ANGLING NOTES:STAFF FROM the central and Shannon regional fisheries boards have eradicated chub from the Inny river system in Co Westmeath. The invasive species was illegally introduced by anglers attempting to establish a chub population in Ireland, which was first identified in 2005 by Dr Joe Caffrey, senior research officer with the Central Fisheries Board (CFB).
In recent years, a rigorous control programme was implemented on a 40km stretch of the river between loughs Derravaragh and Ree. At Shrule Bridge, 17 mature chub capable of breeding were captured and killed. In a follow-up operation a further eight were removed.
It was imperative that these fish were extracted before they could spawn because non-native species have a negative impact on native fish and their habitats. They can also cause an irreversible environmental and socio-economic impact at genetic, species and ecosystem levels.
The fisheries board is obliged under the EU Habitats and Water Framework Directiveto protect and preserve native fish species and habitats and to prohibit the introduction and spread of non-native invasive species.
Dr Ciaran Byrne, CFB chief executive, said: “As custodians of our precious fisheries resource we will take whatever action is necessary to remove introduced invasive species and prosecute any person deemed to be responsible for such introductions.”
* Arrangementsare now complete for the 52nd World Cup Trout Fly Competition at Cushlough Bay, Lough Mask, Co Mayo, from July 30th to August 3rd. The much-awaited competition is the annual highlight for most trout anglers – and the five-day festival has the pulling power to attract more than 500 anglers from around the world.
The committee endeavours to keep the competition in line with modern trends – and this year is no exception. On foot of a suggestion from chairman Michael Harnesse, the first three winners will each receive gold, silver and bronze medals presented on a specially designed podium.
“It will add an Olympic-style flavour to finals day,” says press officer Denis Kelleher.
Special arrangements will also involve a new bylaw limiting the catch to four fish. Any angler who weighs in four can have a fifth and following trout measured in the boat and returned alive to the water. The measurement will be verified and signed by the boatman and another angler in the boat. Measuring devices will be available.
“Although trout are keeping a low profile at the moment, they usually rise to the occasion once world cup time comes around,” says Kelleher.
Entry forms are available from Esther Sweeney, 30 Lakelawns, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo. Tel: 087-2170353. Boatman enquiries: Ronan Cusack, Cushlough, Ballinrobe. Tel: 087-2869487.
* The newDelphi Lodge in the Bahamas is opening this October. To kick-start the occasion an introductory offer is available for past Delphi guests. A five-day guided bone-fishing booking between October 2009 and January 2010 will cost $3,500 (€2,492). And non-fishers can stay for $2,000 (€1,424).
Delphi Club at Rolling Harbour is a beautiful plantation-style house, overlooking a sandy beach on the island of Great Abaco. It is run along similar lines to Delphi in Connemara. Facilities include swimming pool, library, superb wine cellar and excellent food – Gareth Reid, head chef at Delphi for many years, is transferring to the Bahamas.
The Bahamas is the bone-fishing capital of the world and Abaco offers great fly-fishing in stunning waters. The lodge has a fleet of new boats and a team of guides. Prices include accommodation, meals, soft drinks, taxes, fishing, guide fees and taxis to and from the airport.
For more information, visit www.delphi-bahamas.com or contact Peter Mantle, Delphi Lodge, Leenane, Co Galway. Tel: +353-95-42222.
* Anglingstepped up a gear last week with the River Moy having its best run of salmon of the season. The river produced 711 fish, bringing the total this season to 2,815. While the Moy Fishery accounted for 128, the bulk of this catch was taken on the Ridge Pool.
I enjoyed a day’s fishing recently on the Ridge Pool. An early start (4am) saw plenty of action, with salmon jumping throughout the pool and anglers losing and catching the odd fish.
Before 8am I lost three fish, partly my own fault – striking too soon – and one good fish that managed to break my fresh cast of 15lb Maxima! High water at 9am meant a two-hour break and, as part of the Ballina Festival, more than 100 swimmers took advantage of high water for a swim from the Ridge Pool to the Ash Tree Pool.
The restart on the ebb tide brought a fresh run of fish and soon I was in again (see photo above). This time everything went to plan and, aided by ghillie Michael “Miko” Munnelly, my “bar of silver” was soon safely in the net.
angling@irishtimes.com