ANGLING NOTES:A MEETING of salmonid fisheries NGO's at Fishmonger's Hall in London last month were unanimous in calling for "a return to the abundance of wild, naturally sustainable Atlantic salmon and sea trout in our rivers", according to the October update from the Atlantic Salmon Trust (Ast).
This was the third of these meetings, the purpose of which was to encourage good communications, sharing of information and, when the need arises, concerted action by members of the group.
A difference of opinion arose in the organisations’ approaches to dealing with problems caused by salmon aquaculture off the west coast of Scotland. However, while an end to adverse impacts of salmon aquaculture is the ultimate goal, a multi-pronged approach will serve to make the overall aquaculture campaign.
Complete unanimity was expressed on the need to end the practice of rearing salmon smolts in open cages in freshwater lochs where there are migratory salmonids. Over the coming months Ast will issue a strategic approach on sea lice.
** Reports to hand suggest it was a good year for salmon fishing in many places within Northern Ireland with bigger catches and rising prices, according to Maurice Neill.
Gordon Sim, director of fishing for the Bann Systems, said: “The run of fish into the Bann this year has been one of the best in 10 years. The quality of the fish has been good and there are encouraging signs about the health of the river system.
“Around 6,000 salmon have so far been recorded – around 1,000 higher than an average year but well short of the 100,000 which were seen 100 years ago. I expect numbers will reach 7,000 by the end of the season,” he added.
The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has disclosed that the best value salmon fishing permit in Ireland has been scrapped because of the conclusion of a leasing arrangement with the Duke of Abercorn’s Estates – which owns the rights to much of the Foyle System.
Since 2005 holders of a DCAL permit and a Loughs Agency licence have been able to purchase a day ticket for the Sion Mills stretch of the Mourne River for just £5 (€5.64). A Freedom of Information request revealed the arrangement cost the department £35,100 (€39,591). Day tickets have now risen to £30 (€33.8).
** The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has launched a new app for iPhones called the IGFA Mobile and contains a multitude of functions for both fresh and salt water anglers worldwide.
These include species identification, fish information, artwork of the species, automatic updated world record database, IGFA rules and much more. The appliance, which is also adoptable for an iPad, is available at from $8.99 (€6.46).
Go to igfa.org/Fish/IGFA-Mobile.aspx to learn more about this fishing advancement.
** Ireland won the 19th International Pike Championships between the Irish Federation of Pike Angling Clubs and British Pike Squad in a two-day contest staged on the River Suck at Glinsk and Ballyforan earlier this month.
Taking part for the first time, Jody Kiernan became the individual champion with a 24kg (53lb 10oz) total that included 21 fish. The 25-year-old carpenter from Co Meath and member of Dun-na-Ri Pike Angling Club is a talented angler having two all-Ireland wins to his credit.
Irish team: E McCabe (Athy), J Thompson, P Behan, P O’Donohue (Dublin), R McShane (Ardee), P Reynolds, M Doherty (Drogheda), R Keyes (Tullamore), L Mulvaney (Cavan), J Kiernan (Kilmainham Wood).
** Pike angling guide Kenny Sloan reports good fishing recently on lakes in the Castlebar area of Co Mayo. While guiding clients David Anchell and Mark Houlihan from Cork, pike up to 6.8kg (15lb) were taken on the fly with 10 between 5kg (11lb) and 6.4kg (14lb).
angling@irishtimes.com