•    Rainbow Trout up to 12 lbs. reported from the Corkagh Park Fishery in Clondalkin in Dublin.

•    Three Salmon up to 11 lbs. reported from the River Drowes in Co. Donegal.

•    Some nice Pike reported in the Upper Boyne lakes despite poor fishing conditions.

•    Many Pike over 10 lbs. reported in the upper Shannon region.

•    Some nice Pike to over 20 lbs. for a group of polish anglers fishing on Lough Ree.

•     Very good Pike fishing reported from Co. Clare including Pike up to 24 lbs.

•    Super start to the deep sea season for groups of Dublin and Cork while fishing out from Courtmacsherry including specimen Coalfish up to 23 lbs. and our catch of the week, a Pollack of 7.1 Kilos (15 lbs. 10 oz.) for Dublin angler, Shay McDonnell.

•    Press Release on release of the “Something Fishy” schools competition to tie in with World Wetland’s day.

GAME ANGLING

Eastern Region   Web: http://www.fishingireland.net/
                          E-mail: info@fishingireland.net
Godfrey Donohue reports on recent Rainbow Trout catches at the Corkagh Park Fishery in Clondalkin.
All the action is on the trout lake at the moment. Top angler Ray Harris was on the lake over the weekend and had a great day’s fishing – his best fish was lost at the bank after playing it for 15 mins (estimated at 20+lbs).
Our Italian friends (Luca and Pepe) and local angler Brian were over at the fishery on Tuesday. They had a great day. Luka had over 40 fish in what he describes as “his most enjoyable Tuesday ever!” – his words not ours. It was Brian who landed the fish of the day – a cracking 12 lbs. + Rainbow, which took an Orange Blob pattern.  Pepe also had some great sport, however he lost his best fish of the day which by all accounts was an absolute monster.
The Trout lake was stocked today with 200 Rainbows averaging 2 lbs.
Regards,
Godfrey
Godfrey Donohue
Managing Director
Corkagh Park Fishery
ph: +353 (0)1 4592622
e-mail: fishing@ireland.com
www.CorkaghParkFishery.com
South Western Region: Web: http://www.swrfb.com
                                 E Mail: swrfb@swrfb.ie

From Eureka Lodge, Caherdaniel, angling guide Vincent Appleby reports on the past week’s fishing trends on the LOUGH CURRANE system:

Email: salmonandseatrout@eircom.net
Website: http://www.salmonandseatrout.com/

22/1/07 My Noble Gentlemen were keeping a low profile both on the Fly and the trolling department and very few boats out. Wind northeast fresh to strong and very little cloud cover and mighty cold and just for a matter of interest for all you fisherman who forget or lose your Swiss Army knife you have nothing to fear because Feirini Jewellery of Caherciveen have a fine selection of Swiss Army Knives.
23/1/07 Only one boat fishing and no catch and no release and no losses. Wind NE light all day with reasonable cloud cover and very cold.
24/1/07 Only one or two boats out and all quiet on the western front or the eastern front if you were fishing in the Mouth of the Commeragh.  Wind NE light all day with the odd shower and again very cold.
25/1/07 Just the one or two boats fishing and the weather the same as yesterday, need I say more.
26/1/07 again just one or two boats fishing and very little action in the fly or troll department and the same goes for the weather except there was a little more cloud today.
27/1/07 Only one boat fishing and he drew a blank.  Wind north by northeast light all day with the odd shower.
28/1/07 There were a few more boats out but my noble gentlemen the Salmon won the day. The weather was the same as yesterday and just for the record a flood wouldn’t do any harm. Well that is all the news from the Waterville Fishery for this week.  No Spin no Fly’s just Facts.

Eileen Carroll reports:

FOR WEEKENDING SUNDAY THE 28TH OF JANUARY 2007

RIVER LAUNE BEATS 1 AND 2

Water very high and is dropping.  No catches reported.

Northern Region: Web: http://www.nrfb.ie
                         E-mail: info@nrfb.ie
Lynsey Clarke reports:

RIVER DROWES – Monday 15th to Sunday 28th January 2007 (2 Weeks).

The River was running very high during the first week with the banks being topped on occasion and water running into the fields adjoining the river. As such there was very little angling and no reports of any fish caught during the first week. By the second week, with the onset of high pressure and some frosty weather, water levels began to fall to give better conditions. By the end of Sunday (28th) the river was running at a lovely level. There were a number of anglers fishing during the weekend of the second week due in great part to the good angling conditions. Terry Rafter recorded an 11 lbs. salmon caught on the fly from Briney’s. Brian McEvoy caught and released a 9½ lbs. salmon at the weekend. Colm Gardner recorded a 9lb salmon caught from the crooked hole. There were a number of other salmon caught and we are still awaiting confirmation of these.

PIKE ANGLING

Eastern Region: Web: http://www.fishingireland.net/
                      E-mail: info@fishingireland.net

Slow fishing is the catch
Report posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007
By: Marc O’Regan – Contact –
Mark O’Regan
Guide and Instructor for salmon, trout and pike fishing.                          Notes: Home waters include the River Boyne and its tributaries.          Address: Crannmor, Dunderry Road, Trim, Co. Meath.
Telephone: +353 46 9431635
Web: http://www.crannmor.com/
Written by Marc O’Regan    
Wednesday, 24 January 2007
Matthew McInerney from Manchester a regular pike angler to Ireland breezed in for a spot of fishing and in two days had the miraculous draft of fish. Many doubles and a big number of singles in the two venues visited so far this week. A very circumspect angler who enjoys catching a few fish on a days outing however his big thrill is working it out and talking about it afterwards in the bar. I expect that he will have a cracking day again tomorrow. His solution for this kind of weather is to fish slow and believe you me it works.
The third day of fishing saw little change to the trend small fish on the move and again the same
tactics working. Water temperature low at 39 fah and a cold air temperature had bigger fish in a very quiet mood and when they feed it is fast and furious offering the angler a very small window of opportunity. We need 3 to 4 degrees of a temperature rise to get some more activity – bigger pike take longer to warm up than the smaller ones something that you must keep in mind when looking for a good fish. Despite the conditions Matthew managed to catch and release a couple of good fish over the few days testimony to the accomplished piker he is.

Storm leaves it’s mark.

Report posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007
By: Pat Mc Loughlin – Contact –
Pat McLoughlin
Guide and Instructor for salmon, trout and pike fishing                               Notes: Home waters include the River Boyne and its tributaries.       Address: 64 Magdalene Court, Kells, Co. Meath.                            Telephone: +353 46 9241807                                                            Email: patandtrina@eircom.net
Gordan Buttle, Adrian Critchley and Son Jordan contacted me to go pike fishing. Gordan fished with me last year and had some nice pike to about 20lbs, but the elements were against us this time. These were hardened pike anglers and understood the difficulties that lay ahead.
On Saturday 20th January, I encountered the worst possible conditions for piking. Gale force winds, reaching storm force 9, run off from heavy rain and water temperatures at 40 degrees led the lake to be in complete turnover, a real stay at home and watch the DVD day. Sunday was not much better, with winds easing but varying North to North East and temperatures dropping to 38 degrees. Fishing was very slow as expected, with only the occasional tentitive hit, a real sign pike were just not interested.
However, we managed to induce 3 solid takes, which resulted in pike of 5 lbs., 9 lbs. and 15 lbs.

Shannon Region: Web: http://www.shannon-fishery-board.ie/
                        E Mail: info@shannon-fishery-board.ie
Brian McManus reports:

http://www.shannon-fisheryboard.ie/guides/coarse/fishing-reports.htm

January 31st, 2007

UPPER SHANNON
Bodo Funke, Angling Services Ireland, Boyle, Co Roscommon http://www.anglingservicesireland.com/ reports
Water levels are slowly dropping. The pike fishing in the Upper Shannon Region was good over the last week.
We managed to catch 3 pike over the 10 pound mark on Sunday. Other anglers in the region were also enjoying good catches of pike, with many double figure fish reported.
Best regards & tight lines,
Bodo Funke
MID SHANNON AREA
Polish angler Jakuib Standera reports on his groups recent fishing trip to Lough Ree
” My friend and I were fishing on Lough Ree at the end of last year and over recent weeks. We caught 3 nice pike measuring 105cm (2) and 103cm. Two of the latest fish were caught by my friend – Maciej Drewek. All fish were taken on lures around the Yellow Island and islands around Lough Ree. All fish were released back safely to the water”
ShRFB reports for the RIVER SUCK VALLEY – Mid River Suck
The River Suck remains in flood. However the present spell of dry weather should allow recovery over the next couple of weeks.
Further local info contact Mr John Ryan, Assistant Fisheries Inspector Mobile: 087 6560038 Tel: 094 96 40103 and John Devaney, Assistant Fisheries Inspector, Roscommon 087 2266735 for lower River Suck.
Dermot Killeen Shannonbridge Tel 090 96 74112 Email: derry.killeen@gmail.com  reports for SHANNONBRIDGE area
No reports received – The River Shannon remains very high.
LOWER SHANNON AREA
Trevor Kiely, Co Limerick reports on a recent fishing trip to Inchcronin Lake Co Clare
Four of us fished last Sunday in Inchcronan Lough We fished out of boats and used dead bait and bull dogs with great results. We had nineteen pike, the biggest 24 pound and six other fish were over 15 lbs and the rest jacks. All the pike were returned alive and safe. Next week we plan to go to Lough Garr. It’s a long walk but its worth it ill let you know the result next week.  For now tight lines!

SEA ANGLING

South Western Region:

Charter skipper, Mark Gannon reports on some recent deep sea fishing with his clients out from COURTMACSHERRY E-mail: csal@iol.ie  Web: http://angling.erin.ie/Courtmac.htm

Hi, With the weather finally settling down it was back to fishing.   A group last weekend led by Peter McCartin Tallaght, Dublin chartered 2 boats for the Friday and Saturday the 26th and 27th of January.  The Friday with winds from the north east proved a bit difficult as the drift was fast and anchoring not an option.  The cork contingent took the honours on the Lady Louise skippered by Mark Gannon with 2 Specimen Coalfish one of 23 lbs. for Robert Porter and a 16.5 lbs. for Paul O’Callaghan, cod to 14 lbs., several medium ling and pollack to 10 lbs. made up the rest of the catch.  On the Saturday the tables were turned as the Lady Patricia’s crew skippered by Ken Cashman had plenty of fish with Ling, cod, Coalfish and 2 Specimen Pollack including a 16 lbs. fish for Shay Mc Donnell (See Catch of the week below) and a 13 lbs. fish for Sean O’Shaughessy.  On the Sunday a group led by John Waldron had Coalfish. Pollack and Ling the fish being a bit shy as plenty of fish marking but not very hungry.  As the weather looks getting settled for the next while we hope to get some more trips in, Regards Mark.

Catch of the Week

This week’s catch of the week goes to well known specimen Hunter Shay McDonnell from Tallaght who caught a magnificent specimen Pollack of 7.1 Kilos. (15 lbs. 10.5 oz.) Shay was out with a group of Dublin anglers deep sea fishing with charter skipper Mark Gannon operating out from Courtmacsherry last weekend.  Fishing over a wreck, Shay caught his huge fish on a small Blue Shad bait.  The group also enjoyed excellent fishing for a wide range of species including Coalfish, Cod and Ling

Press Release

                                                                                    
1st February 2007
 

FISHERIES BOARDS’ LAUNCH SOMETHING FISHY SCHOOLS COMPETITION TO TIE IN WITH WORLD WETLAND’S DAY

The Central and Regional Fisheries Boards will be running a new National Education Programme nationwide consisting of a series of presentations and field trips to over 20 schools in each Fishery region. The existing ‘Something Fishy’ education resource, produced by the Fisheries Boards in conjunction with Blackrock Education Centre a few years so, has been well received by Primary School teachers and students. However, in order to create further awareness for the resource and to ensure Fisheries staff
can visit as many schools as possible, a national programme and a competition element has been agreed with 12 education centers in each region to increase distribution of the pack and educate primary school children on the importance of their local environment, fishery habitat and Ireland’s fish species.

The pack is aimed at fifth and sixth classes and comprises of 9 double-sided activity cards for pupils, which explore different aspects of fish life, e.g. water, fish, the life cycle of a salmon, fish stocks, angling, conservation of our rivers and lakes, and fish as part of the food chain. Teachers’ notes which accompany each individual activity card include relevant background information and guidelines on working through the lesson. The pack is accompanied by a high quality poster, developed by Liam O’Broin, an experienced teacher, angler and artist, and aims to aid the learning process in order to keep the children interested once the activity cards have been completed.

Each school will be asked to produce a class project based on the lessons in the pack and based on one of four main themes: 1) Art, 2) Literacy, 3) IT and 4) Practical Conservation. The top two schools in each region will get a place in the National Final. The winning class and teacher will be awarded with individual certificates, a school certificate and an array of fantastic prizes including microscopes and digital cameras.

Minister of State for the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr. John Browne, T.D, said “I am particularly interested in the ‘Something Fishy’ initiative and have watched its progress with interest since I launched the pack in 2004. The Regional Fisheries Boards protect our fisheries stocks and habitat on a daily basis to ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy amenities that are sometimes taken for granted.  Young people’s interest and imagination can be captured when they become aware of these habitats, the fish species in their local waterways, what is needed to protect them and what they can do to help in that effort. I would like to congratulate the Fisheries Boards and the Education Centres on this initiative and I wish all the schools that take part the very best of luck”.

 John O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer of the Central Fisheries Board added: ‘The Central and Regional Fisheries Boards are very proud of the ‘Something Fishy’ resource. A great deal of work has been done with young people throughout the country including school visits from the staff of the Regional Fisheries Boards and youth angling competitions. The need to educate young people on Fisheries and angling is becoming increasingly important. Indeed, a number of angling clubs have a greater awareness of the need to increase their youth membership in order to ensure young people gain an interest in angling and fisheries conservation. We hope this national programme will encourage young people to investigate what their local river or stream has to offer’

The pack is available in Irish and English and is also supported with an interactive website, www.somethingfishy.ie. The website consists of interactive games, quizzes and activities that refer to the information in the pack. The website can help to reinforce the lessons learnt in class and in doing so, educate children about the importance of the environment, fish species in Ireland and how we can work together to ensure conservation of fish and fishing in Ireland.

                                      ……Ends…….

If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Mark Corps, Angling Advisor, Central Fisheries Board, 01- 8842672 / 087 6727194. Alternatively you can visit our website, www.cfb.ie

Notes to Editor:
•    The full list of education centres taking part in the programme are as follows: Blackrock, Dublin west, Kildare, Wexford, Monaghan, Donegal, Sligo, Galway, Limerick, Athlone, Cork, Kilkenny
 
World Wetlands Day 2nd February 2007
The 2nd February each year is World Wetlands Day. It marks the date of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea.  The broad aim of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) is to halt the worldwide loss of wetlands and to conserve those that remain through wise use and management.
This means ensuring that activities which might affect wetlands will not lead to the loss of biodiversity or diminish the many ecological, hydrological, cultural or social values of wetlands.
The focus for February 2nd 2007 is on ‘Wetlands and fisheries.’ In recognition of
•         The needs of the one billion people who rely on fish as their primary source of animal protein;
•         The state of the world’s fisheries where 75% of commercially important marine and most inland water fish stocks are either currently over fished
•         The important role that inland and coastal wetlands play in supporting fish and fisheries at all levels, from large-scale, commercial fisheries to subsistence fishers, and from wild, capture fisheries to farmed fish; the critical role that coastal wetlands play as spawning and nursery areas for many marine species; and the urgent need for effective management of fisheries and the wetland ecosystems that support them.
 

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Paul Bourke

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