Angling Notes Legend has it a crock of gold awaits at the end of every rainbow. At least that's the way Declan Doyle from Swords, Co Dublin, would wish it following his capture of one of the largest trout caught in Ireland.
Weighing in at 18lb 8oz, this superb fish was a definite contender for a specimen award of the highest order.
Unfortunately rainbow trout do not feature on the Irish specimen list of honours. They are, of course, stocked fish and inhabit mostly put-and-take fisheries. Nevertheless, Doyle was very happy with his lot, particularly as he broke the existing fishery record by 14oz.
Rathbeggan Lakes at Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, played host to this epic battle. Having fished the morning session without success, Doyle decided to replace his lure with a size 16 black epoxy buzzer on a 6lb leader. On his third cast the water erupted as he struck gold. Some 15 minutes later, to great applause, a weary champion brought his prize safely to the net. Some photographs, an official weigh-in, and this great specimen went back in "as happy as Larry", said proprietor, Dave Robinson.
In keeping with the high-level review of Ireland's inland fisheries, the consortium of consultants appointed by the Minister for Marine, Dermot Ahern, will hold a series of regional consultation and public workshops this week. It is open to all.
The schedule is: Sligo: Sligo Tower, tonight. Limerick: Castletroy Park Hotel, February 17th. Carlow: Dolmen Hotel, February 18th. Drogheda Boyne Valley: February 19th. Workshops begin at 7.30 p.m. The group is available from 5 p.m. each day to meet those who wish to consult informally.
Salmon fishing picked up considerably last week as very high water levels slowly returned to normal. On the river Lennon in Co Donegal, Watt's Pool produced eight sea-liced salmon, all between six and 12lb. Fishing was also good on the Drowes Fishery, as flood water receded and spring tides brought plenty of fish into the system, resulting in 11 salmon to the rod last weekend. Derek McLoughlin, at the Crooked Hole, caught the best of these at 12½lb, on a Garry Dog tube fly.
Two weeks into the season at Muckross Fishery in Co Kerry produced 16 salmon between the river Laune, upper and lower lake and long-range river in the valley, according to James Pembroke. Plenty of kelts landed, the product of excellent spawning in the catchment over the winter.
Congratulations to Howth Sea Angling Club on the occasion of its 34th birthday. The first meeting of the club was held in the St Lawrence Hotel, Howth on February 13th, 1970 and attended by founder members Michael O'Leary, Terry Doyle, Peter Gaffey and Michael Hunt.
The biggest line-up of angling stars ever assembled in Ireland will feature in the Angling 2004 Exhibition next weekend at the National Show Centre, Cloghran, Co Dublin (close to Dublin Airport). This year's show promises to be bigger and better than ever with over 100 tackle and boat companies on display.
angling@irish-times