ANGLING NOTES:SEA ANGLERS have the utmost respect and affinity for lifeboats. It is very reassuring to know before you set out on a sea journey that the RNLI is there to assist in an emergency – 24-hours a day, seven days a week, writes
DEREK EVANS
So when anglers have any opportunity to contribute to this voluntary organisation, through making donations or fund-raising events, they do not shy away from the task.
Such was the case last weekend as 36 anglers from the Fingal area took part in a boat competition out from Howth in Co Dublin with all proceeds going to the Howth Lifeboat Station. The event raised €1,304.
Flat calm seas and slack winds enabled boats to venture to the Kish and Lambay Island, where they found good fishing. Competitiors caught fish across nine species including ray, gurnard, whiting, wrasse, bull huss, dogfish and pollock. The competition was conducted on a catch-and-release basis.
The background to the competition was tainted with sadness, however. Paul Lynam, secretary of Howth Angling Club for a number of years, died while lake-fishing. Paul very popular with everyone who knew him. He was also founder of the Shark Angling Club of Ireland.
His wife, Kay contacted the Howth club with the idea of holding a boat competition in his memory. It was even more pleasing when it was suggested that all proceeds should go to the lifeboats – an institution close to Paul’s heart.
At the prizegiving in the angling centre, the chairman of Howth Lifeboat Station, Russell Rafter, thanked the club for the generous donation, not only on this occasion, but down through the years. “The lifeboat box at the bar has brought in more than €600 already this year,” he said.
Main sponsors included Martin Foreman, EBS Sutton, Kay Lynam, Borough SAC, Howth SAC and Ceol na Mara SAC. There was unanimous support to hold the event again next year.
Results: 1, J Jones (Rush); 2, B McGregor (Telesport); 3, G Clarke (Howth). Longest cod: T Redmond (Howth) 450mm.
- Frank Croninachieved his life-long ambition earlier this month by winning the Cobh International Sea Angling Festival. Having taken part each year since 1966, he finally achieved his goal with a convincing win. His had been runner up on three occasions.
The 43rd international attracted over 50 anglers from Holland, Wales, Scotland, England and Ireland and despite bad weather over the four days competitors enjoyed good fishing. Cronin’s winning catch included a 15kg conger on two days.
- A groupfrom Dublin enjoyed a fantastic day's fishing last Monday while aboard the Wey Chieftainwith charter skipper Adrian Hanley out from Cahirsiveen in Co Kerry.
Calm seas provided the opportunity to fish the elusive Bluemouth on a special bank 22 miles offshore. What a day. The group encountered over 120, most of which were returned alive with the exception of four Irish specimens caught by Paddy Loftus and Liam Tully.
Last year Sue Tait from Cork created a new Irish record bluemouth of 1.32kg at Cahirsiveen. For bookings: www.kerryboatangling.com
- The EasternRegional Fisheries Board will host a "ladies only" fly-fishing course in aid of Action Breast Cancer on Saturday, October 10th, at Annamoe Trout Fishery, Co Wicklow.
The course will consist of casting theory and practice with Ireland’s top fly-casting instructor Glenda Powell and Mark Corps, game angling adviser with the Central Fisheries Board. Fishing gear will be provided but it is advisable to bring rain gear and wellingtons.
The day is free, instead participants are asked to make a donation to Action Breast Cancer. As spaces are limited to 16, contact Ashley Hayden in the first instance, at ashley.hayden@erfb.ie or 087-2746127.