TIM O’Sullivan has done it again. The man with the golden touch when it comes to big fish has once again landed a magnificent fresh salmon of 9.1kg (20lb) from Lough Lein in Killarney, Co Kerry. Back in 2006, he caught an even bigger salmon of 10.2kg (22.5lb) from the same lake.
It is rare nowadays to hear of rod-caught salmon over specimen weight, but when the angler concerned is a wheelchair user, it becomes an event worth noting. “We were trolling the Fossa shore last Monday and the red and silver home-made minnow got him. It was the same minnow that caught the fish back in 2006.
“The secret for success is to be lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time,” he says.
O’Sullivan has worked tirelessly to improve facilities for anglers with disabilities. At Lough Lein, his angling club, hoists and casting platforms have been installed and clubmates assist with embarking and disembarking.
“If the Irish fly-fishing team had five or six anglers of the calibre of Denis Goulding they would win every competition,” declares former international Seán McManmon at last weekend’s media fishing event at Killeen Castle in Dunsany, Co Meath. “His casting ability and dedication to detail is the best I have ever seen,” he says.
It is a return of the media group to the lakes at Killeen and to avail of the splendid fishing and cuisine afforded by this magnificent 600-acre estate under the watchful eye of McManmon as estate manager.
“Today I want you to try four different trout lakes, two browns and two rainbows. The browns are over-wintered and should provide good sport. The format remains the same, one barbless fly and one hour on each lake,” he says.
Soon our convoy of 15 is on its way to the first lake in big golf buggies. A shotgun start gets proceedings going and within minutes the first fish is banked. Yes, you’ve guessed it – a good-sized brownie for Denis Goulding. He goes on to catch four at this juncture.
At midday a short buggie ride brings us to my favourite lake, renowned for big rainbows. Here, the gillies are busy recording fish after fish caught by each competitor. Great sport!
But McManmon kept his trump card till last – an over-wintered brown lake, never fished before. A real treat! These fish are in fantastic condition and fight very hard. While everyone does well, it is Denis who nudges out in front to finish with a further eight.
Our day is rounded off with a superb dinner in the clubhouse. Thanks to Seán McManmon and staff at Killeen Castle and Fáilte Ireland for a most enjoyable day. For reservations, contact Jackie at info@killeencastle.com and 01-6893000.
Results: 1, D Goulding (Irish Anglers’ Digest), 13 fish; 2, M Flanagan (Sunday World), 8f; 3, D Davis (4FM), 8f; 4, D Dinsmore (Irish Angler), 7f; 5, B Hayes (Waterlog), 6f; 6, M Neill (Belfast Media College), 6f; 7, D Gray (The Star), 4f. Longest fish: M Flanagan, 65cm.
As water levels continue to drop, the Moy is very suitable for fly-fishing and anglers are reminded that fishing is free on the Ridge Pool until the first salmon is captured there.
The Ballina Salmon Anglers Water remains productive, with a further four salmon recorded. Tommy Egan Snr and Mark Beattie both had fish of 5kg (11lb) while Fergal McHale and Gerry Seck caught one each of 4kg and 3kg, respectively. All fish succumbed to worm.
Note: As numerous kelts are now moving downstream, care is requried if these fish are hooked.
Cleere’s Angling Centre is offering a free introduction to salmon spey double-handed casting on the River Liffey this Saturday. Places will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact 045-893551/902932.