ANGLING NOTES:THE duckfly hatch is in full swing in a number of areas on Lough Corrib and trout have switched on to them and are feeding hard.
Angling guides Tomi Kurman and Jacek Gorny enjoyed some great fishing with clients last week. Testing out some new hybrida lures spinning and trolling, the group landed some big ferox and a few small trout.
On Sunday, two anglers had 13 takes and landed six using the new lures. Des Canning and his brother Michael booked a day with the guides and Des landed the fish of a lifetime, a magnificent ferox trout that measured 88cm and weighed 8.2kg (18lbs 3oz).
For bookings, contact Jacek on 085 774 15 78 or fishingireland.pl
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On Mask, Ronan Cusack reports that the lake was quieter than of late with not as many boats to be seen out. Water levels continue to drop and good hatches of duckfly are beginning to appear.
Local angler Conor O’Mahony and boat partner Mick Byrne had four fish for their day, best .9kg (2lb). Liam Conroy, Tourmakeady, caught five good keepers, coupled with several undersize fish, all returned. Liam also mentioned meeting three visiting anglers on the pier in Tourmakeady and they had 11 trout between them.
Sean Maloney, Ballinrobe, landed five for his day and on a further outing with Joe Fitzharris they had two trout (best .9kg). Joe reported large hatches of small sedge along the Inishowen shore with plenty of fish rising in the calm water.
Although fewer anglers were out, fishing was very good, with an average of two to three trout per day, not to mention undersize fish. It was excellent fishing for this time of year and with the duckfly hatch increasing, this week should see more good sport. Ronan also guides and can be contacted at cusackronan@gmail.com or tel: 087 2869487.
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Surprise, surprise: out of 19 lifejackets checked by lifeboat safety officer, Capt John McKenna at Howth Angling Centre last Monday, only three were in working order.
The CO2 cylinders in some had become corrosive but in most cases the hydrostatic trigger was out of date by as much as four years.
For free safety advice, call 1800 789 589 or mckennajohnLSSO@gmail.com
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The 63rd Annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service for the gift of sport will be held on Sunday in St Ann’s Church, Dawson Street, Dublin 2, at 7.30pm.
Former Dublin footballer, Tommy Carr is the guest speaker and the King’s Hospital Choir will lead the singing.
All are welcome and the collection will be donated to Pieta House.
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Following the success of the invasive species stand at the recent angling show in Dublin, Irish Angling Development Alliance in conjunction with Inland Fisheries Ireland is hosting a Biosecurity Awareness Evening at three venues across Ireland. Details of events are: March 27th at Wetlands Centre, Ballybay, Co Monaghan, hosted by Ballybay Angling Association; April 18th at Cavan Crystal Hotel, Cavan, hosted by Cavan Anglers’ Club and May 23rd at Salthill Hotel, Galway, hosted by Galway CAC.
All events commence at 7:30pm and admission is free. Contact Peter Walsh iadasecretary@gmail.com
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The Youths Interprovincial Fly Tying Competition was held last weekend at the Dropping Well Pub in Milltown, Dublin. Each competitor was required to tie four fly patterns, ie Grey Wulff, Grey Duster, Cock Robin and Claret Bumble.
Results
Individual event:
1. C Reilly, Loughrea, Co Galway; 2. C Cunningham, Loughrea; Co Galway. 3. F McKiernan, Coosan, Co Westmeath.
Team event: 1. Connaught; 2. Leinster; 3. Munster; 4. Ulster.
With the fly-tying test in progress, Prof Ken Whelan enlightened adults with an entomology powerpoint class followed by a river bank demonstration describing various pupae and fry.
angling@irishtimes.com