Angling Reports and News
- Coarse fishing [14/08/09]
- Trout fishing [17/08/09]
- Sea fishing [21/08/09]
- Pike fishing
Coarse Angling
14/08/09
Seven Year Old Lands Superb Haul of Rudd
Killian Collins with his 18lb 11oz haul of mainly Rudd
The future of coarse angling is alive and well judging by the haul of fish young Killian Collins took from Lacken Lake, near Bailieboro, in Co. Cavan, last Sunday 10th August. The catch consisted of mainly Rudd and included the fine 1lb 8oz fish that Killian is pictured holding. Are we looking at a future All Ireland Coarse Angling Champion? Well done Killian.
04/08/09
Lough Muckno Shines as Scotland Achieve
Home International Glory by Winning “The Celtic Cup”
The Successful Scottish Management Team of Chris Paton and Gus Brindle
Scotland came from behind to pip Ireland by two points and win the 2009 Celtic Cup, a home international coarse angling match fished annually between Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The venue this year was Lough Muckno, Co. Monaghan, fished over Saturday and Sunday the 1st and 2nd of August, and the catch returns were phenomenal. Twenty one anglers over two four hour matches landed 600 kgs of fish, mainly Roach, with Perch, Hybrids, and Bream thrown in for good measure. That is an average of 28.57 kgs per man, which over a four hour match is a serious return on effort. The venue and the anglers have to be congratulated as they were all on the top of their game.
Rory O’Neill from Newry competing for Ireland in the Celtic Cup
The match was fished over two days under C.I.P.S rules, pole and float fishing only. The ski club side of White Island was divided into seven sections with three pegs in every section, making twenty one pegs in total. Teams comprised seven anglers. One angler from each country was placed per section. This was decided by a draw, with a subsequent draw to nominate the fishing peg. Match times were 11.30AM – 15.30PM on both Saturday and Sunday.
Andy Johnson of Wales fishing on day one in the shadow of Hope Castle
After day one Ireland had a narrow lead winning five of the seven sections, with World Silver Medallist Willie Wheeler leading the way netting 16.78 kgs of fish. Scotland rallied on day two, and congratulations has to go to their team and management, the game plan and effort were spot on as they came from behind to win by two points, with angler Ben Roberts landing the top weight of 38.58 kgs over the two days.
World Silver Medallist Willie Wheeler from Fermanagh fishing Day One
The real winner though over the weekend was Lough Muckno. All who competed could not praise enough the venue. Four of the Welsh team decided to stay on an extra day such was the quality of the fishing. Welsh team manager Eric Humphries who vets match venues for the International Coarse Fishing Federation is in no doubt that, pending key infrastructural developments, Lough Muckno could stage a World or European Championships in the near future. High praise indeed at the close of what was another successful coarse angling weekend in County Monaghan.
Sea Angling
21/08/09
Harbour Mullet
Wicklow angler Gary Robinson with a Specimen 5.lb 2.oz harbour mullet
Successful anglers put time and thought into their fishing. A reconnaissance of mullet habits and routines in a local harbour paid off for Gary Robinson. Armed with the information Gary came back the following day.
Using a waggler rod, 4.lb test line, small single hook, and pre baiting first with bread, Gary hooked and landed a fine specimen 5.lb 2.oz mullet. The fish, which fought like a demon and took five minutes to subdue, was released unharmed to fight another day.
14/08/09
August Evenings, South Wexford
Mackerel fishing on Rostoonstown Strand, South Wexford
When the Mackerel run in South Wexford the word gets out quickly. Two places worth casting a line for these free biting tasty fish are Slade Harbour on the Hook peninsula, and Rostoonstown Strand, east of Kilmore Quay. From mid August the shoals are present close to shore, a fun time for local families and holiday makers.
Smooth Hound caught on Lugworm, South Wexford
Running with the Mackerel are Bass and for the more specialist angler Tope. Smooth Hounds are still present swimming in small groups. They will be present at a mark on one tide and marked absent the next, keep an ear to the ground. On the South Wexford beaches lugworm will take both Bass and Smooth Hounds along with the ever present Flounder.
10/08/09
Head Thumps and Fast Runs
Danny Meagher with a fine lure caught Wexford Bass
The weather this summer has been windy and wet which has affected angling prospects both inland and at sea. However for those anglers who watch the conditions, target species, and pick their moments sport has been good. Bass angling has been consistent from Louth right down to south Wexford. Surf casting and lure fishing has produced results with reports of numerous fish to double figures, many returned unharmed. Angling guide Jim Hendrick, www.bassfishing.ie, and Wexford angler Danny Meagher found fish on lures during morning sessions over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday 8th and 9th of August.
Tope caught off the north Wicklow Coastline
Tope also have been particularly numerous with the grounds off Greystones and Courtown being the areas to target. A mackerel flapper fished in the trench outside of the Moulditch Buoy could connect with a fish the quality of that pictured above. Or why not contact Mick Redmond for a trip out on Puffin off Courtown, Phone: 086 101 7466.
05/08/09
Courtown angler lands fine Bass
Courtown based angler Billy Byrne with a fine Bass landed on August Bank Holiday Monday.
An evening spinning session close to Courtown was productive for local angler Billy Byrne. Using a Shad lure Billy landed three Bass over four pounds in weight, with the best pictured above, easily seven pounds plus.
All fish were returned to fight another day. A party of French visitors had great enjoyment, while braving the elements to witness the landing of the big one above.
Bass are a common catch along the coast now due primarily to the Bass conservation measure. It is important for all anglers to respect the two fish bag limit, and the forty centimeter size limit. If possible return fish caught to fight another day, so guaranteeing sport into the future.
Trout Angling
17/08/09
Dry Fly on the Derry Water, Annacurra, Co. Wicklow
Derry Water behind Annacurra GAA pitch, Annacurra, Co. Wicklow
The Derry Water joins with the Ow River to form the Aughrim River above the GAA pitch at Aughrim, Co. Wicklow. Upstream of Aughrim, near the village of Annacurra, the Derry Water flows through rich farmland and over what must be the only strip of limestone in Wicklow. This enriches the water and gives the river the appearance of a chalk stream.
Derry Water Trout caught on a klinkhammer
Mostly overgrown and heavily weeded for much of its length, the Derry Water holds some good trout. It is well worth casting a dry fly on, especially behind and downstream of the GAA pitch at Annacurra. Try a small klinkhammer fished in the channels between the weeds.
The Aughrim Trout Anglers control fishing on the Derry Water and Aughrim Rivers. Day tickets priced at €5.00 can be purchased from the reception desk at Lawless’s Hotel, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow.
05/08/09
Mud and Wellingtons at the Tinahely Show, Co. Wicklow
Josie Mahon (ERFB) and Peter Driver (Avonmore Tackle Products) manning the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board Stand at the annual Tinahely Show, Co. Wicklow
The Tinahely Show, Co. Wicklow is an annual event traditionally held on the August Bank Holiday Monday. An agricultural fair showcasing livestock, machinery, equestrian pursuits, crafts, and all aspects of country living, it attracts up to 30,000 people over one day, and could well be described as a mini ploughing championships, without the ploughing.
The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board participated for the first time at the show, and enjoyed a busy day. Mud and intermittent rain did not deter the crowds with many a query answered and advice given.
Peter Driver of Avonmore Tackle Products fly tying at the ERFB stand
Peter Driver and Pat Cullen of Avonmore Tackle Products, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow showcased their products and fly tying skills throughout the day, generating much interest with those that approached the stand. Accents from all over Ireland were apparent, with tourist queries answered from countries such as England, Canada, and Italy. The new sea angling brochure for the east and south east coast was well received and the interest shown during the course of the day has guaranteed a return visit next year.
For a full range of fly tying materials, flies, and ancillary tackle contact Pat Cullen and Peter Driver of Avonmore Tackle Products, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, Ireland.
Email: avonmore1@gmail.com
Phone: Pat: 00353 (0)87 836 2618 Peter: 00353 (0)87 978 7040
Pike Angling
No report for August [last report 27/05/09]