It’s showtime for trout anglers as Mayfly takes the limelight on Lough Sheelin

THE Mayfly is up. Reports from around the country confirm the season has started in earnest with hatching of this magical winged insect progressively increasing as each day passes. My advice? Drop everything and get out on the lakes to enjoy what is surely the highlight of the trout angler’s season.

On Sheelin last week anglers were treated to large hatches particularly in Orangefield and along the western shoreline. By the weekend over 100 boats took to the waters and landed double figure numbers with a substantial amount of fish over 5lb (2.5kg). Total for week: 575 (most of which were returned.)

Spectacular fishing
Henry Gilbey is coming to fish for bass in Kerry again and John Quinlan is offering four of his regular guests an opportunity to avail of four days of spectacular fishing. John is offering a 5-night full board stay from August 5th to 10th.

Henry and John will be guiding/coaching on how to catch bass on the latest lures and soft plastics. Guests will be provided with state-of-the-art tackle and all that’s needed is a pair of waders. Contact john@kerrybassfishing.com

Coxwain retires
After 39 years of dedication to Howth lifeboat including 27 years as coxswain, Robert Duffy has retired. A native of Howth, he joined his brothers George, Jim and Michael on the lifeboat and helped save many lives at sea.

Howth chairman Russell Rafter said: “On behalf of everyone at Howth RNLI, I’d like to acknowledge the selfless dedication and personal sacrifices made by Robert during his time with the lifeboat in Howth. Many people owe their lives to Robert and he will be sorely missed. We wish him and his wife Margaret all the best for the future.”

Long-standing crewman Fred Connolly will be taking over as the new coxswain.

Risk assessment
Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and the National Biodiversity Data Centre have been tasked by National Parks and Wildlife Service to undertake risk assessments on certain non-native species listed in the Third Schedule to the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (SI 477/2011).

Three public meetings to inform interested stakeholders about the regulations will take place on May 20th/21st at IFI head office, 3044 Lake Drive, Citywest Business Campus and May 22nd at Athlone Springs Hotel, Co Westmeath. Each meeting will start at 7.30pm. See also nonnativespecies.ie.

Corrib competition
The tradition of fishing the mayfly on Lough Corrib is alive and well in Co Galway. This was evident last Sunday when the Oughterard Angling Club hosted its annual international competition as part of the Mayfly Festival weekend.

There was a huge entry of 145 competitors for this popular team and individual event which comprised casting and dapping.

The results were as follows: Team winners; 1 Ireland; 2 Wales. Individual: 1 H Curran; 2 P Lee; 3 J Faherty. Ladies: 1 P Lee; 2 B Cody. Junior: L de Gregory.
Swords Angling Show
The winners of the National Coarse Fishing Federation's (NCFFI) draw held during the recent Angling Show in Swords enjoyed their day of coached fishing at Gaulmoylestown Lake, Mullingar, last weekend.

For many taking part it was their first experience of coarse angling and for others the first time to catch a carp. By the end of the session all assembled for refreshments and to tell stories of fish they caught and the monsters that got away.

The NCFFI thanked Niall Purcell of Gaulmoylestown AC for use of the lake and supplying the bait, and coaches Ambrose Devlin, Pat Bartley, Fint Brennan and Eoin Schweppe. To become a coach, contact: https://m.facebook.com/coarseangling

angling@irishtimes.com