ANGLING NOTES:IN AN ATTEMPT to protect ferox trout on Lough Mask, a tagging project has been launched by the Western Regional Fisheries Board (WRFB) in conjunction with Dr Paddy Gargan of the Central Fisheries Board and Dr Finn Oakland from Norway, a leading expert in fish-tagging.
Very little is known about the spawning habits of ferox trout on Mask and it is important to locate their spawning grounds to ensure adequate protection. The tagging project will allow staff to trace their movements as they run the rivers to spawn.
Over the past few days fisheries staff have caught, tagged and released 25 of this unique species. This involves attaching a wire antenna and yellow plastic tag near the dorsal fin.
The survey follows a similar project on Corrib that identified primary spawning locations. Due to their unique and rare status, the ferox trout on Corrib will, in future, be better protected by by-laws.
Ferox trout are genetically distinct from brown trout and have spawned separately in the two lakes since the Ice Age, some 10,000 years ago. They grow to a very large size, feeding on other fish and have been caught up to 10kg.
Because the ferox is heavily targeted by anglers, there is concern about conservation levels. Concern is also growing that numbers will decline significantly following the introduction of zebra mussel to the Corrib.
To help with the study, anglers who catch any such fish are asked to note the number on the small yellow tag and return the fish to the water. They should also report tag number and location to the WRFB.
Results from the exercise will lead to possible conservation measures for ferox trout on Mask. For further information, e-mail: kcrowley@wrfb.ie
Huge floods have brought a very good run of salmon and sea-trout into the system, according to Colin Folan, angling manager of Lough Inagh in Recess, Co Galway. "Sea-trout are in great condition and of a decent size. The water is still very high for the lake but the river is in great shape," he said.
John Connolly (Mayo) fished two days and landed four salmon from Corloo Beat on Silver Badger and Cascade patterns. Vincent Foley (Dublin) fished one day and caught 16 sea-trout and one salmon from the Inagh River below Corloo.
Fish of the week was accredited to Michael Henry (Dublin) for a salmon of 5.7kg from Corloo on a Silver Stoat.
For booking details, contact Colin at 086-867 9459.
Rathbeggan Lakes is running a free competition this month on its web page. So if you fancy a free rod and reel and a chance to use it, check out www.rathbegganlakes.com
Howth inshore lifeboat launched yesterday week to rescue three young men who were drifting out to sea. The teenagers were attempting to row from Howth Harbour to Ireland's Eye when the strong tide took the small boat out to sea.
All three were treated for hypothermia as they were wearing only light clothing and had no lifejackets.
RNLI helmsman Fred Connolly, said: "The boys were lucky that weather conditions were not worse".
I looked into the Westin Hotel in Dublin last Tuesday evening as the Inland Fisheries Trust honoured John O'Connor, former ceo of the Central Fisheries Board (CFB) at his retirement function.
A large number of colleagues and friends turned out to wish John well including former Minister of State at the Department of Marine, Pat the Cope Gallagher, Dr TK Whitaker and David Mackey, chairman of the CFB.
angling@irish-times.ie