ANGLING NOTES:'THIS development is a success story about what a small group of volunteers can achieve with enthusiasm and professional guidance," declared secretary and founder member David Tantrum of Waterford City and County Trout Anglers' Association at the launch of a new harbour complex at Carrigavantry Reservoir, Fenor, Co Waterford, last weekend.
I took the car ferry to Passage East, scenic route to Tramore and the short drive to Fenor. I was a little dubious negotiating the lengthy boreen. After all, this was my first visit to Carrigavantry.
A big surprise was in store, though. There it was, this hidden gem of about 20 acres, wild and beautiful. Not a house in sight and just four miles from Waterford city.
The new harbour development is fantastic. Step-on, step-off, it’s every boat-angler’s dream. Co-funded by Waterford Leader at a cost of €220,000, there are moorings for 20 boats, protective piers, security fencing and CCTV surveillance that includes the car park.
Anglers with disabilities are also well catered for, with toilet facilities, parking and delivery last autumn of a Coulam 16ft Wheelyboat, the Johnny D – the first of its kind in Ireland and capable of accommodating two wheelchair users.
My invite read: “The official launch is 2.30pm, if you wish to go fishing first, be here at 10.30am.” I didn’t need a second offer. I was teamed with Tony Fagan from Stevenage in the UK. Originally from New Ross in Co Wexford, he left Ireland in the 1950s and returns every year for the fishing.
Conditions were windy, very windy but we managed with our electric engine and drogue to catch about eight good-sized rainbow trout and a jack pike. Nearby, an RTÉ Nationwide crew were busy filming Donal O’Halloran and John O’Dwyer, both wheelchair users, aboard the Johnny D.
Over lunch, a steaming bowl of fish chowder and top notch hot food soon had the large gathering of guests and anglers warmed up and in cheerful mood for the launching ceremony.
The secretary said the harbour complex idea was aimed at keeping “all that we loved about Carrigavantry”, but also to bring it into line with what tourist anglers expect. “I had an angler over from the UK recently and he landed two trout within two hours of leaving Luton,” he said.
Waterford County Manager, Ray O’Dwyer, said: “This is a great development and it shows what various agencies can achieve when they work together with a community group. I’m sure it will be a great asset to the people of the county and beyond.” Guest of honour, Suzanne Campion, head of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) Business Development, said: “This type of project is what IFI will be trying to promote from now on. We will do our outmost to help in any way we can.
The work is to continue at Knockaderry, so hopefully we can continue to work together in harmony.” A commemorative plaque was then unveiled to conclude a windy but highly successful day.
Good newsfor trout anglers. Results from a recent survey on Lough Sheelin by IFI, indicate a partial recovery of wild brown trout with stocks at their highest level since 1996.
A dietary analysis showed that most fish, in all size classes, were feeding heavily on large mayfly nymphs. “This would indicate a big mayfly hatch again this year,” the survey predicted.
Further good news relates to the roach population that remains at a very low level compared to the explosion of stocks in the 1980s and this, in turn, has limited the over-abundance of pike.
Dr Martin O’Grady of IFI, said: “While it is heartening to see an increase in the trout stock, IFI remains concerned with the ecological instability of this water. The input of nutrients is excessive and likely to cause continuing ecological instability.” Meanwhile, His Excellency, Mr Robert Devriese, Belgian Ambassador to Ireland, and Mary Harkin of Rory’s Tackle Shop in Temple Bar, enjoyed a great day’s fishing on Sheelin last Sunday, landing four good fish, including one of 2kg (4.5lb).