ANGLING NOTES:A FLY-CASTING forum at Islandbridge last Sunday proved a fitting way to conclude all forms of salmon and sea trout angling on the River Liffey as the short season came to a close. A special concession to allow the river open for January was much appreciated by club members, according to Pat O'Molloy, secretary of Dublin Salmon Sea Trout Anglers' Association.
The clinic, organised by Dublin Angling Initiative (DAI) and Southside Angling, was highly successful as 25 “hardy annuals” including representation from Co Cork, enjoyed five hours of casting demonstrations and personal tuition by Paddy McDonnell, one of Ireland’s top fly-casting instructors.
In sub-zero conditions, McDonnell concentrated on single-handed casting for the morning session and devoted the afternoon to double-handed spey-casting, snake roll and double haul. I found his tuition invaluable and, at last, appear to have mastered the art of spey-casting.
Holder of APGAI and FFF (US) certificates, McDonnell of Z Spey is exceptionally talented at his profession and gifted with the ability to teach both novice and experienced anglers the art of fly-casting. What made Sunday exceptional was the fact he travelled from Mayo in hazardous conditions to provide a free clinic to a group of pre-booked contestants.
Des Chew from DAI said: “The response was unbelievable. I had sufficient numbers to hold three clinics. I hope to hold more of the same later in the year,” he says.
McDonnell can be contacted at 087-412 3235 or email: bluecharm@eircom.net
*The eagerly awaited Ireland Angling Exhibition will take place at the National Show Centre, Cloghran (near Dublin Airport), Co Dublin, this Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 5pm both days.
Visitors can enjoy demonstrations by top casting instructors Andrew Ryan, Jim Fearn and Peter O’Reilly in the indoor arena while outside beach casting demonstrations by Team Ireland will continue throughout the two days.
The ever-popular talks in the theatre by Ian Kitson, Andrew Ryan and Jim Clohessy are not to be missed, and this year include a presentation by Norway Salmon Fishing Project Travel.
Admission is €10 for adults, €5 for senior citizens and accompanied children under 15 have free entry. Further details from Grace McDermott at gmcdermott@iol.ie
*Following a highly successful season last year at Lough Inagh Fishery in Recess, Co Galway, with 759 sea trout and 85 salmon to its credit, angling manager Colin Folan is pleased to report that the salmon spawning season was, for the second successive year, excellent with "fish everywhere", he says.
To get the season under way, Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel is offering free river fishing to hotel guests from mid-March until May 1st. Folan is also hosting a fly-fishing school on March 28th and 29th with top casting instructor Russell Whiteman in attendance (www.guided-flyfishing.com).
The course will deal with single- and double-handed casting and fly-tying, includes a half-day guided fishing outing and is suitable for all levels of experience. All-in cost of €650 includes meals and accommodation, commencing Friday evening.
Places are limited, so contact Colin asap at 00353-868670459 or inagh@iol.ie
*The postponed fifth and final heat of the Scierra Fly Fishing Winter League got under way last Saturday week at Annamoe Trout Fisheries amid dull, wet and windy conditions.
The 15 brave anglers that ventured out were rewarded with 21 rainbow trout, most of which opted for Black Boobies, Blood Worms and Buzzer patterns. Popular angler Gerry Heaslip (Dublin) took top honours with six fish, renowned fly-tyer Noel Shiels was second with four and Tony McGratten (Dublin) won through to the final with two fish. The grand final is scheduled for Saturday, February 28th.