Angling Notes: survey by Inland Fisheries Ireland launched

As an integral part of the National Strategy for Angling Development, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) has launched a survey. Some of the areas to be examined include field operations; angling participation and expenditure patterns; fisheries research and the benefits of angling in Ireland. The first survey will focus on communication with stakeholders.

Announcing the programme, the IFI’s chief executive, Dr Ciaran Byrne, said: “The survey was developed to provide an opportunity for individuals and organisations to share their feedback. This feedback will be used to gain a better understanding of how IFI is viewed and to shape its communication strategy into the future.”

Participation is voluntary and the survey is available at

[ https://goo.gl/jAdmW5 ]

.  All responses are confidential, and results will be available within two months following closure of the survey.

My first fish

Along with angling colleague Tom Ormond, we took full advantage of the good weather forecast for opening day on Lough Corrib last Monday. Fishing out from Cornamona among the many islands of the Dooras peninsula, we met several fish and managed one for the pan of .8kg (1.75lb) on a Green Peter. My fish was the first entry in Burke’s of Clonbur logbook for the new season!

The highlight was undoubtedly meeting members of the Cornamona club on Tom Doc Sullivan’s Island for a “nosh-up” barbecue of venison and jacket spuds and mulled poteen.

On Wednesday we ventured out on Mask with Mike Hegarty and Tom “Swanky” Sweeney. We headed straight for Ballycroy Rocks at the back of Saints, but couldn’t find them. Only the tops of the island bushes were visible. Everything else was submerged due to the extreme height of the lake.

However, Tom caught two “counters”, both off Inisgleastai and Inishocht islands. The three days were a great start to the season.

Coarse fishing convictions

At a sitting of Castleblaney District Court earlier this month, Judge Denis McLoughlin convicted five men for coarse and pike fishing offences at lakes in Castleblaney, Co Monaghan. Fines totalled €1,250 and costs were awarded to Inland Fisheries Ireland to the amount of €5,320.

“Lough Muckno, Drumgristin and Drumillard Lake, along with many others, make Castleblaney the jewel in the crown for pike and coarse fishing,” said the IFI’s Byrne. “They provide an important recreational amenity to both local and overseas anglers as well as match fishing venues.”

Best fish terrine

The February edition of SeaHealth-ucd e-bulletin looked at the preparation and testing of a high-fibre fish terrine.

The project had three goals. The first was to produce an upmarket high-fibre fish terrine containing smoked cod, fresh cod and fresh salmon. The second was to study the effect of different dietary fibres on colour, textural and sensory propertie. The third was to assess the effect of freezing in comparison with chilling.

The outcome showed Minolta colour values combined with texture results suggested that a formula with 80 per cent fish, 13 per cent water and 7 per cent resistant starch proved best. It had a light pink colour and sliced easily. When assessed by 25 expert tasters, the product averaged eight out of 10.

SeaHealth-ucd is primarily aimed at personnel in fisheries and aquaculture, fish packers, processors, distributors, retailers and consumers. For further details, contact Prof Ronan Gormley of the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science at

[ ronan.gormley@ucd.ie ]

or 01-7162495.

Two rods in Cuba

Justin Maxwell Stuart of WhereWiseMenFish is offering an opportunity to fill two remaining rods for a tarpon week in Cuba this April.

Accommodation is on the beautiful Perola yacht, with individual rooms and one shared skiff. The area to be fished will stretch from Cayo Largo to the Isle of Youth, covering first-rate permit, bonefish and tarpon water. This is an excellent time for all species, especially the migratory tarpon, with the chance of some very big fish.

A selection of saltwater flies will be available as part of the package, along with assistance with rods and fishing equipment. For bookings, contact Stuart in the UK at

[ justin@wherewisemenfish.com ]

.

Trout anglers for charity

Waterford City and County Trout Anglers is holding a charity competition on Knockaderry Lake on Saturday, April 2nd, in aid of Nadine’s cancer battle. The entry fee is €30 and the event is limited to 40 anglers. To enter, download application form at

[ waterfordflyfishing.ie ]

and post to Michael Sheehan, Coolagadden, Kilmeaden, Co Waterford, before March 25th.

Nadine, who is two, recently had a tumour removed from her spine. She has a 70 per cent chance of the cancer returning unless she has special treatment in the US. For this, the family need to raise €250,000.

[ angling@irishtimes.com ]