Bord Iascaigh Réigiúnach an Oirthir
Thursday 10th April 2008
Sea fishing has been poor enough on the east coast as most anglers would consider this to be a time between seasons. However, there has been some interesting catches all the same. There has been a confirmed report of mackerel been caught of Dun Laoghaire pier which is very early indeed. Feathers and german sprats work well off the pier.
A couple of mackerel have been caught by anglers fishing from boats from the Kish bank. With the recent cold snap, it will be a few weeks yet before the mackerel fishing picks ups.
Good number of dog fish beginning to turn up on these beaches and one bull huss was reported off Anne O Reilly north beach. Best baits at the moment appear to be sand eel and mackerel.
All that can be said at the moment it is hoped that bass fishing should pick up in April, crab is a good bet.
The first big crab molt of the year is beginning to take place both off shore and on shore. This should encourage the predators to come in and feed. In the coming weeks anglers may encounter ray, bull huss, occasional bass and the possibility an early smooth hound. All this is temperature dependant.
Blessington lake has recently been stocked with 1,000 brownies and 1,000 rainbows and the fishing has picked up accordingly. Most trout have been taken on wet flies using intermediate lines.
Fly fishing for trout on the Upper Liffey has picked up in recent days.
The Tolka river has been slow enough in spite of recent stocking. The cold weather is keeping the fish well down however, an odd fish is being taken on the fly weighted nymphs work well. Other fish have been taken on the worm.
Paul Bourke and David Byrne from Central Fisheries Board and Orla Woods and Yvonne Jackson from Failte Ireland had a great day’s trout fishing. Orla Woods caught 3 rainbows the biggest fish being up to 3lbs. Most fish were taken on float and line, fluaro carbon leaders and buzzers were working well.
Lough Ramor continues to fish well with roach and hybrids been mainly caught. Waggler fishing seems to be the best method and good baits are red and white maggots.
Pike have recently been spawning and in some of the Cavan lakes pike have been feeding very cautiously. Extra care is encouraged in the handing of pike as they may have just spawned. Best advice is to strike early to avoid deep hook holes and always use a forceps.
The carp lake at Corkagh Park is fishing well, a regular polish angler to the fishery had 17 carp all on boilie fished on a hair rig. His three best fish were all weighing 9lbs each.