ANGLING:THE 30-DAY public consultation process will expire next Thursday for the introduction of regulations for the management of the 2012 wild salmon and sea trout fishery. The new regulations are based on scientific and management advice provided by Ireland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
In assessing 141 rivers, the Salmon Standing Scientific Committee advised that 43 rivers should open (seven less than in 2011); 34 rivers open for catch-and-release (six more than 2011); and 64 rivers to remain closed (one less than 2011).
The tagging scheme and conservation bye-laws are unchanged. However, additional conservation measures will see a bag limit for sea trout and, for salmon in closed rivers, a restriction on angling for other species.
As part of an ongoing review and on an experimental basis, the salmon angling season in the River Blackwater in Co Waterford and Co Cork will be extended on a catch and release basis until October 12th, 2012.
The Minister for Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, said: “While there have been improvements in some rivers, catch and release restrictions and closures will be applied in a number of cases to protect fragile stocks.”
Toronto city councillors have voted to adopt a city-wide shark fin ban, becoming the largest city in Canada to prohibit the sale of shark fin.
“For a city the size and influence of Toronto to pass a shark fin bill is a historic moment for Canada,” said Claudia Li, founder of Shark Truth. “Councillors are setting an example of how we can protect sharks from the wasteful practice of finning.”
* Toronto is the fourth city in Ontario to enact a shark fin ban, joining Brandtford, Oakville and Mississauga. The US state of California enacted a state-wide shark fin ban in October.
* Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel, the cosy Connemara hideaway, has received the Hotel Catering Review Gold Medal Award for Country Houses Guesthouses, sponsored by Aon Insurance. A hit with fly-fishing aficionados and hill walkers, Inagh offers a haven of tranquillity and was described as a ‘leading ambassador for Irish tourism’ by the awards jury. See loughinaghlodgehotel.ie
* Environment Agency Wales (EAW) officers have arrested two men caught illegally fishing at Penarth Weir, near Newtown on the Upper Severn. The officers seized rods, reels and fishing equipment believed to be connected with the alleged offence. Rhys Hughes of EAW, said: “Poaching at this time of year significantly harms spawning fish and threatens the future stocks of salmon in the Severn.”
* The blue charm pattern (above) is tied with a pearl rib and fluorescent green tag and is highly successful for both salmon and sea trout in different sizes. There is little difference in this design to the original blue charm hair wing, only the added sparkle to the rib and the fluorescent green tag.
“This has become more common in modern hair wing salmon flies and it seems to work well”, according to fly-tyer Jimmy Tyrrell. Available at irishflycraft@gmail.com and 086-845 1257.