THE RNLI Howth Lifeboat Station was donated the entire proceeds of a boat angling event held last weekend in Dublin Bay. The Paul Lynam Memorial competition, now in its third year, raised €1,000 for the rescue service.
Throughout the day it was comforting to know the lifeboat was at hand in case of an emergency. The Howth lifeboat ranked among the top-five busiest in 2010 with 59 rescues utilising the all-weather and inshore lifeboats.
In fantastic conditions, 35 anglers from the north Dublin area took advantage of flat-calm seas to explore marks that are all-too-often unreachable. Rewards were plenty, with catches of ray, pollack, codling and dogfish. Catch and release ensured all fish were returned safely.
At the prizegiving in Howth Angling Centre, Anthony McLaughlin was declared the winner with 170 points and received the Paul Lynam Memorial Cup and €300. Anthony, who hails from Rush and is a member of Balbriggan SAC, said: “This is the first big competition I have ever won. It was the Sabiki lures that did the trick.” Howth RNLI chairman, Russell Rafter, praised the angling centre for their continuous generosity. He said: “Our collection boxes from the centre are the highest contributor to the station.” The Sunday night sing-along group is particularly generous, he said.
Results: 1, A McLaughlin (Balbriggan); 2, P Blakeman (Asgard); 3, B Larkin (Balbriggan); 4, J Lawless (Asgard).
Salmon rod licence holders may once again retain a salmon on the River Suir which is due to reopen as a brown tag fishery on August 15th. The season will continue to terminate on September 30th, however during this period anglers may retain one salmon using a single barbless hook. Any fish retained must have both tags correctly attached and the use of worms is prohibited. Brown tags will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis at IFI Clonmel, Anglesea St, Clonmel, Co Tipperary, tomorrow from 5pm to 7.30pm. Anglers must be in possession of a rod licence and log book valid in the Waterford district and an unused blue tag.
Thereafter, tags may be collected during office hours Monday to Friday. Tags are non-transferable and any unused tags must be returned to IFI Clonmel, along with completed logbook, before October 19th, 2011.
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan, opened a new moorings and walkway on the Shannon Navigation in Killaloe, last Thursday.
Developed by Waterways Ireland and jointly funded by Fáilte Ireland, the €2m project involved the installation of 775m of moorings, underpinning the old canal wall, installation of flood control gates and completion of a looped walk along the shore and canal wall.
Nigel Rush reports Kylemore Abbey fished well last week for the few anglers who ventured out. A return of 11 salmon and 26 sea trout for 12.5 rod-days is proof the fish are there. John Irwin landed the best salmon of 3.1kg (6.75lb). Contact Nigel at 095-41178 (office) or nigelrush@eircom.net.
Colin Folan reports Derryclare Butts on Lough Inagh is holding numerous fresh fish with most anglers encountering grilse and sea trout. “There is also a good show of sea trout on the lake,” he said. Catch for the week was nine salmon and 20 sea trout. Tel: 095-34706 or loughinaghlodgehotel.ie.
Clonanav Fly Fishing Shop and School will host a fly-fishing exhibition at its new store near Ballymacarbry, Co Waterford, on August 5th and 6th.
The two-day event will include fly-casting demonstrations and fly-tying classes with some of the leading experts from home and abroad. Huge discounts on top brands will be available throughout the weekend.
Admission is €10 and pre-registration is necessary as places are limited. To book, call 052-6136765 or visit flyfishingireland.com.
angling@irishtimes.com