Angling Notes: Queen’s University and Inland Fisheries Ireland to continue research co-operation

A memorandum of understanding sealing a commitment to continue co-operation in research and education was agreed recently between Inland Fisheries Ireland(IFI) and Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).

Scientists from QUB and IFI have worked together over a number of years to produce high quality research covering a range of projects, species and topics. Current areas include fish population genetics, aquatic invasive species and fish telemetry.

The two parties are also seeking to collaborate in encouraging and supporting the development of next generation fisheries scientists and technologists.

Dr Cathal Gallagher, IFI’s head of research, says: “I am confident that the memorandum of understanding signed here today will act as an impetus to move forward with future research collaboration to support our shared goals.

Professor Christine Maggs, head of QUB School of Biological Sciences, adds: “The school’s expertise in fish genetics, fish biology and aquatic ecology has been successfully applied to answering significant research questions for the IFI for more than a decade.”

Sheelin on the fly

Pat Bannon (below, right) of the Black Swan Bar in Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, was a worthy winner of Easter Monday's Sheelin Classic fly competition with a trout of 3.55lb. Pat coaxed his Sheelin beauty to a Minkie lure fishing close to Inchicup Island.

His prize comprised a 19ft Sheelin boat, Sage rod, crystal glass trophy and the Davy Connor Perpetual Cup. He is no stranger to the winning enclosure having won the vintner's top prize at last September's competition held out from Burke's of Clonbur on Lough Mask.

On a day when the beach beckoned with blue skies and zero wind, it was small wonder that only six fish made the scales among almost 120 anglers. Of course it must also be noted that a minimum size limit of 16ins prevailed which, no doubt, kept the fish kill to a minimum.

Michael McCabe, of Sheelin Boats, who took over as main sponsor from Thomas Kellett of Oldcastle some 30 years ago and has continued to put up a boat each year since, says: “I look forward to the Classic, it’s for a great cause.”

All proceeds from the competition will be donated to the Pat McLoughlin Cancer Development Fund. Anyone wishing to make a donation should contact Noel McLoughlin at 087-2179460.

Results: 1, P Bannon, 3.55lb; 2, R McDermott, 3.47lb; 3, C Lynch, 3.33lb; 4, G Law, 2.68lb; 5, P McArdle, 2.34lb; 6, G O’Brien, 1.78lb.

Deise does it

Blackwater Lodge Fishery, in Ballyduff, Co Waterford, recorded its best March total since 2006 with nine salmon to 10lb, all on spinner. On St Patrick’s Day, Colm Dooley landed two identical springers in three casts from the same lie on Carrig, near Mallow.

“Our first fly-caught springer was landed last Friday week at Bridgetown Priory by David Walsh (Mallow) and fell to a cone-head Cascade tube on a super-fast sinking tip,” a delighted Ian Powell reports.

Drowse awakes

The River Drowes managed eight salmon last week, the best of which fell to Andy Lattimer with an 11lb fish on the fly from Briney’s. For bookings, see drowessalmonfishery.com or call 071-984 1055 (8am to noon).

Ace Cup on Owel Lough Owel Trout Preservation Association will hold the Ace Cup fly fishing competition this Sunday with an 11am start. New members are welcome. The duck fly is up on Owel and plenty of trout are on the move!

Lough Mask competition

Ballinrobe and District Trout Anglers is holding a two-day open-boat fly-fishing development competition on May 2nd and 3rd on Lough Mask, with fishing out from Cushlough Bay in Ballinrobe, Co Mayo.

Light food each evening and maximum of four fish to be brought in. Entry fee without boat is €80; with boat and engine: €50. Cheques payable to Ballinrobe & District Anglers.

Entries to Marie Walsh, Cloongowla, Ballinrobe. Call 094-954 1165 or send an email ballinrobeanglers@hotmail.com before April 27th.

angling@irishtimes.com