Salmon enthusiasts are invited to attend the unveiling of a memorial headstone to the late Jim Maxwell on the fourth anniversary of his death, in Glandore Cemetery, South West Cork, today at 3 p. m.
As former chairman and president of the Federation of Irish Salmon and Sea Trout Anglers, Jim Maxwell made an outstanding contribution towards the betterment of salmonoid in both Ireland and overseas.
He was never afraid to voice his concerns on aspects relating to the conservation of wild atlantic salmon and sea trout, and was highly respected for his down-to-earth wisdom on the subject. Following today's unveiling, an informal get-together will be held in the nearby Marine Hotel.
The Eastern Regional Fisheries Board has published a new brochure to promote angling in the north-east of Ireland. Entitled Fishing in Ireland's North- East, it is aimed at the domestic and tourist anglers and covers a region particularly hard-hit by the foot-and-mouth situation.
The brochure provides detailed maps of major rivers and lakes and includes information on boat hire, tackle shops and angling festivals. "This new brochure is an excellent source of information and should help to attract anglers to the region," says Mr Alan McGurdy, chief executive of the board.
Copies are available from Navan Tourist Information Centre, tel: 046-73375 or Eastern Regional Fisheries Board, Blackrock, Co Dublin, tel: 01278 7022.
Anthony Baggott writes to remind all that while Lough Corrib fished exceedingly well this early season, Lough Mask should not be forgotten as it too provided excellent sport. On an outing in mid-June, Anthony and friend Phillip McGoldrick fished the areas of shallows around Shintilla Islands and boated seven trout, best 2lb, of which five were returned.
They also observed a lot of good fish rising and although the best of the Mayfly season was over they caught fish on Mayfly patterns and olive bumbles. A good wave and cloudy conditions made angling easy, he said.
Fresh water early on in the week resulted in the biggest run of salmon into the river Moy so far this year. The majority of fish were small grilse weighing 3lb - the overall catch amounted to 991 salmon. All fisheries reported excellent fishing to both worm and spinners. The heaviest fish was landed by Mr Jim McLean, Belfast weighing 121/2lb.
Tomorrow, Loughshinny SAC open boat competition. Checkin at harbour from 9.30 a.m. for fishing 11 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Prizegiving in Yacht Bar at 9 p.m. Proceeds in aid of RNLI (Skerries Branch). Late entries please contact Pat Monks at 849 0633.
Third heat of Kingspan National Pike Championships also takes place tomorrow on the Newry Canal. Check-in at Quayside Inn (beside Buttercrane Centre), from 10.30 a.m. Entry fee is £10. For further details, contact Jimmy Thompson at (087) 296 6175.
Correspondence and fishy photographs to The Irish Times, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2. Fax: 679 1881. Email: angling@irish-times.ie