Minister tackles a few issues at the Angling Expo in Swords

Angling Notes:The two-day Angling Expo in the National Show Centre at Swords, Co Dublin, last weekend was a resounding success, with thousands of angling people availing of the many bargains, casting demonstrations and talks by some of the best instructors and personnel in the business.

The idea of holding the specimen awards day to coincide with the show in the nearby Bewley’s Hotel also worked to everyone’s advantage and boosted attendance at both events.

At the awards ceremony, specimen secretary Willie Roche praised the late Trevor Champ for his tremendous work on the committee. In his 10-year reign as chairman, said Roche, Trevor was well-versed in all aspects of angling and “prepared to discuss issues to the nth degree”. A minute’s silence was observed as a matter of respect.

In his address, Minister of State for Natural Resources Fergus O’Dowd said a national bass policy was under consideration by Inland Fisheries Ireland, and announced that following an update by Government, a project to modernise inland fisheries legislation will go for public consultation in the near future.

Back at the Expo Show, the Minister launched the individual Angler Disinfection Kit in the fight to stop the spread of invasive aquatic species in Ireland. This is the first of its type in the world and will help ensure that pernicious species are not spread by unsuspecting anglers.

The kit is funded by the Cirb Interreg-IVa Project and available in a convenient kit bag from IFI headquarters, Swords, Co Dublin.

Angling guides launched

Two new angling guides have come on-stream geared towards tourist and home-based anglers to ensure they capitalise on the top-notch game and sea angling available during their visit to Co Mayo and North Clare.

On Monday last, Taoiseach Enda Kenny launched the Co Mayo Game Angling Guide in Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar. The 56-page full-colour guide details all the well-known salmon venues including the renowned River Moy, and the wild brown trout waters of Loughs Mask, Carra, Conn and Cullin.

Also included are the all-important maps, seasons, methods and regulations, and the fantastic choices available in river trout fishing in the county.

The second booklet, West of Ireland Sea Angling Guide: Clew Bay-North Clare is also an excellent production packed with the information required for a memorable sea fishing holiday.

Anglers will find really helpful the step-by-step breakdown of each beach, pier and nook and cranny from Clew Bay to Augrus, on to Omey Island, Mace Head to Spiddal and Fanore to Doolin. “There are literally hundreds of shore marks in the region that have rarely, if ever, been fished,” the guide reveals.

“We have to continually reinforce the message that Mayo and Connaught is an angling paradise, that the infrastructure and information is available to ensure a wonderful angling holiday experience and that there is a real welcome for anglers,” the Taoiseach said.

Congratulations to IFI staff members Kevin Crowley, Bryan Ward and Marcus Müller for text input and Shane O'Reilly for designing both publications. The guides are available free from IFI offices, tackle shops and downloadable from fishinginireland.info.

Get on the board

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced persons interested in being appointed to the board of Inland Fisheries Ireland operating under the aegis of the Minister for Natural Resources. Vacancies will become available in the coming 12 months. Expressions of interest, including a curriculum vitae and statement of suitability, should be sent to boards@dcenr.ie and include an outline of skills, competencies and qualifications and a short statement outlining why s/he wishes to be considered for a position on the board.

Big catch for Keith

Keith Corrigan (9) had a memorable day’s fishing recently with his dad Lee and classmate Thomas Ryan. It was a beautiful, calm day as they journeyed down the River Inny to Lough Derravaragh, where Keith landed the only fish of the day, a cracking pike of 9.3kg on a wobbled 4oz roach lure.

“A few quick photos and the fish was released to fight another day,” said his dad.

angling@irishtimes.com