Angling Notes: Nine of the country's largest salmon angling groups, along with members of the National Salmon Commission, met in Birr, Co Offaly, last month to discuss reactions to the Government's announcement on drift netting.
Among those present were: the National Anglers Representative Association; Salmon and Sea Trout Recreational Anglers of Ireland; Trout Angling Federation of Ireland; East Salmon Anglers Federation; Midlands Salmon Angling Association; South East Salmon Federation; Federation of Cork Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers; Kerry Angling Federation and Stop Salmon Drift Nets Now.
In a statement following the meeting, chairman Bob Wemyss said support was unanimous for the Government's decision to align with scientific advice on Ireland's salmon stocks from 2007 and the implementation of a precautionary approach.
Continuation of drift netting was considered incompatible with scientific advice and fulfilment of obligations under the EU Habitats Directive, notwithstanding the Government's view that such a policy would have serious implications for drift net fishing.
The meeting also welcomed the newly-formed Expert Working Group which will make recommendations to the Minister on any financial hardships suffered by those involved in commercial salmon fishing. The federations agreed to fully engage with the group in this regard.
On a cautionary note, they viewed the role of our protection services as vital to ensure the ending of over-exploitation at sea is not transferred to the estuaries, rivers and lakes. In addition, the meeting agreed that serious consideration must be given to improvement in water quality and development of in-stream work.
Wemyss noted the Government's commitment on the issue and mentioned the significance of the new policy having the backing of the Cabinet.
Meanwhile, it is important to reiterate the regulations in relation to taking of salmon and sea trout by rod and line for 2006. Overall, there is an annual bag limit of 10 fish imposed on each angler and it is illegal to sell these fish from January 1st to October 31st.
While the first of three seasonal regulations has expired from last Thursday, a haul of three fish per day is permitted until August 31st, and from September 1st until the end of season only one fish is allowed per day except in eight districts where mandatory catch-and-release operates.
These districts are: Dundalk, Drogheda, Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Limerick, Galway and Sligo. A further restriction in these areas requires the use of single, barbless hooks and "worming" is prohibited.
Remember, the non-return of logbooks by October 19th could mean a fine of up to €635.
Carmarthenshire's salmon are set to benefit from a new partnership project between Environment Agency Wales and Carmarthenshire Fishermen's Federation (CFF).
The project, Supporting Catch and Release, is devised to help conserve salmon stocks by encouraging more anglers to release their catch. Anglers that register their released salmon will be entered into an end-of-season prize draw.
An extensive list of prizes will include fishing tackle and fishing permits on the prime Tywi and Taf estate and club waters. In addition, limited-edition CFF badges - bronze, silver or gold - will be issued according to the number of fish released.
The Supporting Catch and Release promotion will be open to anglers fishing the Tywi and Taf rivers and will run from June 16th until October 7th. Claim forms will be available locally.
Garth Roberts, CFF secretary, added: "The rewards of releasing a wild salmon are modest compared with the value to the local community. By working in partnership we will achieve real benefits for fish stocks in our rivers."
A strongwesterly wind prevailed on Lough Lene, Collinstown, Co Westmeath, last Saturday week as we ventured out from the northerly shore. I was in the company of local angling guide and writer Michael Flanagan, a top angler well acquainted with Lene and the surrounding lakes of Ennel, Owel and Derravaragh.
Fishing close to the reed beds, we found success immediately with quality browns and the odd rainbow, up to 1kg. The Gorgeous George, Green Peter, Claret Bumble and silver nymph patterns worked wonders throughout the day. In all, we managed at least 12 fish and kept four.
Lough Lene is a beautiful lake of 500 hectares with crystal clear waters, a good number of islands and lengthy stretches of rocky shoreline. Day tickets cost €15 and are available at Daly's Gala Shop in Collinstown village. For ghillie services, tel: 087-2797270.
The following day, Michael took part in the Jimmy Nea "Mayfly" Memorial Cup on Ennell hosted by Lough Ennell Trout Preservation Association. In the midst of a good mayfly hatch close to Robinson Shore, he caught a magnificent wild brown trout of 1.8kg, sufficient to win the competition against a strong field of 38 anglers.