Angling notes: Small boats and huge scores in inaugural Fingal competition

The inaugural Fingal Small Boat Competition, which took place last Sunday, September 6th, from Howth, was a fantastic success, with all 30 anglers from Balbriggan, Rush and Howth recording huge scores of quality fish.

Fishing within the parameters of Dublin Bay to Kish lighthouse to Lambay Island, the highlights of the day were the 69 thornback ray and the 67 smooth hounds, plus eight additional species, all caught and released. Phenomenal fishing by any standards!

At the prizegiving in Howth Angling Centre, it was announced that the event will go ahead again next year with a combined shore event. Howth Sea Angling Club will also holding a tackle auction from 8pm this Friday, September 18th, in the clubhouse, at which all are welcome.

The event was sponsored by Ruairí Coleman, of Swords Angling Centre.

Results: 1, M Elliott, Howth, 191pts; 2, T McAdam, Howth, 181pts (60f); 3, K Rice, 181pts (51f), Balbriggan; 4, B Caswell, Balbriggan, 178pts.

Trout symposium

The second International Sea Trout Symposium will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dundalk from October 20th to 22nd, 2015. Hosted by Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Northern Ireland Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure, this event will build on the success of the first symposium, held in Cardiff in 2004, which focused on "biology, conservation and management of sea trout".

The main objective of this year’s event will be to promote application of the latest science to better management of sea trout stocks and their associated fisheries. See http:// seatroutsymposium.org/ registration/ for details.

Kickstarter finishing line

Angling Notes recently reported on the need to raise further funds to reach the target of $50,000 (€44,800) that would finance the completion of the film Atlantic Salmon: Lost at Sea. As of last week, the Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign had raised more than $40,000, and with just 24 hours to go to the funding deadline tomorrow, Prof Ken Whelan is beginning to believe the $50,000 target will be reached. Go to kickstarter. com/projects to find out more about the film.

Resource research

A joint research programme to support policy decisions regarding the management of the fisheries resource in Ireland was announced recently by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

Initially, the programme will run for three years – starting this year – and results will be made available in a format suitable for a non-specialist audience.

Dr Ciaran Byrne, of IFI, said: "Economic and socioeconomic information is key to good decision-making and will support sustainable economic impacts and associated jobs into the future."

The director of the ESRI, Prof Alan Barrett, added: "Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resource is a major area of relevance to current policy issues and deserving of in-depth analysis. I am confident this programme will add a level of understanding that is worth developing."

Lough Inagh challenges

August was a frustrating month, weather wise, for Lough Inagh Fishery, with high winds, cold and excessive rain, according to Colin Folan. However, the trout fishing was good, with 163 sea trout and 200 brown trout recorded.

There were some exceptional fish landed, including a sea trout of nearly 2.5kg for William Hamilton and one of 1.8kg for Dan O'Donovan. Top flies were the Inagh favourites Silver Daddy, Pearly Dabbler and Green Peter.

The annual Inagh-Cornamona Challenge saw 14 competitors record 96 trout, with the Inagh team coming out on top with 49. Top rod went to Joe Creane with 19 fish.

Places at the fishery are limited, so early booking is advised. Contact Lough Inagh Lodge hotel on 095-34706 to book boats.

Lough Sheelin contest

Don't forget to enlist for the Lough Sheelin boat competition on Saturday, October 3rd, at Kilnahard Pier, with fishing from 11am to 6pm. Entries, including a fee of €90 (which includes meal), to Eamonn Ross, Ballyconnell, Co Cavan (tel: 086-6619834). Closing date is Friday, September 25th.

angling@irishtimes.com