News Items

Tuam Anglers host Des O’Donnel Wet Fly Fishing Competition

The Tuam Angler will hold their annual wetfly competition on Lough Corrib in memory of former member Des O'Donnell, on Saturday April 21st, from Greenfields.

Anglers will be paired up at Greenfields at 10am, with fishing from 11am and weigh in at 6pm.

Entry fees are €35, or €25 for club members. Entries should be made on or before Thursday the 19th April, with a draw for boat partners on Friday the 20th at Quinn’s Rustic Vaults in Tuam

Any anglers wishing to fish this competition can contact a committee member below for details and entry:

Chairman: Michael Waldron 0879828048

Secretary: Ian Callander 086 0566405

Treasurer: Noel Martyn 087 9900372

Other Outlets:-

Marberry Guesthouse (Corofin) 093 41938

Quinn’s Rustic Vaults (Tuam) 093 24266

Chatternet (Tuam) 093 25907

CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR WILD BROWN TROUT - PUBLIC CONSULTATION

PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR WILD BROWN TROUT IN THE GREAT WESTERN LAKES OF CORRIB, MASK AND CARRA

The Western Regional Fisheries Board is commencing a public consultation process on conservation of wild brown trout in the Western Lakes – Loughs Corrib, Mask and Carra, and tributary rivers and streams.

The Board is inviting submissions from all interested parties and stakeholders on measures necessary for the conservation of wild brown trout in these catchments. Submissions received will lead to proposals for specific conservation measures to be introduced. Following receipt of all submissions, a number of public consultation meetings will be held at venues within the catchment area, at which proposed measures will be discussed.

All submissions can be sent to the Western Regional Fisheries Board,
Weir Lodge,
Earl’s Island,
Galway.

Alternatively, they can be emailed to info@wrfb.ie. The closing date for submissions is 5 pm on Thursday May 17th, 2007.

Pike and Coarse Fish Bye Laws

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS, MARINE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

FISHERIES ACTS 1959 TO 2006

CONSERVATION OF PIKE BYE-LAW NO. 809, 2006

I, John Browne, Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 9 (as amended by section 3 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1962 (No. 31 of 1962)) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 (No. 14 of 1959), section 33 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1962, the Fisheries (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 1977 (S.I. No. 30 of 1977) (as adapted by the Marine and Natural Resources (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 307 of 2002)) and the Marine (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 82 of 2006), hereby make the following Bye-law:

1. This Bye-law may be cited as the Conservation of Pike Bye-law No. 809, 2006.

2. This Bye-law comes into operation on the day of its making.

3. Subject to Article 4, it is prohibited for any person to take or kill more than one pike on any one day.

4. It is prohibited for a person to take or kill any pike greater than 50 cm in length measured in a straight line from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail.

5. It is prohibited for a person, other than in the circumstances referred to in Article 7, to have in his or her possession or control -
(a) more than one whole pike less than 50 cm in length measured in a straight line from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail, or
(b) more than 0.75 kgs of pike flesh or parts whether as fillets, steaks, cutlets, sides or in any other form whatsoever.

6. Any pike taken inadvertently in contravention of this Bye-law must be handled carefully and returned without avoidable injury to the waters from which they have been taken.

7. Article 5 does not apply to a person storing pike or pike parts for another in excess of that permitted under that Article in a premises or vehicle, where -
(a) the premises or vehicle is registered with the regional board for the fisheries region in which it is situated,
(b) the premises or vehicle is owned or leased by the person, and
(c) any whole pike or pike part so stored are separated and labelled as to clearly identify the fish or fish parts belonging to the person for whom they are being stored.

8. (1) It is prohibited for a person to have in his or her possession more than 12 coarse fish for use as bait in fishing for pike.
(2) Where a person has more than 4 coarse fish in his or her possession for use as bait in fishing for pike, the person, in respect of fish in excess of that number and subject to paragraph (1), must have -
(a) obtained the fish from a fish tackle dealer or fish bait supplier registered with the regional board in whose fisheries region the dealer or supplier carries on business, and
(b) obtained and retained a receipt of their purchase.

(3) In this Article “coarse fish” means any fresh water fish other than pike, salmon, trout, eels or minnow.

9. The Conservation of Pike Bye-law No. 805 of 2006 is revoked .

GIVEN under my hand, 3 August 2006.

John Browne
John Browne
Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Bye-law and does not purport to be a legal interpretation).

This Bye-law provides for the following conservation measures:

• a bag limit of 1 Pike in any one day,
• prohibits the killing of any pike greater than 50 cm in length,
• prohibits the possession by any person of more than 1 whole pike less than 50 cm or more than 0.75 kgs of pike flesh, this provision does not apply to a person storing pike or pike parts subject to conditions,
• prohibits the possession by any person of more than 12 coarse fish for use as bait subject to conditions.

FOOTNOTE
Section 11 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959 as amended by Section 27 (b) of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1999 provides that any person aggrieved by this Bye-law may within 28 days after its publication in the Iris Oifigiuil, appeal against same to the High Court.


DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS, MARINE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

FISHERIES ACTS 1959 TO 2006

CONSERVATION OF AND PROHIBITION ON SALE OF COARSE FISH BYE-LAW NO. 806, 2006

I, John Browne, Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 9 (as amended by section 3 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1962 (No. 31 of 1962)) of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 (No. 14 of 1959), section 33 of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 1962, the Fisheries (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order 1977 (S.I. No. 30 of 1977) (as adapted by the Marine and Natural Resources (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order 2002 (S.I. No. 307 of 2002)) and the Marine (Delegation of Ministerial Functions) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 82 of 2006), hereby make the following bye-law:

1. (1) This Bye-law may be cited as the Conservation and Prohibition on Sale of Coarse Fish Bye-law No. 806, 2006.

(2) This Bye-law comes into operation on the day of its making.

2. In this Bye-law -
“coarse fish” means any fresh water fish other than pike, salmon, trout , eels or minnow;
“Louth Area” has the meaning assigned to it by section 31 of the British –Irish Agreement Act 1999 (No.1 of 1999);
“Moville Area” has the meaning assigned to it by section 2 of the Foyle Fisheries Act 1952 (No.5 of 1952).

3. Subject to Article 4, a person shall not take and kill by any means more than 4 coarse fish on any one day.

4. A person shall not take and kill by any means any coarse fish greater than 25 cm in length measured in a straight line from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail.

5. Any coarse fish taken inadvertently in contravention of this Bye-law must be handled carefully and returned without avoidable injury to the waters from which they have been taken.

6. Subject to Article 7, it is prohibited for any person, other than in the Louth Area or Moville Area, to sell or offer for sale any coarse fish caught by any means.

7. Article 6 does not apply to fishing tackle dealers or fish bait suppliers registered with the regional board in whose fisheries region the dealer or supplier carries on business.

8. The following are revoked -
(a) the Lough Ree (Netting for Coarse Fish) Bye-law No. 466, 1949, and
(b) the River Shannon (Netting for Coarse Fish) Bye-law No. 467, 1949.

GIVEN under my hand, 20 July 2006. John Browne _____________________________
John Browne Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Bye-law and does not purport to be a legal interpretation).

This Bye-law provides for the following conservation measures:
• a bag limit of 4 coarse fish in any one day,
• prohibits the killing of any coarse fish greater than 25 cm in length,
• prohibits the sale of any coarse fish in Ireland (excluding NI), this provision will not apply to fishing tackle dealers and fish bait suppliers who have been granted an exemption from their respective Regional Fisheries Board.

FOOTNOTE

Section 11 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959 provides that any person aggrieved by these Bye-laws may within 28 days after their publication in the Irish Oifigiuil, appeal to the High Court.

LEARN THE ART OF FLY FISHING FOR TROUT

Ballinrobe Trout Anglers are looking for young anglers who would be interested in learning to fly fish for trout.
Any young anglers under the age of 18, who have an interest in fishing and would like to be taught how to use a fly rod should take the opportunity to be taught this summer by a club of very keen fly anglers.
The club will provide fly tackle and instruction.

Apply to ;
Rod Tye
Public Relations Officer
Ballinrobe Trout Anglers
Cushlough,
Ballinrobe,
Co. Mayo
Tel. 09495 42374

Westport Lakes Open for Angling

Moher Lough, Aille Lough and Kinlooey Lough are 3 trout lakes close to Westport, Co. Mayo. The lakes are stocked with brown trout from 1-2lbs, and also have lots of small wild brown trout, especially Moher Lough. The lakes were stocked with trout on Thursday the 27th of April , in preparation for the 2006 season, and boats are now available on these fisheries.
These lakes provide great fishing for free-rising trout in beautiful surroundings, and are perfect for novice anglers, teaching youngsters the joys of fishing, or for anyone looking for a spot of great sport. Boats and permits are available from the following:

Moher Lough – Mrs. McDonnell, Liscarney. Tel. 098 21638

Aille Lough – Edward Mannion, Aille. Tel. 098 35366

Kinlooey Lough – Scott’s Shop, Aughagower. Tel. 098 25119

Bunowen and Carrowniskey Rivers Open

The Bunowen and Carrowniskey Rivers opened for salmon fishing on the 1st of April, ahead of what is hoped will be an exciting and productive season.
These 2 rivers are situated near Louisburgh, Co. Mayo, in beautiful scenery, and can provide excellent salmon and sea trout fishing. Best fished after a spate when fresh fish have entered the fishery, and fly, spinner and worm are allowed. (Fly fishing only in certain parts of the fishery).

For information on the fishing, or to book a permit, contact the Western Regional Fisheries Board at Ballyhip, Louisburgh, on 098 66404.
Fishery staff can also be contacted on the following numbers:
Bruce Lennie 098 66109 or 086 6067089
and
John Connor 087 2807166.

Permit prices for 2006 remain unchanged:

Season Permit (Visitors) 200 euro

Season Permit (Local Residents) 150 euro

Weekly Permit 120 euro

Daily Permit 35 euro

Half Day 25 euro

3-Day 80 euro

ZEBRA MUSSELS AND OTHER ALIEN INVADERS SEMINAR

As part of the education campaign to protect the Great Western Lakes from the Zebra Mussel, the Western Region Zebra Mussel Control Initiative is organising a seminar entitled ‘Zebra Mussels and Other Alien Invaders’.

The following are the details of the 1-day seminar:
Date: Thursday, 9th of March, 2006.
Venue: The Claregalway Hotel, Claregalway, Co. Galway.
Registration time: 8.30 am - 9.30 am
Fee: €20 (includes lunch)

Seminar Aims:

 To review the current situation in Ireland. Topics to be discussed include the distribution & the measured effects of Zebra Mussels & other aquatic invasive freshwater species on ecology, on man-made structures & on the economy.
 To look to the future. The likely future impacts on our natural heritage will be examined. The focus will be on practical actions that should be adopted and implemented.
 To exchange knowledge and ideas. International and local speakers will present effective management techniques for preventing the spread of freshwater aquatic invasive species.

Lectures

 Dr. Robert Rosell, Fisheries Scientist, Dept. of Agriculture and Rural Development for Northern Ireland will speak on the topic of: The Northern Ireland Perspective - Measured Changes in Ecology and Fisheries of the Erne system following Zebra Mussel Introduction.
 Dr. Douglas A. Jensen, AIS Program Coordinator, University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program, U.S.A. will give lectures on two topics: (1) Lessons from the United States in Aquatic Invasive Species Education and (2) Boat Washing Stations: Just a leaky sieve?
 The topic of the African Curly Leaved Waterweed (Lagarosiphon major) that has invaded Lough Corrib will be addressed by Dr. Joe Caffrey, Senior Research Officer, Central Fisheries Board. He will also speak about other Non-Native Freshwater Plants in Ireland.
 Law and Policy in Relation to Invasive Species in Ireland by Peter Carvill, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Dept. of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
 Zebra Mussels: an Angler’s Perspective by Con McCole (Carra Mask Corrib Water Protection Group Ltd; Angler).
 The Socio-Economic Impacts of Tourism and Recreational Angling in Ireland by Anne Wilkinson, Marine Institute, Galway.
 Zebra Mussels – Successful Invaders to Ireland’s Waterways by Dr. Frances Lucy, Sligo, IT.
 Ireland’s Changing Freshwater Fauna: Biogeographical, Ecological and Fishery Management Perspectives by Dr. T.K. McCarthy, NUI, Galway.
 A Review of the Effectiveness of Awareness and Education Campaigns for Zebra Mussels in Ireland by Sorcha O’Brien, University College Dublin.

Who Should Attend?

All users of Irish inland waterways including:
Anglers; boat-users; waterfowlers; divers; scientific consultants;
representatives from:- the construction industry, Local Authorities (Water Services, Planning, Heritage & Environment Sections), tourism industry, the Office of Public Works, Regional Fisheries Boards, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Environmental Protection Agency;
persons involved in implementing the Water Framework Directive;
public representatives and educators.

Anyone who wishes to receive a booking form should contact:
Ms. Bríd Costello, Environment Section, Áras an Chontae, Galway County Council, Prospect Hill, Galway.
Tel: 00353 91 509229.
Email: bcostello@galwaycoco.ie.
NOTE: Deadline for accepting bookings: 5pm Friday the 3rd of March 2006.

Other Enquiries:
Dr. Aoife Thornton, Zebra Mussel Education Officer, Environment Section, Áras an Chontae, Galway County Council, Prospect Hill, Galway.
Tel: 00353 91 509063. E-mail: athornton@galwaycoco.ie

Venue: Claregalway Hotel, Claregalway Village, Galway.
www.claregalwayhotel.ie. Tel: 091-738200.

Information on Zebra Mussels: See the section on Zebra Mussels under the Environment Section of www.galway.ie
For information brochures contact: Dr. Aoife Thornton (address above).

This seminar is funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

LICENCING OF STATE FISHERIES BY TENDER

The Central Fisheries Board intends offering for licence fishing rights for the 2006 season and subsequent seasons attaching to a number of fisheries located throughout the State.

Particulars of the fishing rights and the conditions of tender may be obtained from the following:

Central Fisheries Board,
Balheary Road,
Swords Business Campus,
Swords,
Co. Dublin.

Tel. 01 8842 600.

Email: lorraine.flanagan@cfb.ie

www.cfb.ie

Closing date for receipt of Tenders is 12th December 2005

URGENT ZEBRA MUSSEL UPDATE

Western Region Zebra Mussel Control Initiative NEWS UPDATE 27th of July, 2005. Zebra mussels were recently detected in Lake Ballycullinan near Corofin Co. Clare on Tuesday 19th of July, 2005. Concerned anglers brought two specimens to the Western Regional Fisheries Board in Galway, where they were positively identified as being adult zebra mussels. This matter has already been reported to the public through the print and broadcasting media.
Since Lake Ballycullinan is an isolated lake it is widely accepted that zebra mussels were transferred to this lake by the movement of boats and/or angling equipment from another zebra mussel infested waterway. It is feared that if zebra mussels are transferred to nearby Dromore Lake or to Black Lake that this non-native shellfish will be introduced into the River Fergus, allowing the further spread of this destructive freshwater pest.
The Western Region Zebra Mussel Control Initiative wishes to alert anglers to the fact that the following lakes in Co. Clare are infested with zebra mussels: L. Rosslara, L. Kilgory, L. Cullaunyheeda, L. Doon, L. Avoher, L. Clonlea, L. Castle and L. Ballycullinan.

Much of the Shannon-Erne catchment is already infested with zebra mussels. Several Co. Sligo lakes are also infested, including: L. Arrow, L. Gill, L. Bo and L. Garra.

Many lakes in Co. Leitrim are also infested with zebra mussels. Zebra mussels have been detected at the following Co. Leitrim sites:

Lough Gill
Tully Lake
Doon Lake
Battlebridge Lock
Drumshambo Lock
Acres Lake
Acres Canal
St. John's Lough
Leitrim Quay
Bran
Kiltybarden Lough
Keenheen
Garadice Lough
Ballynagauran
McHugh
Creenagh
Rinn
Errew
Clooncoe
Coologe
Killglass Lough
Jamestown Canal
Jamestown
Gortinty
Drumsna
Lough Tap Bridge
Lough Boderg
Lough Boffin
Carrick on Shannon
Cloonboniagh
Mc Hugh
Battelbridge Quay
Derrynacassen Lough
Rooskey
Lough Forbes

If you intend to launch your boat on to zebra mussel free waterways such as Loughs Corrib, Carra, Mask and Conn or to any other uninfested waterway please heed the following advice:

• Visually inspect your boat for zebra mussels and scrape them off.

• Young zebra mussels will not be visible so it is important to steam clean your boat. Temperatures greater than 40˚C are necessary to kill zebra mussels. Ensure that washwaters at the steam cleaning facility do not drain into uninfested waterways.

• Remember zebra mussels - both adults and larvae - may be attached onto the boat hull, anchor, propellers, engine, and in bilge water.

• Alternatively, leave your boat out of water for 4 weeks to dry out zebra mussels.

• Adults and larvae may be attached to nets and weeds caught onto equipment. Nets should be immersed in hot water for several minutes. Leaving nets out to dry in full sunlight should also be effective in killing zebra mussels. Alternatively, immerse zebra mussels in a strong solution of salt and water. Zebra mussels thrive in fresh water but do not tolerate high levels of salt.

• Never use live bait taken from zebra mussel infested waters in any other watercourse. Never use zebra mussels as bait.

• BEST OF ALL, LEAVE YOUR BOAT AT HOME AND RENT LOCALLY.

If you wish to report sightings of zebra mussels, please inform your local Fisheries Board.

If you require further information on zebra mussels or on the Western Region Zebra Mussel Control Initiative, please see the link to zebra mussels on the Environment Section of the webpage www.galway.ie or contact Dr. Aoife Thornton, Zebra Mussel Education Officer, Environment Section, Galway County Council. Telephone: (091) 509063 or Email: athornton@galwaycoco.ie

Farmers warned to be vigilant about water pollution

The Western Regional Fisheries Board has asked all farmers to be extremely vigilant at this time of year when it comes to harvesting silage and spreading slurry. Silage operations are ongoing all summer, and silage effluent has the potential to cause devastating pollution in streams and rivers. Silage effluent is one of the most polluting substances to threaten the environment, and can cause massive fish kills if it enters a watercourse. Slurry is also spread on grassland over the summer months, and if allowed to enter a stream, can wipe out fish and invertebrate life. Streams and rivers are low in the summer months and have less dilution capacity, so are very vulnerable to pollution at this time. The fisheries board has appealed to farmers to be careful that no silage effluent is allowed to run off into drains or watercourses. Round bales are the most environmentally friendly way to store silage, however if a silage pit is used it must be properly lined to prevent leakage. Good farmyard management will help to prevent accidental runoff, and protect the local environment. Slurry spreading should be carried out in dry weather, and not when heavy rain is forecast. It should never be spread close to a watercourse, and tanks should never be cleaned beside a stream or river. The fisheries board thanks the farming community for their co-operation at this busy time of year, and for their assistance in maintaining a clean and healthy environment in our lakes and rivers.

Anglers and Fisheries Board Clean Local Rivers

The Western Regional Fisheries Board, in association with Galway County Council and angling clubs from 3 communities, recently engaged in a series of stream cleaning operations over a few evenings in May. The Tuam, Clare and Corrib Anglers turned out on a recent Tuesday evening and, assisted by fisheries staff, carried out a major cleaning operation on the River Nanny in Tuam town. A large amount of rubbish, including cans, bottles, plastic and other rubbish was removed, improving the potential of the river to support fish life, and greatly enhancing the visual amenity. Fisheries Inspector Pat Gorman organised the clean-up, assisted by Fisheries Officers Conor Dennedy and Tony Burke. Rubbish bags, gloves and cleaning equipment was kindly provided by Galway County Council. The following week, Loughrea Angling Club members carried out a clean-up of the river in Loughrea town, removing large quantities of rubbish that had been carelessly discarded. This rubbish not only causes an eyesore, but also causes pollution and reduces the water quality. The clean-up was very successful, and a very extensive area was cleaned to a very high standard. Athenry anglers turned out in force, with a large juvenile contingent, to clean up the Clarin River in the town. Once again, the weather was favourable, and again a lot of litter was removed, greatly improving the amenity value of the river. The Western Regional Fisheries Board would like to thank Galway County Council and all the people who gave up their free time to help clean up their local river. Their assistance is greatly appreciated.

Tuam Anglers Host the Des O’Donnell Memorial Wetfly Competition

Tuam and District Anglers in association with the Tuam, Clare and Corrib Anglers, will host the Des O’Donnell Memorial Competition on Saturday the 16th of April. The competition will be fished from Greenfields, Headford, and is a wetfly trout competition.
The competition is a team format, and boatmen and anglers will be paired by open draw. The draw will be made on Friday the 15th for teams at the Corrib Bar and Restaurant, Headford. Entries must be made by Thursday the 14th, to the following:

Ian Callander, tel. 090 9679012
Dermot Cassidy tel. 093 41080
Noel Martyn, tel. 093 41767
Michael Waldron, tel. 093 25423

Entry Fee is €30, or €20 for club members.

Only boats from the Corrib catchment will be allowed to prevent zebra mussel introductions.

Season Opens on Louisburgh Rivers and Westport Trout Fisheries

The angling season is now open on the Bunowen and Carrowniskey Rivers at Louisburgh, 2 great spate salmon fisheries in Co. Mayo. The Bunowen gets a run of spring salmon from April, and good grilse runs from June. Flyfishing is the main method, but spinning and worm are allowed on certain stretches. Permit Charges for 2005 are as follows:
Season Permit (Visitors) 200 euro
Season Permit (Local Residents) 150 euro
Weekly Permit 120 euro
Daily Permit 35 euro
Half Day 25 euro
3-Day 80 euro

For further information or permits contact Bruce Lennie or John Connor at the local Western Regional Fisheries Board office at Ballyhip, Louisburgh. Telephone 098 66404, 087 6067089, 087 2807166.

Westport Trout Fisheries

The Western Regional Fisheries Board operates 3 trout fisheries near Westport, with boats and fishing available from the 1st of April. Moher Lough, Aille Lough and Kinlooey Lough all provide good fishing for wild and stocked brown trout. The lakes will be stocked on Thursday the 14th of April, and fishing should be excellent for the early part of the season. Fly Fishing Only. Permits are available from the following:

Moher Lough - Mrs. McDonnell, tel. 098 21638
Permits: Boat Fly Fishing €30 per day (9am-6pm) for 2 anglers
€15 for evening fishing (from 6.00 p.m.)
Shore Fly Fishing €7.50 (day or evening)

Aille Lough – Mr. Edward Mannion, tel. 098 35366
Permits: Boat Fly Fishing €25 per day (9am-6pm) for 2 anglers
€12 for evening fishing (from 6.00 p.m.)
Shore Fly Fishing €8 for the day or €6 for the evening

Kinlooey Lough – Scott’s Shop, Aghagower, tel. 098 25119
Permits: Boat Fly Fishing €20 per day (9am-6pm) for 2 anglers
€10 for evening fishing (from 6.00 p.m.)
Shore Fly Fishing €7.50 (day or evening)

First fish of 2005 caught at Galway Weir

The first salmon of the 2005 season on the Galway Weir was caught on Wednesday the 9th March by local angler Seán O’Toole. On his first cast, Seán hooked the fish on a shrimp in Jimmy’s Pool, just below the weir. The fish put up a good fight but was eventually brought to the net and landed by Fishery Officer James Quinn. The sparkling silver salmon weighed in at 18lbs, and is the heaviest first fish of the year for many seasons. When scanned, the fish was found to be micro-tagged. This means it was implanted with a magnetic microtag as a smolt in the Cong Hatchery, probably in 2003, before it migrated to sea. When the tag is examined by scientists from the Marine Institute, it will reveal more of this fish’s history, including its age and date of release. Seán, who is a regular angler on the Weir, was understandably delighted with his catch, and the staff of the fishery and fellow anglers were also delighted to see him land the first springer of the year. As is traditional, the fish will be donated to charity, which this year will benefit Abalta, a local school which caters for children with autism.

Lady Angler wins World Cup for First Time Ever

Lady angler Julie Gerry has made history by being the first lady to claim first prize in the World Cup Flyfishing Competition held on Lough Mask. Julie, from Maynooth, Co. Kildare, landed 3 fine trout for 5.44 lbs weight to beat all her fellow competitors on a day when thundery conditions made fishing difficult. Indeed to land 3 trout in these conditions is an achievement in itself, and only 3 other anglers managed as many fish. Michael Twohig had 3 for 4.73lbs for second place, Pat Smyth had 3 for 4.60lbs in third place, and Noel Moran was fourth with 3 for 3.42lbs. Julie wins a fine prize for first place, which includes a 19 foot lake boat, sponsored by Burke Boats, a 10hp Honda 4-stroke engine, sponsored by Kevin Duffy & Sons, Headford, and the World Cup committee, as well as a fishing rod from Hardy’s of Alnwick. She also claims the perpetual trophy presented to the winner of this prestigious competition. The winner of the Junior section for anglers under 21 was 15-year-old Darren Maguire from Garrison, Co. Fermanagh, son of well-known tackle dealer Seán, who was also competing. Almost 500 anglers from around the country competed in the 5 day event, with 120 qualifying for the final on Monday. The event was extremely well organised by the World Cup Committee, and marks the 47th running of the competition since it first began in 1954

WORLD CUP RETURNS TO LOUGH MASK

The internationally famous World Cup flyfishing competition will be held again this year on Lough Mask from the 29th of July to the 2nd of August. This will be the 47th running of the competition since it first began in 1953. Hundreds of competitors from around the country and abroad converge on Ballinrobe for the 5 days of the festival, all eager to compete for the fantastic prizes on offer. There are 4 days of heats, from which competitors qualify to fish on the final day.
First prize is a 19’ Anglers Fancy lake boat, sponsored by Burke Boats of Ballinrobe, along with a 10hp Honda 4-stroke engine, sponsored by Kevin Duffy & Sons of Headford . The winner will also receive a magnificent trophy, and a fly rod sponsored by Hardy’s Alnwick, whose local agent, Rod Tye, has arranged generous sponsorship for the competition. There are 14 runners up prizes, along with prizes for heat winners, category winners, and leading boatmen.
The World Cup is a vitally important event for Ballinrobe and the Lough Mask area, and draws huge tourist revenue into the area from visiting anglers and their families. Many anglers who fish the competition return again at other times of the season to enjoy the quality fishing for wild brown trout. The Western Regional Fisheries Board would like to wish the organisers and all the competitors the very best of luck, and will do all it can to support this important event.

IMPORTANT REMINDER - LIFEJACKETS

New Safety Regulations for Pleasure Craft – Including Angling Boats
Merchant Shipping (pleasure craft)(lifejackets and operation)(safety) Regulations 2004

The Western Regional Fisheries Board would like to advise all anglers and boat providers in its region, that from the 6th of June, ALL passengers on board a boat of less than 7 metres (23 feet) in length MUST WEAR a lifejacket or personal flotation device.

For boats longer than 7 metres, all passengers up to the age of 16 MUST WEAR a lifejacket.

Boat hire providers should note that lifejackets MUST be carried on ALL pleasure craft (other than personal watercraft).

Any passengers or anglers not wearing a lifejacket will be in breach of the new regulations and will be subject to an on-the-spot fine of €127, or prosecution.

The board recommends that all anglers WEAR lifejackets, regardless of age or size of the boat used. The Western lakes can be dangerous for small boats, so please enjoy them safely!

Press Statement: Salmon Farms

A Press Release on a meeting of the Liaison Group of the Central and Regional Fisheries Boards held in Inagh Lodge Hotel, Connemara, on Wednesday 24th September 2003, concerning Salmon Farms is available on-line by clicking here or by going to press releases under News, Press & Angling Reports.

An Anglers Guide to Game Fishing in the Western Fisheries Region

From this week, July 23, 2003, there is a new, comprehensive and detailed guide to all the game fisheries in the Western Fisheries Region of Ireland. This 108-page production is the best and most comprehensive guide available, containing a mammoth amount of information on all trout and salmon fisheries, seasons, bye-laws, up-to-date fishing regulations and lots of hints on the best waters to fish at the various times of the season. The price from the Board's office is 10 Euro plus P&P. It can also be purchased from Ireland West Tourism, most fishing tackle shops and from some hotels and guesthouses who cater for anglers.

Angling Item

Salmon fishing quite good in the past few days on the Bunowen River, Louisburgh, 27 having been caught over 5 days with 7 from Carr's Pool on July 23rd.