Angling Reports and News
- Coarse fishing [22/09/09]
- Trout fishing [15/09/09]
- Sea fishing [18/09/09]
- Pike fishing [18/09/09]
Coarse Angling
22/09/09
INAUAGURAL POLISH ANGLING COMPETITION HELD AT LOUGH MUCKNO
A Polish Angling organization entitled Fishmaniak held an inaugural coarse angling competition on 12th and 13th September at Lough Muckno in Castleblaney. The event was a great success with over 500 coarse fish caught and released over the two days.
Fishmaniak are a recently established club and they have 35 members from the Polish angling community in the Monaghan area. The Board presented a perpetual cup to the individual winner of this competition and Inspector Paddy Greene welcomed this initiative by stating ‘The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board are delighted with this initiative set up by the polish angling community and in particular their adoption of its catch and release conservation policy. This helps to preserve future fish stocks for local and overseas anglers which ultimately benefits the local economy. The Board looks forward to working with Fishmaniak in the future’. Read the full press release here.
Bag up in Monaghan
Photo: Wayne Percival and Tony Deane from Chester (UK) with a brace of Monaghan Bream
Tony Deane, a Chester (UK) based tackle dealer, and his friend Wayne Percival, enjoyed some excellent coarse fishing in the lakes surrounding Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan, Ireland. Based at the “Gate Lodge B/B”, located off the main street in Carrickmacross, www.gatelodgeangling.com, the lads weighed in 40.lb+ bags everyday during their trip.
Photo: Chester (UK) based Tony Deane with a plump Monaghan Bream
Bream, Roach, Hybrids, and Perch, made up the bulk of their catches, from three different venues. Given the high water levels experienced on most lakes this summer the general quality of fishing in the Monaghan area has been fantastic.
For quality coarse and guided Pike fishing contact Mal McLeod at Gate Lodge Angling, email: info@gatelodgeangling.com, or phone: 00353 (0) 86 605 0425.
18/09/09
European Police Feeder Champion 2009
Photo: Dick Caplice receiving his trophy for European Police Feeder Champion 2009
The European Police Coarse Angling Championships 2009 were held in Italy this year, with fishing on the famous River Tiber. Maver, the UK based tackle and clothing company sponsored the Garda team, comprising Dick Caplice (manager), Donnacha Maguire, Keith Coleman, Peter O’Connor, Eamonn Bracken, Ernie Henderson, and Kieran Roche (logistics and travel), who resolved at the outset to get on the medal table for the first time in three years. Under the stewardship of Monaghan based NCFFI Irish Team manager, Dick Caplice, the Garda team excelled itself.
Competing in two disciplines, the Pole and the Feeder, under searing heat over two days, Friday and Saturday the 5th and 6th of September, the Garda team exceeded their expectations. Ernie Henderson from Dublin gained second place in his section on both days to capture the bronze medal as third placed individual overall. Fisher/Manager Dick Caplice put in an outstanding second day’s effort in the feeder discipline, weighing in 83lbs of fish to take first place, so capping a wonderful performance by the Garda team.
September Roach
Photo: Prime Monaghan Roach
The Roach, affectionately nicknamed red fin, is a favourite of coarse anglers. With high pressure settled over Ireland, word filtered out of County Monaghan that fish were on the move. Plans were set, and a lake not noted as a coarse fishing venue, but which throws up big Pike, was targeted to test survey. Angling guide Peadar O’Brien and Ashley Hayden (ERFB) decided on the novel approach of feeder fishing from a boat. With the help of sonar it was established that fish were active below five metres depth. A drop off was chosen, the boat was anchored, and balls of feed were dropped six metres to the waiting fish.
Photo:Peadar O’Brien with a super Monaghan Roach
Feeders in and within seconds small Perch were coming aboard. The Perch were quickly followed by small Roach that just got bigger and bigger. Many fish topped a pound in weight with the biggest running 1.75 lbs plus. Peadar a seasoned coarse angler and Irish International, was stunned by the quality. “You do not get this everyday, this is awesome” he kept repeating, as another pound plus Roach came to the net.
Photo: Monaghan based angling guide Peadar O’Brien with 60.lbs+ of quality Roach
At session end the keep net was bulging. Not only were the Roach large, they were in perfect condition. This was virgin water, with the mark being easily accessible from the shore. Only Roach and Perch were caught, but Hybrids and Bream also abound in this lake. Like so many waters in Ireland, we do not know even a quarter of it. Pike were showing also, as Roach fry regularly disturbed the surface close to the boat. At session end plans were already afoot regarding further forays on this little fished lake in drumlin country.
For further information contact Peadar O’Brien by phoning, 087 926 5867, or email: obrienmariapeadar@oceanfree.net.
14/09/09
Monaghan Bream
Photo: A party of English Anglers with a superb catch of Monaghan Bream.
A party of anglers from Wigan in the United Kingdom who are regular visitors to Co. Monaghan enjoyed some fantastic sport with Bream, under the expert guidance of Peadar O’Brien from Carrickmacross. Pre baiting of a number of swims paid off with bag weights reaching 100.lbs, 165.lbs, and 70.lbs on consecutive days. Bait was red maggot and worm fished on the feeder, with individual fish netted up to 6.lbs.
For a day out coarse or Pike fishing email Peadar at: obrienmariapeadar@oceanfree.net, or phone: 087 926 5867.
Sea Angling
18/09/09
Lunker Bass on the Fly
Photo: SEAi proprietor and angling guide Jim Hendrick with a fly caught specimen Wexford Bass
High pressure, big tides, and a clear sea, all conspired to create ideal conditions to lure fish for Bass in the south east. Local angling guide Jim Hendrick using all his knowledge and skill landed three specimen Bass on the fly in one day. An 83cm Bass landed during a morning session was followed by two further specimens in the afternoon. This is the stuff of dreams, but then thirty years of experience does tend to tip the odds. A regular client of Jim’s supplied the photo, and having caught a fish or two him self still felt privileged to witness such a capture. All fish were returned unharmed.
There is no doubt that the Bass conservation measure is working, and that the sport fish status of Bass is attracting increasing numbers of tourist anglers from abroad. In these straitened times images such as the one above are worth there weight in gold to the Irish economy. It is important that Ireland continues to manage and protect this fantastic resource.
For a day out Bass fishing along the county Wexford shoreline, or a lesson to improve your skills, contact Jim Hendrick of South East Angling Ireland (SEAi), through his website: www.bassfishing.ie.
16/09/09
North East Mullet Mania
Photo: Angling guide Peadar O’Brien with a Fane estuary Mullet
Peadar O’Brien is no slouch when it comes to coarse fishing, he was at one stage an Irish International. Targeting Mullet on the Fane estuary near Dundalk, Peadar showed his class by landing a number of fish to six pound plus on bread flake.
Photo: Another fine specimen Mullet for Peadar
Tackle consisted of a float rod, 4.lb test line, an unfilled bubble float, with a short fluorocarbon snood attached to a size 12 hook. Initially the Mullet were shy, sipping in the bait but not being hooked. Peadar then hair rigged the bread, which resulted in spectacular action evidenced by the images above.
For a day out with Peadar email: obrienmariapeadar@oceanfree.net, or phone: 087 926 5867.
RNLI Boat Competition, Courtown
Photo: Ashley Hayden with a brace of Courtown Codling
Two swallows never made a summer, but the appearance of Codling averaging 1.5.lbs – 2.lbs in weight, during the RNLI boat competition off Courtown, Co. Wexford, was a very welcome sight. Eighteen small boats and sixty anglers fished this charity event, with the proceeds being split between the Courtown Lifeboat and the Cahore Inshore Rescue. The competition was fished on a catch and release basis with points for species and length. Ray, Smooth Hound, Tope, Bull Huss, Dogfish, Gurnard, Codling, Whiting, and Dab, were the species landed on what was a fine day out for all those who took part.
Photo: Mick Redmond, C.A.C. presenting 1st prize to Brendan O’Connor
First placed individual was Mr. Brendan O’Connor, while the “Sean Redmond Memorial Trophy”, for the biggest edible fish was presented to Adrian “Ned” Carrick (Courtown Sea Angling Club) for a Thornback Ray. Mick Redmond and Joe Byrne of the Courtown Angling Centre would like to thank all those who entered the competition, and contributed €1,140.00 to what is a very good cause.
For a day out on “Puffin”, or general tackle and bait requirements, contact Joe Byrne (087 661 3145) or Mick Redmond (086 101 7466), proprietors of the “Courtown Angling Centre”.
01/09/09
By Hook or By Crook Duncannon, Co. Wexford, Delivers the Fish
Photo: John Blake and Norman Dunlop fishing Waterford Estuary.
Skippers, Walter Foley and Jim Foley, run the charter vessels “Orinoco” and “Wild Swan” respectively, and fish the rich waters off the Hook peninsula, Co Wexford. Working out of the picturesque fishing village of Ballyhack, close to Duncannon on the Waterford estuary, Jim and Walter offer reef, wreck, and estuary fishing for a variety of species. Ling, Cod, Pollack, Coalfish, Conger, Wrasse, and Blue Shark, provide sport offshore. While if the wind blows, Bass, Flounder, Codling, and Eels, are an option within the shelter of Waterford estuary. Book a trip with either Walter or Jim and the boat will always sail.
Photo: Flounder double header for Ashley Hayden of the ERFB.
With a southerly force seven blowing off the Hook, driving rain, and no prospect of getting out, Waterford estuary saved the day for a group which included Welsh angling journalist Mike Thrussell, and Mr. Sea Angling himself, Norman Dunlop. Bringing a cool box full of the all important peeler crab, supplemented with ragworm, and mackerel the party targeted various marks within the estuary for Bass, Codling, Flounder, and Eels. Once the flood tide got moving bites came regularly with local angler John Blake producing double and triple headers of Flounder it appeared quite often for fun.
Photo: Norman Dunlop with a School Bass from the warm water outfall of Great Island Power Station.
Codling and Eels added variety at various marks from cheek point to the Barrow railway bridge. A highlight was fishing in the warm water outfall of Great Island power station. Bass were present, with a real possibility of Golden Grey Mullet and Gilt Head Bream. The latter pair did not show, but who knows, with a bit more effort this mark could throw up a surprise or two.
“Orinoco” and “Wild Swan” are first class vessels, both roomy and comfortable. A day that could have been blown off was saved due to the location of Walter and Jim’s business. The smiling faces of the anglers above bear testament to that. Book an angling trip on either Orinoco or Wild Swan and your party will always get out. Duncannon delivers, but remember to bring plenty of crab.
Walter Foley and Orinoco
Tel: 051 389242,
Mobile: 087 243 7148.
Jim Foley and Wild Swan
Mobile: 087 678 124
Email: mermaidangling@eircom.net.
Web for both skippers: http://www.thehook-wexford.com/.
Trout Angling
15/09/09
Busy Day at Annamoe Trout Fishery
Des Chew of the D.A.I. and Brian Nally, Annamoe Trout Fishery, cradle a brace of fit Rainbows.
The Central Fisheries Board generously donated a shipment of Rainbow Trout, from their Roscrea, Co. Tipperary, based fish farm, to Des Chew of the Dublin Angling Initiative. Des arranged delivery of the fish to Annamoe Trout Fishery, Co. Wicklow, to facilitate current and future youth angling projects.
Photo: Des and Brian stocking the main lake at Annamoe
Annamoe Trout Fishery has a long track record of working with the Dublin Angling Initiative, and many a boy and girl caught their first fish under the watchful eyes of Brian Nally and Des Chew. While stocking both the children’s pond and the main lake, Brian commented positively on the quality, colour, and condition, of the Rainbow Trout.
Photo: Stocking the children’s pond at Annamoe Trout Fishery
During the day Brian Nally was helping local angler Syl Delahunt brush up on his fly casting technique. Using a floating line and a dry daddy Syl tempted a fat fit Rainbow. After a lively fight Des Chew was on hand to do the honours and net the fish. Sport was lively for about half an hour with two more Rainbows attracted to the slowly twitched daddy.
Photo: Des Chew of the D.A.I. nets a fine Rainbow for Wicklow angler Syl Delahunt
Annamoe Trout Fishery is open all year round.
Brian
Tel: 0404 45470. Web: http://homepage.eircom.net/~fishery/
Pike Angling
18/09/09
Pike angling stepping up a gear in the North East
Photo: An Autumn Pike for Chris Grzegortz fishing a Monaghan Lake
The warm weather is getting the Pike on the move which in turn is encouraging more angling effort. Carrickmacross angler Chris Grzegortz has been getting some cracking Pike up to 15.lbs, fishing lures from both boat and shore.