ANGLING NOTES:AFTER AN absence of almost 200 years salmon have returned to the upper reaches of the River Monnow at Kentchurch Weir in Monmouthshire, according to the Environment Agency Wales (EAW).
Since completion of a £600,000 (€663,000) fish pass at Osbaston Weir earlier this year, salmon are now getting further upriver than since the industrial revolution, it said. Additional work is planned next year to give even more access to spawning grounds further upstream.
Pete Gough (EAW), who witnessed the historic sight, said it was amazing to see at least six salmon leaping the weir. “Game fish bring in millions of pounds to the rural economy every year. With this work we are trying to improve their numbers for another 200 years,” he said.
Contrary to some reports, Killiney Beach in south Dublin will continue to be available for shore angling for the foreseeable future. Fears had been expressed that angling on one of Dublin’s favourite beaches was prohibited following the publication of the Beach Bylaws 2009 by Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown County Council.
The council has confirmed to me that the area closed to fishing is the lifeguard-patrolled area which starts roughly at the railway station and ends down at the subway passage before the tea rooms. Signs will mark the area for anglers and swimmers alike, and the installation of buoys will indicate the open sea area 300m from the foreshore from which jet skis and other watercraft are excluded. A spokesperson from the council’s environment and culture department also confirmed that the map contained within the beach bylaws on its website will be updated to highlight the restricted area. The bylaws operate 365 days a year and through nighttime hours.
The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith, has published the Foreshore and Dumping at Sea (Amendment) Bill 2009. Responsibility for commercial projects on the foreshore including marinas, harbour and port developments and energy-related developments will become the responsibility of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
The State’s foreshore stretches from the high water mark seawards for 12 nautical miles.
Despite storm force conditions on Sunday, the inaugural Wexford Beach Championships proved an outstanding success last weekend. The two-day event was organised by Courtown Sea Angling Centre with sponsorship from Ian Golds Fishing Products, Greys Tackle, and Anyfish Anywhere. Fishing was good over the two days with some great catches on Saturday night. However, a northerly weather system developed into a fully fledged gale on Sunday afternoon, testing the resolve of even the most seasoned match anglers.
At close of play the overall winner was Ian Knight of Ballybrack SAC. The four-man team event was won by Eamonn Birmingham; TC Keogh; Paul Mason and Stephen Mason, with the father and son pairing also collecting the two-man team award. The prize fund exceeded €4,000.
The deadline for receipt of applications for the Waterways Ireland 2010 Sponsorship Programme has been extended to December 17th. The programme supports events along the Lower Bann Navigation; Erne System; Shannon-Erne Waterway; Shannon Navigation; Barrow Navigation; Grand Canal and Royal Canal.
Now in its fourth year, the programme assists a range of sporting activities including angling and aims to encourage people to experience
something new about the waterways. For application pack, see waterwaysireland.org events section. Terms and conditions apply. For further information contact: Katrina McGirr, 087-9918412.
Annamoe Trout Fishery in Co Wicklow is holding a pairs team event this Saturday (December 12th). Entries to Brian Nally, 086-2598563.