allows for not more than three bass to be retained by anglers. This limit complements and supports Ireland’s conservation measures, and those implemented by other countries, to assist in the recovery of bass stocks across Europe.

While these measures are to be welcomed, they fall short of Ireland’s first announcement in 1990, which still holds fast to conserve bass stocks, introduced by the then minister for the marine, the late John Wilson.These include a ban on commercial fishing and the use of nets for bass fishing, a ban on the sale of bass (except imported bass) and a minimum size limit of 40cm for bass caught.

The minister added: “Stocks of bass have dropped dramatically and are now at a very dangerous level. Commercial fishing for the species has been the main reason for this decline and tough measures were needed to rectify the situation.”

Retirement

Howth RNLI wishes to announce that its lifeboat operations manager, Rupert Jeffares, is retiring after more than 50 years of tireless dedication to the station.

Mr Jeffares has contributed to saving hundreds of lives at sea since he joined as a crew member in the 1960s and in more recent years has authorised the launch of Howth’s lifeboats and assisted with the management of the station.

Last year, at an awards ceremony in London’s Barbican Centre, Rupert received a Bar to the Gold Badge, the second highest accolade awarded by the institution, in acknowledgement of his commitment to the charity.

Chairman Russell Rafter, said: “He is a much loved, greatly respected and valued member of Howth RNLI, and will be sorely missed. We would like to invite all his friends, family and colleagues to mark Rupert’s contribution with a reception and presentation in Howth Yacht Club this Thursday (April 23rd) at 8pm.” angling@irishtimes.com