ANGLING NOTES:A SURVEY of the angling potential of Waterford Estuary is expected to highlight exciting new locations at this premier angling venue. The seven-day project got under way last Wednesday with successful sojourns to "marks" within the estuary.
Part-funded by Wexford Local Development in conjunction with Walter and Jim Foley, charter skippers respectively of the 40-foot Orinoco and 42ft Wild Swan, the idea behind the survey is to improve the scope of angling tourism in the area.
“Rather than steaming to tried and tested marks week after week, we need to check on new areas. For example, the sand banks within the estuary are a haven for flat fish and check the viability of the many wrecks in the vicinity,” Foley says.
I joined Mike Thrussell from Wales, renowned angler and contributor to Total Sea Fishing magazine; Norman Dunlop, retired angling officer with the Central Fisheries Board, Shane O’Reilly, Robert Byrne, Howth Angling Club and local angler Eamonn Doyle.
Fishing onboard the Orinico we checked locations at Creaden Head, close to Brownstown, the Great Lewis wreck and numerous marks off Passage East and Duncannon with interesting results. In total, the group accounted for six species including codling, eel, dogfish, flounder and near-specimen dab.
A 5am start on Thursday heralded a brighter and calmer day, allowing the group to explore marks south of Hook Head. A two-hour anchored stint on West Rock brought greater awards with conger to 6kg, ling, codling, pouting and wrasse.
The survey will continue (weather permitting) at different locations until Wednesday. A clearer picture is expected to emerge as to the true potential of this angling venue.
Meanwhile, Walter and Jim Foley have ordered two additional charter boats due to come on line for next season. The 26ft New Haven Mitchells will have the potential to explore inshore marks. “Bass fishing can be excellent along the coastline,” according to Walter.
- Dalkey butcher Noel Kavanagh (below) exchanged carving for catching on a recent boat outing close to Dalkey Island. On a light rod with cod trace, his mackerel bait was picked up by a huge tope and a fierce tussle took place for 40 minutes, before Noel boated the magnificent animal with help from Noel Martin, who gripped the tail. The hook was easily dislodged, the fish unharmed and safely returned to the water.
- As part of "Fishing Awareness Weekend" to promote angling in the West, a beach fishing session will take place this evening on Lettergesh Beach, near Tully Cross, Co Galway, from 5pm to 8pm, with all tackle and bait supplied. To register, contact 091-563118.
- Despite strong and gusty north westerly winds, the 38th Belmullet Sea Angling Festival went ahead. The two-day event, held in conjunction with Broadhaven Bay Hotel, attracted 40 overseas and home-based anglers and, given the difficult conditions, a wide variety of species were recorded, including John Dory. Results: 1 T Lally. 2 P Coyne. 3 A Thurratt (all Belmullet SAC).
- Tuam Anglers' Association will re-run the junior Glen Moggan Memorial fly-fishing competition this evening from 7pm to 9pm at Finnegan's Lake, Cartron with prize presentation in Rustic Vaults, Vicar Street, Tuam. Entry is €10 and proceeds donated to charity. Also note, the Des ODonnell competition fixed for this Saturday is now changed to September 19th.
angling@irishtimes.com