SEA anglers and charter boat skippers are reminded that the bluefin tuna recreational fishery remains closed throughout 2014. Inland Fisheries Ireland (Ifi) and the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (Sfpa) have released information in relation to the recreational catches of bluefin in Ireland.
European fisheries regulations governing the catching, landing and sale, state that unless a member state has assigned a portion of their quota to sports and recreational fisheries to target these fish, no such fishing can take place.
Current fisheries management stipulate that recreational and sport fisheries may be facilitated by member states by allocating a specific national bluefin quota to the sectors, but because Ireland does not have a quota, the EU has advised that a recreational fishery cannot be operated.
Mortalities arising from fish accidentally caught in the course of angling must be notified to Sfpa, which is charged with enforcement of the above regulations. The fish will be confiscated and disposed of.
Dr Ciaran Byrne, said: “Ifi is supportive of hard-pressed coastal communities and aware of the economic boost which recreational angling can bring to such peripheral communities. In this regard, Ifi continues to investigate the possibility of operating a recreational bluefin tuna catch and release fishery.”
Ballinahinch boost
Recent rainfall brought on salmon fishing two-fold at Ballynahinch with 30 fish caught since last weekend. Nigel McCorkell and Kevin Keaney hooked six fish and landed three, while Dr Toby Strauss returned a 10.5lb salmon, the biggest of the season. Call 095-31006 or info@ballynahinch-castle.com.
Good results on Beltra
After a long dry spell, water levels raised on Lough Beltra and Newport River and fishing changed dramatically with excellent results, including a fresh grilse caught by the owner’s grandson, Jay Hands.
Weather change
The sudden change in weather brought a welcome improvement to fishing on Mask. Peter Byrne held a catch-and-release competition in aid of the water protection group and John Moroney won the event with eight trout. Denis Kelleher finished close behind also with eight, and third place went to Westport angler Ronan Gibbons with seven fish.
After a disappointing defeat in this year’s All-Ireland football semi-final, Mayo legend Donal Vaughan spent a day pulling wet-flies in the deep last Monday. Donal said it was one of the best days he has ever spent on Mask, finishing with five good trout and returning numerous undersize fish.
Lough Derg competition
Lough Derg Anglers’ Assocation will hold an open pike competition on September 21st. The event, hosted by Garrykennedy AC, will begin at 11am and include €500 as first prize. Entry fee is €30. Next Monday is closing date for entries. Call 087-7774357.
Captain on course
Former world cup winner and current captain of Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association, Julie Gerry, took first place with two good fish at the qualifier on Lough Lene in Co Westmeath.
The catch-and-release competition was part of the trials to select the Irish team at next year’s championships on Grafham Waters in England. The final trial is scheduled for October 5th at Eskeragh Lake, Co Mayo.
Junior results
The Ncffi Junior All-Ireland Championships held on Garadice Lake, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim last weekend, attracted a record 46 juniors from across Ireland.
Results: Novice section: 1, E Rogers, 3.60kg; 2, R Walsh, 2.02kg; 3, D McNulty, 1.67kg. Juniors: 1, R Brady, 4.02kg; 2, R Watson, 1.79kg; 3, L McEvilly, 1.60kg. Seniors: 1, J O’Doherty, 6.65kg; 2, H Kellegher, 5.39kg; 3, M Connolly, 5.37kg.
At the prize giving, Ncffi’s Jack Tisdall thanked the sponsors Irish Bait and Tackle Ltd, Sensas Ireland, Trabucco Irl, Tubertini UK and Southside Angling.
Meanwhile, the Ulster team retained the Junior Inter-Provincial titleon Garadice Lake. Their top three anglers formed part of Ireland’s team in this year’s world championships in Holland.
angling@irishtimes.com
