Home »
Fishing news clippings 2011
A regular round up of local and national press news stories with a focus on inland fisheries and sea angling. Some sites may require registration to read articles in full.
Tuesday, 15 August
Looks like teen spirit
THE Dublin Angling Initiative continues to lead the way in promoting angling – and since 1995, has introduced thousands of teenagers to the sport. This year is no exception as almost 300 youngsters avail of coarse, sea and game fishing courses at popular venues in the DAI catchment area.
Irish Times, 15/08/11. Read the article 'Looks like teen spirit'.
Tuesday, 09 August
All roads to Ballinrobe
THE eye-catching banner across the main street caught the moment: “Ballinrobe Welcomes Anglers to the 2011 World Cup Trout Fly Championships.” All roads led to the town as 457 competitors converged on Cushlough Bay on the shores of Lough Mask to compete for the prestigious title of World Cup Champion.
Irish Times, 08/08/11. Read the article 'All roads to Ballinrobe'.
Tuesday, 02 August
Tope quest
THE SEA fishing off Greystones, Co. Wicklow, is a contradiction. Once home to the best inshore fishing grounds on Ireland's east coast, anglers flocked to dinghy fish the Moulditch ridge, Kilcoole bank, and Breaches shoal for a wide variety of species, many to specimen weight.
Enniscorthy Guardian, 02/08/11. Read the article 'Tope quest'.
Howth remembers
THE RNLI Howth Lifeboat Station was donated the entire proceeds of a boat angling event held last weekend in Dublin Bay. The Paul Lynam Memorial competition, now in its third year, raised €1,000 for the rescue service. Throughout the day it was comforting to know the lifeboat was at hand in case of an emergency.
Irish Times, 01/08/11. Read the article 'Howth remembers'.
Tuesday, 26 July
Funding for fisheries
FOLLOWING the launch of a recent pilot scheme to help angling clubs and fishery owners to restore salmon stocks in Irish rivers, 17 projects have been approved by Inland Fisheries Ireland for funding under the Salmon Conservation Fund. While the total value of projects approved is €181,554, successful applicants will receive €120,279 from salmon licence-holder contributions, plus match funding of €61,275 from their own resources.
Irish Times, 25/07/11. Read the article 'Funding for fisheries'.
Tuesday, 19 July
Concern in Castlemaine
SALMON Watch Ireland (Swirl) is deeply concerned about the recent decision of the Minister for Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, to re-open licensed commercial fishing in Castlemaine Harbour in Co Kerry. Swirl considers the decision to be a departure from the policy on mixed stock fishing for salmon adopted by the government in 2006.
Irish Times, 18/07/11. Read the article 'Concern in Castlemaine'.
Cold, plague and extermination: life in our watery wild
THE YELLOW-BELLIED SLIDER, Trachemys scripta scripta , is a brightly patterned turtle a little bigger than one’s hand whose natural home is in the slow-moving rivers and marshes of Florida. A fisherman’s catch of one in the Shannon’s Lough Derg this spring supported gossip that such turtles, their welcome outworn as pets, are not infrequently being tipped into Ireland’s rivers and canals.
Irish Times, 16/07/11. Read the article 'Cold, plague and extermination: life in our watery wild'.
Thursday, 14 July
Dolphin who brought magic to city dies in fisherman's arms
A FISHERMAN has described how one of the three dolphins who swam up the River Lee died in his arms. Anthony Quiligan and his father Simon fought to save the young male dolphin when it got caught in their fishing net, but it died in Anthony's arms. "It's a terrible thing to happen. It's the saddest day's fishing I've ever had," said Anthony.
Evening Herald, 13/07/11. Read the article 'Dolphin who brought magic to city dies in fisherman's arms'.
Wednesday, 13 July
Tourism is curtailed by crazy law
AS HAS been written previously in this column, angling tourism is worth an understated €100 million to the Irish economy, with sea angling tourism contributing roughly a third of that figure. It could be so much more, as a serious anomaly in present passenger boat transport legislation exists which is most definitely affecting the creation of jobs in the angling services sector. Let me explain.
New Ross Standard, 12/07/11. Read the article 'Tourism is curtailed by crazy law'.
Salmon licence arrears
SALMON Watch Ireland (Swirl) has learned through a parliamentary question that €827,000 of licence fee arrears is owed to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food by salmon farm companies. Operators in Connemara have the highest non-compliance with €723,000 arrears and some companies have failed to pay licence fees in 10 years. All this in a period when the industry received more than €20 million in grant aid from the EU and exchequer, a spokesman says.
Irish Times, 11/07/11. Read the article 'Salmon licence arrears'.
Friday, 08 July
'Bio-bullet' may combat clam invading rivers
INLAND FISHERIES Ireland are exploring the possible use of a “bio-bullet” in their efforts to tackle the highly invasive Asian Clam ( Corbicula fluminea ). Despite efforts to contain colonies on the Nore and Barrow rivers and on the river Shannon at Carrick-on-Shannon, the clam is expanding its hold on Ireland’s waterways.
Irish Times, 07/07/11. Read the article ''Bio-bullet' may combat clam invading rivers'.
EU-backed project aims to eradicate invasive Indian plant
AN EU-funded project to eradicate an invasive plant which is eroding land and putting important fish habitats in a north Cork river at risk, will be formally announced tomorrow by Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan. Himalayan Balsam, which was introduced from India as an ornamental plant for its pretty pink flower, has spread from gardens and roadsides and is now causing major problems on river banks and habitats throughout Ireland including in north Cork.
Irish Times, 07/07/11. Read the article 'EU-backed project aims to eradicate invasive Indian plant'.
Angling workshop aimed at promoting the sport for tourism
EFFORTS to develop angling as a tourism product in Kerry have been stepped up following a series of workshops held aimed at developing angling guides. World Champion Fly-caster Glenda Powell was by the banks of the River Laune for a six-day series of workshops which were attended by up to 15 potential angling guides.
The Kerryman, 06/07/11. Read the article 'Angling workshop aimed at promoting the sport for tourism'.
Scale samples sought
THE Celtic Sea Trout Project (CSTP) has launched a drive to encourage anglers on the east and south coast to submit scale samples from rod-caught sea trout from priority Irish rivers and other systems. As part of this encouragement, CSTP has sponsored an array of valuable prizes to anglers submitting most scale samples in 2011. The top prize of €582 tackle voucher will be awarded for the most samples from any CSTP priority river.
Irish Times, 04/07/11. Read the article 'Scale samples sought'.
Monday, 13 June
No more Údaras grants
ANGLING NOTES: AN extract from the Irish Seafood National Programme 2007-2013 is very interesting from a salmon conservation perspective. It reads: “Concerns arising from the public and statutory consultation process were raised by the fisheries boards [now Inland Fisheries Ireland] and supported by DCENR (Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources), with regard to the negative impact that sea lice emanating from salmon farms could be having on migratory wild salmonids.
Irish Times, 13/06/11. Read the article 'No more Údaras grants'.
Specimen sea trout caught off Donegal
THE LARGEST sea trout caught off the Irish coast has been landed by a Co Donegal fisherman. John Cunningham, of Killybegs, hauled an 11 lbs 1 oz whopper, more than five times the average sea trout in Ireland, from the shore off the Erne estuary in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal. A record Irish sea trout, 16 lbs 6 oz, was landed in the Shimna river in Co Down in 1983 but 48-year-old John believes his is the biggest one caught at sea, instead of in the rivers or lakes.
Irish Times, 13/06/11. Read the article 'Specimen sea trout caught off Donegal'.
[IFI Note: Congratulations to John for this great catch. Unfortunately the claim that this is the biggest sea trout caught from the sea is incorrect. The previous record to the present record (16 lbs 6 oz from the Shimna River in Co Down In 1983) was set in 1973 at Dooagh Beach in Achill Island by Eoin Bresnihan from Leeds in 1973 with a sea trout of 14lb 3oz on a mackerel strip. An 11 lbs. 6 oz fish was caught in the Rogerstown estuary in 1997 on Ragworm by Alan O’Neill Donabate.]
Wednesday, 08 June
Poaching rife on Cavan and Monaghan lakes
As rogue anglers continue to damage Cavan and Monaghan fish stocks, by netting scores of fish illegally, holding barbecues on lake shores and even cooking live fish, responsible fishing enthusiasts have formed a new organisation to stamp it out. It was revealed at last Thursday's meeting of the 'Lake Watch' group in Shercock's Sail Inn last Thursday that there are a number of organised poachers operating in Cavan and Monaghan presently.
The Anglo-Celt, 08/06/11. Read the article 'Poaching rife on Cavan and Monaghan lakes'.
Tuesday, 07 June
Fish stocks and bygone baits
A brief lull in the wind last week allowed me to hear the evening birdsong for the first time in many days. What weather! ‘A wet and windy May fills the barns full of hay’ says B, who has left off shooting for the summer and is concentrating his efforts on the capture of trout and salmon. He showed me his collection of flies. There were many as might be found in any modern fly fisher’s arsenal, but also a good number that I failed to identify.
The Mayo News, 07/06/11. Read the article 'Fish stocks and bygone baits'.
Monday, 06 June
Stock restoration bid
ANGLING NOTES: A PILOT scheme to fund projects by angling clubs and commercial salmon fishermen to restore stocks in Irish rivers and lakes got under way last Tuesday. The funding of €120,000, derived solely from licence holder contributions under the Salmon Conservation Fund, is managed by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
Irish Times, 06/06/11. Read the article 'Stock restoration bid'.
Monday 30 May
Castlemaine to re-open
ANGLING NOTES: FOLLOWING results of the pilot fishery undertaken last year, the Minister for Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte, has announced plans to re-open licensed commercial fishing in Castlemaine Harbour, Co Kerry. In announcing the statutory 30-day public consultation on amendment to the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme, the Minister has asked Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) to ensure enforcement of the conservation bylaws and the quota set for the commercial fishery in the harbour.
Irish Times, 30/05/11. Read the article 'Castlemaine to re-open'.
Monday 23 May
Spring run on the Moy
THE SPRING run has arrived in earnest on the River Moy with 107 salmon recorded last week. The upper beats fished particularly well with many fish in double figures, according to fisheries information officer, Bryan Ward. Cloongee produced 21 salmon on the fly, spinner and worm. Neil Spellacy, Co Galway, caught and released a fine salmon of about 5.4kg (12lb) on the fly and French angler Bernard Caloni had two on the bubble and fly.
Irish Times, 23/05/11. Read the article 'Spring run on the Moy'.
Coosan youths to represent Ireland in fly fishing
Two young members of the Coosan and District Angling Association will be representing Ireland this year. Fergal McKiernan and Sean Dempsey, both students at the Marist College, Athlone, will compete in the four nations Fly-Fishing competition, which will be held in Scotland in July. Indeed this is the third year in succession that the two have made the Irish team. And this year, to crown their achievement, Fergal is captain of the team and Sean is vice captain.
The Westmeath Independent, 18/05/11. Read the article
'Coosan youths to represent Ireland in fly fishing'.
Monday, 16 May
Kelt mystery revealed
NLAND FISHERIES Ireland (IFI) in partnership with Norwegian scientists from the University of Tromsø have conducted a pilot salmon tagging programme where kelts from the Blackwater and Suir rivers were fitted with satellite tags to investigate their marine movements and feeding location. In March 2010, 17 salmon were captured in the rivers, moved to a sea water cage for a week, tagged with satellite pop-off tags and released to sea.
Irish Times, 16/05/11. Read the article 'Kelt mystery revealed'.
Monday, 09 May
Following the swirl
ANGLING NOTES: AT LAST I get my chance to fish the lake that most salmon-anglers talk about, Carrowmore Lake on the outskirts of Bangor Erris in Co Mayo, regarded by many as the finest spring salmon lake in the country. Another first is to meet Seamus Henry. Everybody knows Seamus. As fishery manager he looks after boat hire, guides and accommodation, and provides a daily update on catches and conditions on the lake.
Irish Times, 09/05/11. Read the article 'Following the swirl'.
Thursday, 05 May
Project reveals mystery of salmon migration
SOME OF the mysterious migratory habits of wild Irish salmon have been revealed for the first time following research by Inland Fisheries Ireland in collaboration with Norwegian scientists. Until now scientists knew very little about this fish after it left Irish rivers, relying mostly on data collected from occasional specimens caught close to land.
Irish Times, 05/05/11. Read the article 'Project reveals mystery of salmon migration'.
Tuesday, 03 May
Upbeat on Curane
TOM O’Shea was waiting patiently at Tarmons shoreline on Lough Currane in Waterville, Co Kerry. Driving from Killarney I had taken time to admire the Kerry landscape, particularly from Glenbeigh to Kells Bay and Ballyskelligs. Stunning scenery. “You’re a little early for the big sea-trout, but we’ll give it a go. An eight-pounder was caught two days ago on the fly,” he said.
Irish Times, 02/05/11. Read the article 'Upbeat on Curane'.
Wednesday, 27 April
On Killarney's lakes
ANGLING NOTES: THE MOORING channel at Ross Castle on Lough Lein in Killarney, Co Kerry, was a hive of activity last Sunday as 100 anglers prepared their boats and equipment for the annual charity fly-fishing competition. Conditions were poor with bright sunshine and little wind. Nevertheless, all were in upbeat mood and hugely supportive of the event.
Irish Times, 25/04/11. Read the article 'On Killarney's lakes'.
Monday, 18 April
Media in the spotlight
ANGLING NOTES: ANNAMOE Trout Fisheries took centre stage last Friday week for the gathering of media anglers to compete for the coveted Fáilte Ireland Perpetual Crystal Trophy at the natural scenic venue on the banks of the Avonmore River in Co Wicklow.
Irish Times, 18/04/11. Read the article 'Media in the spotlight '.
Monday, 11 April
Accessing all areas
ANGLING NOTES: ‘THIS development is a success story about what a small group of volunteers can achieve with enthusiasm and professional guidance,” declared secretary and founder member David Tantrum of Waterford City and County Trout Anglers’ Association at the launch of a new harbour complex at Carrigavantry Reservoir, Fenor, Co Waterford, last weekend.
Irish Times, 11/04/11. Read the article 'Boost for trout stock'.
Monday, 04 April
Boost for trout stock
ANGLING NOTES: FOLLOWING a fish stock survey on Lough Carra, Co Mayo, in 2009 by teams from the former central fisheries board, Dr Martin O'Grady, senior research officer, said: "The current trout stock is one of the largest and most balanced ever recorded in a survey of an Irish lake in the last 30 years. Trout anglers should keep a close eye on Carra in the coming seasons."
Irish Times, 04/04/11. Read the article 'Boost for trout stock'.
Monday, 28 March
In praise of the sea wolf
ANGLING NOTES: JOHN Quinlan is passionate about his bass angling. As chairman of Irish Bass Group (IBG), he is to the forefront in bass angling and provides a guiding service from his home in Waterville, Co Kerry. At the recent Irish Specimen Fish Committee awards day, Quinlan delivered an enthralling speech on the protection and promotion of this magnificent species.
Irish Times, 28/03/11. Read the article 'In praise of the sea wolf'.
Monday, 21 March
ACI elects a president
ANGLING NOTES: THE ANGLING Council of Ireland (ACI) held an eventful day recently at the Sport HQ in Park West, Dublin. Now in its ninth year, the council is the governing body for five branches of the sport including sea, coarse, pike, trout, salmon and sea trout angling. Today, the council serves over 30,000 members.
Irish Times, 21/03/11. Read the article 'ACI elects a president'.
Another invasion, and this time it's by alien life forms
ANOTHER LIFE: ON THE SOUTHERN cliffs of Howth Head, out to Baily Lighthouse, large mats of vegetation on the steep slopes are refusing to respond to spring. Their plants are dead, their carpeting stems withered in the wind. This is much to the satisfaction of Dr Noeleen Smyth, a botanist at the National Botanic Gardens.
Irish Times, 18/03/11. Read the article 'Another invasion, and this time it's by alien life forms'.
Monday, 14 March
Fishing for secrets
ANGLING NOTES: DUBLIN’S best-kept secret was revealed last weekend as scores of angling enthusiasts converged on Corkagh Park in Clondalkin to sample the fishing at the revamped Dublin angling venue. The event was organised by Dublin Angling Initiative (DAI) to introduce young people to the art of fly-fishing.
Irish Times, 14/03/11. Read the article 'Fishing for secrets'.
Monday, 07 March
Fishing nets tourists
ANGLING NOTES: IT WAS standing-room only at the 54th Irish Specimen Fish Committee (ISFC) presentation last weekend as anglers converged on the Red Cow Morans Hotel to receive awards for outstanding fish caught in Ireland last year.
Irish Times, 07/03/11. Read the article 'Fishing nets tourists'.
Monday, 28 February
Waters and the wild
ANGLING NOTES: THE OUTGOING Minister for Natural Resources, Conor Lenihan, joined fourth class pupils from St Pius X Girls National School, Terenure, on a field trip last Monday to analyse water quality in the River Dodder.
Irish Times, 28/02/11. Read the article 'Waters and the wild'.
'Killer shrimp' threaten our marine life
Fishermen are being warned about the spread of a species of vicious shrimp dubbed 'natural prawn killers'. Skippers of yachts and angling boats are being urged to sterilise their vessels before floating them on inland waterways to stop the influx of a vicious shrimp.
Irish Independent, 27/02/11. Read the article ''Killer shrimp' threaten our marine life'.
Monday, 21 February
Trolling in the Canaries
ANGLING NOTES: EXPECTATIONS were high as we set out from the Tenerife port of Los Cristianos in the Canary Islands for a half-day’s fishing trip last week. Sea conditions were ideal and sun block essential as temperatures reached 24 degrees in glorious sunshine.
Irish Times, 21/02/11. Read the article 'Trolling in the Canaries'.
Sex is a perilous pursuit for the predatory pike
THE countryside is rather quiet at present. Most things seem to be still and dormant, waiting for the spring. But below the surface in our rivers, lakes and canals there is plenty of movement and drama. The pike spawning season has started. The pike may be Ireland’s ultimate predator and the slow migration towards their spawning grounds is traumatic for everything that swims.
Irish Examiner, 21/02/11. Read the article 'Sex is a perilous pursuit for the predatory pike'.
Salmon fishermen fined for breaking Shannon ban
A SALMON drift net fisherman said yesterday that “it is like a death in the family not being able to fish in the Shannon estuary for salmon”. Bill Grimes (66) of Upper Coonagh, Limerick, was yesterday speaking after the outcome of a trial at a special sitting of Ennis District Court where he and seven of his colleagues were convicted and fined for salmon fishing with a net in the Shannon estuary on June 28th last year during the course of a protest at the Government ban.
Irish Times, 15/02/11. Read the article 'Salmon fishermen fined for breaking Shannon ban'.
Monday, 14 February
Of salmon and sea trout
ANGLING NOTES: IN A YEAR of mixed messages and successes, Tony Andrews, chief executive of Atlantic Salmon Trust (AST) looks back on 2010 with hopes for improved public awareness and positive actions for wild salmon and sea trout. “On the positive side,” he says, “there were hugely encouraging catch statistics, from the Thurso in Caithness to the Camel in Cornwall. Sea trout abundance continued to improve, with good catches throughout the UK and Ireland, and some big fish (female egg carriers) among them.
Irish Times, 14/02/11. Read the article 'Of salmon and sea trout'.
Fishing mad! Angler casts off from 150ft cliff in 70mph winds
Throwing caution to the wind, this is the moment a daredevil fisherman risked everything to cast off from the top of a 150ft cliff. Despite gusts of 70mph, the angler decided to take up his position inches from the edge of the craggy peak near Downpatrick in County Mayo, Northern Ireland. Read more:
Daily Mail, 12/02/11. Read the article 'Fishing mad! Angler casts off from 150ft cliff in 70mph winds'.
Shadow cast over Irish pike fishing matches
Last week’s story about an angler forcing a 1lb lead weight down a pike’s throat in a sick attempt to win an Irish predator competition has caused outrage in the fishing world, with some claiming pike matches are to blame. The culprit – who can’t be identified for legal reasons – left the fish to die after weighing in at a Loch Gowna competition in Ireland.
Angling Times, 11/02/11. Read the article 'Shadow cast over Irish pike fishing matches'.
Monday, 07 February
Quiet month for anglers
ANGLING NOTES: THE monthly newsletter produced by angling guide John Quinlan is much sought after by sea anglers. Up-to-date reports of catches and information in the quest to persuade the Government to retain existing bass legislation are always topical.
Irish Times, 07/02/11. Read the article 'Quiet month for anglers'.
Tuesday, 02 February
Belfast scientists to tackle giant hogweed menace
The invasion of the giant hogweed is to be repelled through a £2.6m project to root the species out of riverbanks in Ireland and Scotland. Fast-growing foreign weeds have taken over waterside land, squeezing out native species and limiting access for anglers and other river users.
BBC News, 01/02/11. Read the article 'Belfast scientists to tackle giant hogweed menace'.
RNLI to the rescue
ANGLING NOTES: THE ROYAL National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) had a busy year in 2010 with launches from its 55 lifeboats exceeding 1,000 call-outs for the first time. Howth RNLI station ranked among the top-five busiest with 59 rescues utilising the all-weather (ALB) and inshore (ILB) lifeboats.
Irish Times, 31/01/11. Read the article 'RNLI to the rescue'.
Plants that nourished our ancestors go under the microscope
...The crop wild relatives website is the latest online resource offered by the National Biodiversity Data Centre. It follows an interactive atlas of freshwater fish in Irish lakes, a collaborative venture with Inland Fisheries and the Irish Char Conservation Group...
Irish Times, 29/01/11. Read the article 'Plants that nourished our ancestors go under the microscope'.
Beginners Welcome at Ireland Angling Expo
Live fishing lessons for beginners of all ages will be a feature of the 2011 Ireland Angling Expo. The two-day event on 12-13 February at the National Show Centre in Swords will include a fishing area hosted by the Dublin Angling Initiative aimed at encouraging youngsters to pick up the rod.
Afloat, 29/01/11. Read the article 'Beginners Welcome at Ireland Angling Expo'.
Can we save the Irish salmon?
In the week that the great salmon project on the Thames appeared doomed, John Costello looks at the prospects for the King of Fish here. It is as much a symbol of Ireland as the harp, a pint of Guinness and the Celtic Cross. However, Fionn Mac Cumhaill would be sadly disappointed if he returned to Ireland in search of the Salmon Of Knowledge.
Irish Independent, 29/01/11. Read the article 'Can we save the Irish salmon?'.
Two Galway producers shortlisted for radio documentary awards
Scottish Celtic Media Festival shortlist announced Two Galway based independent radio producers have been shortlisted for Best Radio Documentary Award at this year's Celtic Media Festival, which will take place in Scotland in April. Polaroids on the Salmon Weir, broadcast on Galway Bay FM and produced by Hand Around the World Productions received a nomination...
Galway News, 28/01/11. Read the article 'Two Galway producers shortlisted for radio documentary awards'.
Thursday, 27 January
Asian clam a serious threat to aquatic life in Lough Derg, warns expert
THE invasive Asian clam has just been discovered in Lough Derg where it is likely to have serious impact on the biology of the lake, an expert has warned. Dr Dan Minchin, a marine biologist with the Lough Derg Science Group in Ballina, Co Tipperary, said the main impact of the clam (Corbicula fluminea) would be on the environment of Derg, the Shannon’s largest lake.
Irish Examiner, 27/01/11. Read the article 'Asian clam a serious threat to aquatic life in Lough Derg, warns expert'.
Cod and whiting at record lows
Stocks of cod and whiting in the Irish Sea are at their lowest recorded levels, a study has found. While the herring population has recovered to a stable level and haddock spawning is on the increase, some traditionally fished species remain seriously depleted.
Irish Times, 26/01/11. Read the article 'Cod and whiting at record lows'.
'Crazy' angler may have put lead in fish
An angling body has condemned the “crazy” actions of a fisherman suspected of inserting a lead bar into a live fish in order to win a competition. The angler is believed to have forced the lead bar down the fish’s throat in the hope of winning between €100 and €150.
Irish Times, 26/01/11. Read the article
''Crazy' angler may have put lead in fish'.
Wednesday, 26 January
Chores getting in the way of fishing
I don't believe we have enjoyed such a prolonged spell of settled weather in all the years I have been in Mayo. It's just a pity it has come at the wrong time of year, with half the family laid up with the flu and the rest of us confined to nursing and other household duties. All that sweeping, cooking, cleaning, wiping, brushing, dusting, fetching and shopping leaves me scarcely enough time to do maths homework for the kids and no time at all to go fishing.
Connaught Telegrapgh, 26/01/11. Read the article 'Chores getting in the way of fishing'.
Sea lice, a salmon’s scourge
As salmon begin arriving back to our county’s rivers from their epic journeys through the North Atlantic, they do so oblivious to the interest, concern, intense research and sometimes conflict their existence generates among humans on the west coast of Ireland. The IFI, NWRFB, NIG, DAFF and SWI are all acronyms of organisations and boards that seek to serve, maintain and somehow benefit from this almighty fish.
Mayo News, 25/01/11. Read the article 'Sea lice, a salmon’s scourge'.
It's a dirty job, but our wetlands can do it
ANOTHER LIFE: AT THE BOTTOM of the hill, where fields are chewed ragged by the sea, some hectares of watery hollow behind the shore are densely packed with reeds – a sprawling wedge of them, glowing tawny gold as the sun clears the mountain.
Irish Times, 22/01/11. Read the article 'It's a dirty job, but our wetlands can do it'.
Monday, 17 January
Something fishy about Christmas trees
TRUST the Americans to come up with novel ways of getting rid of unwanted and wilted Christmas trees in an environmentally-friendly way. In parts of the US trees are helping to create habitat for fish in otherwise barren lakes. The trees are taken to a different lake each year, where volunteers bundle them and secure them to the lake bed. Within days, the newly-denuded branches become covered with algae which attract aquatic insects, fish and, ultimately, anglers.
Irish Examiner, 17/01/11. Read the article 'Something fishy about Christmas trees'.
Grand Canal Clean Up
ANGLING: WATERWAYS Ireland will start further dredging of the Grand Canal in Dublin this month until the end of April. The canal will be closed to navigation between Lock C4, Circular Line (Baggot Street), and Lock 1, Main Line (Suir Road). Work involves of sediment deposits from the central channel and clearance of rubbish.
Irish Times, 17/01/11. Read the article 'Grand Canal Clean Up'.
Views of Ireland you won't have seen before
IT TOOK THIS winter to make a proper fjord (with Norway’s “j”) of Killary Harbour, the sea’s rift between Galway and Mayo, with snow lying from the mountain summits to the rocky water’s edge. But even in its usual rough livery it remains one of Ireland’s last wild places, its grand scale in no way diminished by the lines of floating barrels dangling mussels for this month’s harvesting. Indeed, one has to wonder why, as a “harbour”, it never really lived up to its name.
Irish Times, 15/01/11. Read the article 'Views of Ireland you won't have seen before'.
Monday, 10 January
Jute carpet bombing to halt killer life-sucking green aliens
TEAMS have been out recently laying jute carpets on the bed of several stretches of canal close to where I live. This apparently eccentric activity is an experiment in controlling water weeds. Water weeds are not easy to control. Cue the entry of a new knight in shining armour called CAISIE. This is an acronym for Control of Aquatic Invasive Species in Ireland.
Irish Examiner, 10/01/11. Read the article 'Jute carpet bombing to halt killer life-sucking green aliens'.
Salmon lice warning
‘THERE has been a sustained reduction in the level of egg-bearing lice on farms in springtime,” according to the Minister of State for Fisheries, Sean Connick. He warned, however, that “pest control will always remain a challenge requiring active management”.
Irish Times, 10/01/11. Read the article 'Salmon lice warning'.
How likely is the prospect of another little ice age?
THE SUN, these frosty evenings, finally sears the horizon around High Island, off Connemara, on its slow roll north towards summer. For all its scarlet incandescence, the final slide into the ocean is mesmerisingly peaceful – a good deal too peaceful, it seems.
Irish Times, 08/01/11. read the article 'How likely is the prospect of another little ice age?'.
Tuesday, 04 January
First salmon of 2011 caught within 10 minutes of start of fishing season
REVELLERS WILL get a taste of the first salmon of the new year at a charity function in Bundoran, Co Donegal. The first salmon of 2011 in Ireland was caught on Saturday within 10 minutes of the start of fishing in the new season on the river Drowse in Co Leitrim. Ian Martin (46), caught the salmon with at the Drowse Salmon Fishery between Kinlough and Bundoran.
Irish Times, 03/01/11. Read the article
'First salmon of 2011 caught within 10 minutes of start of fishing season'.
A specimen bonanza
THE Irish Specimen Fish Committee has published its annual report for 2010 and copies are now available online at irish-trophy-fish.com and in print from Inland Fisheries Ireland, Swords, Co Dublin. Despite the economic downturn anglers had a bumper year catching the highest ever number of specimen fish and setting four new Irish records.
Irish Times, 03/01/11. Read the article
'A specimen bonanza'.
On loughs and streams
ANGLING NOTES: ONE of the most enjoyable and informative books to arrive on our shelves this Christmas is Irish Rise – Reflections by Lough and Stream by Dennis Moss. Now retired and living in Co Galway, overlooking Lough Corrib, Moss has penned a magnificent reflection on a life devoted to family and fishing.
Irish Times, 27/12/10. Read the article
'On loughs and streams'.