CLIMATE change was much in evidence last weekend as five sunfish (yes five) came within six metres of our boat while fishing out from Cobh in Co Cork. Donal Geary, skipper of John Boy, said: “In all of my 40 years of fishing these waters I have never seen such a spectacle.”
The closely-knit school of five meandered past flapping and splashing, enjoying the dense heat and sunshine that prevailed throughout the day. Sadly their gala appearance did not last long as the drone of the engine sent them down and out of sight.
Fishing was brilliant from start to finish for the group from The Irish Times with codling, whiting, ling and many more species in plenty supply. In fact, with few exceptions, fish were brought on board at every mark.
Donal is a top skipper with years of experience at all levels. Always at hand to assist in time of need, i.e. tangles, big fish, etc. and diligently strives to put the angler over the best fishing. His tea/coffee/soup-making service throughout the day was also very welcome!
For bookings, tel: 021-481 2167 or seaangling@esatclear.ie
*Donal Kennedy, skipper of the Leah, reported some excellent spurdog fishing and a wealth of varieties in Killala Bay for a group from Athlone. The first few drifts produced the ever-present pouting, along with ling to 7lbs, cod, pollack, coalfish and cuckoo wrasse.
As the day continued a fine spurdog, well into double figures, was lost at the boat, however, many more were landed and safely released.
To finish off the day the group fished over sand which produced dab, red and grey gurnard and dogfish. Contact Donal at +353 (0)086 817 4509.
*On the salmon front, angling conditions in Galway remained perfect last week with low water levels favouring the fly, and plenty of grilse coming in on each tide. There were 86 fish reported with many taken on fly.
Ned Cusack showed he still has it at 95 years young, landing two grilse on shrimp while long-time visitor from Kildare, Sean McManmon landed three on fly. With grilse numbers increasing every day, and stable water levels and good weather, fishing prospects in Galway for the coming weeks are excellent.
Upstream, fish continued to run even in low water, and success again favoured a young angler, Patrick McGrath from Mountbellew, who had never caught a salmon before, landed his first last Monday from the Clare River. Not satisfied with that, he went on to land two more up to 7lbs!
*Another good week for sea trout anglers in the Moy Estuary. Judd Ruane, skipper of Pegasus, reported 101 (62 released) for his clients including fish in the 2-3 lb range. To book Judd, contact +353 (0)87-673 6969.
*Minister of State for Natural Resources, Fergus O’Dowd recently launched a new bedrock map of Ireland published by Geological Survey of Ireland in collaboration with the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland.
“The map includes data gathered from a number of sources, compiled as part of EU-funded initiatives. It will be distribution to all schools, and the two geological surveys will ensure it is widely adopted,” the minister said. A free pdf download is available from http://www.gsi.ie/
*Killybegs SAC is holding its 53rd annual two-day boat angling festival on 12th/13th July. Entry fee is €65 per senior rod per day and €30 junior per day. Great prizes include €500 for best aggregate score. Contact Smith Campbell, 087-275 9731.
*Well-known Cong angler Dorrie Gibbons is celebrating a significant birthday soon, and rather than have a party, she has decided to host a competition to raise funds for a brilliant charity, the Galway Autism Partnership.
The wetfly/dapping event will take place on Saturday, 26th July on either Lough Corrib or Mask (your choice). Registration at Lydons Lodge Hotel in Cong begins at 9am with fishing 11am to 6pm. Entry fee is €50. Great selection of prizes. Enquiries to 087-938 3185.
*angling@irishtimes.com
