ANGLING NOTES:I WAS a little sceptical in attending the river master class. Having witnessed the Polish international team demonstrate the art of nymph fishing on the River Suir some years before, I formed the opinion then that fishing the dry or wet fly was still the most proven method of catching trout. Now I'm not so sure.
Before setting out for the River Moy, our group of six gather in Pontoon Bridge Hotel for a briefing from tutor Michael Drinan. “Today, we will use a Pheasant Tail Nymph (PTN) because it represents almost every insect in the river,” he says.
Drinan has competed in international competitions around the world and is twice winner of the Irish river championships. He is also a qualified casting instructor and won the coveted American Cup in Colorado last year.
Basically, nymphing is all about fishing on the bed of the river. Forget the evening rise, the sedges and the dries. Broad daylight, with temperatures soaring, is an ideal time to go nymph fishing.
Drinan’s philosophy is simple: “Bugs, bugs and more bugs. The most important stage of the fly’s life is its nymphal stage and makes up 60 per cent of a trout’s diet. A trout will take the original PTN nine times out of 10,” he says.
On arrival at East Mayo Waters, Michael’s first task is to take a “foot sample” to establish the nature and colour of life in the river. Suffice to say he gathers at least 10 different insect patterns in one swoop, including mayfly pupae.
His first demonstration is long-line nymphing. This method requires a 10ft fast-action rod with five-forward floating line and braided loop. A 7ft leader with two PTNs completes the setup. “Mend the line continuously and be prepared to strike at all times,” he says.
In the centre of the river he reiterates his motto: “Always believe you will catch fish and you probably will!” Sure enough, within an hour he has 10 trout, mostly small but some to 25cm. It is noticeable the bigger fish lie in the fastest flowing water.
After lunch at Pontoon Bridge Hotel, we’re off to the Gweestion River, a tributary of the Moy. This is a beautiful limestone river that lies between Swinford and Castlebar with most of the left bank developed for angling.
Our second lesson is on duo nymphing. Tackle requirements are similar, however, a desired length of mono is attached to a dry fly (sedge) and from the bend in the hook a second line is attached to two nymphs. Remember, heaviest tungsten nymph always on the point.
Michael sets up a third technique called high stick nymphing. A 10ft soft-action rod is a must for this method. The reel, after backing, requires 30m of 0.22mm monofilament.
“How will I detect a fish with mono as an indicator?” is a good question. Answer: By adding a three-section coloured leader of 13cm red mono; 15cm shock leader and 13cm yellow mono. Also, casting distance is just 1½ rod lengths.
Drinan went on to catch fish after fish – even members of the class caught fish (including myself), albeit small brown trout. However, the point was made that if fish are present his tried-and-tested methods will catch many trout.
The session came to an abrupt end when a farmer on the far bank shouted across: “All the big trout are gone. There’s only pike in the river now.”
A third and final course is planned for September and again will be organised by Pontoon Bridge Hotel. For further details, contact John Geary on 087-8217368 or e-mail jvgeary@gmail.com.
A celebration of the resurgence of Waterville in Co Kerry for its magnificent sea trout fishing and also its culture and folklore will take place this coming weekend at Tech Amergin Arts Centre in the town centre.
One of Ireland’s best-known fishery scientists, Dr Ed Fahy, will give an illustrated talk on the unique trout and his research into sea bass, perhaps Waterville’s most underrated sport fish.
Dr Paddy Gargan, Central Fisheries Board, will explain the science behind the redevelopment of sea trout and salmon, and Waterville’s Fisheries development group manager, John Murphy, will give an insight into the past and ongoing work of the fishery.
Game angling instructor Glenda Powell will share her knowledge on fishing tackle and Paddy Bushe, poet and local historian, will talk on the origins of Waterville through its folklore, myths and legends.
Casting demonstrations, fly-tying classes and cookery workshops are bound to whet the appetite for most and interest will focus on popular ghillie Neil O’Shea demonstrating the essentials of safe and successful boat fishing on Waterville lakes. For further information contact techamergin@ eircom.net or 066-9478956.