THE LOUGHS Agency invites all sea anglers in Northern Ireland to take part in a survey to improve the resource through direct engagement with the sea angling community.
The survey is part of a Northern Ireland Inshore Fisheries project funded by the European Fisheries Fund, through the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and headed by the Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute.
In 2007 a review of inshore fisheries highlighted the fact that “the social and economic contribution of sea angling to Northern Ireland is not known and as a result, there is a lack of government support and investment in this sector. There is also a scarcity of data on sea angling in Northern Ireland”.
While previous studies examined the socio-economic benefits of sea angling, this survey will provide a unique opportunity for individual anglers to have their say on what matters most to them.
Information gleaned from fishing trips, locations, catches, cost factors and perceptions of how good (or bad) angling is perceived, will provide a better understanding around the coast and fuel support for government backing and investment.
The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete and is anonymous. To become involved, complete the questionnaire online at afbini.gov.uk/fisheriessurvey. If further information is required, contact: lionel.knobbs@loughs-agency.org
Liffey set to re-open
The Lower River Liffey, downstream of Leixlip Dam, will be open for salmon and sea trout angling on a catch and release basis from January 1st, subject to a 30-day consultation period. The proposed draft regulation is effective from Friday November 9th.
Aughrim for all
Another success story was notched up recently for Dublin Angling Initiative (DAI) as 40 teenagers descended on the lake in Aughrim, Co Wicklow to enjoy a day’s trout fishing at this wonderful amenity.
True to form, the Angling for All facility staff came up trumps by providing use of the facility free of charge and stocking the lake the day before the competition. Bait was also made available to all contestants.
It is no mean feat sorting out rods and reels, bait, line, etc. for 40 teenagers before and after the competition, yet the DAI team and stewards carried out this task admirably.
The effort paid off in the end as 30 rainbow trout were caught and released during the two-hour competition. A tie for first place ensued with three teams catching five fish each, namely Darndale (Sphere 17), Jobstown (JAY Project) and Mulhuddart Community Youth Project (Team 3).
At the prizegiving in the adjoining centre, all teams including Darndale, Bonnybrook, Priorswood, Whitechurch, Tymon, Jobstown and four teams from Mulhuddart Youth Project received tackle prizes sponsored by DAI, Technology Services Group Europe and Irish Tackle and Leisure.
Long John’s in Annamoe
The first heat of the winter league at Annamoe Trout Fishery in Co Wicklow took place last weekend in bright sunshine and a cool seven degrees. Now in its 10th year the event attracted 16 competitors sporting an array of warm clothing and some admitting to thermal Long Johns tactics!
Anglers changed pegs after 40 minutes during the four-hour competition and a maximum of four fish were allowed at each peg. Single barbless flies ensured all 63 fish were returned safely. Intermediate and sinking lines were order of the day.
The first five anglers from each heat go forward to the grand final on February 16th. Results: 1, D Doyle, 9 fish; 2, N Madden, 8f; 3, P McDonnell, 6f; 4, M Gillman, 6f; 5, N Shiels, 6f. Next heat is scheduled for November 24th.
Entries to Brian Nally at 086-259 8563.