Angling Notes: Annamoe Trout Fishery took centre stage last Friday week for the gathering of 26 media personnel to compete for the coveted Dublin Crystal Perpetual Trophy at this natural scenic venue on the banks of the Avonmore River in Co Wicklow, writes Derek Evans.
TV cameras rolled and cameras flashed as anglers reeled in fish in reasonable numbers against a cold, biting northerly wind which failed to deter the enthusiasm of the star-studded performers from the Irish angling fraternity. The day started with coffee at 11 a.m. in the log cabin and then it was down to business at the lakeside with all the paraphernalia required for throw-in at 11.30. Boobies, Cats Whiskers, Vivas and Indicators featured high on the picking list.
Denis Goulding, representing Irish Angler's Digest, was quick off the mark. On his first cast he brought in a good-sized rainbow of about 2lb. Madeleine Kelly, Red Box Productions, caught two in quick succession at the island peg, and David Gray from the Star newspaper also featured as a frontrunner.
On the hour, each angler was required to move 200 yards, a tactic which gave a more balanced approach to the "hot spots". Soon it was back to the lodge for soup and hot scones and an opportunity to chill out and prepare for the afternoon session.
Batteries recharged, part two turned out a different ball game as fish took freely from all quarters of the lake. Philip Lawton from Countryman's Weekly and Michael Flanagan of the Sunday World accounted for two each and Betty Hayes, representing Waterlog Magazine, brought in three good over-wintered fish.
By close of play, a total of 34 fish, some to 4lb, were recorded by 14 contestants. In keeping with good conservation practice, barbless hooks ensured all fish were returned unharmed.
Later, over a superb dinner in Lynhams Hotel, Laragh, the proprietor of Annamoe, Brian Nally, presented the glittering array of prizes and thanked the huge media presence, including BBC(NI), BBC Radio, UTV and the Belfast Telegraph, for making the day a resounding success.
Annamoe Trout Fishery is a quality four-acre fly fishing lake offering rainbow and brown trout up to 15lb. Set in tranquil surroundings close to Glendalough, the lake is open all year from 10 a.m. until dusk. Fly-fishing tuition is available and there's a children's fishing pond available from May to September.
Results: 1, Red Box Productions, 11 fish; 2, Irish Angler's Digest, 6f; 3, Trout Fisherman, 3f; 4, Central Fisheries Board, 3f; 5, Waterlog Magazine, 3 fish.
Contact, phone/fax 0404 45470. E-mail: annamoefishery@eircom.net or www.annamoetroutfishery.com
Following the huge response to the free offer of spring salmon fishing during February, Ian Powell of Blackwater Lodge Fisheries, Upper Ballyduff, Co Waterford, is offering Irish anglers a second bite of the cherry.
For the remainder of March, fishing is available at €20 per day, and for anglers who stay at the Lodge, this fee will reduce to 10 on a bed and breakfast basis.
In addition, Powell has compiled a series of "Tri-fly" weekends during March for 195 per person sharing. The offer includes two nights B&B, dinner, spey casting instruction, salmon fly tying and a day's fishing on the Blackwater.
Incidentally, his rod days for February soared from two paid for last year to 740 given away this year. The total number of springers taken for the month was 14, compared to an average of two over the last five years.
For bookings, 00-3535860235 or info@ireland-salmon-fishing.net
The first salmon on the river Moy was caught 17 days into the new season at the weir in Ballina, Co Mayo, by local angler Martin Conroy. Angling conditions were less than ideal since opening day, however, the recent spell of fine weather allowed water levels to drop and salmon are beginning to lie in their traditional spots.
Moy manager, Declan Cooke said the work carried out in developing the river during the close season would ensure a continued good run of salmon. On a cautious note, he expressed concern about the poor level of spawning in parts of the catchment last year and stressed the need for conservation.
Members of Galway Coarse Angling Club and fisheries board personnel organised a clean-up of litter from a 200-yard stretch of Ballyquirke Lake, Moycullen, Co Galway, last weekend, collecting 28 sackfuls of rubbish, all of which were disposed of by Galway County Council. Despite efforts to catch those responsible, the nuisance continues by those who have no respect for the environment, according to Western Fisheries Board inspector, Danny Goldrick.