Angling Notes: Anglers invited to contribute to review on national policy on bass, pike and trout

A review of the national policy to examine all relevant data for the management of bass, pike and trout is underway by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI). Initiated in January, the process will include examination of current stock, marketing and scientific information.

An important element of each review will be a public consultation process to be announced later this year. The consultations will ensure that anglers and stakeholders have time to consider existing policies and make submissions.

IFI’s chief executive, Dr Ciaran Byrne, said: “The public consultation element presents an excellent opportunity for the 273,600 strong community of Irish anglers to engage with IFI to ensure the decision-making process becomes better informed, more rigorous and more accountable.”

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The clean-up work by Lithuanian Club “Go & Catch” at Sailors Garden, Lough Sheelin

During a recent anglers’ demonstration at IFI headquarters, a petition was handed in signed by more than 22,000 people from around the world, including 1,032 Irish signatures. A group of about 80 anglers protested against the current pike policy, agreed with the Irish Federation of Pike Angling Clubs and National Association of Recreational Anglers in 2014.

Commenting on this, Dr Byrne added: "While the petition represents a small proportion of Irish anglers, IFI recognise the unified views of those who signed it and we have made contact with the protest organisers with a view to engaging with this diverse group of anglers.

Meanwhile, the fisheries board has announced the allocation of €50,000 to the Midlands Fisheries Fund (MFF), a scheme set up to support fishery development projects in the midland fisheries group area.

The scheme was created in 2013 and is funded through angler contributions set aside from the permit income. For 2016, the board has allocated an additional €10,000 to individuals and businesses for product development and market angling in the MFF permit area.

Applications are invited to support projects which seek to increase accessibility to fisheries, develop and install fishing stands, tackle terrestrial invasive species and to provide funding to angling activities in the midlands.

Closing date for applications is May 20th, 2016. Full details and application form available at: fisheriesireland.ie/Angling-Information/midland-fisheries-fund.html.

Fine for illegal fishing on Shannon 

At a recent sitting of Killaloe District Court, Judge Patrick Durkan convicted a man of illegal fishing on the River Shannon at O'Brien's Bridge in August 2015. The man was found guilty of illegally fishing with prawns and fined €750 and costs amounting to €1,025.

Salmon fishing on the Shannon is permitted below O’Brien’s Bridge to Thomond Bridge under a local catch and release byelaw. Wild salmon must be returned immediately and use of prawns is prohibited under byelaw in the entire Shannon catchment.

In summarising his judgment, Judge Durkan said fisheries were the greatest resource of this country and that fishery officers must be allowed to protect them.

Fishing slow on Sheelin

Fishing was slow on Sheelin despite a steady flow of anglers each day, according to Brenda Montgomery. There were good hatches of small black buzzer and some fish showing when the wind dropped.

The big lures with sinking lines still dominant but the Claret Dabbler, Silver Dabbler, Sooty Olive, Diawl Bach, Buzzer pupa imitations and Shipman's Buzzer all achieved respectable success.

Ireland’s Lithuanian Fishing Club “Go & Catch” held their catch and release competition with 16 members fishing for six hours in rough and cold conditions. Nonetheless, 30 trout were recorded. Results: 1, G Padiminskas, 5 trout; 2, V Sankauskas, 4f; 3, A Bikelis, 4f.

The club reflected a deep environmental respect for the lake and its surrounds with participants spending two hours picking up and bagging mountains of rubbish dumped over previous months at Sailors Garden. More than 30 bin bags along with broken television sets, mattresses and other domestic paraphernalia were stacked high ready for collection by Westmeath County Council.

Excellent fishing on Lough Mask

Ronan Cusack reports excellent fishing again on Lough Mask. "The car park in Cushlough was a hive of activity on Sunday morning with anglers scrambling to get out fishing. Unfortunately by 3pm the shore-line was deserted, as an icy east wind swept across the lake," he said.

Despite the low temperatures, fly hatches improved dramatically and large hatches of small sedge, duckfly and the odd olive have been sighted and trout are taking full advantage.

Local angler Kevin Egan had four trout pulling wets in very blustery conditions (best 1kg). Gerry Moran, from Ballinrobe, fished on Saturday in warmer conditions and also finished with four (best 1kg, all returned).

Denis Kelleher had three nice trout on Sunday on wet-flies in among the rocks (best 1kg). Eddie Gibbons and Simon Hughes, from Tourmakeady, had four for a few hours fishing (best 1kg, all returned).

Swiss success on Corrib

On Corrib in the Cornamona area, a Swiss group enjoyed excellent fishing wet-fly and trolling with one saying it was the best fishing they had there in many years.

In the Oughterard area Basil Shields reports duckfly hatches tapering off in the lull period between duckfly and olives. David Irwin, from Co Down, had excellent fishing, catching eight trout over two days on buzzer and all released (best 1.5kg).

The Galway West Garda AC held a competition on Corrib which saw 10 anglers catch nine trout. Result: 1, M McGauran (Loughrea), 2 fish, 2.17kg; 2, S Kelly (Oughterard), 3f, 1.85kg; 3, P Agnew (Galway), 2f, 1.40kg.

All quiet on Melvin due to poor conditions

Lough Melvin was quiet with few rods out due in great part to the blustery weather. Trout fishing was good for those who managed to brave the conditions. Two rods fishing Kinlough Bay in strong winds and snow flurries on Sunday reported good numbers of quality Sonaghan trout.

For bookings, see drowessalmonfishery.com or tel 071-9841055 (8am to noon).

Sea angling anniversary on Lough Swilly

Lough Swilly will celebrate its 50th anniversary sea angling festival at Rathmullan on weekend of June 4th/5th, 2016. For booking details, contact Angela on 087-2480132 or rathmullancharters@eircom.net.

[ angling@irishtimes.com ]