Follow Fishing News Clippings on TwitterThursday, 02 September
University of Montana team places 3rd at fly-fishing event in Ireland
The University of Montana's "varsity" fly-fishing team placed third in an international competition last week in Ireland. While the institution doesn't recognize Montana's state infatuation as a sport, it did help send Office of Planning, Budget, and Analysis program manager Tony Tomsu and student Jesse Filingo to the World Varsities Trout Fly Fishing competition near Cong, Ireland.
The Missoulian, 01/09/10. Read the article 'University of Montana team places 3rd at fly-fishing event in Ireland'.
Monday, 30 August
Howth remembers
THE ENTIRE proceeds from the Paul Lynam Memorial Boat Competition, held at Howth, Co Dublin, were donated to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). Hosted by Howth Sea Angling Club (HSAC), the competition, now in its second year, attracted a good contingent of club members and anglers from the Fingal area.
Irish Times, 30/08/10. Read the article 'Howth remembers'.
Friday, 27 August
Fisherman rescued by Greenore Coastguard Unit
AN experienced fisherman who was on holiday in the area was rescued recently off the Greenore shore. The man had been engrossed in his fly fishing expedition off the sand banks on a springtide and neglected to notice the incoming sea cutting off his retreat to the shoreline.
Dundalk Democrat, 25/08/10. Read the article 'Fisherman rescued by Greenore Coastguard Unit'.
Angler's Rest publican drowned while fishing
A FATHER of seven has drowned following an accident while fishing. Former Army officer Denis O'Mahony, from Ballincollig, Co Cork, was fishing with family members near the Warren in Rosscarbery on Wednesday when he slipped from the rocks and into the sea.
Irish Independent, 27/08/10. Read the artilce 'Angler's Rest publican drowned while fishing'.
Rare Crayfish caught in Dowros bay
One lucky visiting angler caught more than he bargained for when he landed a seven and a half pound rare Crayfish off the coast of Rosbeg. The lucky fisherman was visiting from New Zealand and was on board a local charter boat when he landed the impressive catch.
Donegal Democrat, 26/08/10. Read article 'Rare Crayfish caught in Dowros bay'.
Thursday, 26 August
Men rescued from rented boat
An elderly Englishman and his son were rescued last night after their rented boat went aground on rocks while they were fishing on Lough Mask, Co Mayo.
A coastguard helicopter pinpointed the stricken boat shortly before 10pm last night and directed a rescue vessel to the location.
Irish Times, 26/08/10. Read the article 'Men rescued from rented boat'.
Monday, 23 August
Big turnout on Lene
LOUGH Lene in Co Westmeath came alive last weekend for the Flextec team fly-fishing championships. Now in its fourth year, the competition continues to attract a huge turnout of anglers from across Ireland. This year, 126 participated from 62 boats.
Irish Times, 23/08/10. Read the article 'Big turnout on Lene'.
Pond teeming with lifeafter holiday
The weather had been warm and breezy while I was away. The warmth had caused a heavy growth of green algae and the breezes had deposited a lot of dead leaves in the water. It’s a very small pond – not much bigger than a bath tub – so the easiest way to clean it is to get down on your knees and do it by hand.
Irish Examiner, 23/08/10. Read the article 'Pond teeming with lifeafter holiday'.
Go wild in last days of summer
Go Ireland: Squeeze the last out of the holidays with a day in the great outdoors. Sandra O’Connell has a range of suggestions to bring out the wild child in all of you Events around the country mark Wild Child Day today, August 21st. See heritageweek.ie for what’s going on in your area. The day starts Heritage Week, which runs to August 29th.
Irish Times, 21/08/10. Read the article 'Go wild in last days of summer'.
Tuesday, 17 August
Three men die in cruiser blaze off west Cork coast
THREE MEN died off the west Cork coast yesterday after a fire broke out on their motor cruiser. A fourth man on board the 25ft motor cruiser survived. The four had been sea angling. It is understood that they attempted to fight the blaze with a fire extinguisher but were unsuccessful.
Irish Times, 17/08/10. Read the article 'Three men die in cruiser blaze off west Cork coast'.
Anger as fisheries board refuses request to further dredge river
ANGER has been expressed after fisheries board officials refused Cork County Council’s request to carry out further dredging on the Bandon river as part of the local authority’s flood prevention plans.
Irish Examiner, 17/08/10. Read the article 'Anger as fisheries board refuses request to further dredge river'.
Open to persuasion
ANGLING NOTES: THE Atlantic Salmon Trust (AST) has called on governments to regulate sea lice control on a bay-by-bay management structure. In a policy document, it said: “This approach offers the best chance of protection to wild salmon and sea trout within salmon aquaculture areas”.
Irish Times, 16/08/10. Read the article 'Open to persuasion'.
Fish take a flying jump as oceans heat up
I GOT a phone call from an excited friend of mine the other day. He was on holidays and had been sea angling with his son in Ballinskelligs Bay in west Kerry. They had just caught two gilthead bream.
Irish Examiner, 16/08/10. Read the article 'Fish take a flying jump as oceans heat up'.
Irish waters reflect changing climate
IRELAND is neatly placed to become a research centre into the effects of climate change on the oceans and marine life and the knock-on consequences for the fishing industry.
Irish Examiner, 16/08/10. Read the article 'Irish waters reflect changing climate'.
Monday, 09 August
World Cup Champion
ANGLING NOTES: IRELAND has a new World Cup champion. Michael Keady from Moycullen, Co Galway, took the crown with five fish at the World Cup Trout Fly Angling Championships at Lough Mask, Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, over the bank holiday weekend. All roads led to Cushlough Bay for the five-day championships to compete for the ultimate prize in brown trout fly fishing.
Irish Times, 09/08/10. Read the article 'World Cup champion'.
LIT host first Lough Corrib fly fishing contest
THE first ever Lough Corrib World Varsities Trout Fly Fishing Competition will be hosted by Limerick Institute of Technology this August. The contest is open to all third level institutes and entries from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England as well as from the United States, France and Germany, have already been received.
Limerick Post, 05/08/10. Read the article 'LIT host first Lough Corrib fly fishing contest'.
Kilmore is the Quay
ANGLING NOTES: ‘KILMORE Quay is a fantastic product to sell,” the Minister of State for Fisheries, Sean Connick, told guests at the launch of a new publication to promote the area as a sea angling centre of excellence. Speaking in the Stella Maris Centre, the Minister said Kilmore Quay in south Wexford provides many opportunities for charter and small-boat angling and is within the top five sea-angling centres in Ireland.
Irish Times, 02/08/10. Read the article 'Kilmore is the Quay'.
Pollan: Climate change may mean the end for Ireland’s rarest fish
Ireland’s rarest fish is under threat from climate change, scientists are warning at a major conference in Belfast this week. The pollan, found in only five loughs in Ireland, could dwindle even further if our waterways heat up due to global warming, says Dr Chris Harrod, convenor of the Fish and Climate Change conference at Queen’s University.
Belfast Telegraph, 31/07/10. Read the article 'Pollan: Climate change may mean the end for Ireland’s rarest fish'.
Friday, 30 July
Salmon survey move
WATERFORD Estuary Fishermen’s Association has submitted a proposal to the Minister of State for Natural Resources, Conor Linehan, to conduct a salmon survey in Waterford Estuary this year. Reacting favourably to the request, the newly formed Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), in conjunction with estuary fishermen, has put forward a brace of proposals to facilitate the survey.
Irish Times, 26/07/10. Read the article 'Salmon survey move'.
Monday, 19 July
Angling for the source of coarse fishing
I WAS in Lanesborough in Co Longford the other day and, as I walked across the bridge that connects it to Ballyleague in Co Roscommon, I stopped and looked over the parapet. Below me was a concrete channel which runs beside the river, and eventually joins up with it. This is the ‘Hot Water Stretch’, internationally famous as one of the top coarse fishing spots in Ireland.
Irish Examiner, 19/07/10. Read the article 'Angling for the source of coarse fishing'.
Ballina 'salmon capital'
ANGLING NOTES: THE eye-catching sign on the approach road to the town caught the moment: “Ballina – the Salmon Capital of Ireland”. True, in every sense of the word. The majestic Moy is the showcase river for Europe and beyond. To pause on Ham Bridge and watch the bars of silver leaping and splashing in the Ridge Pool is a sight to behold.
Irish Times, 19/07/10. Read the article 'Ballina 'salmon capital''.
Midlands angler lands giant turtle
An angler fishing for carp at a reservoir got the shock of his life when he landed a giant North American turtle. The 25kg alligator snapping turtle, which is around two feet long, was snared by Steve Bellion, 23, at Earlswood Lakes near Solihull, West Midlands.
Irish Independent, 16/07/10. Read the article 'Midlands angler lands giant turtle'.
Friday, 16 July
Casting day a great success
The Irish open spey casting competition was just one of many events held at The Point, Ballina, as part of the fly-casting day hosted by Inland Fisheries Ireland in conjunction with the Ballina Salmon Festival. The event was well attended by members of the public, with many availing of free casting tuition and fly tying demonstrations given by expert fly tiers Betty Hayes, Michael Hayes and Joe Quinn.
Connaught Telegraph, 16/07/10. Read the article 'Casting day a great success'.
Tuesday, 13 July
Night fishing for trout
The moon rose big and fat and round to send a golden-red path across the lake as far as the boat. It hovered for an age just above the horizon, before finally climbing above the haze to shed a new light on the world. In the clear night it changed its hue; now it was no longer the marvellous giant blood orange it had been when it first appeared, but rather a great spotlight that cast crisp shadows behind me.
Mayo News, 13/07/10. Read the article 'Night fishing for trout'.
Monday, 12 July
Fishery move 'historic'
THE Minister of State for Marine and Natural Resources, Conor Lenihan, heralded the establishment of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) last Thursday week as a “historic development in the way we protect, conserve and develop our inland fisheries resource”. We need an organisation fit for purpose in the 21st century and capable of adopting to strategic issues, he said. In contrast to the previous situation with more than 150 board members, the new structure will comprise just nine.
Irish Times, 12/07/10. Read the article 'Fishery move 'historic''.
Keeping track of species eruption - and disruption
ANOTHER LIFE: IRELAND'S MULTITUDE of puffins have almost finished their season on the islands off the west and south. There have been months of whirring flight, back and forth from the cliffs to the sea, and thousands of dives for prey, wings thrusting beneath the water. Each pair of birds have taken turns to hatch a single chick, and both have fed it for six weeks or so, dropping the catch in the nesting burrow underneath the sea pinks.
Irish Times, 10/07/10. Read the article 'Keeping track of species eruption - and disruption'.
Tuesday, 06 July
Man lucky to be alive after spending threes hours in water
A Lithuanian national who slipped on rocks while fishing in Achill had a lucky escape after he survived three hours in the sea before being rescued by the Achill Coast Guard. The 30-year-old had been fishing along the rocks near Purteen Harbour on Achill Island on Saturday afternoon when he slipped on the rocks and fell into the sea.
Mayo News, 06/07/10. Read the article 'Man lucky to be alive after spending threes hours in water.'
Monday, 05 July
Top of the world
ANGLING NOTES: IT IS ironic at a time when the Minister of State for the Marine, Conor Lenihan, opened a pilot salmon draft net fishery in Castlemaine Harbour, Co Kerry, that the Loughs Agency suspended commercial netting for salmon in the Lough Foyle area in Northern Ireland.
Irish Times, 05/07/10. Read the article 'Top of the world'.
188lb skate was a 'hell of a fish' says Keith Arthur
As age creeps up on me the chance to catch special fish is taken with every opportunity. A couple of years ago I met with a lady who promised me that, one day, she would put me on a ‘special’ fish. That day arrived and Mary Gavin Hughes, Europe’s only woman charter boat skipper, kept her word.
GoFishing.co.uk, 02/07/10. Read the article '188lb skate was a 'hell of a fish' says Keith Arthur'.
Thursday, 01 July
New State fisheries agency comes into being
A new State agency comes into being today with the amalgamation of seven regional fisheries boards and the Central Fisheries Board. The new streamlined organisation will be known as Inland Fisheries Ireland. The restructuring will result in significant new efficiencies in the management and performance of the Irish fisheries sector.
Irish Examiner, 01/07/10. Read article 'New State fisheries agency comes into being'.
Salmon smolt rescue
THE Eastern Regional Fisheries Board (ERFB) has rescued over 5,000 salmon smolts from Ireland’s most polluted river. The lower section of the Avoca River in Co Wicklow is classed by the Environment Protection Agency as Class D with a Q value of one (very poor water quality) due to the impact of 250 years of mining at Avoca.
Irish Times, 28/06/10. Read the article 'Salmon smolt rescue'.
Thursday, 24 June
Lanesboro man reels in the big prize
A Lanesboro man wowed the crowds at the recent European Cup Fly Fishing competition on Lough Mask in Mayo by reeling in a 10lbs 4oz trout. Stephen Heraty won first place in the final hour of the exciting two-day competition with the well fed fish.
Longford Leader, 25/06/10. Read the article 'Lanesboro man reels in the big prize'.
Monday, 21 June
All the fun of Fishy
ANGLING NOTES: IT was a pleasure to attend the presentation of prizes to the winners of the nationwide schools’ Something Fishy competition at the Central Fisheries Board headquarters in Swords recently. The reception area was packed as pupils, teachers and parents gathered for the occasion.
Irish Times, 21/06/10. Read the article 'All the fun of Fishy'.
Shark's fin soup has a lot to answer for
ANOTHER LIFE: JUST north of Quilty, at the southern edge of Liscannor Bay, in Co Clare, is a green-topped islet that you can reach by scrambling over the rocks at low tide. Perched upon it, the experienced shore angler, able to cast half a mackerel up to 150m, may connect with a blue shark or even a porbeagle, thereupon to battle – jaw jutting, feet spread – heedless of the tide swirling in behind him.
Irish Times, 19/06/10. Read the article 'Shark's fin soup has a lot to answer for'.
Would you drink a glass of slurry...?!
Most schoolchildren are aware that keeping the water clean is important, but there's usually one in a class who doesn't think about it... So what Brenda Montgomery, an environmental protection officer with Shannon Regional Fisheries Board, does is invite that one to drink a glass of slurry.
Anglo Celt, 19/06/10. Read the article 'Would you drink a glass of slurry...?!'.
Tuesday, 16 June
Ballintra school lands national 'Fishy' Award!
The winning class from The Robertson National School in Ballintra visited the Central Fisheries Board in Swords last Friday. They were presented with the 'Something Fishy' National Award by Rob Ross of RTE's ICE show. The thirty pupils who were accompanied by their principal, teacher and some of their proud parents travelled to Dublin to be presented with their prize. They won the National ‘Something Fishy’ competition with a presentation on eels called “Eel”usive.
Donegal Democrat, 15/06/10. Read the article 'Ballintra school lands national 'Fishy' Award!'.
The sharks are back
ANGLING NOTES: VERY little is known about the migration and diving behaviour of porbeagle sharks (Lamna nasus) in the northeast Atlantic, according to Dr Ryan Saunders of the Marine Institute (MI), Oranmore, Co Galway. Like most pelagic sharks, the porbeagle is vulnerable to commercial fishing pressure, slow growth rate and complicated reproductive cycle. And, due to a lack of information on its ecology, there is no protective legislation in place for the species.
Irish Times, 14/06/10, Irish Times. Read the article 'The sharks are back'.
They come from beneath the water
The arrival of invasive exotic species of wildlife in Irish rivers, canals and lakes is provoking concern among experts because of the threat they pose to native species and habitats. THE PHRASE “invasive species” conjures up images of slimy creatures from science fiction B-movies terrorising a startled population. Think of those 1950s classics: Invasion of the Body Snatchers, It Came from Beneath the Sea or Day of the Triffids.
Irish Times, 12/06/10. Read the article 'They come from beneath the water'.
Tuesday, 08 June
Non nationals fined for fishing eels
Two non nationals were fined at Ballyshannon District Court last Friday for illegally fishing eels in Lough Melvin. Before the court, Dariuzm Miraszewski, Main Street, Milford and Maciej Larionow 2 Lawn View, Kinlough were apprehended on Lough Melvin on the 16th August last year, by Northern Regional Fisheries Officers.
Donegal Democrat, 08/06/10. Read the article 'Non nationals fined for fishing eels'.
It's all action on Conn
ANGLING NOTES: LOUGH CONN burst into action on Tuesday last week. “The fishing over the last few days has been terrific. It is really some of the best fishing I have seen in years,” says John Geary of Pontoon Bridge Hotel. Boatman Kieran Connolly had two guests out all week and they averaged over 10 good trout every day.
Irish Times, 07/06/10. Read the article 'It's all action on Conn'.
Monday, 31 May
Once in a lifetime
A COMMERCIAL pilot salmon fishery for Castlemaine Harbour Special Area of Conservation in Co Kerry has been proposed by the Minister of State for Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Conor Lenihan. Speaking to local fishermen in Cromane Community Centre, the Minister said he had sought details from the fisheries boards as to how a commercial fishery could be managed in a sustainable manner.
Irish Times, 31/05/10. Read the article 'Once in a lifetime'.
Is this the largest salmon ever caught in the North West?
A Lifford angler really 'rocked the fishing boat' when he landed one of the largest salmon ever caught in northwestern waters. On Tuesday 18th May at 4.30pm, keen angler, Patsy McHugh of Coneyburrow, Lifford, was lazily casting over the waters of the River Foyle in an area which runs at the rear of Lifford Hospital.
Derry Journal, 31/05/10. Read the article 'Is this the largest salmon ever caught in the North West?'.
The fishing's good on the River Erne
The fishing on the entire Erne catchment including the river Erne at Belturbet is excellent and there is also a great stock of trout and tench. This news was revealed this week by Michael Fitzpatrick, inspector with the Northern Regional Fisheries Board. A programme featuring the excellent flying pike fishing in County Cavan is soon to be featured on French television.
Anglo Celt, 28/05/10. Read the article 'The fishing's good on the River Erne'.
Thursday, 27 May
Heartbreak and relief as fishermen's bodies are found
HEARTBREAK was mixed with relief for the families of two men missing at sea since Sunday when their bodies were found yesterday. Naval divers found the bodies of John O'Brien (36) and Pat Esmonde (36) in about 18 metres of water, less than half a mile from the Co Waterford coast at Helvic Head. The discovery brought an end to the search which had begun when the men went missing from an inflatable dinghy while out fishing at about 5pm on Sunday.
Irish Independent, 26/05/10. Read the article
'Heartbreak and relief as fishermen's bodies are found'.
A diplomatic success
ROBERTSON National School, Ballintra, Co Donegal, is the winning entry of the “Something Fishy” Competition for 2010. The children will be presented with their prize at the Central Fisheries Board, Swords, Co Dublin, on June 11th.
Irish Times, 25/05/10. Read the article 'A diplomatic success'.
Tuesday, 18 May
Pristine Owenduff and Owenmore Rivers
Despite the long period of predominantly dry weather with which we have been blessed, the underground water table remains relatively high, as can be seen by the flooding of low lying land that follows any period of rainfall. Yet the rivers, and especially the tributaries and smaller streams, are running almost at summer levels, so that salmon anglers on some waters are finding themselves continually frustrated.
The Mayo News, 17/05/10. Read the article 'NATURE Pristine Owenduff and Owenmore Rivers'.
Monday, 17 May
Body found in Clare sea
Breaking news: A body has been found during a search for a man who was swept out to sea while fishing in Co Clare. The search for the missing Polish man resumed at first light today following the launch of a full-scale operation yesterday.
irishtimes.com, 17/05/10. Read the article 'Body found in Clare sea.'
Search for man off Clare coast
A search has resumed for a man who was swept off rocks by a wave in Co Clare yesterday afternoon. The Coast Guard at Valentia said the man was swept into the sea at a well-known fishing location at Bridges of Ross, which is around 5km northeast of Loop Head.
RTE News, 17/05/10. Read the article 'Search for man off Clare coast".
Youth Expo in Howth
ANGLING NOTES: A NATIONAL Youth Angling expo will take place at Howth Angling Centre, West Pier, on Sunday next . The event will launch Fisheries Awareness Week in the eastern region and also mark the 40th anniversary of the angling club. The objective of the day - from 10am to 5.30pm - is to bring young people into the sport.
Irish Times, 17/05/10. Read the article 'Youth Expo in Howth'.
Friday, 14 May
Giant Oarfish found off Sweden
He first thought it was a piece of plastic floating near the shoreline, but once he got closer, 73-year-old Kurt Ove Eriksson realised the 12ft serpent-like object was a rare creature from the depths of the ocean. Marine biologists later determined Mr Eriksson had found a Giant Oarfish - the world's largest bony fish - last seen in Swedish waters about 130 years ago.
Irish Independent, 12/05/10. Read the article 'Giant Oarfish found off Sweden'.
Waterford Mayfly and Sonefly Recording Scheme 2010
Ephemeroptera (mayfly) and Plecoptera (stomefly) species of aquatic flies are some of the most primitive insect groups living on our planet today. Their role as indicators of water quality and change cannot be overstated. These vital insects provide the basic food source for many freshwater fish including juvenile salmon as well as juvenile and adult trout.
Waterford Today, 12/05/10. Read the article 'Waterford Mayfly and Sonefly Recording Scheme 2010'.
Wednesday, 12 May
Bales of barley to help protect water quality in city lake
BALES of barley are being placed in the Lough in Cork to protect the quality of its water this summer. The move is one of a number of initiatives planned by city officials to ensure the wild fowl amenity does not suffer a repeat outbreak of botulism which devastated the lake’s bird population last year. Last June, dozens of ducks and swans died after the disease swept through the popular carp fishery on the city’s southside.
Irish Examiner, 12/05/10. Read the article 'Bales of barley to help protect water quality in city lake'.
Livestock water extraction trial begins in Mulkear nature project
HIGH-tech solar-powered water pumps may be used for the extraction of river water for livestock on farms in a special area of conservation (SAC) in north Munster. Pilot farms are to be established under the €1.75m EU-funded restoration project for the lower Shannon. The EU LIFE project, which covers an area of 650km2 of the Mulkear catchment in Limerick and Tipperary, was unveiled by Eamon de Buitleir.
Irish Independent, 11/05/10. Read the article 'Livestock water extraction trial begins in Mulkear nature project'.
Monday, 10 May
Fishing club members discover illegal coarse nets in Co Westmeath
MEMBERS OF Ireland’s Polish Fishing Club, Fishmaniak, dismantled a potentially lucrative illegal coarse fishing operation in the midlands last week. Anglers from the club released scores of fish when they discovered almost 200 metres of nets while fishing in Lough Ennell in Co Westmeath.
Irish Times, 10/05/10. Read the article 'Fishing club members discover illegal coarse nets in Co Westmeath'.
A memory from May
ANGLING NOTES: IN THE summer of 2008 Angling Notes ran a series of Reader Competitions that provided a prize of a box of flies tied by renowned flytyer Jimmy Tyrrell. The winner of the May competition was Martin Rahill. The following is the edited text of an email received by Angling Notes and is published with the permission of the Rahill family. In memory of the winner, Jimmy Tyrrell has created a Rahill Olive Mayfly.
Irish Times, 10/05/10. Read the article 'A memory from May'.
Friday, 7 May
Angler's weight not in vain
HEARD the one about how a volcano helped a fisherman land the biggest trout caught in Ireland for more than a century? Visiting Czech angler Karel Sourek should have been back home in Prague regaling his friends with tall tales of the ones that got away on his first trip to Ireland. Instead, thanks to the volcanic ash, he was forced to wait for a week for his return flight and was back on Lough Corrib when he landed a whopper -- and the fish lived to tell the tale.
Irish Independent, 07/05/10. Read the article 'Angler's weight not in vain'.
Best bass fishery in Europe under threat from commercial angling
The battle is on this week to protect the best bass fishery in Europe from exploitation by commercial fishermen. A reshuffle in the Irish government has seen a new Fisheries Minister appointed who anglers fear is sympathetic to trawlermen’s calls to reopen a fishery which has been closed since 1990.
Sea Angler, 06/05/10. Read the article 'Best bass fishery in Europe under threat from commercial angling'.
Plan to restore Mulkear River catchment
A plan to restore the natural habitat of one of the main rivers in North Tipperary to its former glory should become a model for restoring river catchments throughout Europe to their natural state. This was stated at the launch on Tuesday of a new €1.75 million European Commission funded LIFE Nature project aimed at restoring the damaged habitat of the River Mulkear and its catchment.
Nenagh Guardian, 08/05/10. Read the article 'Plan to restore Mulkear River catchment'.
Thursday, 6 May
The Mayfly is up on Derg
The Mayfly is up on Lough Derg but trout have yet to switch on to them, judging by results from anglers over the last few days. There were good hatches in Luska over the weekend and sparser hatches in Youghal Bay and Dromineer Bay. Just a few trout have been caught on the fly so far.
Nenagh Gaurdian, 08/05/10. Read the article 'The Mayfly is up on Derg'.
Wednesday, 5 May
€1.75m project on Shannon tributary
A NEW €1.75 million project working on the restoration of the lower Shannon conservation area for fish and wildlife has been officially launched on the Mulkear river in Co Limerick. The Mulkear is one of the top five salmon rivers in Ireland, producing a significant annual salmon run, and it is one of the Shannon’s most important tributaries. It holds substantial populations of sea lamprey and otter are known to be widespread, although recent evidence suggests numbers are in decline.
Irish Times, 06/05/10. Read the article '€1.75m project on Shannon tributary'.
River Shannon Conservation Project Is Launched
The launch took place today of MulkearLIFE, a new €1.75 million European Commission funded LIFE Nature project working on the restoration of the Lower Shannon Special Area of Conservation (Mulkear River catchment) for Atlantic Salmon, Sea Lamprey and Otter. The project is led by the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board working together with the Office of Public Works and Limerick County Council and other stakeholders to implement the project over the next four years.
The Clare Herald, 05/05/10. Read the article 'River Shannon Conservation Project Is Launched'.
Salmon ‘minced up’ and left decimated
SHOALS of fish in the River Barrow are being “minced up” by turbines due to faulty protective grids. The grids are supposed to stop the young salmon, or smolts, from gaining access to the turbines, but according to local fisherman Frank Hynes, they are not working correctly, and the river’s population of smolts is being decimated as a result.
The Nationalist, 05/05/10. Read the article 'Salmon ‘minced up’ and left decimated'.
Asian Clams warning
ANGLING NOTES: A NEW aquatic invasive species, the Asian Clam ( Corbicula fluminea ) has been found in the River Barrow in Co Carlow. The identity and status of the species was confirmed by Dr Joe Caffrey of the Central Fisheries Board, an expert on aquatic invasive species. The clam could severely impact on water bodies and causes up to $1 billion (€760 million) in damages annually in the US.
Irish Times, 03/05/10. Read the article 'Asian Clam warning'.
Nominees to the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland announced
Minister for Natural Resources Conor Lenihan today announced details of five of the nominees to the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland. The Minister confirmed that he has asked these nominees to work with the CEO designate of Inland Fisheries Ireland to advance the preparations for the changeover to the new structures which are expected to be in place by 1 July.
AFLOAT, 29/04/10. Read the article
'Nominees to the Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland announced'.
Monday, 26 April
Fears for wildlife after Asian clam 'invader' found in river
A CLAM is the latest foreign 'invader' to threaten native wildlife, sparking fears for the salmon and trout population. The Central Fisheries Board is preparing a plan to try to eradicate the newly discovered invasive species, the Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea), from the River Barrow, Co Carlow.
Irish
Independent, 26/04/10. Read the article 'Fears for wildlife after Asian clam 'invader' found in river'.
Press release Central Fisheries Board: New Invasive Species, the Asian Clam, Found in Ireland.
CAISIE website (Control of Aquatic Invasive Species in Ireland: www.caisie.ie
The Kingdom of charity
ANGLING NOTES: THE Kerry Care Foundation is the main recipient of last Sunday’s charity fly-fishing competition on Lough Lein in Killarney, Co Kerry. Accepting a cheque for €7,500, Louis Collier, representing the foundation, said he is overwhelmed with the generosity that arises from the competition. Now in its 20th year, with a different charity each year, more than €160,000 has been raised for charities in Kerry.
Irish Times, 26/04/10. Read the article 'The Kingdom of charity'.
Lakeside littering at north Meath's prime angling waters condemned
The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board (ERFB) has expressed its deep concern about a recent spate of dumping around some of north Meath's scenic angling lakes. Paddy Greene, an Inspector for the Dundalk Fishery District of the ERFB, has said littering and illegal dumping is causing serious concern to both local interests and angling tourism on several lakes in the north Meath area.
Meath Chronicle, 21/04/10. Read the article 'Lakeside littering at north Meath's prime angling waters condemned'.
Tuesday, 20 April
How we rise to the bait
ANGLING NOTES: AFTER A tiring journey, it is remarkable how quickly we revive when we get close to our fishing destinations. Such was the case recently, when we met Paddy McDonnell at the entrance to Lough Callow on the Swindord-Foxford Road, in Co Mayo. His boat is unhitched and ready to go and almost before we have a second breath taken, we find ourselves casting into rising fish. Small Jungle Cock and Sooty Olive patterns are the preferred choice.
Irish Times, 19/04/10.
Read the article 'How we rise to the bait'.
Monday, 12 April
New Bill Almost There
THE Inland Fisheries Bill 2009 has moved a step closer to implementation with the passing of the Bill through Dáil Éireann last month. It is scheduled for the Seanad on April 20th. In November last, the Minister of State at the Department of Natural Resources, Conor Lenihan, announced a suite of proposals for the restructuring of the inland fisheries sector.
Irish Times, 12/04/10.
Read the article 'New Bill Almost There'.
A boost for endangered mussels
A SURE sign of a healthy river is the presence of the freshwater mussel which has largely disappeared in Ireland in recent decades. The reasons for its demise are obvious – the species survives only in pristine water. Believed to be one of our longest living animals, with a lifespan of up to 120 years, it was once widespread, but is now found in very few catchments. Ireland is estimated to hold around 46% of Europe’s freshwater mussel population...
Irish Examiner, 12/04/10. Read the article 'A boost for endangered mussels'.
Mood swings of an Atlantic weather pattern
ANOTHER LIFE: THE SPRING’S first swallows crossed the Irish coast some three weeks ago, but goodness knows what they’ve found to eat since then. Apart from the odd bumblebee, nuzzling the same primroses over and over, there have been virtually no insects on the wing in my garden... ...it is long past time that more people knew about the workings of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), a phenomenon Irish weatherpersons seem to shrink from mentioning on telly, or even on websites.
Irish Times, 10/04/10. Read he article 'Mood swings of an Atlantic weather pattern'.
Disrespect for nature will be water under the bridge...
Otters, pine martens, herons and dippers are just a few of the wonderful creatures that make the natural environment in the Lough Ramor and Virginia area their home. While a small minority of people disregard the ecological beauty, there are many groups intent on conserving it. Lough Ramor And Local Area Conservation Society is a recently formed group that joins Virginia Tidy Towns and the Lakeshore Development Committee...
Anglo Celt, 08/04/10. Read the article 'Disrespect for nature will be water under the bridge...'.
Wednesday, 07 April
New fish feed spawns 30 jobs
Up to 30 jobs are to be created in Tuam, Co Galway, by a company specialising in the production of organic salmon feed. Ocean Harvest Technology says the new seaweed-based compound it has designed will replace existing synthetic salmon feeds, and has the capacity to revolutionise the farmed salmon industry.
RTE News, 06/04/10. Read the article 'New fish feed spawns 30 jobs'.
Bass stocks face annihilation as FIF seek u-turn
ANGLERS and conservationists are mounting strong opposition to moves to change a law that has imposed a complete ban on commercial fishing for sea bass over the past 20 years. Last May the Federation of Irish Fishermen (FIF), which represents four major fish producer organisations, lodged a proposal with the then Fisheries Minister Tony Killeen to amend the current bass protection legislation.
Irish Examiner, 05/04/10. Read the article 'Bass stocks face annihilation as FIF seek u-turn'.
Dreaming on the Dodder
ANGLING NEWS: ON A fresh spring morning, what could be more pleasant than strolling along the banks of the Dodder River admiring the wonderful fauna and flora, and the variety of fish species that this magical river has to offer? At a gathering on Rathfarnham Bridge, I meet Des Chew of the Dublin Angling Initiative, fisheries officers Robert Dully and Alan Carter; vice-principal Kay McConnell and parents and students from St Brigid’s Girls’ School, The Park, Cabinteely in Co Dublin; and Tom O’Briain from the Blackrock Education Centre (BEC).
Irish Times, 05/04/10. Read the article 'Dreaming on the Dodder'.
Wednesday, 31 March
Champions of Char
ANGLING NOTES: THE RECENT development in Wales relating to the survival of Arctic char ( Salvelinus alpinus ) has sparked an interesting debate. Once widespread throughout Ireland, their distribution has now declined by at least 30 per cent, according to Dr Fran Igoe, of Irish Char Conservation Group (ICCG).
Irish Times, 29/03/10. Read the article 'Champions of Char'.
North West Fisheries Board CEO to step down
The CEO of the North West Regional Fisheries Board is to step down after twenty-five years.
Ocean FM, 26/03/10. Read the article 'North West Fisheries Board CEO to step down'.
Days Gone By: Anglers’ prospects
Anglers on Lough Corrib have had a good time during March and great prospects are held out for the coming season.
Galway News, 24/03/10. Read the article 'Days Gone By: Anglers’ prospects'.
Monday, 22 March
Chairman is on Board
TIM O’Sullivan has done it again. The man with the golden touch when it comes to big fish has once again landed a magnificent fresh salmon of 9.1kg (20lb) from Lough Lein in Killarney, Co Kerry. Back in 2006, he caught an even bigger salmon of 10.2kg (22.5lb) from the same lake. It is rare nowadays to hear of rod-caught salmon over specimen weight, but when the angler concerned is a wheelchair user, it becomes an event worth noting.
Irish Times, 22/03/10. Read the article 'Chairman is on Board'.
Search for man missing off Cork coast
A search for a man missing off the coast of west Cork has been called off for the night. It will resume in the morning. He was one of two men who went into the water while fishing near the Kedge Rocks in Baltimore.
RTE News, 20/03/10. Read the report 'Search for man missing off Cork coast'.
Tuesday, 13 March
Tell Me a Story: The Salmon of Knowledge (an Irish legend)
Long ago King Cormac ruled Ireland. He was a good ruler, and exceedingly generous. In fact he was too giving. Nearly every day he invited people to the castle where he provided feasts and festivals. The wine flowed, and everyone sang and danced. Cormac delighted in the bounty of his castle.
Times Herald-Record, 15/03/10. Read the article 'Tell Me a Story: The Salmon of Knowledge (an Irish legend)'.
EU aids Irish Sea trout Catch and release
ANGLING NOTES: An important scientific study into the decline in sewin (sea trout) in the Irish Sea was launched last Wednesday in Bangor, Wales. The Celtic Sea Trout Project (CSTP), with EU funding for the Irish-British venture, aims to discover more about the lifestyle of sewin in the Irish Sea and in rivers across Wales and Ireland, was launched by Welsh Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones. The investment of £1.8 million (€2m), will be welcomed by Irish and British anglers and fishermen.
Irish Times, 15/03/11. Read the article 'EU aids Irish Sea trout Catch and release'.
Major study launched into life of sea trout
A MAJOR new scientific study, the Celtic Sea Trout Project, has been launched in Bangor, North Wales, aimed at discovering more about the life and pressures on the sea trout in the Irish Sea and in rivers and estuaries across Wales and Ireland. The study, which will cost £1.8 million, is being led by experts at Bangor University's School of Ocean Sciences and Biological Sciences working with Irish partners (led by the Central Fisheries Board of Ireland).
fishneweu.com, 15/03/10. Read the article 'Major study launched into life of sea trout'.
NATURE Ranching Salmon of Knowledge
Marine Life: The first salmon of the 2010 season was caught on the River Moy on the last weekend in February. In the Delphi valley in the other corner of the county, the first was caught the day before. Almost 30 per cent of Ireland’s total salmon catch is taken in the Mayo/west Sligo region. Aptly enough, the region generates most of the quality, up-to-date knowledge on salmon, not just for Ireland, but for the entire North Atlantic.
Mayo News, 15/03/10. Read the article 'NATURE Ranching Salmon of Knowledge Monday'.
Friday, 12 March
Trout fishing season opens on Monday
Hooked on Fish Next Monday, March 15, marks the opening of the fishing season on Lough Derg and to mark the occasion The Guardian has decided to launch an angling column to bring the latest local and national fishing news to the hundreds of people who engage in the sport in this newspaper’s circulation area. As I write fishing rods are being brought out and dusted off after their winter’s storage and anglers are busting to get back out onto the lake or the riverside in pursuit of those spotted beauties of the deep.
Nenagh Guardian, 12/03/10. Read the article 'Trout fishing season opens on Monday'.
Life boat rescues stranded anglers
TWO men out fishing had to be rescued by life boat last night after they were left stranded when their small boat developed engine problems. They were 16 miles south east of Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, when the engine on their 21-foot angling boat failed shortly after 3pm. The rescue operation lasted for more than three hours. No one was injured.
Irish Independent, 12/03/10. Read the article 'Life boat rescues stranded anglers'.
Thursday, 11 March
Sea trout subject of £1.8m study
Sewin numbers have been declining in Welsh, Irish and Scottish rivers A £1.8m scientific study is being launched to discover more about the life and pressures on the sewin or sea trout in Wales and Ireland. Information from the Celtic Sea Trout Project will be used to guide stock management policy and measures to increase sewin in Welsh rivers.
BBC News, 11/03/10. Read the article 'Sea trout subject of £1.8m study'.
Monday, 08 March
Concern over possible new threat to bass stock
ACCORDING to usually reliable resources, the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Tony Killeen, may be facing challenges for the withdrawal of the conservation ban on commercial bass fishing. From an angling perspective, even the suggestion of a reversal should be sufficient to arouse the strongest possible lobby to ensure the existing order stays intact.
Irish Times, 08/03/10. Read the article 'Concern over possible new threat to bass stock'.
Monday, 01 March
Sea angler in helicopter rescue
A SEA angler who was washed offshore in west Cork was rescued by an Irish Coast Guard helicopter at the weekend. The 28-year-old man had been angling with a companion near Roscarbery, Co Cork, on Saturday when a wave took him out to sea. The alarm was raised by his friend, while the man tried to swim back to shore. An Irish Coast Guard Sikorsky helicopter based at Shannon was tasked as it was on exercise off Slea Head, Co Kerry, at the time.
Irish Times, 01/03/10. Read the article 'Sea angler in helicopter rescue'.
Fighting an invasion
ANGLING NOTES: ESTIMATED damage from invasive species worldwide totals more than $1.4 trillion, or five per cent of the global economy, the Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Conor Lenihan told an audience at the launch of the European Life+ Project Control of Aquatic Invasive Species in Ireland (Caisie), in Dublin last Tuesday.
Irish Times, 01/03/10. Read the article 'Fighting an invasion'.
Breaking the ice with my garden goldfish
THE cold weather came back last week but I was a bit better prepared for it this time. I wrote [January 11] about how the last cold snap, which started in December, had presented me with a problem about breaking the ice on my fish pond without causing damage or stress to the fish. Afterwards several readers kindly emailed me with the correct solution to the problem.
Irish Examiner, 01/03/10. Read the article 'Breaking the ice with my garden goldfish'.
Winter cold spawns ingenious survival tactics
ANOTHER LIFE: THE FROGS were often up in the pond and singing for my birthday, but the month is almost gone without a sign of them. A badger-shaped furrow through the dead grass at the rim suggests another sort of inspection and perhaps a disappointed, furry shrug. But give it time: the western frosts haven’t been the worst, and a few days of around 10 degrees C could prompt some spawning.
Irish Times, 27/02/10. Read the article 'Winter cold spawns ingenious survival tactics'.
Tuesday, 23 February
Time flies down at Rory's
ANGLING NOTES: OFTEN referred to as the “University of Fishing”, Rory’s of Temple Bar, Dublin, yesterday celebrated 50 magical years in the fishing tackle business. Situated in the hub of the city’s art and tourism centre, Rory’s has gained iconic standing to take pride of place among the hustle and bustle of city life. The name Rory Harkin is renowned within the angling fraternity and is respected throughout Ireland and beyond.
Irish Times, 22/02/10. Read the article 'Time flies down at Rory's'.
Wednesday, 17 February
Ardee anglers are best in the country
ARDEE anglers are the best in the business in this country - and that's not a fishy tale! Five fans of pike angling have made it to the AllIreland finals taking place this weekend in Ballinasloe and who knows, maybe the town will have its latest Irish king by Saturday evening.
Drogheda Independent, 17/02/10. Read the article 'Ardee anglers are best in the country'.
NATURE Mermaid’s purses on our beaches
Placed high and dry upon the clean blue pebbles by a spring tide, the mermaid’s purse I found last week was not hard to spot. Another purse some months ago was easier to miss, dark and unlovely as they are, and cast as it was amongst the deposited kelp of similar leathery brown shades.
Mayo News, 16/02/10. Read the article 'NATURE Mermaid’s purses on our beaches'.
Ecological movements
A NEW fish pass at Blackweir in Cardiff was opened earlier this month by Wales rugby great and keen angler Gareth Edwards CBE, and rural affairs minister Elin Jones. It will enable free migration of fish along the River Taff. A smaller pass opened at Blackweir in 1989, but recent monitoring discovered that salmon found it difficult to locate the pass in high river flows.
Irish Times, 15/02/10. Read the article 'Ecological movements'.
Wednesday, 10 February
Time just floats by my perch on the river
CELEBRITY FANS - Dr TK WHITAKER, 93, Fly fishing: Fishing has always been a great interest. I never excelled at anything else. Even from my earliest days as a child in Drogheda in the 1920s, my mother would bring me cycling up the Boyne to the Boyne-Navan canal and I would be trying my hand, to see if I could get a perch out of the canal.
Irish Times, 10/02/10. Read the article 'Time just floats by my perch on the river'.
Tisdall remains on top in angling league
28 anglers fished in glorious conditions in the latest round in the league. The match was fished on the River Erne, Cam River and Canal at No1 Lock. The individual result was again dominated by the Canal at No1 Lock with the top 3coming from that section.
Fermanagh Herald, 10/02/10. Read the article 'Tisdall remains on top in angling league'.
Extreme Beauty: The fish tank pedicure
The Fish Tank Pedicure involves putting your feet in a warm fish tank where they become the dish of the day for a tank full of Garra Rufa fish, while you thumb through the latest edition of Vogue. Did I read that correctly? Yes .... fish eat the flesh from your feet!
Irish Independent, 10/02/10. Read the article 'Extreme Beauty: The fish tank pedicure'.
Monday, 8 February
All hail the skills of the grey heron
A Johnny-the-bogs regularly stands sentinel at the end of an old pier, Tanner’s Pier, now reduced to a corridor of wrack-grown rocks opposite what was once the Earl of Shannon’s summer house, now the elegant Courtmacsherry Hotel. There, within earshot of the music from the Anchor on Saturday nights, it fishes by street light, the clever bird.
I say clever, because it has learned that fish are attracted to the light...
Irish Examiner, 08/08/10. Read the article 'All hail the skills of the grey heron'.
Cormorant concerns
ANGLING NOTES: THE Irish regulatory system for salmon farming is a shambles and continuously amended over the years to suit the interests of certain actors within the sector, according to Niall Greene, chair of Salmon Watch Ireland (SWI). “And no one in the State sector is holding them to account,” he said.
Irish Times, 08/02/10. Read the article 'Cormorant concerns'.
Wednesday, 3 February
Timmy to fish for Ireland
BLENNERVILLE man Timmy O'Sullivan is to represent Ireland in the Sea Angling world championships in South Africa later this year, following his success in a hotly contested qualifying competition at the weekend. Up to 30 of Ireland's elite sea anglers descended on Kerry at the weekend to compete for a coveted place in the five man team...
The Kerryman, 03/02/10. Read the article 'Timmy to fish for Ireland'.
Tuesday, 2 February
Donegal firm to organise national angling show
Mara Media, based in Annagry, has taken over the running of the highly prestigious show which is held annually at the National Show Centre in Cloghran. Thousands of anglers from all over Ireland and the United Kingdom are expected to attend the event which runs on Saturday 13 and Sunday, February 14.
Donegal Democrat, 02/02/10. Read the article 'Donegal firm to organise national angling show'.
Monday, 1 February
Off the docks in Decies
ONE of the highest concentrations of flounder shelters in Waterford Harbour and may well be unique in Western Europe, according to sea-angling consultants Norman Dunlop and Mike Thrussell of World Sea Fishing Limited. This is one of many fascinating discoveries found during a two-week survey last September...
Irish Times, 01/02/10. Read the article 'Off the docks in Decies'.
Young lads master the age old art of fly tying
THE age old art of fly fishing for trout has traditionally been very strong in Munster, with skills handed down from generation to generation. But ever before a fly fishing enthusiast gets near the river, the essential skill of being able to create artifical flies is required.
The Corkman, 28/01/10. Read the article 'Young lads master the age old art of fly tying'.
Wednesday, 27 January
First 2010 Salmon of the NW Region!
The first salmon of the season, in the North Western Fisheries Region, has been taken on Lough Gill following over three weeks of fishing in some of the coldest conditions felt in the region for years.
Castlebar.News, 26/01/10. Read the artilce 'First 2010 Salmon of the NW Region!'.
Notes from Waterville
THE ANNUAL report from Waterville, Co Kerry, always provides good reading. Fisheries manager John Murphy chronicles events of the past year in his own inimitable way and, having visited Waterville on several occasions, I can vouch for his team’s management of this world class sea trout and salmon fishery. Indeed, the Currane system produced all 26 specimen sea-trout caught in Ireland last year.
Irish Times, 25/01/10. Read the article 'Notes from Waterville'.
Thursday, 21 January
Bag a trip with Nudd
Anglers are being given the chance to spend the holiday of a lifetime with four-times world champion Bob Nudd. For the first time ever, one of the sport’s biggest stars is hosting a special angling week at Ballyconnell in Ireland...
Angling Times, 19/01/10. Read the article 'Bag a trip with Nudd'.
World toasts bass catch
ANGLING NOTES: JAPAN’S Manabu Kurita now joins US angler George Perry in the International Game Fish Association’s (IGFA) World Record Games Fishes as co-holder of the all-tackle record for largemouth bass, each fish weighs 10.12kg (22lb 4oz), but they were caught 77 years apart.
Irish Times, 18/01/10. Read the article 'World toasts bass catch'.
Monday, 11 January
Happy-end shark tales
ANGLING NOTES: AS FOUNDER of the Shark Angling Club of Ireland (SACI) in 1998, the late Paul Lynam endeavoured to introduce a conservation system whereby large game fish, ie blue shark and tope, could achieve specimen (or record) status by providing length and girth measurements to the Irish Specimen Fish Committee (ISFC) and, after tagging, these fish could then be released unharmed.
Irish Times, 11/01/10. Read the article 'Happy-end shark tales'.
Glenda, the completed angler
Since the thrill of catching her first trout, fishing has defined Glenda Powell's life. The world champion tells Ciara Dwyer that the sport has provided her with so much, including her husband and a way of dealing with her traumas, that she'd prefer not to exist without it. When Glenda Powell was a young girl growing up in the small village of Comber, Co Down, she and her elder sister would walk through the streets, fishing rods in hand, off to the river.
Sunday Indpedent, 10/01/10. Read the article 'Glenda, the completed angler'.
On thin ice fishermen told to stay away from frozen lakes
GARDAI are advising members of the public not to go 'ice fishing' on frozen lakes or canals during the cold snap. The practice, common in many parts of northern Europe, involves walking on to a frozen lake or river and drilling a hole through the ice.
Irish Independent, 09/01/10. Read the article 'On thin ice fishermen told to stay away from frozen lakes'.
Judge takes tough stance against illegal fishing
Cavan District Court: "These are criminals and they have no respect for people's property," stated Judge Sean MacBride when he convicted a Polish national for illegal fishing at a sitting of Cavan District Court. Andrzez Kazmuk, 32, Tearmon Abbey, Sycamore Close, Drogheda, was fined €625 with €1725.25 costs for using a boat in the commissioning of an offence at Black Lough, Derrygoony, on October 4.
Anglo Celt, 08/01/10. Read the article 'Judge takes tough stance against illegal fishing'.
First salmon of the season for the second time for late riser Brian
The early bird may catch the worm but that didn't hold true for Enniskillen angler Brian McEvoy last Friday when he made a late start to fishing at the famed River Drowes in Kinlough but still managed to bag the first salmon of the year for the second time.
Leitrim Observer, 08/01/10. Read the article 'First salmon of the season for the second time for late riser Brian'.
Monday, 04 January 2010
Alien crayfish threat
THE National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has called for extra vigilance to protect Irish crayfish from the introduction of foreign species. The white-clawed crayfish (Austropotamobius pallipes) is unique to Ireland and could be threatened with “crayfish plague”, a fatal disease, if alien crayfish find their way into Irish waters.
Irish Times, 04/01/10. Read the article 'Alien crayfish threat'.
Reeling them in Angler nets first salmon of the year, again
CONTRARY to the old saying, it is not always the early fisherman who catches the salmon. Brian McEvoy strolled down to the River Drowes, Co Leitrim, at the leisurely hour of 11am yesterday and bagged himself the first salmon of the year less than three hours later. Not only did he snag the fish under the envious glare of many who had braved the morning frost hours earlier, but it was the Enniskillen man's second time to catch the first salmon of the year.
Irish Independent, 02/01/10. Read the article 'Reeling them in Angler nets first salmon of the year, again'.
Salmon poaching increases in line with recession
SALMON POACHING is on the rise because of the recession, according to officials in charge of the State’s inland fisheries. They say that “illegal activity on rivers has increased due to the recession as people have more time on their hands”. There is also a “tradition of poaching” in some rural locations where people believe they have “the right” to harvest and sell the fish.
Irish Times, 02/01/10. Read the article 'Salmon poaching increases in line with recession'.
50 rivers to be open for salmon angling despite falling stocks
SOME 50 rivers are to be open for wild salmon angling in the new year, but salmon stocks are continuing to fall according to Minister of State for Natural Resources Conor Lenihan. Indicators for survival of salmon at sea are at their lowest since records began, Mr Lenihan has said.
Irish Times, 30/12/09. Read the article '50 rivers to be open for salmon angling despite falling stocks'.
Monday 07 December
Six salmon a-leaping
ANGLING NOTES: AFTER AN absence of almost 200 years salmon have returned to the upper reaches of the River Monnow at Kentchurch Weir in Monmouthshire, according to the Environment Agency Wales (EAW). Since completion of a £600,000 (€663,000) fish pass at Osbaston Weir earlier this year, salmon are now getting further upriver than since the industrial revolution, it said.
Irish Times, 07/12/09. Read the article 'Six salmon a-leaping'.
"Wired" Irish River Detects Pollution in Real Time
Nature has gone wireless in Ireland, where scientists have outfitted a major river with sensors that detect spikes in pollution in real time. Sensors recently placed at various points in the River Lee, near the city of Cork, send information on pollution levels back to a data center. Water managers can keep tabs on pollutants entering the river and, if need be, mount an immediate response.
National Geographic News, 06/12/09. Read the article '"Wired" Irish River Detects Pollution in Real Time'.
Tracing our faith in trees, taking stock of our trout
...The Central Fisheries Board is also a national research body, and Brown Trout in Ireland (cfb.ie/publications, €30) might well have turned out a solemn compendium of scientific papers. Scientifically sound it certainly is, but its authors – Dr Martin O’Grady, Myles Kelly and Shane O’Reilly – are keen trout anglers, and O’Reilly a skilled desktop publisher. Their production is both engaging to read and a pleasure to look at, with photographs of living, swimming fish that, as Prof Andy Ferguson says in his foreword, “set a new standard for fish illustration”.
Irish Times, 05/12/09. Read the article 'Tracing our faith in trees, taking stock of our trout'.
IN SHORT: Judge pledges jail for illegal fishing
Comparing illegal fishing to cattle rustling, a district court judge said he was issuing warrants and intended to impose six-month jail terms on people who did not turn up in court.
Irish Times, 05/12/09. Read the article 'IN SHORT: Judge pledges jail for illegal fishing'.
Popstars in court battle for hunting and fishing rights
TWO millionaire popstars sought an interim injunction in Letterkenny Circuit Court yesterday (Thursday) preventing a neighbour "interfering" with their hunting and fishing rights near Ballybofey. Mick Hucknall and Chris DeMargary of Simply Red claimed in court that the manager of the neighbouring Cloghan Estate, Mr John Wilde, was interfering with their rights since they purchased the Glenmore estate in August 2005.
Donegal News, 04/12/09. Read the article 'Popstars in court battle for hunting and fishing rights'.