Angling notes: Public invited to weigh in on national strategy for angling

A public consultation on national strategy for angling development was launched recently by the Minister of State with responsibility for natural resources, Joe McHugh. The consultation is the first national framework for development of Ireland’s angling resource.

The main purpose of the plan is to ensure fish stocks and infrastructure are protected for their economic value and recreational benefit.

“This strategy is necessary to protect our inland fisheries and sea angling resources but also to safeguard the 11,350 jobs supported and €836 million contributed annually to Ireland’s economy by recreational angling.

“These jobs and economic activity occur primarily in rural areas of the country. The strategy supports the Government’s rural development, tourism and social inclusion objectives, and I urge all stakeholders to participate in the process,” the Minister of State said.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) chief executive Ciaran Byrne added: “The input from stakeholders has been invaluable and we look forward to working with all of our stakeholders in progressing the strategy.”

The development plan, screening reports and supporting documents are available at fisheriesireland.ie/nsad or IFI offices countrywide. Written submissions should be sent to: nsad.consultation@fisheriesireland.ie or NSAD Consultation, 3044 Lake Drive, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24, D24 Y265 and must be received no later than Monday, 4th January, 2016.

Game fairs appointment

The Great Game Fairs of Ireland has appointed Steven McGonigal as director of development and country sports. The appointment coincides with additional finance backing for new attractions planned for 2016.

McGonigal said: “A series of new initiatives will take the fairs to the next level with Game Fairs planned for Shane’s Castle, Antrim; Irish Game and Country Fair, Birr Castle, Co Offaly; and Ballynahinch Game and Harvest Festival, Montalto Estate, Co Down.

Winter league final

Storm Desmond failed to dampen the spirit of the winter league final at Annamoe Trout Fishery in Co Wicklow last weekend, although persistent rain throughout the four-hour competition gave the 19 competitors a thorough soaking.

Finalists comprised a winning group from four qualifiers held over the past two months. Proprietor Brian Nally had prepared well with fresh trout from Stefan Peterson of Idas Trout in Woodenbridge, Arklow, to complement the resident stock.

Rules on the day required anglers to rotate every 40 minutes, use only one fly and indicators to be excluded. A further rule entailed a maximum of four fish from each peg and a card system ensured all fish caught were returned unharmed after recording.

Fishing was brisk in the first session with many anglers meeting their quota. However, as the day progressed the fish went off the ‘boil’ only to return in full feeding mode for the final roundup. At close of play the tally reached a whopping 60 trout.

Boobies, Blood Worms and Montanas were just a small selection of lures offered to the fish attached to intermediate, D3 and D5 lines. A second rod assembled for surface fishing was at hand in the event of a ‘rise’.

Back at the fishing lodge, warming refreshments were quickly devoured. Brian Nally thanked both Southside Angling, for sponsorship, and the 65 anglers who took part in the league.

The gross prize for most fish caught over the four qualifiers went to Patrick McDonnell with 22 fish. Final results: 1, D Wilkes, eight fish, 345cm; 2, P Noonan, eight fish, 344cm; 3, D Doyle, seven fish, 288cm; 4, N Shiels, six fish, 257f; 5, V Tiskus, six fish, 256cm; 6, C Ryan, six fish, 254cm. angling@irishtimes.com