As Iceland ends its best salmon-angling season for 25 years, Orri Vigfusson, chairman of the North Atlantic Salmon Fund (NASF), urged river managers in other countries to abandon policies aimed at producing just enough spawners to preserve the species. What anglers want is abundance, he said.
Catch records (now required by law) will show 45,000 salmon were landed by rod and line from Icelandic rivers during 2004 season and many of those fish were released under the catch-and-release policy. Remarkably, the near-record catch was achieved despite unusually hot weather, prolonged drought and river temperatures much higher than normal.
For more than a decade NASF has worked diligently with commercial fishermen to protect salmon feeding grounds around Iceland, Greenland and Faroe Islands. "We persuaded netsmen to stop salmon fishing in return for fair compensation and help in finding alternative fishing and employment opportunities," Vigfusson said.
"The aim of NASF is to end all mixed-stock salmon fisheries throughout the North Atlantic. While agreements have been made in most countries to achieve this objective, the task is still incomplete. We still have to persuade the governments of Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Norway to partner us in ending the last mixed-stock commercial fisheries," he said.
Of course, paying fishermen to stop netting salmon is not the complete answer. River managers must stop basing their policies on the need to achieve just enough spawners to keep the species going. This daft policy will only ensure salmon numbers stay at their lowest safe level.
What is needed is abundance, and this will only come when adult fish are allowed to return unhindered to their rivers of origin. The rivers must be full of fish if the wild salmon resource is to provide its greatest level of social and economic benefits. "This is what we have done in Iceland, and it works," he said.
Niall Greene, chairman of Stop Salmon Drift Nets Now in Ireland, said: "The ingredients for achieving such an outcome are a government showing the vision to partner with anglers, owners and tourism enterprises and drift-net fishermen to design an equitable way of ending drift netting."
Madeleine Kelly of the Irish Ladies' Fly Fishing Association recently organised an introduction to fly-fishing for a group of ladies at the Lough Agency Headquarters at Prehen, Co Derry, and later at Donnybrewer Fishery.
The day started with a talk on tackle and equipment, practical knot-tying and rod assembly before moving to fly-casting on the lawns.
With help from Noel Lowry, Ian Gamble, Lionel Knobbs and ILFA members Rosie King and Mary McKee, the newcomers endeavoured to get to grips with the basics of fly-casting.
In the afternoon, the group journeyed to Donnybrewer Fishery where despite, strong winds and heavy downpours, some managed to extract a few trout.
Around the fisheries
Corkagh Park, Dublin: Highlights for last week included an excellent rainbow of 5lb 1oz for local angler John Carroll. On the coarse lake, small numbers of roach showed, including some good carp to 11lb by Paul Stubbs from Carrickmines. The best perch reached 1lb 4oz by Mark Davis from Ballymun Youth Services. Contact Godfrey at 01-4592622 for further information.
Rathbeggan Lakes, Co Meath: A mixed week weather wise but sport was still good. Best tactics included an intermediate line with minkies. Weighted nymphs worked well too and when a wave was evident a floating fry proved best.
Mark Rogan, Clonee, caught 12 fish, best 8lb, in an afternoon session, and Chris Mundo, Dublin, had four, his best two at 8lb and 12lb.
For those with a child's birthday coming up, why not try a fishing party. It's different, it's outdoors and it's really good fun. Details from fishing lodge at 01-824 0197.
Ballin Lough, Co Mayo: 11 rod days produced 45 trout of which 34 were returned. Frank Rigney landed nine on a green minkie while Mick Bourke had 12 on a green peter. Best fish reached 3.5lb with plenty in the 3lb range.
Fishing continues until October 31st. To book, contact Mrs Gill at 098-26128.
Annamoe Trout Fisheries, Co Wicklow: 47 Dutch visitors enjoyed a corporate day at the fishery last week catching 57 trout over a four-hour period, some over 6lb. Best wet flies included Cat's Whisker, Ace of Spades, Blue Winged Olive and Teal and Black. Fly casting tuition was also available throughout the day.
Winner of the Burke Boat in the Irish Ladies' Flyfishing Association draw was Anthony Cartwright from Wales.
The 41st Annual Wexford three-day Shore Angling Festival gets under way this Saturday and continues until Monday at Wexford Harbour. Entry fee is 15 for adults and 5 juniors. The competition carries a prize fund of €2,500 and includes a team event of two anglers from same club. For entry details, contact Sean Furlong at 087-9363136.
angling@irish-times.ie