ANGLING NOTES:QUITE often I find it an onerous task to cast a fly line straight and to any great distance. At critical times when attempting to cover a rise, for example, I end up spooking the fish with a splash or worst still become entangled in the infamous "wind knot" that requires a new cast.
These thoughts came to mind as I watched fly-caster extraordinaire Hywel Morgan demonstrate his casting skills on the lawn at the Irish Fly Fair and Angling Show in the Galway Bay Hotel, Salthill, last weekend.
I noted with interest his explanations and technique to solve these problems and can’t wait to put them to the test. But I will stop short of the former world champions’ skills when he cast two rods in different directions at the same time with pin-point accuracy!
Indoors was a hive of activity. Sixty of the world’s best fly-tyers in the conservatory spilled over to an adjoining room and the many trade stands offered every conceivable fishing requirement.
The Loughrea Angling Club stand was memorable. Their stream enhancement picture gallery displayed the scene before and after work was completed. Memorabilia included a 1905 Scott-Waterman 3hp outboard engine and a wallet of flies dated from the 1800s to 1925.
All in all the show was a great success and every credit is due to Hugh Bonner of Mara Media for allowing the angling fraternity the opportunity to enjoy the many facets of the sport.
* In July 2006 the then minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources issued a direction requiring the removal of Clondulane Weir on the River Blackwater to allow for the free and uninterrupted passage of migratory fish. Lismore Realty Ltd and Lismore Trust Ltd brought judicial review proceedings in relation to that direction.
Last Wednesday, Minister for Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte announced that a settlement had been reached in advance of the court case. The terms are that the parties will bear their own costs and Lismore Realty Ltd and Lismore Trust Ltd will pay costs for the removal of the Clondulane Weir in 2012.
Inland Fisheries Ireland will act as agents and manage the removal of the structure so as to minimise the impact on flora, fauna and habitat in the river, which is in a Special Area of Conservation.
* Anglers are reminded that Wednesday (November 30th) is the final date for the submission of claim forms for inclusion in the 2011 specimen report. Claims should be sent to the Irish Specimen Fish Committee, c/o Inland Fisheries Ireland, Swords Business Campus, Swords, Co Dublin, irish-trophy-fish.com.
* The majority of the 6,000 fin-clipped salmon fry reared by Waterville Fisheries Development Group (WFDG) have been released into Lough Currane. Previously, the Cummeragh River was the point of entry but, with plenty of feeding and less competition from brown trout, the lake was the preferred choice this year.
“We hope to see plenty of them back in Currane in a few years time,” WFDG secretary Kevin O’Sullivan, said.
* At Limerick District Court earlier this month, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) successfully prosecuted Keelgrove Construction Ltd in relation to pollution of a watercourse at Lakyle, a tributary of the River Shannon.
Investigations by fisheries staff found the company discharged deleterious and polluting matter which treats domestic sewage from the adjacent housing estate. Judge Eamon O’Brien confirmed the fine of €1,000 and costs of €1,788. Amanda Mooney, director of IFI-Limerick, said: “Small streams have a fundamental role to play in terms of food for fish and providing spawning and nursery areas.”
* Fifty anglers took part in the Philip Moffatt Memorial Cup pike competition last Sunday on Lough Derravaragh. Alanis Corcoran won the junior section with a pike of 4.1kg (9lb).
angling@irishtimes.com