ANGLING NOTES:THE MOST important piece of equipment for fly fishing is a good fly line, the author and professional flycasting instructor Peter O'Reilly told a group of angling hacks and guests at the launch of Tinnahinch Fly Fishing Centre, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, last Friday week.
“It must be matched to the size of fly. You would not transport a steamroller on a light pick-up truck,” he said. “So it is with fly lines. It is not practical to use a very heavy outfit to cast small flies.” He continued: “The taper on a fly line was invented by one of Oliver Cromwell’s generals. After failing dismally abroad, Cromwell cast him into the Tower of London for 12 years. During his stint in the Tower one of his ideas was to put taper on a fly line. As a fanatical fisherman he felt this would be helpful to have thick line turning over thinner line.
“Whatever else you do, never cut the taper off your line,” O’Reilly cautioned.
The day was organised by Tinnahinch owner Hugh Duff in conjunction with the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board; to mark the launch, O’Reilly gave a masterclass on fly line, rods and reels in the magnificent Scandinivian-style fishing lodge.
This was followed by an informative presentation of single-handed casting on the green outside and a lakeside demonstration of double-handed techniques including the Spey, Snap T and Snake Roll.
Back at the lodge, the lunch provided by sponsors Ritz-Carlton Hotel included Wicklow lamb with wild mushroom fricassee; roasted monkfish tails with creamed leeks and Wicklow organic vegetables, with Grand Marnier “éclairs” and orange and coffee “opera” for dessert. Simply delicious! TV celebrity and angler Derek Davis gave an entertaining after-lunch speech in which he praised the chef for a wonderful meal.
“Some people have brought along 4lb line today,” said Davis. “Forget it. I have visited Tinnahinch a few times and the minimum line strength required is 10lb. These are powerful fish and of a very high quality.” He then officially declared Tinnahinch Fly Fishing Centre open.
After lunch guests tested their skills on the lake and over a two-hour period enjoyed some fantastic fishing, with several double-figure rainbows. I landed two of about 1.5kg each and got smashed on one with 10lb line! Karl O’Toole landed 17 on buzzers.
Tinnahinch is situated in the Dargle Valley on the banks of the River Dargle and forms part of the historic estate once owned by the parliamentarian Henry Grattan. The four-acre lake is spring-fed, with five islands, and the rainbow trout are hard-fighting with many over 5kg.
For further information on fishing at Tinnahinch, contact Hugh Duff at 01-2766089 or fishingireland.net. The fishery is open all year round and cost is €30 for three hours, catch and release. For fly-casting instruction, contact Peter O’Reilly at 046-9028210 or peter@oreillyflyfishing.com
For quick sale:19ft Burke boat (extra fibreglass, floorboards required); 15hp Evinrude (12 years old, minimum hours and serviced) and McCabe trailer. Will consider selling separately. Contact 086-8679459
Killeen Castle, Dunsany, Co Meathis offering anglers rainbow trout fishing on their lakes from December until March 1st, 2010. A three-hour session will cost just €60 per person. The rainbows are top quality and fishing is very good. Fly only.
Enquiries to Killeen Castle at 01-6893000.
BellaVista Hotel in Cobh, Co Corkis hosting a Christmas Fair Boat Competition this Saturday with all proceeds going to the Irish international team travelling to Montenegro for the World Championships in 2010.
Boats will leave Cobh Harbour at 9am for fishing 10am–3pm. Entry fee is €80 and €50 for juniors. The competition will carry a €2,000 prize fund (based on minimum of 56 entries) that includes €500 for heaviest fish (excluding conger eel) plus many valuable prizes.
BellaVista is offering a special deal for the weekend at €50 for BB plus evening meal. Posted entries to 10C Wicklow Heights, Wicklow or contact Kit at 087-6832179.