Angling Notes/Derek Evans: Ireland's tuna-angling resource along the western seaboard has been given a major boost following new regulations introduced by the Minister of State at the Department of Marine, Pat the Cope Gallagher.
"I am delighted to be able to open up these new species to sea-anglers," he said.
The new regulation allows for the fishing of tuna and certain other species by means of fishing gears other than any type of gill net, driftnets, bottom set gill nets, trammel nets and entangling nets.
In operation since July 8th, the regulation means anglers can fish for tuna on rod and line from the numerous angling centres nationwide. Sea angling, including the tuna resource, continues to attract huge numbers of anglers from abroad, most notably Britain and the Netherlands.
"I hope this new regulation will enable many more people to experience the quiet enjoyment sea angling can provide," the Minister said.
The Irish tuna season gets under way at this time and blue fin record holder, Adrian Molloy is hoping for a good season. "Last week we observed several shoals feeding close by, which usually signals the start of our season," he said. In 2001, Molloy caught a blue fin weighing 440kg in Donegal Bay.
In an effort to highlight the many delights of this magnificent river and by popular demand, editor John Geary has produced a third edition of Hooked on the Moy magazine. "The 40,000 print run of the magazine ran out of circulation last year," he said.
The latest edition contains the news from the 13 named fisheries. In addition, Geary has secured support for the magazine in leader articles from two of the biggest names in world golf, Mark O'Meara and Nick Faldo, both of whom are regular visitors to the Moy.
But perhaps of most interest to salmon anglers is Ken Whittaker's column Reel Talk. Here, in unambiguous terms, he details the life cycle of the salmon (salmo salar) and warns of virtual distinction of the species within a decade or so if corrective measures and not taken immediately.
"Although the wild salmon is beset by many threats, stocks have been depleted mainly by over fishing at sea and in estuaries," Whittaker said.
Before contemplating a visit to the Moy check out www.rivermoy.com for a free copy of Hooked on the Moy.
Three days of continuous rain brought a mighty flood to Inagh Fishery in Connemara, Co Galway, and resulted in 67 sea trout recorded last week. However, the salmon tally was nil as most ran through the system to Lough Inagh.
Notable catches included nine sea trout from the Trout Pool and Derryclare Butts on a Watsons Fancy for David Hamill (Galway). John Dardis Jnr (Kildare), notched up five and two browns from Inagh on a Gorgeous George and John Webster (Antrim) had six sea trout from Inagh on a Silver Daddy.
Bookings and information to Colin Folan at 095-34706.
Sean Finnerty and Padraic McDonagh from Carraroe had 18 sea trout for their day on Glenicmurrin, and Pat Murray had 15 on Clogher. For fishing permits, contact Terry Gallagher at 091-572196 or e-mail cosfer@iol.ie.
The fish duly responded on the day with 97 brown and rainbow trout succumbing to the artificial fly in a catch that included a splendid brown trout of 1.9kg to well-known salmon angler Liam Gilsenan of Derravaragh Anglers. Results: 1st, Kilbride AC; 2nd, Derravaragh AC; 3rd, Garda AC.
Around the fisheries
Corkagh Park, Dublin: The trout lake fished its socks off last week with Clondalkin angler Tommy Egan landing on average 20 fish per session. Better still, brothers Gary and Noel Foley caught 40 between them. The Muddler fly produced the goods.
On the coarse lake, Trevor Campbell caught 10 carp, best 5.2kg, and several tench. A junior coarse competition is scheduled for next Saturday. Places are limited to 26 and entry fee is €15. Competition starts at 11am and anglers should report to the coffee shop at 10.30am for registration and peg draw. Contact 01-459 2622.