A NEW BYLAW for recreational angling on the River Suir has been signed into law. As and from April 12th, 2013, when fishing for salmon and sea trout (over 40cm), it is prohibited to use worms, prawn, shrimp or any other crustacean or artificial forms as bait and fish hooks, other than single barbless hooks, up to May 11th, 2013.
From May 12th to September 30th the bylaw provides for a bag limit of five fish subject to a daily bag limit of one fish. Anglers must use a single barbless hook once their bag limit has been reached. The prohibition on the use of worms, prawn, shrimp or any other crustacean or artificial forms as bait, continues until the season ends.
Inland Fisheries Ireland points out that this bylaw is applicable to the 2013 season only. It is hoped this measure will ensure even better angling for local and visiting anglers who fish the Suir, which this year has been rated the “best brown trout river in Europe”.
'Nomads of the Tides
'
A new book by Chris McCully and Ken Whelan and soon to be published on fishing for Irish sea trout, is sure to belong on every angler's bookshelf.
Nomads of the Tides is a lavish publication that describes 50 Irish sea-trout waters – estuaries, rivers and loughs – with grid references, historical details, travel, permit and accommodation information.
Other chapters include the history of Irish sea-trout fishing, tackle, angling techniques and fly-patterns, while a separate section is devoted to the biology of the sea trout.
This book fully covers fishing for sea-trout in estuaries – an area which has been scarcely touched to date. It is illustrated with superb photographs, unprecedented in scope and unrepeatable as a set of angling adventures.
Exploring the truth that sea-trout are genetically identical to brown trout, the authors conclude that sea- trout are essentially marine creatures that use freshwater in which to spawn – they are true “nomads of the tides”.
The book has 200 original photographs. To reserve a copy (without payment), see books@medlarpress.com, medlarpress.com or tel: 01691 623225.
Young specimen
At eight years of age, Conor Ward is no stranger to fishing. "He's been fishing since the age of three on his local river, the Slaney. Recently, he moved up a gear and is now on specimen trips with me," says proud dad Nicholas.
Last month Conor caught his first specimen, a trout of 1.1kg from the Cong Canal and earlier this month landed a super specimen river pike of 9.1kg on the Shannon at Lanesborough. Well done, Conor!
Anglers' enthusiasm
The new moon of last week heralded a welcome change in wind direction and temperature in the western regions, which brought rain and increased enthusiasm to salmon anglers, according to fisheries officer, Bryan Ward.
On the Moy, Ballina Salmon Anglers’ water yielded three that included one each for Declan Gannon and John Fitzpatrick. Gannons reported one as did Armstrongs, where Tom Kane, from the North, had a salmon of 2.8kg on worm.
East Mayo anglers recorded five salmon. Visiting angler Vincent Prior, France, had success while spinning, landing two of 4.1kg and 5.3kg. Aiden Sheridan, Kiltimagh, took one of 3.2kg on fly. However, Declan McNulty, Swinford, recorded the catch of the week, a great fish of 6.9kg, on worm.
Duckfly hot spots
On Mask, Ronan Cusack reported good hatches of the long awaited duckfly in the usual hot spots. Ballinrobe angler Noel Moran had a lively day's fishing, landing and returning five good fish on small wets (best 1.1kg).
Greg O'Donoghue, Ballinrobe, had four cracking trout for 5.5kg fishing nymphs from the shore and Declan Murphy, Ballinrobe fished buzzer for a few hours and caught two nice fish including one of 1.6kg (both returned).
Twaite shad
Don't miss this year's twaite shad competition on the Quay at St Mullins in Graiguenamanagh, Co Carlow, next Sunday. Registration begins at 1pm with fishing from 2 to 6pm. Beats will rotate on the hour and catch and release applies. Entry fee is €15 adults; €5 juniors. Prizegiving in Blanchfield's Pub at 7.30pm. For further details, contact: martinobrien1@gmail.com
angling@irishtimes.com