ANGLING NOTES:THE MOORING channel at Ross Castle on Lough Lein in Killarney, Co Kerry, was a hive of activity last Sunday as 100 anglers prepared their boats and equipment for the annual charity fly-fishing competition. Conditions were poor with bright sunshine and little wind. Nevertheless, all were in upbeat mood and hugely supportive of the event.
Now in its 21st year, this popular competition sponsored by Lee Strand and hosted by Lough Lein Anglers’ Association, has raised more than €160,000 for local charities. This year the Kerry Branch of the Irish Handicapped Children’s Pilgrimage Trust (IHCPT) was the chosen charity.
On the signal of the competition marshal, 50 boats (less four from Sweeney’s Shore) headed out into this magnificent 4,500-acre lake to begin seven hours of fly-fishing for the wily brown trout.
Considering conditions, fishing was quite good and my boating partner, Jerry Buckley, took full advantage of the light south-westerly. Throughout the seven-hour competition we covered all the popular areas. However, it was at The Wash where we found most success.
Back at the Dromhall Hotel for dinner and prizegiving, we learned that PJ O’Brien from Mallow had taken top honours with five fish weighing 1,205g and received the Hegarty Cup and fishing gear sponsored by Emerger Tackle.
PJ, a winner in 1996 also, fished the Gaureen area with his son Peter and caught his fish on an intermediate line. His cast consisted of a Bibio, Black Jungle and Black Spinner.
Accepting a cheque for €8,519 on behalf of the IHCPT, Timothy O’Brien said the Trust arranges for children with special needs to travel to Lourdes. “This year the Kerry Branch hopes to take 110 children to Lourdes,” he says.
* A major conferenceon managing our inland fisheries will be held in the Marriott Hotel, Ashbourne, Co Meath, this Thursday. Hosted by the Institute of Fisheries Management – Ireland Branch, the conference will be addressed by Philip Weller, executive secretary of the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube, one the world's experts on connectivity.
Concentrating on practical actions to manage fisheries, the seminar includes speakers from the UK and Ireland, and will be of great interest to those involved in fisheries management from State bodies to angling clubs and the voluntary sector. Bookings fee is €20, contact 061-300238 or patricia.ryan@fisheriesireland.ie.
* The Irish Ladies' FlyfishingAssociation will hold its first of four trials of the 2011 season on Lough Leane, Collinstown, Co Westmeath, this Saturday, to select the team to represent Ireland at the international championships in Scotland next year Contact Jenny, 087-6593174 and irishladiesflyfishing.com.
* Get those TasmanianDevils ready. The annual twaite shad competition will take place at St Mullins on the River Barrow in Co Carlow this Sunday. Registration begins at 1pm in Mullicháin Cafe, The Quay, with fishing 2-6pm. Entry fee is €20 and €5 for juniors. Catch and release policy will apply. Prizegiving in Blanchfields at 7pm (martinobrien1@gmail.com).
* It is almosttime for the mayfly again and the wet pattern chosen this month by Jimmy Tyrrell is the Corrib Grey (pictured). "I like to include a touch of orange or red to wet patterns as it adds that little extra to the fly. I also believe it is important to use good quality hackles because it gives the fly that lifelike pulse when retrieved through the water," he says.
To purchase this pattern, contact irishflycraft@gmail.com or 086-8451257.
Report on Waterville trip next week.
angling@irishtimes.com