David Magill e-mails an interesting case in favour of catch and release (C&R). As chairman of Donegal Game Angling Federation (DGAF), he recently experienced, at first hand, that C&R really does work if administered properly.
The background to this case relates to a certain brown trout he caught recently on Lough Inagh in Co Galway on a floating line with size eight Green Peter. "Suddenly the surface exploded in front of the boat," he said.
Boatman Colin Folan (angling manager of Inagh) identified the fish as a 4.5kg brown trout that he (Folan) had caught twice before. "When that fish is landed it will have one scissor missing from a previous battle and all that's left is a stump," Folan said. He was right. The fish was once again released for the next angler to catch a fish of a lifetime.
Magill's main point in the above example is that C&R does work. He is concerned about the continuation of closure on 24 rivers in Donegal and is seeking to have these reopened to C&R with fly-only and barbless hooks from next year.
Representatives of DGAF met ministers Coughlan and Browne last October where the ministers stated that a 15 per cent mortality rate is attached to C&R. This, although the Central Fisheries Board has produced leaflets and videos that show 100 per cent survival is achievable.
"We need to keep our anglers on the river banks, presenting a significant deterrent to poachers. Most of our rivers have no counters and we are in a total vacuum in terms of hard evidence to support the decisions that will be taken, whichever way they go," Magill said.
Research carried out on the Aberdeenshire Dee and River Tay in Scotland has shown there can be almost a 100 per cent survival rate in released rod-caught salmon, provided the job is done properly.
Kylemore Abbey Fishery continues to enjoy an incredible season, according to angling manager Nigel Rush. Last year's total of 119 salmon/grilse has already "gone by the board" and considering 37 per cent of that catch was secured in September, he is confident to hit the 200 mark by close of play on September 30th.
Salmon have been taken from pools that never yielded fish in the past; a sure sign they are competing for space. Neil Strawson from Lincolnshire landed and returned 10 grilse over three days including two on the one cast from the Upper Lake. Many more anglers have enjoyed multiple catch days. "Long may it go on," Rush said. Contact 095-41161/78.
The River Moy accounted for a reported catch of 250 salmon for the week that brought the season total to 7,484, up 517 on this time last year. Salmon were caught throughout the system and with water levels dropping dramatically, fishing has improved somewhat on the Moy Fishery.
Sixteen salmon were recorded at the fishery and with fresh fish still entering the system prospects for the coming weeks look reasonable. Up river, Mount Falcon had a good week with about 50 salmon while the Ballina Salmon Anglers water, Gannons, Knockmore and Attymass, Coolcronan and Rinnaney all had good fishing.
The Loughs Agency Conservation and Protection Directorate has identified a number of habitat restoration and development initiatives at the following rivers: Faughan, Culdaff, Fintona, Seskinore, Fairy Water, Mournebeg, Derg, Deele and Glenelly. The work involves mainly tree cutting and riverbank work, and restoration of a fish counter.
Application for tenders can be obtained at 0044 (0) 287 1342 100 or e-mail johnmccartney@ loughs-agency.org
Don't miss the Lough Foyle Fishing Festival this weekend at Station Road, Ballykelly, Co Derry. Events will include distance casting and shore competitions; casting tuition; rig-making and fly-tying workshops. A tackle and bait shop will also be on site. Contact 0044 (0) 775 923 0758 or lionel.knobbs@loughs-agency. org
Results of the Rainbow Cup Competition on Whitelake, North Westmeath last Sunday week: Senior winner: John Campbell (Drogheda). Junior winner: Kieran Butler (Cavan).