ANGLING NOTES:IRELAND'S tidiest small town was the centre of angling activity recently when 40 teenagers arrived in Aughrim, Co Wicklow, for the annual rainbow trout competition in the Angling for All Facility.
The event is the culmination of a series of coarse, sea and game outings, which are organised throughout the year by Des Chew of the Dublin Angling Initiative (DAI) and the many youth projects that participate in the fishing programme.
Teams taking part included Mulhuddart Community Youth Project; Blanchardstown Youth Service; Whitechurch Youth Development Project; Sphere 17 Darndale Community Centre; Corduff Youth Project and Youth Enhancement (Whitechurch).
The four-acre lake is set in magnificent surroundings on the banks of the Aughrim River and in recent years has seen additional amenities including a bowling green, bandstand, clock tower and recreation facility.
An earlier stocking ensured the fish came fast and furious as bubble floats bobbed and dived. Throughout the two-hour competition the teenagers, aged between 11 and 17, brought in more than 70 quality rainbow trout. (All fish were released after being recorded by youth workers.) Also reflected at the day’s events were the skills gained by teenagers through the DAI fishing programmes, with fine casting, playing and un-hooking techniques much in evidence.
The competition was organised by DAI and jointly sponsored by Millards Brothers, distributors of Shimano fishing tackle; Eastern Regional Fisheries Board and the angling facility at Aughrim. The fishery donated use of the fishery and bait free of charge.
Results: 1, Mulhuddart (D Campbell, K Fitzgerald, K Doyle, C Nouri), 15 trout, 598cm; 2, Corduff (M Keegan, A Tansey, A McSherry, D Fagan), 15f, 594cm.
A word about Des Chew. Since his appointment as angling co-ordinator with DAI, he has introduced hundreds of young people to angling. He visits schools and presents talks on fishing and the environment during which, for example, he introduces salmon and trout ova into classrooms for children to see through to fry for release into local rivers.
Chew works tirelessly with community clubs and teenagers, who otherwise would not get the opportunity to experience the sport of fishing. He holds evening fly-tying classes with young people and presents talks in fishing clubs around the capital.
** Environment Agency Wales (EAW) is investigating the discovery of dead fish at a lake in Cwmbran, Torfaen, South Wales. The dead fish, mostly carp, bream and roach were reported by Torfaen local authority.
** Wild-salmon enthusiasts are invited to attend a film show entitled Farmed Salmon Exposed – The Global Reach of the Norwegian Salmon Farming Industry, in Buswells Hotel, Molesworth Street, Dublin, this coming Thursday, at 11 am. The Norwegian Ambassador, Øyvind Nordsletten, will be in attendance.
The Pure Salmon Campaign, to which Salmon Watch Ireland is affiliated, is doing Trojan work on the sea-lice issue. The movie is part of that campaign and should interest anglers and conservationists concerned about the continuing plummeting in the number of salmon returning to our coasts.
Rathbeggan Lakes in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, is offering a fantastic deal throughout the winter months. Starting from last Sunday a full day’s catch-and-release fly fishing will cost just €15! And, before leaving the fishery, anglers can avail of a weekday (Monday to Friday) voucher ticket for a mere €10. Rathbeggan Lakes is open every day from 9am until dusk. See www.rathbegganlakes.com or tel: 01-8240197.