Small craft warning as ‘Screaming Reels’ again victorious in Rosslare boats festival

For the third successive year, the boat Screaming Reels from Rosie's SAC in Cork has won the Rosslare Small Boats Festival with 27 species, beating 25 other boats from Britain and Ireland.

Sponsored by Inland Fisheries Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Daiwa Sports UK and Sea Angler magazine, the event, now in its 28th year, attracted 70 anglers from Southport, Isle of Wight, Liverpool, Wales and Ireland.

While the weather proved challenging, competitors managed to fish the four-day event by launching from Rosslare and Kilmore Quay marinas. Overall, 37 species were recorded including some unusual fish such as black goby, shanny, black bream and painted ray. A specimen garfish, close to the Irish record, weighed 0.92kgs and was caught by Steve Jones from Newport in Wales.

At the prizegiving in Redmond’s The Bay, the Minister of State for Natural Resources, Mr Fergus O’Dowd, said: “This festival is very important not only to promote the great fishing we have on the east coast, but also the investment it brings to the local businesses. I would like to congratulate all competitors and encourage you to spread the word about fishing in Ireland.”

Results: 1, Screaming Reels (M Rayner, S Shults, N Murphy), 27 species; 2, Jay Jay (A Jones, D Jones and S Jones), 26 species; 3, Shy Torque (K Martland, K Carr and G Parker), 25 species.

Next year’s event is scheduled for September 6th-13th. Further details at: josie.mahon@fisheriesireland.ie or 01-278 7022.

An The Irish Times team had a great day's fishing out from Mullaghmore, Co Sligo, last weekend. In fairly calm weather, on Prospector-1 with skipper Peter Power and crew Nuala Redmond, the group managed nine species including pollack to 3kg, codling, whiting and ling. Mackerel were also in abundance.

Casual evening fishing from the new pontoon at rear of harbour was exciting with thousands of small pollock corralled in a relatively small area. “There driven in by the dolphins only to be attacked by congers,” Peter said.

Weather permitting, he intends to continue fishing throughout October and is available for bookings at 087-2576268.

The season on the Moy ends on a high, with over 500 salmon recorded for the penultimate week. At this time, anglers are encouraged to release as many fish as possible, as many have been in the system for quite a while.

Anglers are reminded they are required by law to return the completed Anglers' Log Books (even if no catch recorded), as well as any unused tags before October 19th.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is investigating two major fish kills in Longford and Leitrim. The first, on the Camlin River downstream of Longford Town, resulted in more than 2,000 mortalities of brown trout, roach, pike, eel and white-clawed crayfish.

Water samples have been taken for analysis and investigation are continuing to identify the source of the pollution.

The second incident occurred at Lough Keeldra, outside Mohill in Co Leitrim, where considerable numbers of dead perch were found including live fish in distress. The presence of blue/green algae is currently being considered as part of the investigations.

Landowners are advised to take particular care at this time to ensure that every reasonable measure is taken to minimise any threat to water quality and fish life.

IFI director Amanda Mooney said: “Whether an incident occurs deliberately or inadvertently, it is critical for fish welfare and general water quality that incidents can be dealt with promptly.” A confidential 24-hour hotline is available at 1890-347424.

*angling@irishtimes.com