Angling Notes/Derek Evans:The North Western Regional Fisheries Board has expressed strong opposition to proposals by the Minister for the Marine Noel Dempsey, for the abolition of fisheries boards and their replacement with a single agency.
Its chairman, John Walkin, said the boards had done an excellent job since their establishment in 1980 and angling tourism was now a thriving industry in the northwest.
The proposed move was in direct conflict with the principle of decentralisation and was a backward step for the conservation, development and management of inland fisheries. "How could a central agency possibly make informed decisions in relation to fisheries management issues in remote areas?" he asked.
Members were particularly concerned that a restructured fisheries service would have a detrimental effect on water quality. For example, the board has powers to prosecute local authorities, and if these powers were removed, no legal sanction would prevail for prevention of water pollution by local authority sewerage systems, infra-structural works and suchlike.
There was also concern that improvement work on fisheries would be curtailed as well as marketing of the resource and management of State fisheries such as the Moy Fishery that attracted anglers from all over the world.
Disappointment was also expressed regarding a consultants' report commissioned almost two years ago and still to be released despite the time, effort and cost involved in compiling the report.
Meanwhile, representatives of all six regional boards met in Waterford last Friday week and unanimously expressed their concern at reported proposals for the abolition of the boards. To disperse regional functions among different agencies would undermine the holistic approach towards management of the inland fisheries resource, they said.
The group called on the Minister for the Marine to reject restructuring proposals recommended by consultants.
To ensure maximum enjoyment for the group, proprietor Brian Nally allowed fixed-spool casting with bubble float and fly, and added more than 100 rainbows to the already plentiful stock. This proved an excellent idea, as most competitors caught fish. With "catch and release" principles in mind, all 48 trout were returned to the water.
Throughout the day, fisheries staff members Josie Mahon and Des Chew provided great assistance to those fly-fishing for the first time, and their presence was much appreciated by the French tourists.
Following lunch in the log cabin, all returned to the lake with renewed vigour to compete for prizes sponsored by the fisheries board. Vincent Dequin took top honours with four fish and Charlotte Germond caught the heaviest rainbow of 2kg.
To round off a memorable day and to signify their appreciation before departing, the group broke into lusty renditions of some traditional French songs - and Molly Malone. Tour operators Land & Heritage of Ireland have now added angling to their programme.
Around the fisheries
Annamoe Trout Fisheries, Co Wicklow: Results of first qualifier in Timber Fox Winter League: 1, M O'Hara, Wicklow (10 fish, 450pts). 2, D Losty, Dublin (10f, 431pts). 3, P Phillpot, Wexford (7f, 338pts). Best flies: dry CDC Emerger and Twinkle Hairs Ear. Heat Three: Saturday, 5th November. (Tel: 0404-45470).
Corkagh Park Fishery, Dublin: Buzzers were the fly of choice last week accounting for rainbows up to 1.8kg. However, for the second week running, Paul McBrian caught the heaviest trout of 4.5kg on the carp lake. The junior team competitions commence next week with groups that attended courses throughout the year (tel: 01-4592622).
Maynooth Fisheries, Co Kildare: Anglers are reminded the fishery is open all year round and full- and half-day tickets are available, as well as winter membership. Fishing on the fly lake was superb last week as the mild spell encouraged hatches of flies most days.
Black and Peacock spiders, black buzzers and dry daddies, fished on floating lines accounted for most catches. Paul Dennis had seven on dry daddies, while Colin O'Sullivan also had seven on black buzzer.
A minimum of 2.2kg breaking strain leader is advised as fish are hitting flies very hard (tel: 01-629 3202).