ANGLING NOTES:EXPECTATIONS were high as we set out from the Tenerife port of Los Cristianos in the Canary Islands for a half-day's fishing trip last week. Sea conditions were ideal and sun block essential as temperatures reached 24 degrees in glorious sunshine.
Trolling took precedence for the first few hours as we covered a vast area of deep water. Equipped with Penn International reels and rods and 30cm lures with teasers, our group of 10 were ready for the pre-billed big game fish.
Unfortunately, excitement was short-lived when one of the teasers took a possible strike. “Probably a marlin,” according to skipper Mike Williams.
Soon it was time for some ground fishing within meters of numerous sea bass and bream cages situated to the east of the island. A slow drift with running booms and flapper mackerel bait – surely we had to find success?
But again there was disappointment all round, with just one small fish and a few bites to show for our morning’s work.
Crested Wave is well equipped with all mod cons for big game fishing. Certainly, the vessel’s photo album bears testimony to this. For bookings, visit crestedwave.com
* The reviseddate for the Slaney River Trust seminar is next Saturday in the Millrace Hotel, Bunclody, Co Wexford, commencing at 10.30am.
The events will include an introduction to Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), by chief executive Dr Ciaran Byrne followed by a summary of the Slaney fishery with proposed measures for recovery, by fisheries consultant, Dr Paul Johnston.
At 12.30pm Eamon Cusack, former chief executive of Shannon Fisheries Board, will speak on the legal background to private water-keeper licences and recent fisheries legislation.
After lunch, Dr Willie Roche, senior research officer with IFI, will outline the current scientific studies in the Slaney catchment.
Contact John Carroll at secretary@slaneyrivertrust.ie or 01-6687014.
* The OweneaRiver runs for some 13 miles through Glenties in Co Donegal and flows into Loughrosmore Bay at Ardara. The river enjoys an excellent run of spring salmon, grilse, sea trout and has a resident stock of small brown trout.
Spring salmon can be caught from April onwards and towards the end of the season, autumn salmon. Sea trout have made a comeback in recent years. However, the fishery requests these are returned where possible.
Access to the fishery and along banks is good, with adequate stiles and footbridges. Disabled access and hospitality facilities are available on a section of Beat Three, adjacent to the fishery office.
Fly-fishing is most popular followed by spinning and worm. Shrimp and prawn are banned. Popular flies include Stoats Tail, Foxford Shrimp, Black Shrimp, Curry’s Red Shrimp, John Anthony Shrimp, Claret Shrimp and Cascades.
Fishing can be booked online at donegalanglingholidays.com.
* With thegame-angling season now upon us, Donegal Angling Centre is offering a quality Jaxon folding wading staff for €48.99. All purchases over €25 are post free in Ireland or Britain. Details at jmclswillyflies@eircom.net or call 00353-872929888.
* Followingtremendous interest in the inaugural World Catfish Classic on the River Ebro in the Chiprana and Caspe regions of Spain this coming June, the organisers have announced that the prize table has been increased by a further £15,000 (€17,936) to a massive £50,000 (€59,786).
“Thanks to Berkley, one of the world’s biggest brands in angling as title sponsors, this is great news for all competitors. It will be interesting to see the weight of the biggest catfish,” says event founder, Ross Honey.