Angling Report
- Trout fishing (updated 31/10/08)
- Sea fishing (updated 27/10/08)
- Pike fishing (updated 15/10/08)
Trout Angling
Thursday, 30/10/2008
Dublin Angling Initiative Day Out
Angling for all Facility, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow
The Dublin Angling Initiative ran a competition day for various Dublin Youth Groups at the Angling For All Facility, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow, on Thursday 30th October last. Up to forty teenagers and their mentors, from Mulhuddart, Tallaght, and Whitechurch, braved the elements to fish a teams of four competition sponsored by Shimano, and the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board.
With tackle and bait provided by the Aughrim Facility, Annamoe Trout Fishery, and The D.A.I, one and all went in search of an elusive Aughrim Rainbow. Undaunted by driving wind and rain the various teams bubble floated earthworms and sweet corn to successfully land a number of rainbows. All fish were measured and returned to fight another day. One lucky angler was David Murray, fishing with “The Key Project” team from Kilinarden in Tallaght, who landed a forty centimetre Rainbow.
Mulhuddart team one, who included Daniel Campbell, Chase Nouri, Karl Fitzgerald, and Karl Doyle, won first prize with three fish for a cumulative length of 123 centimetres. For their efforts the boys went home with a Shimano rod and reel each. The biggest fish prize went to Darren Donegan of Whitechurch, Rathfarnham, for a Rainbow of forty eight centimetres.
Special mention must go to all the people who give of their time to organise and stage events such as this. The look on the faces of all those taking part tells its own story. Well done to all and in particular to Des Chew who runs the Dublin Angling Initiative, for providing the opportunity for these teenagers to experience the thrill and fun of angling in a beautiful setting.
Saturday 18th October 2008
Ladies Introductory Fly Fishing Day
Annamoe Trout Fishery
The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board held the second ladies introductory fly fishing day at Annamoe Trout Fishery, Annamoe Co. Wicklow, last Saturday 18th October 2008. The sun shone and a warm breeze blew from the south west, creating ideal conditions for the eager participants. Mark Corps of the Central Fisheries Board and Betty Hayes (Eastern Regional Fisheries Board member) handled proceedings, which included tuition on fly casting and fishing techniques, plus an afternoon fishing session on the picturesque Annamoe lake.
Annamoe Trout Fishery, http://homepage.eircom.net/~fishery/, ran by proprietor Brian Nally, a well established Trout Fishery complete with a comfortable fishing lodge, is an ideal location for a super days fishing, a club outing, or a corporate event. Rod hire, tuition, group catering, and barbeque days, are some of the ancillary services on offer at Annamoe. Brian was on hand throughout the day providing tea, coffee, biscuits and other refreshments, while also serving up a substantial lunch to an appreciative crew.
Nine women availed of the opportunity to learn a new skill and experience the fun of catching their first Rainbow Trout. Donations again were made on behalf of Action Breast Cancer, and the participants’ generosity has to be applauded. Over the two ladies introductory events held in 2008, €1373.00 has been collected for Action Breast Cancer.
On the day five Trout were landed, with buzzer techniques being the order of the day. None of the participants had fly fished before, and great credit must go to Mark and Betty for their attention to detail and easy going assistance over the afternoon fishing session. To catch a Trout on a fly at the first time of trying is no easy feat. Well done to all involved.
Shrieks of delight again rang out as Rainbows took off to the centre of the lake, and there is no doubt that the seeds of a new pastime were sown at Annamoe, for the participants that availed of the opportunity. Roll on next year.
Saturday 11th October 2008
Ladies Fly Fishing Day In Aid of Action Breast Cancer
Rathcon Trout Fishery, Grangecon, Co. Wicklow
The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board held the first of its annual introductory ladies fly fishing days in aid of Action Breast Cancer, at Rathcon Trout Fishery, Grangecon, Co. Wicklow on Saturday 11th October 2008. Fourteen participants had a great day out under the guidance of top fly casting instructor Glenda Powell (APGAI), from the Blackwater Lodge in Co. Waterford, http://www.ireland-salmon-fishing.net/ .
Glenda gave a fun but informative introduction to fly fishing, which consisted of a morning theory and practical session on fly casting and fishing techniques, followed by an assisted afternoon fishing session on the lakes. In between, a fabulous buffet lunch prepared and laid out by Sarah Paige of Rathcon Trout Fishery, http://www.rathcon.com/, was enjoyed in the clubhouse.
Following lunch the participants quickly put their newly learned skills to good use, and proceeded to catch some fine Rathcon Rainbows. Squeals and whoops of delight rang out around the lakes as fish of up to five pound weight came to the net.
The top fly on the day was a daddy longlegs, and all told five fish were landed. There were a number of hook ups to add to the excitement, and the general consensus was, “we’ll be back”.
During the afternoon session Glenda and Ian Powell were on hand to give advice and encouragement, ably assisted by Betty Hayes, Eastern Regional Fisheries Board member, and Mark Corps, game angling advisor from the Central Fisheries Board.
On the day €1000.00 was raised for Action Breast Cancer, and the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board would like to thank all participants for their generosity. Special thanks must go to Glenda Powell for the level of professionalism and fun that she brings to the day. Finally, one and all agree that Rathcon is a wonderful place to hold the event, and would like to thank the Paige Family for the welcome extended and their hospitality.
Corkagh Park
Corkagh park is currently under new management and no report is available at this time.
We would like to say farewell to Godfrey Donoughue who did a great job managing this fishery particularly in his work brining many youngsters into our sport of angling.
Annamoe
Annamoe trout fishery has been fishing well. One angler had a lovely 7lb rainbow during the week using a sinking line, short leader and a booby. This venue will provide great sport during the winter months.
River Boyne
The river Boyne is now closed for game angling until next year. It is worth mentioning in the last two weeks of the season one Dublin angler had 11 fish, all on a flying C with single hook. His best fish was a fine multi sea wintered 20 pounder. Of course all fish were released as catch and release is mandatory under the conservation measures.
River Fane
The river Fane will close on Sunday 12 October – in the last month there have been some good numbers of salmon caught. I am pleased to report that many anglers are taking the initiative to release their catches on this river. Brown trout fishing has been excellent in the closing two weeks of the season.
Monday 06 October 2008
Fane Salmon and Czech Nymphs
Dundalk and District Brown Trout Anglers hosted staff members of the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board for an end of season tour of the River Fane, Co. Louth. Allowing for the torrential rain which fell for most of the day, a good time was still had by all. The river was in good condition, with the water only slightly coloured, and not too high.
The River Fane, which flows into Dundalk Bay, Co. Louth, is having a great end of season run of Salmon. Des Chew (Dublin Angling Initiative Administrator) took advantage of this and landed a lovely fly caught autumn fish on the Castle Ring stretch of the river, which after a spirited fight was released to continue its’ journey to the spawning beds. The successful fly being an orange Ally’s Shrimp pattern.
The Fane holds a large stock of superbly conditioned Brown Trout. Eamonn Conway, an APGAI guide and member of the Irish team which fished the Americas Cup this year, showed the stamp of fish available by employing the Czech Nymph style to good effect. In recent days Eamonn has landed Trout from the Fane to seventeen inches.
Eamonn’s advice was spot on, as Des again shows with a nice Brown Trout caught on the Magoney stretch.
Des, Josie, and Ashley would like to thank Matt Campbell, Eamonn Conway, and Paddy Tennyson, of the Dundalk and District Brown Trout Anglers for a wonderful day on the river. A number of stretches were fished, but particular mention must go to the Magoney section, what a wonderful place to cast a fly. Close to the poet Paddy Kavanagh’s home place of Enniskeen. Culture in combination with outdoor activities, where else would you get it.
Pike Angling
October 15th 2008
Good Pike Angling in the North East
11.00 am – 16.00 pm
The north east counties of Cavan and Monaghan are host to many fine Pike angling venues. With the onset of winter, Pike have been packing on the weight and are in prime condition. Local angling guides Pat McLoughlin and Peadar O’Brien enjoyed a fine afternoons trolling on a small north eastern lake last Wednesday, 15/10/2008.
Trolling the lake using bulldog and twin tail lures, over a dozen Pike came to the net with an average size of eight pounds. A number of Pike ran close to fifteen pounds, and all told there were twenty hook ups within the space of four hours fishing.
There is a science to this form of fishing, with fish finders being standard kit, reference to water temperature, weather conditions, the correct depth at which to fish the lure, etc. Pat and Peadar obviously know their stuff, as the images from the day show.
There are plenty of Pike in the north east region, with many in the twenty pound plus bracket. A Pike of this calibre attacked a small Jack that was being unhooked at the side of the boat. To say the least the incident was sudden and spectacular. “All in a days Pike fishing”, according to Pat and Peadar.
To get the real benefit from a days Pike fishing, a day spent with a guide who understands the venues is money well spent. Particularly when all the equipment required, including the experience can be hired. Considering that a lot of the lake venues require intimate knowledge of reefs, shoals, drop offs etc, to target where Pike will reside, and the obvious safety elements, a guide really is essential to success.
If a day out Pike fishing in the north east is what the doctor ordered, then contact any of the three angling guides featured below. An interesting and fun day out is assured;
1. Pat McLoughlin Mob: 086 101 7415
2. Peadar O’Brien Mob: 087 926 5867
3. Marc O’Regan Mob: 087 915 3002
Pat and Marc also run a website www.fishinginireland.net which provides all information regarding their services, plus a host of fishing and ancillary information as well.
Quig Lough
During the week local Monaghan angler, Brian Bryne, landed a 26.5lb pike on a joey mackerel dead bait fishing from the shore. Conditions were calm and bright.
Rossmore Park Lakes – Monaghan
All the lakes here are fishing well for pike at the moments, nothing too big but plenty of action. Best fish recorded was a 10.5lb pike. Best method at the moment appears to be plug fishing or wobbling smelt. All these lakes are within walking distance of the car.
Killyboley Lake- Monaghan
Pike fishing should pick up at this venue in the coming weeks with the cold weather expected to clear the weed, however, pike fishing has been good at this venue in recent days. Best fish we know of has been a 15lb taken on dead bait.
Peters Lake – Monaghan
Anglers coarse fishing have been reporting pike attacking their catches – this is promising for pike anglers.
Blessington Lake
Just a reminder that Blessington lake is closed for October
Sea Angling
October 27th 2008
South Wexford Bass and more
After the southerly gales of last week the South Wexford beaches fished well for Bass over the weekend. With the winds backing around to the northwest, a nice swell rolling in, the water a little coloured, and no floating weed, conditions were perfect. School Bass in the one - two kilo class, with an odd bigger fish swimming with them, were taking lugworm. Ashley Hayden of the ERFB, fishing Monday afternoon 27/10/2008, caught nine in a three hour period, all returned.
The Greystones Ridge Angling Club had an outing to the Kilgorman section of Clones strand. They reported lots of small Dabs, Flounder, Plaice, and Whiting. While the word from Ennereilly, north of Arklow, is Dogfish and lots of them.
Sunday October 19th 2008
Seiko Open Shore Competition
The most famous open competition in the Leinster sea anglers calendar is the annually Seiko sponsored open run by South Shore SAC. It is not only Leinster anglers that enjoy the event as anglers travel from all over the country to compete for the superb prizes on offer. There are Seiko watches and clocks adorning anglers houses the length and breath of Ireland.
This years competition was run from the Orphan Girl pub in Ballymoney. Joe Byrne of Courtown Angling Centre ran the shop on the day and was kept busy selling heavy gripleads to the anglers given that force nine south westerlies were forecast.
On the Wexford beaches of Courtown, Kilgorman and Roney Point, conditions were demanding. The rain held off but the strong wind lifted the sand off the beach and stung the eyes of the hardy competitors. The sea, although rough was fishable and contained little weed. Distance proved crucial on some venues while on Roney, anglers hauled in multiple trebles of undersized fish.
Species caught were flounder, dabs, rockling, bass, codling and dogs. Longest round fish was a bass of 54cm, longest flat a flounder of 33 cm.
Thomas Keogh of the host club was the overall winner, with seven fish, 4 dogs and 4 whiting. Tom took advantage of a temporary lull in the storm to launch a clipped down rig as far as he could. The reward was two double shots of dogfish that proved crucial.
Gavin Fogarty of Raheny SAC was the top junior, putting many senior anglers to shame on Kilgorman beach.
Three generations of the Keogh family took a prize. Tom senior was second in Zone A and his grandson was the runner up in the Junior event.
The competition was superbly run and a credit to South Shore and main sponsor Seiko. Next years event will be a two day and promises to be even more successful.
Zone A Kilgorman
- Anthony O Rourke
- TP Keogh
- Richard Gormley
Zone B Courtown
- Robbie Coventry
- Ray Hammett
- Al Santa Maria
Zone C Roney Point
- Thomas Keogh
- Tom Mc Adam
- Ian Daly
Juniors
- Gavin Fogarty
- Thomas Keogh
- David O Rourke
13/10/08
Wexford
This is the flounder season, and a good time to catch as they are in excellent condition. All the big estuaries on the east coast, particular Wexford, are worth a go from October onwards. A good hot spot is Ardcavan in Wexford. Best bait generally tends to be crab and rag worm. Long snoods and the advice is to twitch the bait occasionally.
Bass
Bass are still available from the sandy marks north and south of Wexford harbour. Ian Mulligan and Des Fraiser had three good bass during the week to 6lb in the Blackwater area. All fish were released.
Wicklow
October is a prime month in the shore anglers calendar. Summer species are still available at many locations while winter species are beginning to arrive. Coalies, whiting and codling are showing up along the Wicklow beaches. Anglers are advised to fish 'close in' at this time of year. Best baits are sandeel, lugworm, mackerel strip and shell fish. For coalies mussel is good and can provide hectic sport at times. Size two to one 0 hooks and medium length snoods work well as a general rule. Conditions on the beach may affect snood length.
Mullet
Still available in harbours until the first frosts. Stick with floating bread for hook bait or fish baits in commercial fishing harbours.
Tope
For specialised angling tope patrol north Wicklow beaches in the winter months. Long up traces and very strong tackle is recommended. Large fish baits work – this is a waiting game- expect to have many blank sessions.
North Dublin Beaches
These beaches are not fished heavily this time of year. There are still opportunities for the occasional bass before they move off shore. Anglers can expect to catch small whiting, flounders and small codling.
Keep us informed if anything interesting turns up.
Turbot
In recent weeks there have been reports from anglers catching small turbot between Killiney and Ennereilly. This is unusual and most welcome by east coast anglers. Long snoods are recommended using size one 0 hook. Fish baits and a cocktail with lugworm will work.
Special thanks to Brian Cooke, press officer with the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers in compiling this report.
Good Bass angling continues along the Wicklow coastline
Good Bass angling continues along the Wicklow coastline. With the seas getting stirred up by the autumnal gales, attention has switched from lure fishing, to baits’ such as crab, mackerel, and lugworm.
Wicklow angler Gerry Mitchell fishing a south Wicklow strand caught four fine Bass along with some 30cm+ Flounders, Sunday 05/10/2008. In keeping with regulations Gerry only retained two fish. Lugworm was the key bait on a two hook paternoster.
A fortnight ago Gerry landed an eight pound fourteen ounce fish also on lug, but even that pales beside the twelve pound one ounce Bass he caught off Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow, in July 2007.
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