Angling Notes/Derek Evans: Anglers will welcome the decision by the Minister for Marine, Dermot Ahern, to clamp down on the unsafe use of jet-skis in waters off our coast and on inland waterways.
Following a campaign by his department, at least eight local authorities have already implemented new tougher bye-laws and others are following suit.
Two sets of regulations govern the use of jet-skis and similar craft. The Merchant Shipping Regulations 2001 include provisions in relation to age restrictions, the carriage of lifejackets and restrictions on use of alcohol and drugs.
The Merchant Shipping Act, 2000, provide for careless and dangerous navigation and operation offences.
Over a decade ago, a decision by the then minister for marine, David Andrews, to terminate the use of jet-skis and fast motor boats on Lough Carra in Co Mayo was warmly welcomed by anglers across the country. The order was the first under the Merchant Shipping (Jet Skis and Fast Power Boats) Regulations, 1992.
Carra was chosen primarily for the safety of pleasure craft and their occupants. During drought conditions, water depths can reduce to 3 feet in parts and coupled with numerous reefs and the possibility of a collision with static angling boats, the order was viewed as a sensible decision by all concerned.
Launching the latest clampdown, Ahern said: "The drive is to get all local authorities to adopt bye-laws for the safe operation of jet-skis under their responsibility. I will not tolerate the unsafe use of such craft in waters off our coast and inland waterways."
Could anything be more annoying than to have a jet-ski whiz past while fly fishing on, say, Lough Ennell, or any other lake for that matter?
At time of writing, the salmon tally from the river Drowes in Co Donegal still stands at four - all taken on opening day. Angling pressure, of course, has dropped dramatically, from more than 200 on New Year's Day to a mere eight last Thursday.
Water levels are up and apart from a good fish lost on Thursday to a Garry Dog Tube fly from below Lennox's Bridge, things are quite on the Drowes, according to fishery owner, Shane Gallagher.
A new Irish record ling has been established. Taking advantage of calm conditions last Sunday week, charter skipper Charlie Robinson brought a group of anglers on a wreck-fishing expedition out from Crosshaven, Co Cork. It was a day to remember, especially for Commandant Ailbhe O'Sullivan. Apart from two specimen ling of 40lb and 36lb and coalfish of 22lb, O'Sullivan went on to land a new Irish record ling of 55lb, surpassing the three-year-old record by almost 6½lb.
A series of one-day fly fishing courses will take place at Rathbeggan Lakes, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, from this month until March. Andrew Ryan of Clonanav Fly Fishing Centre in Co Waterford will host the much sought after courses for the third successive year. While all levels of fly fisher will be catered for, the emphasis will focus on those starting out or taking up the sport for the first time.
Participants will have their casting technique videoed in order to identify casting faults and time will be set aside for practical fishing. Ryan has been teaching fly-casting for the past 10 years and is one of only a handful of APGAI qualified instructors in Ireland and the UK. For more details and dates, contact Rathbeggan Lakes. Tel: 01-824 0197 or see website www.flyfishingireland.com
Meanwhile, Ryan will conduct two advanced stillwater courses at Ballyhass Lakes, Mallow, Co Cork, on February 28th, and March 13th. Classes begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. Equipment will be supplied. The cost per day is €120. For booking details, tel: 022-27773, or email: maritime@indigo.ie